bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF PSORIASIS: PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSTRUCT
Authors:   Belarusian State Medical University, O.S. Belugina , O.A. Skugarevsky ,   Belarusian State Medical University, N.Z. Jagovdik ,   Belarusian State Medical University, Belugina I.N. ,   Belarusian State Medical University
Published: May 2022

Psoriasis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Stress is considered to be one of the causes of this pathology. The subjective perception of stress and the individual's ability to cope with stress are closely related to the person's ability to understand feelings and emotions, coping strategies, psychological defense mechanisms, stress resistance and executive functions (cognitive flexibility). Objective. To study the severity of psychological and neuropsychological parameters in relation to the clinical manifestations of psoriasis. Materials and methods. 67 patients with psoriasis were enrolled in the study. Research methods: anamnesis, Visual Analogue Scale (for itch intensity), The Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, Life Style Index, Social Readjustment Rating Scale, The Ways of Coping Checklist, Screening for Somatoform Symptoms and computer version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Results. Low emotional intelligence, maladaptive coping strategies, primitive psychological defense mechanisms, somatization, low stress resistance and impaired executive functions are increasing the chances of developing a more severe clinical picture in patients with psoriasis. Conclusions. The research findings are indicating the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach to psoriasis (dermatologist, psychologist or psychotherapist). Perhaps, team approach can be useful on the early intervention strategies, for treatment improvement and relapse prevention in patients with psoriasis.
MODERN ASPECTS OF TRACHEOSTOMY IN COVID-19 INFECTED PATIENTS
Authors:   4th City Clinical Hospital. N.E. Savchenko, M.S. Butra , A.R. Sakovich ,   Belarusian State Medical University
Published: May 2022

Currently, there is ongoing discussion about the timing and methods of tracheostomy in patients infected with Covid-19 and in need of artificial lung ventilation. The object of the study was 182 patients with Covid-19 who were on artificial lung ventilation. At the initial stage of tracheostomy, Covid-19 infected patients had complications in the form of intra- and postoperative bleeding (diffuse) against the background of continued titration of heparin (12 cases out of 26, – 46.1%). In 75.8% of cases, tracheostomy was performed within 3 to 14 days of being on artificial lung ventilation, in 24.2% of cases – within 14 days of being on artificial lung ventilation. Indications for tracheostomy, including the timing and method of its implementation, in patients with Covid-19 who are on artificial lung ventilation should take into account the clinical and laboratory indicators of the severity of the condition and the likelihood of a favorable prognosis, the availability of safety resources for health workers involved in the operation and management of the postoperative period, as well as the possibility of constant dynamic monitoring of the patient.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS: LAPAROSCOPIC VS. OPEN APPENDECTOMY?
Authors:   Belarusian State Medical University, P.P. Koshevsky , S.A. Alekseev ,   Belarusian State Medical University, O.V. Popkov ,   Belarusian State Medical University
Published: May 2022

The results of laparoscopic and "traditional" open appendectomy for acute appendicitis were studied, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The retrospective analysis of surgical treatment of 518 patients with acute appendicitis was carried out. In 433 (83.6%) cases laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, in 84 (16.2%) – open appendectomy. In laparoscopic surgery the ligature method of appendectomy was used, in open surgery invagination method was used. Indications for drainage of the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic and open appendectomy did not fundamentally differ. According to the results of a morphological study phlegmonous appendicitis was observed in 463 (89.4%) cases, gangrenous – in 55 (10.6%). After open appendectomies complications were detected in 11 patients, the overall incidence of postoperative complications was 13.1%. After laparoscopic appendectomies complications were detected in 4 patients, the overall incidence of postoperative complications was 0.9%. The rate of postoperative complications after laparoscopic appendectomy was statistically significantly lower than after open appendectomy. The nature of complications in laparoscopic and open appendectomy differs. In open appendectomy infectious complications of the surgical wound are observed, which do not require surgical treatment. In laparoscopic appendectomy intra-abdominal complications are observed, which in some cases require repeated surgical interventions. During laparoscopic appendectomy, there were such complications as stump leaks with peritonitis and inflammatory infiltrates of the abdominal cavity.
FORECASTING THE FORMATION OF SEVERE PSYCHOPATOLOGICAL SYMPTOMATICS IN DOCTORS
Authors:   Belarusian State Medical University, A.F. Krot , O.A. Skugarevsky ,   Belarusian State Medical University, A.V. Polyanskaya ,   Belarusian State Medical University
Published: May 2022

