A new imager for 3D near-infrared imaging has been designed based on a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) imager with 128x128 pixels capable of performing time-resolved measurements with a resolution of 97ps. The imager linearity has been improved to make more accurate measurements. A new optical setup has been implemented in order to prove the suitability of this kind of sensors for this app...

One method for refining nitrogen (N) application in corn is use of in-season crop sensing. To aid producers in making decisions regarding N rate adjustments, a calibrated relationship between sensor-derived information and expected N application need should be established. Nitrogen rate trials were conducted at multiple sites across Iowa in 2001-2003. Nitrogen was applied at or shortly after co...

This work presents a dual-junction, single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) with electrical μ-lens designed and simulated in 90 nm standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The evaluated structure can collect the photons impinging beneath the pixel guard ring, as well as the pixel active area. The fill factor of the SPAD increases from 12.5% to 42% in comparison with simi...

Whole-cell biosensors are potential candidates for on-line and in situ environmental monitoring. In this work we present a new design of a whole-cell bioluminescence biosensor for water toxicity detection, based on genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria, carrying a recA::luxCDABE promoter-reporter fusion. Sensitive optical detection is achieved using a single photon avalanche photodio...

Photon counting detectors such as single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays can be employed to achieve reliable optical wireless communication at power limited regimes. However, SPAD-based receivers suffer from significant dead-time induced intersymbol interference (ISI) especially when the incident photon rate is relatively high and dead time comparable or even larger than symbol duration, i...

We report on the first implementation of a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) in 90nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The detector features an octagonal multiplication region and a guard ring to prevent premature edge breakdown using a standard mask set exclusively. The proposed structure emerged from a systematic study aimed at miniaturization, while optimizing ove...

The Gram-positive organism Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the cause of diphtheria in humans, expresses pili on its surface which it uses for adhesion and colonization of its host. These pili are covalent protein polymers composed of three types of pilin subunit that are assembled by specific sortase enzymes. A structural analysis of the major pilin SpaD, which forms the polymeric backbone of one ...

An experiment was carried out to compare half-sib and full-sib progeny selection methods in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under rainfed conditions from 2006-07 to 2009-10 for 14 morpho-physiological characters. Full-sib and half-sib progenies were developed from different populations. The values of genetic parameters were higher in full-sibs compared to half-sibs for a greater number of t...

Hydroponic systems have become increasingly popular for growers in recent years year-round local production. Whereas optimal air temperature plant growth has been considered, root zone temperatures not examined as thoroughly. The objective of this research was to determine the water growing different types basil hydroponically. Research conducted at greenhouses Stillwater, OK. Seventeen cultiva...

Estimating plant physiological indicators with remote sensing technology is critical for ensuring precise field management. Compared other platforms, low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) produce images high spatial resolution that can be used to clearly identify vegetation. However, the information of UAV image data relatively complex and difficult analyze, which main problem limiting i...