bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROBUST PARALLEL MOTION ESTIMATION AND MAPPING WITH STEREO CAMERAS IN UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: Liu Chun , Li Zhengning , Zhou Yuan
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Presently, we developed a novel robust motion estimation method for localization and mapping in underground infrastructure using a pre-calibrated rigid stereo camera rig. Localization and mapping in underground infrastructure is important to safety. Yet it’s also nontrivial since most underground infrastructures have poor lighting condition and featureless structure. Overcoming these difficulties, we discovered that parallel system is more efficient than the EKF-based SLAM approach since parallel system divides motion estimation and 3D mapping tasks into separate threads, eliminating data-association problem which is quite an issue in SLAM. Moreover, the motion estimation thread takes the advantage of state-of-art robust visual odometry algorithm which is highly functional under low illumination and provides accurate pose information. We designed and built an unmanned vehicle and used the vehicle to collect a dataset in an underground garage. The parallel system was evaluated by the actual dataset. Motion estimation results indicated a relative position error of 0.3%, and 3D mapping results showed a mean position error of 13cm. Off-line process reduced position error to 2cm. Performance evaluation by actual dataset showed that our system is capable of robust motion estimation and accurate 3D mapping in poor illumination and featureless underground environment.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF PAVEMENT CRACK DETECTION USING KERNEL-BASED TECHNIQUES IN ASPHALT ROAD SURFACES
Authors: Miraliakbari A. , Sok S. , Ouma Y. O. , Hahn M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. With the increasing demand for the digital survey and acquisition of road pavement conditions, there is also the parallel growing need for the development of automated techniques for the analysis and evaluation of the actual road conditions. This is due in part to the resulting large volumes of road pavement data captured through digital surveys, and also to the requirements for rapid data processing and evaluations. In this study, the Canon 5D Mark II RGB camera with a resolution of 21 megapixels is used for the road pavement condition mapping. Even though many imaging and mapping sensors are available, the development of automated pavement distress detection, recognition and extraction systems for pavement condition is still a challenge. In order to detect and extract pavement cracks, a comparative evaluation of kernel-based segmentation methods comprising line filtering (LF), local binary pattern (LBP) and high-pass filtering (HPF) is carried out. While the LF and LBP methods are based on the principle of rotation-invariance for pattern matching, the HPF applies the same principle for filtering, but with a rotational invariant matrix. With respect to the processing speeds, HPF is fastest due to the fact that it is based on a single kernel, as compared to LF and LBP which are based on several kernels. Experiments with 20 sample images which contain linear, block and alligator cracks are carried out. On an average a completeness of distress extraction with values of 81.2%, 76.2% and 81.1% have been found for LF, HPF and LBP respectively.
POLE-LIKE OBJECT EXTRACTION FROM MOBILE LIDAR DATA
Authors: Zheng Han , Tan Feitong , Wang Ruisheng
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Object detection and recognition from LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data has been a research topic in the fields of photogrammetry and computer vision. Unlike point clouds collected in well-controlled indoor environments, point clouds in urban environments are more complex due to complexity of the real world. For example, trees sometimes close to signs or buildings, which will cause occlusions in the point clouds. Current object detection or reconstruction algorithms will have problems when recognizing objects with severe occlusions caused by trees etc. In this paper, a robust vegetation removal method and a DBSCAN based pole-like object detection method are proposed. Based on observation that major difference between vegetation and other rigid objects is their penetrability with respect to LiDAR, we introduce a local roughness measure to differentiate rigid objects from non-rigid ones (vegetation in this paper). First, a local sphere with a small radius is generated for each input point. Three principal components of the local sphere are then calculated, and a plane is determined. The roughness is obtained through calculating the standard deviation of distances from all inside points to the plane by a weighted summation of the normalized distances. The further the point to the plane, the smaller the weight is. Finally, a graph cuts based method is introduced to classify the input point sets into two groups. The data term is defined by the normalized roughness of the current point, and the smoothness term is defined by the normalized distance between the point and its nearest neighbour point. In terms of pole-like object detection, first, a uniformed 2D grid is generated through projecting all the points to the XY-plane. The seed points of the pole-like objects are obtained by determining the x and y coordinates by the centres of the highest density cells of the grid and the z coordinate by the mean height of the point sets of each object. Finally, a DBSCAN based method is introduced to obtain the rest points of each pole-like object. Experimental results show that the proposed vegetation removal method achieves state-of-the-art results from both mobile LiDAR and airborne LiDAR data. The proposed pole-like object detection approach turns out to be very efficient.