In recent years, researchers have noted an increase of mental pathology among healthcare professionals. The article presents the results of a study conducted among 755 doctors, 446 of whom were on night shifts (main group), 309 did not work at night (comparison group). Age, night shifts, proffesional burnout, decreased motivation, and mental asthenia were identified as some predictors of the formation of severe psychopathological symptoms in all surveyed respondents (n = 755) using binary logistic regression (MFI-20 questionnaire). A statistical model was developed as a regression equation, which makes it possible to predict the formation of severe psychopathological symptoms in doctors. The model is consistent with the initial data (according to Hosmer-Lemeshev p = 0.100) and statistically significant (χ2 = 275.952; p <0.001). According to the results of the ROC-curve plotting, the AUC indicator was 0.825 ± 0.015 (CI 95%, 0.796-0.854; p <0.001), which corresponds to a very good quality of the predictive model. The sensitivity of the developed prognostic model is 71.0, specificity is 77.0. Marriage, chronotype (MEQ-SA questionnaire), decreased motivation (MFI-20 questionnaire), level of emotional burnout and General TS sleep assessment (PIRS questionnaire) were identified as some predictors of the formation of severe psychopathological symptoms in doctors working during nights (n = 446), using binary logistic regression. A statistical model was developed as a regression equation, which makes it possible to predict the formation of severe psychopathological symptoms in doctors working during nights. The model is consistent with the initial data (according to Hosmer-Lemeshev p = 0.819) and statistically significant (χ2 = 211.985; p <0.001). According to the results of the ROC-curve plotting, the AUC indicator was 0.863 ± 0.017 (CI 95%, 0.830-0.896; p <0.001), which corresponds to a very good quality of the predictive model. The sensitivity of the developed prognostic model is 74.9, the specificity is 80.7.
INFLUENCE OF ALLERGIC FACTORS ON LEVEL OF TOTAL SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN E
Authors:   Belarusian State Medical University, T.P. Novikova
Published: May 2022

The correct diagnosis of allergic diseases at the early stages is important nowadays, despite the growing importance of infectious pathology. The basic tests for allergy diagnosis are the determination of the level of total serum and specific immunoglobulins E (Ig E), as a key link in the development of type1 allergic reaction. Allergic factors affecting the level of Ig E include the nature and degree of sensitization of patients to one or more groups of allergens. The study included 143 patients, of which 104 patients with atopy were divided into allergic asthma+ allergic rhinitis patient’s group (58 patients) and group of 46 patients who had just allergic rhinitis. 39 healthy volunteers were the control group. The groups were matching by gender and age. The study evaluated the influence of allergic factors on the level of total Ig E in patients with allergic diseases. Higher values of Ig E total were obtained in patients with allergic asthma and polysensitization. About half of patients with rhinitis and 15% of patients with asthma have normal total Ig E level, that is one of the reasons to change approaches to normal values of this allergy marker.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF BIOCHEMICAL AND GENETIC PARAMETERS CHARACTERIZING BRAIN NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR (BDNF) WITH THE SEVERITY OF ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
Authors:   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian, D.I. Peregud , S.A. Igumnov ,   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian, N.N. Terebilina ,   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian, A.I. Korolkov ,   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian, M.L. Arkus ,   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian, V.Yu. Baronets ,   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian, A.S. Lobacheva ,   National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. V.P. Serbian
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this work is to determine the level of brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the blood serum of individuals with alcohol dependence syndrome in the dynamics of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (COA), as well as to compare the results obtained with the clinical picture and the effectiveness of the therapeutic program. Material and methods. The level of BDNF in the blood serum was determined using ELISA. The dynamics of the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (COA), as well as indicators characterizing the psychoemotional status and cognitive abilities of patients, were evaluated using appropriate psychometric scales. The studies were conducted on the 2nd, 8th and 21st days of abstinence. There were examined 70 patients with alcohol dependence syndrome in the dynamics of COA, who met the inclusion criteria and gave informed voluntary consent to participate in the study. Results and discussion. As the symptoms of COA decreased, there was a significant increase in the level of BDNF in the blood serum: on the 21st day of abstinence, the level of BDNF was significantly higher than the values on the 2nd and 8th day of abstinence. On the 8th day of abstinence, BDNF in the blood serum forms a direct correlation with the level of personal anxiety measured using the H scale Ch. Spielberger in the modification of Y.L. Khanin. According to multiple regression analysis on the 21st day of abstinence, BDNF can predict the severity of attraction to alcohol, established using the Pennsylvania scale of attraction to alcohol. Conclusion. Thus, the content of BDNF in the blood serum can act as an independent prognostic marker of the success of care in the treatment of COA.
La physique de la texture furcelle
Authors: PIERANSKI Pawel , GODINHO Maria Helena
Published: May 2022

