Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image-based localization for an indoor VR/AR construction training system

Virtual /Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies have been increasingly used in recent years to support different areas of the construction industry. Their simulation capabilities can enable different construction stakeholders to evaluate the impact of their choices not only on the built environment, but also with regard to the correct execution of operational procedures. Training providers, such as Further Education (FE) colleges, can also enhance their trainee’s experience through the simulation of realistic construction contexts whilst eliminating health and safety risks. Current approaches for the simulation of learning environments in Construction, such as Virtual Learning Environment (VLEs), provide limited degree of interactivity during the execution of real working tasks. Whilst immersive approaches (e.g. CAVE-based) can provide enhanced visualization of simulated environments, they require complex and expensive set-up with limited practical interaction in real construction projects context. This paper outlines a localization approach employed in the development of an Immersive Environment (IE) for Construction training, cheaper than CAVE-based approaches and which has the potential to be rolled-out to the FE sector for maximizing the benefit to the construction industry. Pose estimation of the trainee is achieved by processing images acquired by a monocular camera integral with his head while performing tasks in a virtual construction environment. Realistic perception of the working environment and its potentially hazardous conditions can thus be consistently delivered to the trainee through immersive display devices (e.g. goggles). Preliminary performance of the localization approach is reported in the context of working at heights (which has a wide applicability to a range of construction trades, such as scaffolders and roofers), whilst highlighting the potential benefits for trainees. Current limitations of the localization approach are also discussed suggesting directions for future development.
Collisional evolution of eccentric planetesimal swarms

Models for the steady state collisional evolution of low eccentricity planetesimal belts identify debris disks with hot dust at 1AU, likeCorvi and HD69830, as anomalous since collisional processing should have removed most of the planetesimal mass over their > 1 Gyr lifetimes. This paper looks at the effect of large planetesimal eccentr icities (e � 0:3) on their col- lisional lifetime and the amount of mass that can remain at late times Mlate. Assuming an axisymmetric planetesimal disk with common pericentre distances and eccentricities e, we find that Mlate / e 5/3 (1 + e) 4/3 (1 − e) 3 . For a scattered disk-like population (i.e., with common pericentre distances but range of eccentricities), in the absence of dynamical evo- lution, the mass evolution at late times would be as if only planetesimals with the largest eccentricity were present in the disk. Despite the increase d remaining mass, higher eccentric- ities do not increase the amount of hot emission from the collisional cascade until e > 0:99, partly because most collisions occur near pericentre thus i ncreasing the dust blow-out diam- eter. However, at high eccentricities (e > 0:97) the blow-out population extending outwards from pericentre may be detectable above the collisional cascade; higher eccentricities also increase the probability of witnessing a recent collision. All of the imaging and spectroscopic constraints forCorvi can be explained with a single planetesimal population with pericentre at 0.75AU, apocentre at 150AU, and mass 5M�; however, the origin of such a high eccentric- ity population remains challenging. The mid-infrared excess to HD69830 can be explained by the ongoing destruction of a debris belt produced in a recent collision in an eccentric plan- etesimal belt, but the lack of far-infrared emission would r equire small bound grains to be absent from the parent planetesimal belt, possibly due to sublimation. The model presented here is applicable wherever non-negligible planetesimal eccentricities are implicated and can be readily incorporated into N-body simulations.
Survey on Automatic Number Plate Recognition System

Number plate recognition is a system which is designed to capture the registered number plate of vehicles. It avails the user to identify and monitor running vehicles and extract their number plates and obtain their information from the RTO database . This survey paper focuses on the research done in automatic number plate recognition system from past several years and hence shows the advantages and disadvantages of the existing system. It shows the architecture and the methodology currently being used for the extraction of characters from number plate and displaying it. It has illustrated various methods to extract image frames from a streaming cctv footage, recognize the vehicle number and convert it into its corresponding text format. A Machine vision system for the car identification can also help a human operator and cultivate an objective to improve automation of the traffic controlling system using machine-learning tools.
Peripheral venous retroperfusion: Implications for critical limb ischemia and salvage