A ROBUST REGISTRATION ALGORITHM FOR POINT CLOUDS FROM UAV IMAGES FOR CHANGE DETECTION
Authors: Al-Rawabdeh A. , Al-Gurrani H. , Al-Durgham K. , Detchev I. , He F. , El-Sheimy N. , Habib A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Landslides are among the major threats to urban landscape and manmade infrastructure. They often cause economic losses, property damages, and loss of lives. Temporal monitoring data of landslides from different epochs empowers the evaluation of landslide progression. Alignment of overlapping surfaces from two or more epochs is crucial for the proper analysis of landslide dynamics. The traditional methods for point-cloud-based landslide monitoring rely on using a variation of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) registration procedure to align any reconstructed surfaces from different epochs to a common reference frame. However, sometimes the ICP-based registration can fail or may not provide sufficient accuracy. For example, point clouds from different epochs might fit to local minima due to lack of geometrical variability within the data. Also, manual interaction is required to exclude any non-stable areas from the registration process. In this paper, a robust image-based registration method is introduced for the simultaneous evaluation of all registration parameters. This includes the Interior Orientation Parameters (IOPs) of the camera and the Exterior Orientation Parameters (EOPs) of the involved images from all available observation epochs via a bundle block adjustment with self-calibration. Next, a semi-global dense matching technique is implemented to generate dense 3D point clouds for each epoch using the images captured in a particular epoch separately. The normal distances between any two consecutive point clouds can then be readily computed, because the point clouds are already effectively co-registered. A low-cost DJI Phantom II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was customised and used in this research for temporal data collection over an active soil creep area in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The customisation included adding a GPS logger and a Large-Field-Of-View (LFOV) action camera which facilitated capturing high-resolution geo-tagged images in two epochs over the period of one year (i.e., May 2014 and May 2015). Note that due to the coarse accuracy of the on-board GPS receiver (e.g., +/- 5-10 m) the geo-tagged positions of the images were only used as initial values in the bundle block adjustment. Normal distances, signifying detected changes, varying from 20 cm to 4 m were identified between the two epochs. The accuracy of the co-registered surfaces was estimated by comparing non-active patches within the monitored area of interest. Since these non-active sub-areas are stationary, the computed normal distances should theoretically be close to zero. The quality control of the registration results showed that the average normal distance was approximately 4 cm, which is within the noise level of the reconstructed surfaces.
RESEARCH ON THE KEY TECHNOLOGY OF LARGE SCALE MAPPING FROM LOW ALTITUDE PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Authors: Bo-Yi Wu , Ning Zhang , Guo-Zhong Su
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Based on the theoretic analysis of the accuracy in large scale photogrammetric mapping, some defects in traditional procedure were discussed. A set of key technologies dedicate to accuracy improvement in low altitude photogrammetry were analyzed in detail, namely the utilization of wide angle camera and low altitude flight, enhancement in image matching, predesigned layout of Ground Control Points (GCPs) in field survey, optimization of adjustment model and improvement in map processing. Besides, a low altitude aerial unmanned airship system was established. Finally, successful implementation in 1:500 topographic mapping project in built-up areas of 30 counties in Shanxi Province proves the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
USING UAV TO DETECT SHORELINE CHANGES: CASE STUDY – POHRANOV POND, CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Čermáková I. , Komárková J. , Sedlák P.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The paper describes utilization of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for detection of changes of shorelines. UAV is used as a cheep and on-demand available possibility how to collect remotely sensed data. Its utilization is limited by legal regulations and weather conditions. Paper deals with utilization of UAV for monitoring small water area and particularly study of changes of shorelines. Study contains other methods of classification. After classification will be data processed for next calculations. Indices regarding shoreline changes are in the study also. In conclusion, study contains obtainment findings and encouragement for the future.
CONFIGURATION AND SPECIFICATIONS OF AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE FOR PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Authors: Erena M. , Montesinos S. , Portillo D. , Alvarez J. , Marin C. , Fernandez L. , Henarejos J. M. , Ruiz L. A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with multispectral sensors are increasingly attractive in geosciences for data capture and map updating at high spatial and temporal resolutions. These autonomously-flying systems can be equipped with different sensors, such as a six-band multispectral camera (Tetracam mini-MCA-6), GPS Ublox M8N, and MEMS gyroscopes, and miniaturized sensor systems for navigation, positioning, and mapping purposes. These systems can be used for data collection in precision viticulture. In this study, the efficiency of a light UAV system for data collection, processing, and map updating in small areas is evaluated, generating correlations between classification maps derived from remote sensing and production maps. Based on the comparison of the indices derived from UAVs incorporating infrared sensors with those obtained by satellites (Sentinel 2A and Landsat 8), UAVs show promise for the characterization of vineyard plots with high spatial variability, despite the low vegetative coverage of these crops. Consequently, a procedure for zoning map production based on UAV/UV images could provide important information for farmers.