La Texture Furcelle (the dowser texture) doit son nom à sa ressemblance avec l’outil en bois des sourciers (dowser). Etant sensible aux champs vectoriels, elle est dotée de propriétés inédites : cunéitropisme, rhéotropisme et électrotropisme. La texture furcelle apparaît également comme l’univers naturel des monopôles nématiques dans lequel on peut les générer, les mettre en mouvement et amener aux collisions.
L’économie de la biodiversité et des services écosystémiques entre évaluation monétaire et délibération
Authors: VIVIEN Franck-Dominique
Published: May 2022

L’érosion de la biodiversité est un enjeu crucial en matière de développement soutenable. Les économistes ont répondu aux appels des naturalistes pour alerter les décideurs et bâtir des actions et politiques censées y répondre. Ils ne parlent pas d’une seule voix : l’économie de la biodiversité et des services écosystémiques est en tension entre évaluation monétaire et délibération.
L’espace public entre État et marché : de la discussion rationnelle à la société de l’information et de la communication
Authors: LAVELLE Sylvain
Published: May 2022

L’espace public s’efforce de rendre compte de l’émergence moderne d’un lieu politique situé entre la sphère du pouvoir et celle de la société, entre l’Etat et le marché. Il se réfère à un idéal de la discussion rationnelle, mais il est mis à l’épreuve du réel dans une société de l’information et de la communication.
Identité personnelle, délibération publique et politiques publiques comportementales
Authors: HÉDOIN Cyril
Published: May 2022

Les débats sur les nouvelles formes de paternalisme portent essentiellement sur la détermination d’un critère de bien-être. On défend l’idée que cette approche ignore deux aspects fondamentalement liés et pertinents sur le plan normatif : d’une part, le fait que ces politiques s’adressent à des personnes porteuses de conceptions du bien plurielles et, d’autre part, qu’en raison de leur statut normatif particulier, la justification des politiques publiques comportementales auprès des personnes nécessite une forme de délibération publique permettant une convergence des conceptions du bien et des valeurs guidant les choix collectifs.
Enjeux de la reconnaissance des « parties prenantes » dans la délibération concertée
Authors: PICAVET Emmanuel
Published: May 2022

La prise de responsabilité partenariale joue un rôle essentiel dans les idées contemporaines sur la gouvernance et sur le rôle de la puissance publique. Cependant, ce thème est souvent solidaire de thèses peu assurées qui portent sur les rapports du politique à l'économique et sur les capacités d'auto-organisation dans la société face à des enjeux qui appellent la concertation. Un rôle d'accompagnement ou de facilitation n'est certainement pas suffisant pour comprendre l'implication de la puissance publique, ce que l'on montre ici en mettant en relief les problèmes de reconnaissance.
Promenade sémiotique et mathématique
Authors: HOUDEMENT Catherine
Published: May 2022

Ce chapitre introductif initie le lecteur à une réflexion sémiotique en appui sur le cadre de Peirce à partir d’exemples, notamment mathématiques (égalité, algèbre, numération, géométrie plane). Il illustre le rôle crucial de la composante sémiotique des mathématiques, dans leur genèse épistémologique, et l’intérêt d’une perspective sémiotique en didactique.
THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN THE PROTECTION
OF BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Authors: SPRUK Jure
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The article addresses the question of the role of the state in the protection of human rights and freedoms. Like states, rights and freedoms are also created on the basis of social conventions, and any reference to the universal nature or natural character of rights and freedoms is only an ideological moment in the pursuit of political goals. The basic prerequisite for the protection of rights and freedoms is the establishment of organised coercion in the form of state power which brings under its authority the multitude of different interests and diverse ways of implementing justice. The conclusive findings show that for its successful introduction into the lives of individuals, the moral discourse of universal human rights and freedoms needs effective state authority that embeds these rights and freedoms into the foundations of the legitimacy of its own existence. Keywords: Constitutionalism, the state, human rights and freedoms, Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes
POPULISM AND THE CONSUMER SOCIETY: THE EFFECTS OF CONSUMERISM ON POLITICAL CULTURE
Authors: ÇAKIRDİKEN Emre
Published: May 2022

