Three-dimensional human shape inference from silhouettes: reconstruction and validation

Silhouettes are robust image features that provide considerable evidence about the three-dimensional (3D) shape of a human body. The information they provide is, however, incomplete and prior knowledge has to be integrated to reconstruction algorithms in order to obtain realistic body models. This paper presents a method that integrates both geometric and statistical priors to reconstruct the shape of a subject assuming a standardized posture from a frontal and a lateral silhouette. The method is comprised of three successive steps. First, a non-linear function that connects the silhouette appearances and the body shapes is learnt and used to create a first approximation. Then, the body shape is deformed globally along the principal directions of the population (obtained by performing principal component analysis over 359 subjects) to follow the contours of the silhouettes. Finally, the body shape is deformed locally to ensure it fits the input silhouettes as well as possible. Experimental results showed a mean absolute 3D error of 8 mm with ideal silhouettes extraction. Furthermore, experiments on body measurements (circumferences or distances between two points on the body) resulted in a mean error of 11 mm.     

Weak identification in the ESTAR model and a new model

Determining good parameter estimates in (exponential smooth transition autoregressive) models is known to be difficult. We show that the phenomena of getting strongly biased estimators is a consequence of the so‐called identification problem, the problem of properly distinguishing the transition function in relation to extreme parameter combinations. This happens in particular for either very small or very large values of the error term variance. Furthermore, we introduce a new alternative model – the TSTAR model – which has similar properties as the ESTAR model but reduces the effects of the identification problem. We also derive a linearity and a unit root test for this model.     

Ausbreitung von Kältefahnen im Grundwasser bei Erdwärmesonden

Shallow geothermal energy installations, especially ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are increasingly being used for air conditioning and temperature control in buildings. Heating applications, for example, result in cold temperature anomalies (cold plumes) in the subsurface. To avoid interactions between adjacent cold plumes, authorities recommend minimum distances of about 10 m between installations. The length of these plumes can be simulated analytically and numerically. The presented analytical solutions are valid for steady-state conditions and consider conduction, convection and dispersion. The results show that the length depends on different parameters, especially flow velocity. The plumes in gravel aquifers become temporarily longer than in less permeable aquifers. Even under average energy extraction rates, they can exceed 10 m in length after one heating period. In the presented example the plume has a length of 10 m after 100 days under a continuous energy extraction rate of 55 W?m^?1. However, these plumes can regenerate quickly. Finally, the analytical results are discussed in a legal context.     

技术员的“草根”狂想

老婆孩子远行两日，闲在家没什么事，出去踢了一场球，感觉还能跑，运动生命还没有结束。     

A new approach to improve sludge dewatering using a semi-continuous hydraulic press system.

In future, it will be necessary to incinerate an increasing proportion of the sludge produced by public wastewater treatment. In this context, equipment for more effective dewatering of sewage sludge is required. A hydraulic press system (Bucher HP) which has been used to date in the food industry could represent an alternative to the sludge dewatering systems currently used. The basic suitability of this press system was demonstrated in comprehensive industrial-scale trials at the Glarnerland STP (Switzerland). Dry solids contents of up to 43% were measured in the pressed sludge. Currently, the optimization of individual process parameters is being investigated in a pilot plant at the Schwelm STP operated by Wupperverband (Germany).     

The MIDAS Data-Bank System for the transport properties of fluids

The development of the MIDAS Data-Bank System from its origin as part of the first DECHEMA properties data project in 1977 is described. The system concentrates the rapidly increasing amount of data for the viscosity and thermal conductivity for pure fluids and fluid mixtures by evaluation of the most reliable data sets. The data sets are represented by density-temperature correlations which are the customary method to correlate transport properties. To allow for a direct calculation of the transport properties from given pressures and temperatures, a new type of equation has been developed. As an example, the simultaneous representation of the viscosity and thermal conductivity of oxygen by one transport equation of state is discussed.Paper presented at the Ninth Symposium on Thermophysical Properties, June 24–27, 1985, Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.     

Performance of waveguide-based two-dimensional photonic-crystalmirrors studied with Fabry-Perot resonators

As a step toward the use of photonic crystals in optoelectronic devices, we present a thorough study of 2-D photonic-crystal mirrors etched into a GaAs-AlGaAs planar waveguide. Fabry-Perot resonators are fabricated to deduce the reflectivity, transmission, losses, as well as the penetration lengths of these mirrors. The guided photoluminescence of InAs quantum dots embedded in GaAs is used to obtain the transmission spectra of these cavities. The varying thickness between the mirrors allows a scan across the whole bandgap spectral range. Quality factors (up to 200) and peak transmissions (up to 0.3) are measured showing that mirrors of four rows of holes have 88% reflectivity, 6% transmission and 6% losses. Losses are also related to a two-dimensional transfer matrix method calculation including a recently introduced scheme to account for losses     

Stiffness analysis of tibia-implant system under cyclic loading

A testing method has been developed to characterize stiffness and permanent deformation of bone-implant systems. The system consists of an artificial tibia with simulated distal fracture stabilized by an unreamed intramedullary nail. This system was loaded with three different sequences at 2 Hz, each consisting of 40,000 sinusoidal cycles, simulating clinical relevant loading conditions. Evaluation of the results showed a stiffness of 2782 N/mm with a standard deviation of 311 N/mm and a permanent deformation of 0.64 mm with a standard deviation of 0.21 mm. The locking screws broke exclusively during the third loading sequence starting with the most proximal of the distal screws. The study provides a standard technique for biomechanical testing and a comparison of different bone/implant-systems avoiding the variability of cadaver bone tests.