Approximating the facial features for forensic facial approximation is challenging, especially the nose. Numerous methods have been published to position the tip of the nose in profile with variable results. Gerasimov’s two-tangent method is the most commonly used. However, a recent article published by Ullrich and Stephan (2011) states that the method was not properly performed and provides new guidelines. This research used a sample of CT scans from a Denmark population (N=66) to determined which of Gerasimov’s literal translation or Ullrich and Stephan’s (2011) new version of the two-tangent method is the most accurate. A combination of the two methods was also evaluated to determine the effect of each tangent independently, and the effect of intraobserver error. It was determine that the new guidelines result in smaller mean difference but no method can accurately position the tip of the nose due to the lack of experience from the practitioner.

Zernike moments are sets of mathematical quantities that uniquely characterize an image. It is known that they are invariant under rotation and reflection and robust to noise. In this thesis several other algorithms have been used to calculate these moments. The intent of this thesis is: 1. to use the classical method and the algorithms to reconstruct an image using Zernike moments and study their accuracy and 2. to examine if the invariance and noise insensitivity property of the calculated Zernike moments are upheld by these procedures. It is found that the constructed images using these algorithms do not resemble the original image. This prevents us from carrying out further study of these algorithms. The classical method has been successfully used to reconstruct an image when the height and width are equal. The classical method is also shown to be invariant under rotation and reflection and robust to Poisson noise. xxxvii

There is significant uncertainty in our knowledge of the Martian atmosphere and the aerodynamics of the Mars entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems. These uncertainties result in conservatism in the design of the EDL vehicles leading to higher system masses and a broad range of performance predictions. Data from flight instrumentation onboard Mars EDL systems can be used to quantify these uncertainties, but the existing dataset is sparse and many parameters of interest have not been previously observable. Many past EDL reconstructions neither utilize statistical information about the uncertainty of the measured data nor quantify the uncertainty of the estimated parameters. Statistical estimation methods can blend together disparate data types to improve the reconstruction of parameters of interest for the vehicle. For example, integrating data obtained from aeroshell-mounted pressure transducers, inertial measurement unit, and radar altimeter can improve the estimates of the trajectory, atmospheric profile, and aerodynamic coefficients, while also quantifying the uncertainty in these estimates. These same statistical methods can be leveraged to improve current engineering models in order to reduce conservatism in future EDL vehicle design. The work in this thesis presents a comprehensive methodology for parameter reconstruction and uncertainty quantification while blending dissimilar Mars EDL datasets. Statistical estimation methods applied include the Extended Kalman Filter, Unscented Kalman Filter, and Adaptive Filter. The estimators are applied in a manner in which the observability of the parameters of interest is maximized while using the sparse, disparate EDL dataset. The methodology is validated with simulated data and then applied to estimate the EDL performance of the 2012 Mars Science Laboratory. The reconstruction methodology is also utilized as a tool for improving vehicle design and reducing design conservatism. A novel method of optimizing the design of future EDL atmospheric data systems is presented by leveraging the reconstruction methodology. The methodology identifies important design trends and the point of diminishing returns of atmospheric data sensors that are critical in improving the reconstruction performance for future EDL vehicles. The impact of the estimation methodology on aerodynamic and atmospheric engineering models is also studied and suggestions are made for future EDL instrumentation.

This thesis looks into the examination of polymer composite wreckage from the perspective of the aircraft accident investigator. It develops an understanding of the process of wreckage examination as well as identifying the potential for visual and macroscopic interpretation of polymer composite aircraft wreckage. The in-field examination of aircraft wreckage, and subsequent interpretations of material failures, can be a significant part of an aircraft accident investigation. As the use of composite materials in aircraft construction increases, the understanding of how macroscopic failure characteristics of composite materials may aid the field investigator is becoming of increasing importance. The first phase of this research project was to explore how investigation practitioners conduct wreckage examinations. Four accident investigation case studies were examined. The analysis of the case studies provided a framework of the wreckage examination process. Subsequently, a literature survey was conducted to establish the current level of knowledge on the visual and macroscopic interpretation of polymer composite failures. Relevant literature was identified and a compendium of visual and macroscopic characteristics was created. Two full-scale polymer composite wing structures were loaded statically, in an upward bending direction, until each wing structure fractured and separated. The wing structures were subsequently examined for the existence of failure characteristics. The examination revealed that whilst characteristics were present, the fragmentation of the structure destroyed valuable evidence. A hypothetical accident scenario utilising the fractured wing structures was developed, which UK government accident investigators subsequently investigated. This provided refinement to the investigative framework and suggested further guidance on the interpretation of polymer composite failures by accident investigators.

No description available.

In a roofing project, acquiring the underlying as-built 3D geometry and visualizing the roof structure is needed in different phases of the project life-cycle. Architectural drawings, building information model (BIM) files, or aerial photogrammetry are used to estimate the roofing area in the bidding process. However, as a roof structure is never built to the exact drawing dimensions, as-built dimensions of boundaries of every roof plane have to be obtained several times during the course of its build. There are a number of surveying methods that can be used for this purpose: tape measuring, total station surveying, aerial photogrammetry, and laser scanning. However, obtaining measurements using these methods could be costly in terms of equipment, labor, and/or worker exposure to safety hazards. Aiming to address this limitation and provide roofing practitioners with an alternative roof surveying and visualization method that is simple to use, automated, inexpensive, and safe, a close-range videogrammetric roof 3D reconstruction framework is presented in this research. When using this method, a roofing contractor will simply collect stereo video streams of a target roof. The captured data is processed to generate a 3D wire-diagram for every roof plane. In this process, distinctive visual features of the scene (e.g., 2D points and lines) are first automatically detected and matched between video frames. Matched features and the camera calibration information are used to compute an initial estimation of the 3D structure. Then, a hybrid bundle adjustment algorithm is used to refine the result and acquire the geometry that has the maximum likelihood. Afterwards, different roof planes are found and a measurable 3D wire-diagram is generated for each plane.

The key concept for this multimedia project was to undertake a voyage in art form which set out to examine issues related to the representation and perception of the ancient Rarotongan god Tangaroa, from traditional context to contemporary reconstruction. The essential aim of this project was to define how far from traditional representations this translation could go without disconnecting it from the cultural identity of Rarotongan traditional art. This project also researched previous historical representations of Tangaroa with the intention of isolating key elements of the traditional artistic structure and revisits them from a contemporary perspective. Using historic references of original artefacts and traditional Cook Islands’ patterns I engaged contemporary practices and materials to produce a body of work which explored my personal perspective on how Tangaroa could be reconstructed in art form. To support my research and studio practice I researched the myth behind Tangaroa and questioned why he has been displaced from Rarotongan traditional theology and reintroduced today as a marketing brand and souvenir icon. The base research for this project considered issues of traditional theology, the impact of Christianity on the ancient gods and Tangaroa’s place in traditional and contemporary context. This project is comprised of 80% studio practice and supported by an exegesis with a value of 20%.

Thesis (M.A. in Church History)--Cincinnati Christian University, 2007. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-117).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington. / Bibliography: l. [121]-126.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2008. / Title from title page screen (viewed on Mar. 13, 2009). Thesis advisor: Stephen Ash. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.