Abstract. This study considers how today’s growing consumer culture affects political trends in representative democracies. In recent years, a significant populist
upsurge has been seen around the world. While political approaches are vital, to properly understand populism it is also necessary to take sociological perspectives
into account. The questions considered in the study are therefore examined from both political and sociological perspectives. The results of the study show that today’s
increasing consumer culture is paving the way for the rise of populism in representative democracies. Should the consumer culture experience a significant crisis, populism is likely to become stronger through the support provided by abstaining, blank and pragmatist voters.
Keywords: Populism, democracy, consumer society,
consumerism, politics
Quantifying and reducing researcher subjectivity in the generation of climate indices from documentary sources
Authors: Adamson George C. D. , Nash David J. , Grab Stefan W.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The generation of index-based series of meteorological
phenomena, derived from narrative descriptions of weather and climate in
historical documentary sources, is a common method to reconstruct past
climatic variability and effectively extend the instrumental record. This
study is the first to explicitly examine the degree of inter-rater
variability in producing such series, a potential source of bias in
index-based analyses. Two teams of raters were asked to produce a
five-category annual rainfall index series for the same dataset, consisting
of transcribed narrative descriptions of meteorological variability for 11
“rain years” in nineteenth-century Lesotho, originally collected by Nash and Grab (2010). One group of raters (n = 71) was comprised of students studying
for postgraduate qualifications in climatology or a related discipline; the
second group (n = 6) consisted of professional meteorologists and
historical climatologists working in southern Africa. Inter-rater
reliability was high for both groups at r = 0.99 for the student raters and r = 0.94 for the professional raters, although ratings provided by the
student group disproportionately averaged to the central value (0:
normal/seasonal rains) where variability was high. Back calculation of
intraclass correlation using the Spearman–Brown prediction formula showed
that a target reliability of 0.9 (considered “excellent” in other published studies) could be obtained with as few as eight student raters and four professional raters. This number reduced to two when examining a subset of the professional group (n = 4) who had previously published historical climatology papers on southern Africa. We therefore conclude that variability between researchers should be considered minimal where
index-based climate reconstructions are generated by trained historical
climatologists working in groups of two or more.
Causal deep learning models for studying the Earth system: soil moisture-precipitation coupling in ERA5 data across Europe
Authors: Tesch Tobias , Kollet Stefan , Garcke Jochen
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The Earth system is a complex non-linear dynamical system. Despite decades of research, many processes and relations between Earth system variables are still poorly understood. Current approaches for studying relations in the Earth system may be broadly divided into approaches based on numerical simulations and statistical approaches. However, there are several inherent limitations to current approaches that are, for example, high computational costs, reliance on the correct representation of relations in numerical models, strong assumptions related to linearity or locality, and the fallacy of correlation and causality. Here, we propose a novel methodology combining deep learning (DL) and principles of causality research in an attempt to overcome these limitations. The methodology combines the recent idea of training and analyzing DL models to gain new scientific insights in the relations between input and target variables with a theorem from causality research. This theorem states that a statistical model may learn the causal impact of an input variable on a target variable if suitable additional input variables are included. As an illustrative example, we apply the methodology to study soil moisture-precipitation coupling in ERA5 climate reanalysis data across Europe. We demonstrate that, harnessing the great power and flexibility of DL models, the proposed methodology may yield new scientific insights into complex, nonlinear and non-local coupling mechanisms in the Earth system.
Reliability of flood marks and practical relevance for flood hazard assessment in south-west Germany
Authors: Bösmeier Annette Sophie , Himmelsbach Iso , Seeger Stefan
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Flood marks are rarely utilized in hazard assessment, mainly because of a lack in data availability, accessibility, and mistrust in their reliability. Challenging these common assumptions, we present an approach for evaluation and practical utilization of flood marks by the example of the Kinzig river, a Rhine tributary from the Black Forest with a history of severe floods. We combined written documents on flood marks with field mapping at three study sites and collected 89 marks – about 50 % of them still preserved – which refer to ≥ 15 large floods between 1824 and 1991. The inclusion of a detailed historical mark survey allowed to identify and assess changes over time: they extend from small (+/- 15 cm) imprecisions in mark heights to considerable uncertainties in position, height, and displayed date for some modified marks. Plausibility checks with further data nevertheless demonstrated an overall good consistency. We then juxtaposed these marks with the current, modeled flood hazard maps. A wide agreement is apparent, in that the large majority of the marks are situated at probable heights and within the modeled flooding area associated with extreme floods. For the few exceptions, we see plausible and historically sound reasons in changed local hydraulic conditions by flood protection walls, exceptional processes during a massive ice jam, and possibly also a local underestimation of hazard along Kinzig river tributaries. Overall, this study highlights (1) the broad availability of flood mark data, both on a larger spatial scale and with regard to already vanished marks, and (2) the significance of the marks, verified by further data; and (3) it also demonstrates the possibility of a straightforward inclusion in hazard assessment. We thus encourage the systematic collection, maintenance, and integration of flood marks in a responsible risk management, not least regarding their value in the wider context of risk awareness and memory.