Kemp, Arika D. M.S.B.M. E. , Purdue University, December 2014. Peripheral Venous Retroperfusion: Implications for Critical Limb Ischemia and Salvage. Major Professor: Ghassan S. Kassab. Peripheral arterial disease is caused by plaque buildup in the peripheral arteries. Standard treatments are available when the blockage is proximal and focal, however when distal and diffuse the same type of the treatment options are not beneficial due to the diseased locations. Restoration of blood flow and further salvaging of the limb in these patients can occur in a retrograde manner through the venous system, called retroperfusion or arteriovenous reversal. Retroperfusion has been explored over the last century, where early side to side artery to venous connections had issues with valve competency prohibiting distal flows, edema buildup, and heart failure. However, more recent clinical studies create a bypass to a foot vein to ensure distal flows, and though the results have been promising, it requires a lengthy invasive procedure. It is our belief that the concerns of both retroperfusion approaches can be overcome in a minimally invasive/catheter based approach in which the catheter is engineered to a specific resistance that avoids edema and the perfusion location allows for valves to be passable and flow to reach distally. In this approach, the pressure flow relations were characterized in the retroperfused venous system in ex-vivo canine legs to locate the optimal perfusion location followed by in-vivo validation of canines. Six canines were acutely injured for 1-3 hours by surgical ligation of the terminal aorta and both external iliac arteries. Retroperfusion was successfully performed on five of the dogs at the venous popliteal bifurcation for approximately one hour, where flow rates at peak pressures reached near half of forward flow (37±3 vs. 84±27ml/min) and from which the slope of the P/F curves displayed a retro venous vasculature resistance that
5315 Analyzing the association between brain network topological parameters and intellectual performance

Purpose: It is known that multiple brain areas, even to an individual at rest, work synchronously even if they are anatomically separated, suggesting functional (1) and structural connections. In this way, our brain can be considered a complex network, in which nodes can be the different areas and edges can be the measurements of functional connectivity between time series of the magnetic resonance signal of each area (2). Prior studies have assessed connectivity differences in healthy control considering parameters like genre (3), age (4) and intelligence (5). In this study, we purpose to analyze the relationship between network topological parameters (characteristic path length (CPL), local efficiency (LE), local clustering coefficient (LCC), assortativity (AS) and degree of the node (DE)) and intellectual performance, using magnetic resonance images and considering weighted and binary functional connectivity networks.
Predictive modelling and spatial mapping of freshwater fish and decapod assemblages using GIS and neural networks

SUMMARY 1. We used stream fish and decapod spatial occurrence data extracted from a national database and recent surveys with geospatial landuse data, geomorphologic, climatic, and spatial data in a geographical information system (GIS) to model fish and decapod occurrence in the Wellington Region, New Zealand. 2. To predict the occurrence of each species at a site from a common set of predictor variables we used a multi-response, artificial neural network (ANN), to produce a single model that predicted the entire fish and decapod assemblage in one procedure. 3. The predictions from the ANN using this landscape scale data proved very accurate based on evaluation metrics that are independent of species abundance or probability thresholds. The important variables contributing to the predictions included the latitudinal and elevational position of the site reach, catchment area, average air temperature, the vegetation type, landuse proportions of the catchment, and catchment geology. 4. Geospatial data available for the entire regional river network were then used to create a habitat-suitability map for all 14 species over the regional river network using a GIS. This prediction map has many potential uses including: monitoring and predicting temporal changes in fish communities caused by human activities and shifts in climate, identifying areas in need of protection, biodiversity hotspots, and areas suitable for the reintroduction of endangered or rare species.
Precession and accretion in circumbinary discs: the case of HD 104237