CALIBRATION OF LOW COST RGB AND NIR UAV CAMERAS
Authors: Fryskowska A. , Kedzierski M. , Grochala A. , Braula A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Non-metric digital cameras are being widely used for photogrammetric studies. The increase in resolution and quality of images obtained by non-metric cameras, allows to use it in low-cost UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry. Imagery acquired with non-metric cameras can be used in 3D modeling of objects or landscapes, reconstructing of historical sites, generating digital elevation models (DTM), orthophotos, or in the assessment of accidents. Non-metric digital camcorders are characterized by instability and ignorance of the interior orientation parameters. Therefore, the use of these devices requires prior calibration. Calibration research was conducted using non-metric camera, different calibration tests and various software. The first part of the paper contains a brief theoretical introduction including the basic definitions, like the construction of non-metric cameras or description of different optical distortions. The second part of the paper contains cameras calibration process, details of the calibration methods and models that have been used. Sony Nex 5 camera calibration has been done using software: Image Master Calib, Matlab - Camera Calibrator application and Agisoft Lens. For the study 2D test fields has been used. As a part of the research a comparative analysis of the results have been done.
HIGH RESOLUTION AIRBORNE LASER SCANNING AND HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING WITH A SMALL UAV PLATFORM
Authors: Gallay Michal , Eck Christoph , Zgraggen Carlo , Kaňuk Ján , Dvorný Eduard
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The capabilities of unmanned airborne systems (UAS) have become diverse with the recent development of lightweight remote sensing instruments. In this paper, we demonstrate our custom integration of the state-of-the-art technologies within an unmanned aerial platform capable of high-resolution and high-accuracy laser scanning, hyperspectral imaging, and photographic imaging. The technological solution comprises the latest development of a completely autonomous, unmanned helicopter by Aeroscout, the Scout B1-100 UAV helicopter. The helicopter is powered by a gasoline two-stroke engine and it allows for integrating 18 kg of a customized payload unit. The whole system is modular providing flexibility of payload options, which comprises the main advantage of the UAS. The UAS integrates two kinds of payloads which can be altered. Both payloads integrate a GPS/IMU with a dual GPS antenna configuration provided by OXTS for accurate navigation and position measurements during the data acquisition. The first payload comprises a VUX-1 laser scanner by RIEGL and a Sony A6000 E-Mount photo camera. The second payload for hyperspectral scanning integrates a push-broom imager AISA KESTREL 10 by SPECIM. The UAS was designed for research of various aspects of landscape dynamics (landslides, erosion, flooding, or phenology) in high spectral and spatial resolution.
TWO-STEP CAMERA CALIBRATION METHOD DEVELOPED FOR MICRO UAV'S
Authors: Gašparović M. , Gajski D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and continuous price reduction of unmanned systems attracted us to this research. Professional measuring systems are dozens of times more expensive and often heavier than "amateur", non-metric UAVs. For this reason, we tested the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus UAV. Phantom’s smaller mass and velocity can develop less kinetic energy in relation to the professional measurement platforms, which makes it potentially less dangerous for use in populated areas. In this research, we wanted to investigate the ability of such non-metric UAV and find the procedures under which this kind of UAV may be used for the photogrammetric survey. It is important to emphasize that UAV is equipped with an ultra wide-angle camera with 14MP sensor. Calibration of such cameras is a complex process. In the research, a new two-step process is presented and developed, and the results are compared with standard one-step camera calibration procedure. Two-step process involves initially removed distortion on all images, and then uses these images in the phototriangulation with self-calibration. The paper presents statistical indicators which proved that the proposed two-step process is better and more accurate procedure for calibrating those types of cameras than standard one-step calibration. Also, we suggest two-step calibration process as the standard for ultra-wideangle cameras for unmanned aircraft.
EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF ACTION CAMERAS WITH WIDE-ANGLE LENSES IN UAV PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Authors: Hastedt H. , Ekkel T. , Luhmann T.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The application of light-weight cameras in UAV photogrammetry is required due to restrictions in payload. In general, consumer cameras with normal lens type are applied to a UAV system. The availability of action cameras, like the GoPro Hero4 Black, including a wide-angle lens (fish-eye lens) offers new perspectives in UAV projects. With these investigations, different calibration procedures for fish-eye lenses are evaluated in order to quantify their accuracy potential in UAV photogrammetry. Herewith the GoPro Hero4 is evaluated using different acquisition modes. It is investigated to which extent the standard calibration approaches in OpenCV or Agisoft PhotoScan/Lens can be applied to the evaluation processes in UAV photogrammetry. Therefore different calibration setups and processing procedures are assessed and discussed. Additionally a pre-correction of the initial distortion by GoPro Studio and its application to the photogrammetric purposes will be evaluated. An experimental setup with a set of control points and a prospective flight scenario is chosen to evaluate the processing results using Agisoft PhotoScan. Herewith it is analysed to which extent a pre-calibration and pre-correction of a GoPro Hero4 will reinforce the reliability and accuracy of a flight scenario.