Influences of land use changes on the dynamics of water quantity and quality in the German lowland catchment of the Stör
Authors: Lei Chaogui , Wagner Paul D. , Fohrer Nicola
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Understanding the impacts of land use changes (LUCCs) on the dynamics of water quantity and quality is necessary for the identification of mitigation measures favorable for sustainable watershed management. Lowland catchments are characterized by a strong interaction of streamflow and near-surface groundwater that intensifies the risk of nutrient pollution. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term changes in individual land use classes on the water and nutrient balance in the lowland catchment of the upper Stör in northern Germany. To this end, the hydrological model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used. The SWAT model runs for three different land use maps (1987, 2010, and 2019) were conducted, and the outputs were compared to derive changes in water quantity (i.e., evapotranspiration – ET; surface runoff – SQ; base flow – BF; water yield – WYLD) and quality variables (i.e., sediment yield – SED; load of total phosphorus – TP; load of total nitrogen – TN). These changes were related to land use changes at the subbasin scale using PLSR. The major land use changes that significantly affected water quantity and quality variables were related to a decrease in arable land and a respective increase in pasture and urban land during the period of 1987–2019. Changes in landscape indictors such as area size, shape, dominance, and aggregation of each land use class accounted for as much as 61 %–88 % (75 % on average) of the respective variations in water quantity and quality variables. The aggregation, contiguity degrees, and area extent of arable land were found to be most important for controlling the variations in most water quantity variables. Increases in arable (PLANDa) and urban land percent (PLANDu) led to more TP and TN pollution, sediment export, and surface runoff. The cause–effect results of this study can provide a quantitative basis for targeting the most influential change in landscape composition and configuration to mitigate adverse impacts on water quality in the future.
PSCNET: EFFICIENT RGB-D SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION PARALLEL NETWORK BASED ON SPATIAL AND CHANNEL ATTENTION
Authors: Du S. Q. , Tang S. J. , Wang W. X. , Li X. M. , Lu Y. H. , Guo R. Z.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. RGB-D semantic segmentation algorithm is a key technology for indoor semantic map construction. The traditional RGB-D semantic segmentation network, which always suffer from redundant parameters and modules. In this paper, an improved semantic segmentation network PSCNet is designed to reduce redundant parameters and make models easier to implement. Based on the DeepLabv3+ framework, we have improved the original model in three ways, including attention module selection, backbone simplification, and Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) module simplification. The research proposes three improvement ideas to address these issues: using spatial-channel co-attention, removing the last module from Depth Backbone, and redesigning WW-ASPP by Depthwise convolution. Compared to Deeplabv3+, the proposed PSCNet are approximately the same number of parameters, but with a 5% improvement in MIoU. Meanwhile, PSCNet achieved inference at a rate of 47 FPS on RTX3090, which is much faster than state-of-the-art semantic segmentation networks.
L1B+: A PERFECT SENSOR LOCALIZATION MODEL FOR SIMPLE SATELLITE STEREO RECONSTRUCTION FROM PUSH-FRAME IMAGE STRIPS
Authors: Marí R. , Ehret T. , Anger J. , de Franchis C. , Facciolo G.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. We propose a novel method to generate a single image product from a multi-image strip acquired by a push-frame satellite imaging system. The images of the push-frame strips are combined into a large scale mosaic simulating a perfect sensor geometry. The local camera models of the input images are leveraged to produce a new localization model that covers the output mosaic entirely. Among other applications, this simplifies the task of stereo reconstruction enormously: instead of treating multiple stereo pairs of small images, it is possible to reconstruct the entire area covered by the push-frame acquisition using a single pair of mosaics incorporating all the images. We test our method using strips of SkySat L1B scenes and denote the output images as L1B+. To evaluate the quality of the L1B+ images and their localization models, the stereo reconstructions obtained with L1B+ are compared with those obtained with L1B and with a lidar reference model.
MICRO AND MACRO QUADCOPTER DRONES FOR INDOOR MAPPING TO SUPPORT DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Karam S. , Nex F. , Karlsson O. , Rydell J. , Bilock E. , Tulldahl M. , Holmberg M. , Kerle N.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The use of drones to explore indoor spaces has gained attention and popularity for disaster management and indoor navigation applications. In this paper we present the operations and mapping techniques of two drones that are different in terms of size, the sensors deployed, and the positioning and mapping techniques used. The first drone is a low-cost commercial quadcopter microdrone, a Crazyflie, while the second drone is a relatively expensive research quadcopter macrodrone, called MAX. We investigated their feasibility in mapping areas where satellite positioning is not available, such as indoor spaces. We compared the point clouds obtained by a multi-ranger deck, a multi-layer LIDAR scanner and a stereo camera, and assessed each against ground truth obtained with a terrestrial laser scanner. Results showed that both drones are capable of mapping relatively cluttered indoor environments and can provide point clouds that are sufficient for a quick exploration. Furthermore, the LIDAR scanner-based system can handle a relatively large office environment with an accumulated drift less than 0.02% (1 cm) on the Z-axis and 0.77% (50 cm) on the X and Y axes over a length trajectory of about 65 m. Despite the limited features of the sensor configuration of the Crazyflie, its performance is promising for mapping indoor spaces, given the relatively low deviation from the ground truth: cloud-to-cloud distances measured were generally less than 20 cm.
TOWARDS ROBUST INDOOR VISUAL SLAM AND DENSE RECONSTRUCTION FOR MOBILE ROBOTS