We present the results of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of the disc around the young, eccentric stellar binary HD 104237. We find that the binary clears out a large cavity in the disc, driving a significant eccentricity at the cavity edge. This then precesses around the binary at a rate of $\dot{\varpi} = 0.48^{\circ}T_{\mathrm{b}}^{-1}$, which for HD 104237 corresponds to 40 years. We find that the accretion pattern into the cavity and onto the binary changes with this precession, resulting in a periodic accretion variability driven purely by the physical parameters of the binary and its orbit. For each star we find that this results in order of magnitude changes in the accretion rate. We also find that the accretion variability allows the primary to accrete gas at a higher rate than the secondary for approximately half of each precession period. Using a large number of 3-body integrations of test particles orbiting different binaries, we find good agreement between the precession rate of a test particle and our SPH disc precession. These rates also agree very well with the precession rates predicted by the analytic theory of Leung & Lee (2013), showing that their prescription can be accurately used to predict long-term accretion variability timescales for eccentric binaries accreting from a disc. We discuss the implications of our result, and suggest that this process provides a viable way of preserving unequal mass ratios in accreting eccentric binaries in both the stellar and supermassive black hole regimes
COMPOSING FIFTH SPECIES COUNTERPOINT MUSIC WITH A GENETIC ALGORITHM

In our study, we implemented the fifth species counterpoint generation using a genetic algorithm. We tested our results against human composed, generated with another counterpoint generation application, called Optimuse, and randomly generated fifth species counterpoint music with the same cantus firmus. During the user tests participants are asked to make preferences while listening to audio pairs of the three combinations. Test results show that the fifth species counterpoint implemented using genetic algorithms gives plausible results. Furthermore, our results are deemed as good as, if not better than, Optimuse by our users.
Long-lasting Radioprotective Effects of a Combination of Pharmaceutical Drugs on the Survival of Mice Exposed to Lethal Ionizing Radiation

Copyright © 2014 by Hirosaki University. All rights reserved. To reduce radiation-related casualties, it is important to establish an easy-to-use therapeutic protocol for the emergency medical care of patients involved in radiation accidents. The present study aimed to establish an optimum therapeutic protocol using currently approved pharmaceutical drugs to increase the survival of victims exposed to lethal radiation and aimed to estimate the long-lasting radioprotective activities of the present therapeutic protocol. The present combination of four drugs—recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), granulocytecolony stimulating factor (G-CSF), c-mpl receptor agonist romiplostim (RP) and nandrolone decanoate (ND)—was administered to mice within 2 h after exposure to a lethal 7 Gy dose of -irradiation. On day 100 after irradiation, the health of the mice was analyzed using various hematological parameters, such as the number of peripheral blood cells, bone marrow cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. Approximately 12.5% of the untreated irradiated control mice survived for 100 days. The combined administration of G-CSF, EPO and RP for 3 consecutive days and ND for 1 day immediately after irradiation led to an 87.5% survival of the irradiated mice until day 100. Hematological analyses showed that the number of most of the hematopoietic cells in the treated surviving mice had recovered to the levels of the nonirradiated mice on day 100. The present findings show that the combination of G-CSF, EPO, RP and ND may be a useful countermeasure for victims exposed to accidental lethal irradiation.
THE CATALOG OF EDGE-ON DISK GALAXIES FROM SDSS. I. THE CATALOG AND THE STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS OF STELLAR DISKS

