Triangle mesh models of images are studied. Through exploration, a computational framework for mesh generation based on data-dependent triangulations (DDTs) and two specific mesh-generation methods derived from this framework are proposed. In earlier work, Yang et al. proposed a highly-effective technique for generating triangle-mesh models of images, known as the error diffusion (ED) method. Unfortunately, the ED method, which chooses triangulation connectivity via a Delaunay triangulation, typically yields triangulations in which many (triangulation) edges crosscut image edges (i.e., discontinuities in the image), leading to increased approximation error. In this thesis, we propose a computational framework for mesh generation that modifies the ED method to use DDTs in conjunction with the Lawson local optimization procedure (LOP) and has several free parameters. Based on experimentation, we recommend two particular choices for these parameters, yielding two specific mesh-generation methods, known as MED1 and MED2, which make different trade offs between approximation quality and computational cost. Through the use of DDTs and the LOP, triangulation connectivity can be chosen optimally so as to minimize approximation error. As part of our work, two novel optimality criteria for the LOP are proposed, both of which are shown to outperform other well known criteria from the literature. Through experimental results, our MED1 and MED2 methods are shown to yield image approximations of substantially higher quality than those obtained with the ED method, at a relatively modest computational cost. For example, in terms of peak-signal-to-noise ratio, our MED1 and MED2 methods outperform the ED method, on average, by 3.26 and 3.81 dB, respectively. / Graduate

We obtain explicit formulae for Lagrangian representations of the (p, q, r)-triangle group into the group of direct isometries of the complex hyperbolic plane in the case where p=q=r. Numerically approximated matrix generators of representations of the (p, p, p)-triangle group are obtained using a special basis. The numerical approximations are then used to guess the exact generators by a process utilizing the LLL algorithm. The matrices are proved rigorously to generate Lagrangian representations of the (p, p, p)-triangle group and are applied to the problem of deciding whether or not an interval contains representations of the (p, p, p)-triangle group which are not discrete.

An examination of the logical relationships between attitude statements suggests that attitudes can be ordered according to favourability, and can also stand in relationships of implication to one another. The traditional representation of attitudes, as points on a single dimension, is inadequate for representing both these relations but representing attitudes as intervals on a single dimension can incorporate both favourability and implication. An interval can be parameterised using its two endpoints or alternatively by its midpoint and latitude. Using this latter representation, the midpoint can be understood as the �favourability� of the attitude, while the latitude can be understood as its �generality�. It is argued that the generality of an attitude statement is akin to its latitude of acceptance, since a greater semantic range increases the likelihood of agreement. When Coombs� Theory of Unidimensional Unfolding is reformulated using the interval representation, the key question is how to measure the distance between two intervals on the dimension. There are innumerable ways to answer this question, but the present study restricts attention to eighteen possible �distance� measures. These measures are based on nine basic distances between intervals on a dimension, as well as two families of models, the Minkowski r-metric and the Generalised Hyperbolic Cosine Model (GHCM). Not all of these measures are distances in the strict sense as some of them fail to satisfy all the metric axioms. To distinguish between these eighteen �distance� measures two empirical tests, the triangle inequality test, and the aligned stimuli test, were developed and tested using two sets of attitude statements. The subject matter of the sets of statements differed but the underlying structure was the same. It is argued that this structure can be known a priori using the logical relationships between the statement�s predicates, and empirical tests confirm the underlying structure and the unidimensionality of the statements used in this study. Consequently, predictions of preference could be ascertained from each model and either confirmed or falsified by subjects� judgements. The results indicated that the triangle inequality failed in both stimulus sets. This suggests that the judgement space is not metric, contradicting a common assumption of attitude measurement. This result also falsified eleven of the eighteen �distance� measures because they predicted the satisfaction of the triangle inequality. The aligned stimuli test used stimuli that were aligned at the endpoint nearest to the ideal interval. The results indicated that subjects preferred the narrower of the two stimuli, contrary to the predictions of six of the measures. Since these six measures all passed the triangle inequality test, only one measure, the GHCM (item), satisfied both tests. However, the GHCM (item) only passes the aligned stimuli tests with additional constraints on its operational function. If it incorporates a strictly log-convex function, such as cosh, the GHCM (item) makes predictions that are satisfied in both tests. This is also evidence that the latitude of acceptance is an item rather than a subject or combined parameter.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1990. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [136]-148).