Authors: Zhang W. , Wang S. , Haala N.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Mobile robots are being increasingly employed in various indoor scenarios. The fundamental prerequisite is that the robot can reconstruct an accurate and complete map of the observed environment and estimate the track of its movements in this map. Current visual SLAM methods can perform this task reasonably well, but mostly in small spaces, such as a single room, and often tested in well-textured environments. In real-world applications of large indoor scenes, they lack robustness and fail to build a globally consistent map. To this end, we propose a novel system that can robustly solve the problem encountered by existing visual SLAM methods, such as weak texture and long-term drift. By combining information from a wheel odometer, the robot poses can be predicted smoothly in the absence of texture. The geometric cues are leveraged by aligning Truncated Signed Distance Function (TSDF) based submaps to minimize the long-term drift. To reconstruct a more complete and accurate dense map, we refine the sensor depth maps by taking advantage of color information and the optimization result of global bundle adjustment. As a result, the system can provide precise trajectory estimation and a globally consistent map for the downstream tasks. We validate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method on both public and self-collected datasets and show the complementary nature of each module. Evaluation results based on high precision ground-truth show an improvement in the mean Absolute Trajectory Error (ATE) from 21 cm to 2 cm for the trajectory estimation, and the reconstructed map has a mean accuracy of 8 cm.
AN OBJECT-ORIENTED UAV 3D PATH PLANNING METHOD APPLIED IN CULTURAL HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION
Authors: Liu X. , Ji Z. , Zhou H. , Zhang Z. , Tao P. , Xi K. , Chen L. , Marcato Junior J.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Since image-based 3D model reconstruction can faithfully recover the real texture of cultural heritage with high accuracy, it is widely used in cultural heritage documentation. Given the complexity of manual image acquisition at present, we propose an object-oriented unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning method to obtain close-up and high-resolution images for the 3D reconstruction of cultural heritage. Four basic geometric classes are defined and can be automatically divided or interactively defined on the surface of an initial coarse model. We propose the concept of aerial strip unit in conventional photogrammetry to generate multiple regular strip units for photography. The optimal flight path connecting each unit is generated considering the obstacle avoidance and the shortest distance. Based on the self-developed 3D engine, we take the Ancient City of Ping Yao and Yellow Crane Tower in China as two cases to design the UAV 3D path planning. Experimental results show that, compared with general planning methods, our method can improve the flight efficiency of UAV and the visual fineness of the reconstruction results.
ACCURATE SENTINEL-2 INTER-BAND TIME DELAYS
Authors: Binet R. , Bergsma E. , Poulain V.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Accurate knowledge on the time-delays between detector bands is paramount for the observation of dynamic features in Sentinel-2 imagery. Sentinel-2 inter-band time delays have been characterised analytically and empirically on Level-1B images with help of the rigorous geometric model. Two major contributors have been identified: optical distortion and satellite altitude inducing across- track and along-track delay variations up to ±2% with respect to ESA handbook fixed value. A harmonic attitude perturbation induces a 0.15% peak to peak temporal modulation on delays. An original method is proposed in order to estimate inter-band delays from L1C orthorectified and tiled products. The method relies on the orbital ephemeris embedded in L1C metadata and a lookup table. The performance assessment exhibits a maximum error of 1% and a rms error of 0.28%.
Fur rubbing in Plecturocebus cupreus – an incidence of self-medication?
Authors: Theara Gurjit K. , Ruíz Macedo Juan , Zárate Gómez Ricardo , Heymann Eckhard W. , Dolotovskaya Sofya
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Fur rubbing, i.e. rubbing a substance or an object into
the pelage, has been described in numerous Neotropical primate species,
including species of titi monkeys, but it seems to be a rare behaviour. Here we describe a fur rubbing event in a wild coppery titi monkey
(Plecturocebus cupreus) with Psychotria sp. (Rubiaceae) leaves observed and videotaped during a field study on vigilance behaviour between September–December 2019 in the Peruvian
Amazon. Plants of the genus Psychotria contain a great diversity of secondary metabolites and are often used in traditional medicine. We suggest that the fur rubbing was an act of self-medication. This is the first record of fur rubbing in coppery titi monkeys in almost 4400 h of observation accumulated over more than 20 years.
The sensitivity of landfast sea ice to atmospheric forcing in single-column model simulations: a case study at Zhongshan Station, Antarctica
Authors: Gu Fengguan , Yang Qinghua , Kauker Frank , Liu Changwei , Hao Guanghua , Yang Chao-Yuan , Liu Jiping , Heil Petra , Li Xuewei , Han Bo
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Single-column sea ice models are used to focus on the thermodynamic
evolution of the ice. Generally, these models are forced by atmospheric
reanalysis in the absence of atmospheric in situ observations. Here we assess the
sea ice thickness simulated by a single-column model (ICEPACK) with
in situ observations obtained off Zhongshan Station for the austral winter of 2016.
In the reanalysis, the surface air temperature is about 1 ∘C lower,
the total precipitation is about 2 mm d−1 greater, and the surface
wind speed is about 2 m s−1 higher compared to the in situ observations. We designed sensitivity experiments to evaluate the simulation
bias in sea ice thickness due to the uncertainty in the individual
atmospheric forcing variables. Our results show that the unrealistic
precipitation in the reanalysis leads to a bias of 14.5 cm in sea ice
thickness and 17.3 cm in snow depth. In addition, our data show that
increasing snow depth works to gradually inhibit the growth of sea ice
associated with thermal blanketing by the snow due to changing the vertical
heat flux. Conversely, given suitable conditions, the sea ice thickness may
grow suddenly when the snow load gives rise to flooding and leads to
snow-ice formation. However, there are still uncertainties related to the
model results because superimposed ice and snowdrift are not implemented in
the version of the ice model used and because snow-ice formation might be
overestimated at locations with landfast sea ice.
Wind turbine main-bearing lubrication – Part 1: An introductory review of elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory
Authors: Hart Edward , de Mello Elisha , Dwyer-Joyce Rob
Published: May 2022