RPAS ACCURACY TESTING FOR USING IT IN THE CADASTRE OF REAL ESTATES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Housarová E. , Pavelka K. , Šedina J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In the last few years, interest in the collection of data using remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) has sharply risen. RPAS technology has a very wide area of use; one of its main advantages is its accuracy, timeliness of data, frequency of collecting data and low operating costs. RPAS can be used for the mapping of small, dangerous and inaccessible areas in contrast with ordinary aerial photogrammetry. In the cadastre of real estates of the Czech Republic, it is possible to map out areas by using aerial photogrammetry, so it has been done in the past. However, this is a relatively expensive and complex technology, and therefore we are looking for new alternatives. An alternative would be to use RPAS technology for data acquisition. The testing of the possibility of using RPAS for the cadastre of real estates of the Czech Republic is the subject of this paper. When evaluating results we compared point coordinates measured by geodetic method, GNSS technology and RPAS technology.
CHOSEN ASPECTS OF THE PRODUCTION OF THE BASIC MAP USING UAV IMAGERY
Authors: Kedzierski M. , Fryskowska A. , Wierzbicki D. , Nerc P.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. For several years there has been an increasing interest in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in acquiring image data from a low altitude. Considering the cost-effectiveness of the flight time of UAVs vs. conventional airplanes, the use of the former is advantageous when generating large scale accurate ortophotos. Through the development of UAV imagery, we can update large-scale basic maps. These maps are cartographic products which are used for registration, economic, and strategic planning. On the basis of these maps other cartographic maps are produced, for example maps used building planning. The article presents an assessesment of the usefulness of orthophotos based on UAV imagery to upgrade the basic map. In the research a compact, non-metric camera, mounted on a fixed wing powered by an electric motor was used. The tested area covered flat, agricultural and woodland terrains. The processing and analysis of orthorectification were carried out with the INPHO UASMaster programme. Due to the effect of UAV instability on low-altitude imagery, the use of non-metric digital cameras and the low-accuracy GPS-INS sensors, the geometry of images is visibly lower were compared to conventional digital aerial photos (large values of phi and kappa angles). Therefore, typically, low-altitude images require large along- and across-track direction overlap – usually above 70 %. As a result of the research orthoimages were obtained with a resolution of 0.06 meters and a horizontal accuracy of 0.10m. Digitized basic maps were used as the reference data. The accuracy of orthoimages vs. basic maps was estimated based on the study and on the available reference sources. As a result, it was found that the geometric accuracy and interpretative advantages of the final orthoimages allow the updating of basic maps. It is estimated that such an update of basic maps based on UAV imagery reduces processing time by approx. 40%.
POSSIBILITIES OF UAS FOR MARITIME MONITORING
Authors: Klimkowska A. , Lee I. , Choi K.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In the last few years, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have become more important and its use for different application is appreciated. At the beginning UAS were used for military purposes. These successful applications initiated interest among researchers to find uses of UAS for civilian purposes, as they are alternative to both manned and satellite systems in acquiring high-resolution remote sensing data at lower cost while long flight duration. As UAS are built from many components such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), sensing payloads, communication systems, ground control stations, recovery and launch equipment, and supporting equipment, knowledge about its functionality and characteristics is crucial for missions. Therefore, finding appropriate configuration of all elements to fulfill requirements of the mission is a very difficult, yet important task. UAS may be used in various maritime applications such as ship detection, red tide detection and monitoring, border patrol, tracking of pollution at sea and hurricane monitoring just to mention few. One of the greatest advantages of UAV is their ability to fly over dangerous and hazardous areas, where sending manned aircraft could be risky for a crew. In this article brief description of aerial unmanned system components is introduced. Firstly characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles are presented, it continues with introducing inertial navigation system, communication systems, sensing payloads, ground control stations, and ground and recovery equipment. Next part introduces some examples of UAS for maritime applications. This is followed by suggestions of key indicators which should be taken into consideration while choosing UAS. Last part talks about configuration schemes of UAVs and sensor payloads suggested for some maritime applications.
ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF DIGITAL TERRAIN MODEL PRODUCED FROM UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM IMAGERY
Authors: Kosmatin Fras M. , Kerin A. , Mesarič M. , Peterman V. , Grigillo D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Production of digital terrain model (DTM) is one of the most usual tasks when processing photogrammetric point cloud generated from Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) imagery. The quality of the DTM produced in this way depends on different factors: the quality of imagery, image orientation and camera calibration, point cloud filtering, interpolation methods etc. However, the assessment of the real quality of DTM is very important for its further use and applications. In this paper we first describe the main steps of UAS imagery acquisition and processing based on practical test field survey and data. The main focus of this paper is to present the approach to DTM quality assessment and to give a practical example on the test field data. For data processing and DTM quality assessment presented in this paper mainly the in-house developed computer programs have been used. The quality of DTM comprises its accuracy, density, and completeness. Different accuracy measures like RMSE, median, normalized median absolute deviation and their confidence interval, quantiles are computed. The completeness of the DTM is very often overlooked quality parameter, but when DTM is produced from the point cloud this should not be neglected as some areas might be very sparsely covered by points. The original density is presented with density plot or map. The completeness is presented by the map of point density and the map of distances between grid points and terrain points. The results in the test area show great potential of the DTM produced from UAS imagery, in the sense of detailed representation of the terrain as well as good height accuracy.