We present a catalog of true edge-on disk galaxies automatically selected from the Seventh Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). A visual inspection of the g, r, and i images of about 15,000 galaxies allowed us to split the initial sample of edge-on galaxy candidates into 4768 (31.8% of the initial sample) genuine edge-on galaxies, 8350 (55.7%) non-edge-on galaxies, and 1865 (12.5%) edge-on galaxies not suitable for simple automatic analysis because these objects either show signs of interaction and warps, or nearby bright stars project on it. We added more candidate galaxies from RFGC, EFIGI, RC3, and Galaxy Zoo catalogs found in the SDSS footprints. Our final sample consists of 5747 genuine edge-on galaxies. We estimate the structural parameters of the stellar disks (the stellar disk thickness, radial scale length, and central surface brightness) in the galaxies by analyzing photometric profiles in each of the g, r, and i images. We also perform simplified three-dimensional modeling of the light distribution in the stellar disks of edge-on galaxies from our sample. Our large sample is intended to be used for studying scaling relations in the stellar disks and bulges and for estimating parameters of the thick disks in different types of galaxies via the image stacking. In this paper, we present the sample selection procedure and general description of the sample.
Migration Timing and Wintering Areas of Three Species of Flycatchers (Tyrannus) Breeding in the Great Plains of North America

ABSTRACT. Descriptions of intra- and interspecific variation in migratory patterns of closely related species are rare yet valuable because they can help assess how differences in ecology and life-history strategies drive the evolution of migration. We report data on timing and location of migration routes and wintering areas, and on migratory speed and phenology, of Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) from Nebraska and Oklahoma and of Western Kingbirds (T. verticalis) and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (T. forficatus) from Oklahoma. Eastern Kingbirds primarily departed the breeding site in September, migrating to the Amazon Basin (Bolivia and Brazil), >6,400 km from their breeding site, then used a second wintering site in northwestern South America (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) before returning to the breeding site in April. Western Kingbirds left Oklahoma in late July, migrating >1,400 km to northwestern Mexico, then to central Mexico and finally to Central America before returning to Oklahoma in April. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers departed Oklahoma mainly in mid-October, migrating to Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), ∼2,600 km from the breeding site, remaining there until early April before returning to Oklahoma. Timing of migration appears to be tightly linked to molt. Early departure of Western Kingbirds from the breeding site appears to be timed so that they molt in the Sonoran Desert region during the monsoon, whereas Scissor-tailed Flycatchers remain at their breeding site to complete molt in late summer, when insect prey are abundant. Eastern Kingbirds delay molt until reaching South America where, possibly, abundant fruit supports molt.
Passive Newtonian noise suppression for gravitational-wave observatories based on shaping of the local topography

In this article we propose a new method for reducing Newtonian noise (NN) in laser-interferometric gravitational wave detectors located on the Earthʼs surface. We show that by excavating meter-scale recesses in the ground around the main test masses of a gravitational wave detector it is possible to reduce the coupling of Rayleigh wave driven seismic disturbances to test mass displacement. A discussion of the optimal recess shape is given and we use finite element simulations to derive the scaling of the NN suppression with the parameters of the recess as well as the frequency of the seismic excitation. Considering an interferometer similar to an Advance LIGO configuration, our simulations indicate a frequency dependent NN suppression factor of 2–4 in the relevant frequency range for a recesses of 4 m depth and a width and length of 11 m and 5 m, respectively. Though a retrofit to existing interferometers seems not impossible, the application of our concept to future infrastructures seems to provide a better benefit/cost ratio and therefore a higher feasibility.
Avaliação da qualidade em companhias aéreas com a aplicação do modelo de Kano

É de fundamental importância que as empresas busquem atender às necessidades e expectativas dos seus clientes, visando a satisfação dos mesmos com o serviço prestado. Nesse contexto, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a qualidade do serviço prestado pelas companhias aéreas do Brasil através da aplicação do Modelo de Kano, visando identificar quais atributos da qualidade são responsáveis por gerar mais satisfação aos clientes. Para isso, foi disponibilizado um questionário online para as pessoas que já utilizaram esse serviço responderem. Através dos resultados obtidos na coleta de dados, foi possível um estudo profundo em busca de identificar os atributos atrativos para os clientes, no intuito de fornecer parâmetros para as companhias áreas melhorarem o seu desempenho.
EFFECTS OF HIGH DIETARY FAT ON SERUM CHOLESTEROL AND FATTY LIVER SYNDROME IN BROILERS