Abstract. This paper is the first in a two-part study on lubrication in wind turbine main bearings. Elastohydrodynamic lubrication is a complex field, the formulas and results from which should not be applied blindly, but with proper awareness and consideration of their context, validity and limitations in any given case. The current paper, “Part 1”, therefore presents an introductory review of elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory in order to provide this necessary background and context in an accessible form, promoting cross-disciplinary understanding. Fundamental concepts, derivations and formulas are presented, followed by the more advanced topics of starvation, non-steady effects, surface roughness interactions and grease lubrication. “Part 2” applies the presented material in order to analyse wind turbine main-bearing lubrication in the context of available film thickness formulas and related results from lubrication theory. Aside from the main-bearing, the material presented here is also applicable to other lubricated non-conformal contacts in wind turbines, including pitch and yaw bearings and gear teeth.
E-learning/e-teaching of statistics: a new challenge
Authors:   Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Aydýnlý Gökhan , Härdle Wolfgang ,   Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Rönz Bernd ,   Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Published: May 2022

Travel arrangements and flight ticket booking via internet is widely used nowadays and follow already certain standards. Although increasing activity for multimedia/web education components can be observed, we are far away from standards in this important area. Statistics can possibly profit the most from e-learning since it requires a variety of skills including handling of quantitative data, graphical insights as well as mathematical ability. In this paper we take two positions – the student’s view and the teacher’s view – and discuss their relative coherence in order to propose standards for e-learning of statistics. The proposed standards are flexible with regard to content, multi-functionality, interactivity type, integration technology and design. Therefore the main focus may be directed on quality of e-learning tools in order to meet both teacher’s and student’s requirements. This is especially true for statistics which is taught in various disciplines. We present our thoughts and exemplify them via the e-learning/e-teaching tools MM*Stat, e-stat, MD*ReX and RExcel. The structure and the main characteristics of these multimedia tools will be explained. Then it will be described how such standards may be transferred to other cultures, languages or disciplines via the platform MD*Book.
EMILeA-stat: A web-based learning environment in applied statistics with a focus on learning and teaching in secondary schools
Authors:   University of Oldenburg, Cramer Erhard , Cramer Katharina ,   University of Oldenburg, Janzing Petra ,   University of Oldenburg, Kamps Udo ,   University of Oldenburg, Pahl Claudia ,   University of Oldenburg
Published: May 2022