EVALUATION OF A NOVEL UAV-BORNE TOPO-BATHYMETRIC LASER PROFILER
Authors: Mandlburger G. , Pfennigbauer M. , Wieser M. , Riegl U. , Pfeifer N.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We present a novel topo-bathymetric laser profiler. The sensor system (RIEGL BathyCopter) comprises a laser range finder, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, a control unit, and digital cameras mounted on an octocopter UAV (RiCOPTER). The range finder operates on the time-of-flight measurement principle and utilizes very short laser pulses (<1 ns) in the green domain of the spectrum (λ=532 nm) for measuring distances to both the water surface and the river bottom. For assessing the precision and accuracy of the system an experiment was carried out in October 2015 at a pre-alpine river (Pielach in Lower Austria). A 200 m longitudinal section and 12 river cross sections were measured with the BathyCopter sensor system at a flight altitude of 15-20 m above ground level and a measurement rate of 4 kHz. The 3D laser profiler points were compared with independent, quasi-simultaneous data acquisitions using (i) the RIEGL VUX1-UAV lightweight topographic laser scanning system (bare earth, water surface) and (ii) terrestrial survey (river bed). Over bare earth the laser profiler heights have a std. dev. of 3 cm, the water surface height appears to be underestimated by 5 cm, and river bottom heights differ from the reference measurements by 10 cm with a std. dev. of 13 cm. When restricting the comparison to laser profiler bottom points and reference measurements with a lateral offset below 1 m, the values improve to 4 cm bias with a std. dev. of 6 cm. We report additionally on challenges in comparing UAV-borne to terrestrial profiles. Based on the accuracy and the small footprint (3.5 cm at the water surface) we concluded that the acquired 3D points can potentially serve as input data (river bed geometry, grain roughness) and validation data (water surface, water depth) for hydrodynamic-numerical models.
mapKITE: A NEW PARADIGM FOR SIMULTANEOUS AERIAL AND TERRESTRIAL GEODATA ACQUISITION AND MAPPING
Authors: Molina P. , Blázquez M. , Sastre J. , Colomina I.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We introduce a new mobile, simultaneous terrestrial and aerial, geodata collection and post-processing method: mapKITE. By combining two mapping technologies such as terrestrial mobile mapping and unmanned aircraft aerial mapping, geodata are simultaneously acquired from air and ground. More in detail, a mapKITE geodata acquisition system consists on an unmanned aircraft and a terrestrial vehicle, which hosts the ground control station. By means of a real-time navigation system on the terrestrial vehicle, real-time waypoints are sent to the aircraft from the ground. By doing so, the aircraft is linked to the terrestrial vehicle through a “virtual tether,” acting as a “mapping kite.” In the article, we entail the concept of mapKITE as well as the various technologies and techniques involved, from aircraft guidance and navigation based on IMU and GNSS, optical cameras for mapping and tracking, sensor orientation and calibration, etc. Moreover, we report of a new measurement introduced in mapKITE, that is, point-and-scale photogrammetric measurements [of image coordinates and scale] for optical targets of known size installed on the ground vehicle roof. By means of accurate posteriori trajectory determination of the terrestrial vehicle, mapKITE benefits then from kinematic ground control points which are photogrametrically observed by point-and-scale measures. Initial results for simulated configurations show that these measurements added to the usual Integrated Sensor Orientation ones reduce or even eliminate the need of conventional ground control points –therefore, lowering mission costs– and enable selfcalibration of the unmanned aircraft interior orientation parameters in corridor configurations, in contrast to the situation of traditional corridor configurations. Finally, we report about current developments of the first mapKITE prototype, developed under the European Union Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020. The first mapKITE mission will be held at the BCN Drone Center (Collsuspina, Moià, Spain) in mid 2016.
CO-REGISTRATION OF DSMs GENERATED BY UAV AND TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING SYSTEMS
Authors: Persad Ravi Ancil , Armenakis Costas
Published: June 2016

Abstract. An approach for the co-registration of Digital Surface Models (DSMs) derived from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS) is proposed. Specifically, a wavelet-based feature descriptor for matching surface keypoints on the 2.5D DSMs is developed. DSMs are useful in wide-scope of various applications such as 3D building modelling and reconstruction, cultural heritage, urban and environmental planning, aircraft navigation/path routing, accident and crime scene reconstruction, mining as well as, topographic map revision and change detection. For these listed applications, it is not uncommon that there will be a need for automatically aligning multi-temporal DSMs which may have been acquired from multiple sensors, with different specifications over a period of time, and may have various overlaps. Terrestrial laser scanners usually capture urban facades in an accurate manner; however this is not the case for building roof structures. On the other hand, vertical photography from UAVs can capture the roofs. Therefore, the automatic fusion of UAV and laser-scanning based DSMs is addressed here as it serves various geospatial applications.