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of high dietary fat on serum cholesterol and fatty liver syndrome in broilers. For this purpose, 90 day-old chicks were divided into three equal groups A, B and C. Group A acted as control. The birds of group B were fed on diet containing vegetable fat while birds of group C were fed on diet containing animal fat. It was observed that the serum cholestrol values in chicks of groups B and C were higher than those of the control group. Furthermore, the serum cholesterol value was higher in birds of group C than group B. Grossly, the livers of birds of groups B and C were enlarged, pale in colour, soft in consistency and were having petechial haemorrhages with fat and fibrin deposits. Histopathologically, livers of groups B and C showed fatty infiltration, haemorrhages and mass of eosinophilic materials. The vacuoles coalesced to create clear space that displaced the nucleus to the periphery of the cell. It was concluded that addition of dietary fat from animal and vegetable sources in the diet of broiler chicks not only resulted in increase in serum cholesterol but also in marked macroscopic and microscopic changes in liver.
The catalogue of radial velocity variable hot subluminous stars from the MUCHFUSS project

The project Massive Unseen Companions to Hot Faint Underluminous Stars from SDSS (MUCHFUSS) aims to find sdBs with compact companions like massive white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes. Here we provide classifications, atmospher ic parameters and a complete radial velocity (RV) catalogue containing 1914 single measurements for an sample of 177 hot subluminous stars discovered based on SDSS DR7. 110 stars show significant RV va riability, while 67 qualify as candidates. We constrain the fraction of close massive compact companions of hydrogen-rich hot subdwarfs in our sample to be smaller than ∼ 1.3%, which is already close to the theoretical predictions. However, the sample might still contain such binaries with longer periods exceeding∼ 8 d. We detect a
Fault Tolerant Control of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The interest in unmanned aerial vehicles of civilian and military applications has significantly increases the past couple of years. In particular quadrotor UAVs, that have the advantage of high manoeuvrability, a compact design, and relatively low costs, providing researchers a suitable research platform. Safety, reliability and performance gain interest due to its importance and the challenging hardware limitations of a quadrotor UAV. This report investigates the control problem of a quadrotor UAV which is experiencing a partial or complete loss of effectiveness in one of its rotors. The used PID controllers are designed for fault free conditions using automatic tuning. The possibility of changing the original control strategy to a fault tolerant control strategy will be examined. This fault tolerant control strategy must be able to recover the quadrotor UAV to stable hover condition without changing the quadrotor dynamics. Further, the behaviour of the quadrotor in faulty conditions is also investigated for a model predictive control strategy. The performance of the quadrotor is evaluated through numerical simulations. It is shown that the complete loss of effectiveness comes with many difficulties that might be solvable when the control of one degree of freedom is sacrificed to maintain the control of the most important variables to land the quadrotor safely. 1 Fault Tolerant Control of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Technische Universiteit Eindhoven University of Technology
West Antarctic Peninsula: An Ice-Dependent Coastal Marine Ecosystem in Transition

The extent, duration, and seasonality of sea ice and glacial discharge strongly influence Antarctic marine ecosystems. Most organisms' life cycles in this region are attuned to ice seasonality. The annual retreat and melting of sea ice in the austral spring stratifies the upper ocean, triggering large phytoplankton blooms. The magnitude of the blooms is proportional to the winter extent of ice cover, which can act as a barrier to wind mixing. Antarctic krill, one of the most abundant metazoan populations on Earth, consume phytoplankton blooms dominated by large diatoms. Krill, in turn, support a large biomass of predators, including penguins, seals, and whales. Human activity has altered even these remote ecosystems. The western Antarctic Peninsula region has warmed by 7°C over the past 50 years, and sea ice duration has declined by almost 100 days since 1978, causing a decrease in phytoplankton productivity in the northern peninsula region. Besides climate change, Antarctic marine systems have been greatly altered by harvesting of the great whales and now krill. It is unclear to what extent the ecosystems we observe today differ from the pristine state.