Within the “New Media in Education Funding Programme“ the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (bmb+f) supports the project “e-stat” to develop and provide a multimedia, web-based, and interactive learning and teaching environment in applied statistics called EMILeA-stat. The structure of EMILeA-stat, its scope and objectives are sketched focussing on its use in teaching and learning statistics in secondary schools. Related contents, interactive visualizations, and didactical aspects are presented.
Exploring Threshold concepts in basic Statistics, using the Internet
Authors:   University of Cape Town, Dunne Timothy , Low Timothy ,   University of Cape Town, Ardington Carolyn ,   University of Cape Town
Published: May 2022

Meyer and Land (2002) have introduced the notion of a threshold concept in student learning. By definition a threshold is an insight which is initially alien or counter-intuitive, is integrative in that it subsumes some previous knowledge and is transformative in that it leads to a different perspective of or within the discipline. The notion is suggested to be applicable in many disciplines. It is phrased in terms that the threshold nature of a concept is defined mainly by the student experience rather than simply an objective analytical process. Nonetheless past experience may lead teachers of statistics at tertiary level to surmise that threshold concepts in basic statistics will include the notion of patterns of spread or variation, randomness, sampling, the central limit theorem, and linear regression. Introductions to Bayes' theorem and interval estimation are further candidates. Hypothesis testing may present other difficulties. Some methods and results in an exploration of student perspectives will be presented. A class of over 465 students in their second semester course of undergraduate applied statistics (STA220) participated in a survey with a short list of 4 items via internet and PC lab access to a WebCT site supporting their current course. The 4 items addressed their experience in the earlier course (STA100), and were as follows: Explain in your own words the term random sample. The central limit theorem tells us something about the mean of a sample. State in your own words what the theorem implies. List three concepts you found very simple to learn about in STA100. List the three most difficult concepts that you learnt about in STA100. The motive for the exploration is the open question of whether or not two key concepts were clearly and articulately reported by the respondents, and whether there is initial supportive evidence for any particular concepts being experienced as threshold concepts by these students. As teaching effort aimed at plausible threshold concepts may lead to more successful student participation and learning, the diagnostic value of an internet resource that assists in collection of data may be substantial. Text editors may assist in the analysis of typed responses. Internet connections will allow for the quicker transfer of data and for rapid interchange of improved public domain material addressing concepts that appear to have threshold qualities
Stochastic modeling and statistical thinking in technology supported environments
Authors:   University of Education, Engel Joachim
Published: May 2022

To explore the role of technology in students modeling attempts we examined the efficacy of a Five-Steps-Program in a third-year statistics class for students preparing to be teachers: 1. Introduction of a “real-world” problem involving some aspects of data analysis; Activity or experiment to experience the dynamics of the phenomenon of interest; 2. Constructing a simulation model representing an aspect of the problem. Representing the simulation model in a technological environment (Lisp-Stat, Fathom); 3. Collecting and analyzing simulated data; Derivation of a simulation-based result; 4. Critically evaluating the simulation-based result and its conclusion; Validating the model by reflecting on the impact of the assumptions in the modeling step (sensitivity analysis, what-if scenarios) considering the role of stated assumptions, limitations of the model and possibly refining the model; how much do the conclusion depend on the assumptions? How do results change after slight deviations from these assumptions? 5. Mathematical analysis, arguments and proof involving concepts of probability and mathematical statistics. The topics included capture-recapture models, patterns in coin flipping sequences, tests based on runs, rencontre problem, coupon collector, randomized response techniques, regression and curve fitting. Each student prepared a topic and led a class session following above five- step plan. In the preceding semester all participants attended an introductory stochastics class.
Contribution of Private IT Academic Institutions to Improve and Disseminate the Teaching and the Use of Applied Statistics
Authors:   Institut Mediterraneen de l'Economie Sociale, Esseghairi Kamel
Published: May 2022

This paper will describes the genesis and the implementation of PARTNERSHIP between IT Academic institutions and several development, government and non-profits organisation in training and marketing the recruitment of unemployed graduates who have received a supplement of statistical and IT trainings for the last three years. They received 960 hours of formal training: in Applied Statistics (250 hours), English Writing and Reporting (180 hours) Applied Computing (100 hours) INTERNET-Electronic Communications and Commerce (150 hours) Small and Medium Private Enterprise Management (130 hours), Non Governmental Organization Management (150 hours) English was the training language and they have spent over half of time using computers. The paper, then, examines the ramifications of this procedure to better understand and use applied statistics (in decision making processes) in the context of larger and cheaper use of Internet and in the context of economic globalisation and intensive virtual exchanges all over the world.
Electronic Access to Literature in Theory and Practice of Statistics Education
Authors:   Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe, König Gerhard
Published: May 2022

Do you have the chance to keep abreast of current developments in your field of interest? - Fast and comfortable access to literature on teaching mathematics at all levels in general and in particular on teaching stochastics (probability theory and statistics) is in this talk discussed. For this purpose the most important bibliographic database in mathematics education, the database MATHDI (MATHematics DIdactics), is presented in more detail. The literature search in MATHDI is exemplified by identifying publications relating to the topics of this conference.