MULTI-TEMPORAL CROP SURFACE MODELS COMBINED WITH THE RGB VEGETATION INDEX FROM UAV-BASED IMAGES FOR FORAGE MONITORING IN GRASSLAND
Authors: Possoch M. , Bieker S. , Hoffmeister D. , Bolten A. , Schellberg J. , Bareth G.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Remote sensing of crop biomass is important in regard to precision agriculture, which aims to improve nutrient use efficiency and to develop better stress and disease management. In this study, multi-temporal crop surface models (CSMs) were generated from UAV-based dense imaging in order to derive plant height distribution and to determine forage mass. The low-cost UAV-based RGB imaging was carried out in a grassland experiment at the University of Bonn, Germany, in summer 2015. The test site comprised three consecutive growths including six different nitrogen fertilizer levels and three replicates, in sum 324 plots with a size of 1.5×1.5 m. Each growth consisted of six harvesting dates. RGB-images and biomass samples were taken at twelve dates nearly biweekly within two growths between June and September 2015. Images were taken with a DJI Phantom 2 in combination of a 2D Zenmuse gimbal and a GoPro Hero 3 (black edition). Overlapping images were captured in 13 to 16 m and overview images in approximately 60 m height at 2 frames per second. The RGB vegetation index (RGBVI) was calculated as the normalized difference of the squared green reflectance and the product of blue and red reflectance from the non-calibrated images. The post processing was done with Agisoft PhotoScan Professional (SfM-based) and Esri ArcGIS. 14 ground control points (GCPs) were located in the field, distinguished by 30 cm × 30 cm markers and measured with a RTK-GPS (HiPer Pro Topcon) with 0.01 m horizontal and vertical precision. The errors of the spatial resolution in x-, y-, z-direction were in a scale of 3-4 cm. From each survey, also one distortion corrected image was georeferenced by the same GCPs and used for the RGBVI calculation. The results have been used to analyse and evaluate the relationship between estimated plant height derived with this low-cost UAV-system and forage mass. Results indicate that the plant height seems to be a suitable indicator for forage mass. There is a robust correlation of crop height related with dry matter (R² = 0.6). The RGBVI seems not to be a suitable indicator for forage mass in grassland, although the results provided a medium correlation by combining plant height and RGBVI to dry matter (R² = 0.5).
Bad Attitudes: why design students dislike teamwork
Authors: Tucker Richard , Abbasi Neda
Published: June 2016

Positive experiences of teamwork in design contexts significantly improve students’ satisfaction with teaching and their attitudes towards future teamwork. Thus, an understanding of the factors leading to negative and positive team experiences can inform strategies to support effective teamwork. This paper examines design students’ perceptions and experiences of teamwork. Three sources of qualitative data were analysed: a pilot survey completed by 198 design students in four institutions; five focus groups with 23 students; and a national survey completed by 417 students from 18 Australian universities. Students were from a range of design disciplines, with the majority studying architecture. The findings provide insights into issues and challenges of learning how to design in teamwork contexts, in particular the importance of adopting strategies to promote individual accountability within a team and ensuring fair assessment that acknowledges levels of individual contributions. The paper concludes with recommendations for teachers.
Good CoP: what makes a community of practice successful?
Authors: Baker Anthony Thomas , Beames Stephanie
Published: June 2016

We have established a community of practice focussed on student learning in first-year science.  It is recognised that transition, whether from school to university or other possible transitions, is an issue that is a concern for the entire sector, and this is acknowledged both at Faculty and University level. One of the factors to which we attribute the success of this CoP is that we are working within the context of a well-established set of transition pedagogies which have been strongly promoted and supported within UTS.  There is also an internal grants scheme that provides small amounts of funding for initiatives aimed at improving transition and engagement as part of the widening participation strategy.  Another factor for the success of this group is the leadership and active engagement of a senior staff member. This CoP has not evolved organically as a grass-roots group, nor has it been commissioned from on-high.  The Faculty of Science has also recently appointed an academic developer to support course renewal and the mapping of graduate attributes, and this role includes the support of initiatives like setting up CoPs.
Online lecture recordings and lecture attendance: Investigating student preferences in a large first year psychology course
Authors: Yeung Alexandra , Raju Sadhana , Sharma Manjula D.
Published: June 2016

While blended learning has been around for sometime, the interplay between lecture recordings, lecture attendance and grades needs further examination particularly for large cohorts of over 1000 students in 500 seat lecture theatres.  This paper reports on such an investigation with a cohort of 1450 first year psychology students’ who indicated whether they frequently attended lectures or not. The division helped ascertain differences and similarities in preferences for utilising online recordings.  Overall, non-frequent attendees were more likely not to use lecture recordings (48.1%) to make up a missed lecture than frequent attendees (34.3%). Surprisingly, in the last week of semester, 29% of students reported not yet accessing lecture recordings. Students had the intention to use lecture recordings as they envisaged these to be helpful for learning and commented that they would be adversely affected if recordings were not available. In fact, students are passionate about lecture recordings. Analytics show that after lecture 7, each lecture recording attracted 600 or less unique visits (hits) supporting the finding that most students make strategic use of learning resources available within the blended learning environment.
Traffic Light Report provides a new technique for Assurance of Learning
Authors: Nash Rose E , Stupans Ieva , Chalmers Leanne , Brown Natalie
Published: June 2016

The Traffic Light Report (TLR) project is an educational intervention designed for pharmacy undergraduates. This paper reports on analysis of TLR data specifically focusing on its potential as an innovative tool which combines Miller’s pyramid, technology and student voice to examine a curriculum for Assurance of Learning (AoL). In 2014, educators mapped each summative assessment to the relevant National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia (NCS) alongside levels of expected performance on Miller’s pyramid of clinical competence (Knows, Knows how, Shows how, Does). Simultaneously, students were invited to self-reflect using the same performance levels. The Miller’s scale enabled a comparison between students’ and their educators’ understanding of the performance level demanded by assessments. Analysis highlighted disconnect between students’ and their educators’ interpretations of the same assessed curriculum. The TLR facilitates quality enhancement by providing educators and their students with a logical meeting point for discussing foundation, scaffolding and integration of assessment across a course for AoL. This has portability to other professional disciplines.
Neighbourliness and Australia’s Contribution to Regional Migration Strategies for Climate Displacement in the Pacific
Authors: Lewis Bridget
Published: June 2016

The prospect of widespread displacement in the Pacific as a result of climate change is becoming increasingly likely and it is possible that many will eventually need to relocate to other countries. Regional migration strategies not only offer the potential to minimise the harms of relocation, while acknowledging existing relationships of friendship and regional cooperation. This article examines the use of the language of ‘neighbourliness’ in Australia’s regional climate change strategies and argues that, while it expresses friendship, such language can also be employed to avoid the creation of stronger obligations. The article considers the international doctrine of good neighbourliness and concludes that, while international legal obligations may not yet exist, Australia should nonetheless begin planning for regional migration within the Pacific to allow people to migrate with dignity.
Guest Editorial: End of Life Law, Ethics, Policy and Practice
Authors: Willmott Lindy , White Ben , McGee Andrew , McDonald Fiona
Published: June 2016

The International Conference on End of Life: Law, Ethics, Policy and Practice was held at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia in August 2014. It was co-hosted by the Australian Centre for Health Law Research, the Dalhousie Health Law Institute (Canada) and the Tsinghua Health Law Research Center (China). The conference attracted almost 350 delegates from 26 countries and included representation from over a dozen different disciplines with an interest in end of life care.
The Effects of Total Quality Management Implementation on Employees’ Performance: The Case of PT Pertamina Refinery Unit III Plaju, Palembang-Indonesia
Authors: Fatimah Fatimah , Solikin Solikin
Published: June 2016

This study aims to investigate the  effects implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) on employee performance of PT Pertamina Refinery Unit III Plaju. The data is collected using interview and questionnairre. Total Quality Management and Descriptive analysis are used to analysis employee’s Performance. Using a sampel of 286 respondents, and all respondents are employees of Pertamina Refinery Unit III Plaju. The result showed that the implementation of TQM have a positive effect on employee’s Performance.
Ambivalent Gender Identities in Contemporary African Literature: A Butlerian Perspective
Authors: KOUSSOUHON Léonard , AGBACHI Fortuné
Published: June 2016

This paper is an attempt to examine the way male and female participants perform gender in 03 novels, Everything Good Will Come (2006), Swallow (2010) and A Bit of Difference (2013), by a contemporary Nigerian writer called Sefi Atta. The study draws on Gender Performative Theory as developed by the feminist Butler (1990/1999). This theory considers gender identities as being socially constructed. The study highlights the multiple ways in which male and female participants perform gender according to established social norms in the selected novels. Regarding the existing social norms in Nigeria, the findings by scholars like Fakeye, George and Owoyemi (2012), Mejiuni and Awolowo (2006), Bourey et al (2012), Gbadebo, Kehinde and Adedeji (2012), Okunola and Ojo (2012) exude that men are traditionally portrayed as career people, assertive, powerful and active, independent and violent while women are stereotypically depicted as housewives, submissive, powerless and passive, dependent and non-violent (or victims). Based on the above dichotomies between men and women, the study unveils the ideology that underpins gender performances in the novels.
Arterial thromboembolism in a young woman with occult dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Topoll Alicia , Owens Jordan , Cheirif Jorge , Pool J. Mark , Feldman Mark
Published: June 2016

An acute dilated cardiomyopathy may present with vague symptoms including fatigue and malaise, which may delay the diagnosis until signs and symptoms of systolic heart failure develop. Left ventricular thrombus and arterial thromboembolism are rare complications of acute dilated cardiomyopathy. We present a case of a young Caucasian woman presenting with acute leg ischemia secondary to femoral artery thromboembolism associated with a previously undiagnosed acute dilated cardiomyopathy with severe systolic heart failure and a large left ventricular thrombus. Her prothrombotic state was refractory to heparin therapy and surgical vascular intervention. She eventually required leg amputation for recurrent limb ischemia with gangrene and thrombus extraction from the left ventricle. Risk factors for her prothrombotic state included the acute, dilated cardiomyopathy, use of a hormonal contraceptive agent, obesity, smoking, and a heterozygous Factor II (Prothrombin) G20110A mutation.
Biochemical munchausen’s - a “baffling” case of recurrent hypokalemia and lactic acidosis - secondary to surreptitious salbutamol abuse in a 36-year-old female
Authors: Chen Cameron , Ray Udayan , Jacobson Glenn , Smillie Michael , Jordan Neville , Yu Richard
Published: June 2016

Factitious medical disorders with the well-known eponym of Munchausen’s syndrome represent a challenge in both diagnosis and management for the clinician.  Here, we report a case of “Biochemical Munchausen’s” in a 36-year-old female, characterised by recurrent and multiple presentations with symptomatic hypokalaemia, supraventricular tachycardia and lactic acidosis that required the use of biochemical laboratory expertise and liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry to unravel and break the cycle of costly investigations and hopefully contain the risk of potential harm. We also highlight the evolution of various stages of generating factitious illness in this 36-year-old female with the crucial breakthrough being made only by proof of the biochemical exposure through the close collaboration of biochemist and clinicians.
Dipole Moment and Electronic Structure Calculations of the Electronic States of the molecular ion SiN+
Authors: Hamdan Karam , Younes Ghassan , Korek Mahmoud
Published: June 2016

A theoretical investigation of the lowest electronic states of the molecular ion SiN+ has been performed via Complete Active Space Self Consistent Field (CASSCF) method with Multi Reference Configuration Interaction MRCI+Q (single and double excitations with Davidson correction) calculations. The potential energy curves of the low-lying 37 electronic states in the representation 2s+1Λ(+/-), up to 140000 cm-1 , have been investigated. The permanent dipole moment, the harmonic frequency ωe, the equilibrium internuclear distance Re, the rotational constants Be and the electronic energy with respect to the ground state Te have been calculated for these electronic states. The comparison between the values of the present work and those available in the literature for several electronic states shows a very good agreement. The permanent dipole moment, of the investigated 37 electronic states, have been calculated in the present work for the first time along with the investigation of nine new electronic states that have not been observed yet.
Validação de um plano de alta de enfermagem para gestantes e puérperas de alto risco
Authors: Colli Monique , Zani Adriana Valongo
Published: June 2016

Estudio descriptivo de enfoque cuantitativo con miras a validar un plan de alta de enfermería para embarazadas y parturientas de alto riesgo con el método Delphi. La recogida de datos fue realizada de octubre de 2013 a octubre de 2014. La muestra estuvo constituida de 17 evaluadores: 11 enfermeros y seis médicos especialistas en obstetricia. Los resultados apuntaron los cuidados más relevantes para cada uno de los diagnósticos enumerados, habiéndose elaborado cinco cuidados para el trabajo de parto prematuro, cuatro para diabetes Mellitus, ocho para enfermidades hipertensivas y 14 para cuidados puerperales. Los cuidados elaborados obtuvieron consenso entre los especialistas y, al estar consolidados por la literatura, podrán ayudar a las embarazadas y a las madres a identificar señales de riesgo que puedan indicar la necesidad de brindar atención especializada inmediata para llevar a cabo tratamientos efectivos en la prevención de complicaciones, algo fundamental para disminuir resultados desfavorables, prevenibles, tanto para la madre, como para el feto y el recién nacido.
As práticas educativas e o autocuidado
Authors: Tossin Brenda Ritielli , Souto Valquíria Toledo , Terra Marlene Gomes , Siqueira Daiana Foggiato de , Mello Amanda de Lemos , Silva Adão Ademir da
Published: June 2016

En este estudio se pretende buscar y analizar las evidencias disponibles en la producción científica de enfermería de prácticas educativas en salud relacionadas al autocuidado. Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura con búsqueda en el Sistema de la Literatura Latinoamericana en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS) y en la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina (PubMed), resultando en una muestra de 13 publicaciones. Los datos, analizados según el análisis de contenido, indican diferentes estrategias para promover el autocuidado, entre ellas el uso de recursos tecnológicos duros, visitas domiciliarias, grupos terapéuticos y una hoja de directrices. Se hace hincapié en la necesidad de que los profesionales de enfermería califiquen sus prácticas incorporando acciones educativas innovadoras que promuevan el autocuidado.