Submitted by NATÂNIA LAINE PAGLIONE SANTOS null (natania_paglione@hotmail.com) on 2017-12-19T02:02:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 VERSÃO FINAL PARA ENTREGA - COM AS CAPAS.pdf: 10903941 bytes, checksum: 94b7d3dd00886cba1fe8cdb928889de5 (MD5) / Rejected by Elza Mitiko Sato null (elzasato@ibilce.unesp.br), reason: Solicitamos que realize correções na submissão seguindo as orientações abaixo: Problema 01) Troca da ficha catalográfica, a ficha correta é a elaborada pela Biblioteca. Problema 02) Correção da paginação, da página 06 pula para página 15. Agradecemos a compreensão. on 2017-12-19T11:51:49Z (GMT) / Submitted by NATÂNIA LAINE PAGLIONE SANTOS null (natania_paglione@hotmail.com) on 2017-12-23T00:51:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO IMPRESSA E ENCADERNADA.pdf: 11215228 bytes, checksum: b5ff3d316d1fa514f151d233853200ca (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Elza Mitiko Sato null (elzasato@ibilce.unesp.br) on 2018-01-02T18:10:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_nlp_me_sjrp.pdf: 11115758 bytes, checksum: de8e1a0afdcaa57b073f0ecf8cdabcfc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-01-02T18:10:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_nlp_me_sjrp.pdf: 11115758 bytes, checksum: de8e1a0afdcaa57b073f0ecf8cdabcfc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-09 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Atualmente tem-se percebido uma grande dificuldade em atrelar os conteúdos matemáticos ao cotidiano e estimular os alunos para as aulas. Diante disso percebe-se que demonstrar as fascinantes descobertas do Triângulo de Pascal e a Sequência de Fibonacci ao longo dos anos e suas diversas facetas podem despertar os jovens para um olhar investigativo e curioso, quebrando as barreiras existentes no ensino/aprendizagem de matemática. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar algumas propriedades e suas demonstrações existentes no Triângulo de Pascal e na Sequência de Fibonacci. Devido ao intrigante assunto escolhido e a pouca exploração nos livros didáticos consultados, abrimos leques de possibilidades para expansão do tema como: Fractais, Sequência de Lucas e Razão Áurea. Para sugestões aos docentes, há na pesquisa aplicações para a sala de aula sobre os temas aqui mencionados, vale ressaltar que o conteúdo relacionado as aplicações da Sequência de Fibonacci e Razão Áurea é espetacular. E como dizia Aristóteles: Os filósofos que afirmam que a Matemática não tem nada a ver com a Estética, estão seguramente errados. A Beleza é de fato o objeto principal do raciocínio e das demonstrações matemáticas. / There has been a great difficulty in mathematical content to everyday life and to stimulate students to classrooms. From this we can see that demonstrating the fascinating of the Pascal Triangle and the Fibonacci Sequence to the over the years and its many facets can awaken young people for an investigative and curious look, breaking the barriers in mathematics teaching / learning. The objective of this study was to investigate some properties and their demonstrations in the Pascal Triangle and the Sequence of Fibonacci. Due to the intriguing subject chosen and the few in the textbooks we consulted, we possibilities for expansion of the theme as: Fractais, Sequence of Lucas and Golden Ratio. For suggestions to teachers, there are in the research room applications about the topics mentioned here, it is worth mentioning that the content related to the applications of the Fibonacci Sequence and Golden Ratio is spectacular. And what about Aristotle: 'The philosophers who claim that mathematics has nothing to do with Aesthetics, are surely wrong. THE Beauty is in fact the main object of reasoning and mathematical demonstrations'

As populations grow and urban centres expand, meeting water demand and wastewater management requirements will become increasingly difficult. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals is to: 'Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all'. Part of the approach to achieving this will be reusing wastewater and will require a greater understanding of the institutional arrangements that support or obstruct reuse. This research was designed to achieve this and aimed to develop a set of factors that investors could use to assess the institutional feasibility of reuse in a given setting. The methodology combined a case study approach, focusing on wastewater systems in Bangalore, India and Hanoi, Vietnam, with triangle analysis to assess: the content of policies and laws; the structures (formal and informal) to implement laws and reuse projects; and the culture around acceptance and engagement in reuse. The reuse practices observed in Bangalore were treatment and use within apartments, centralized treatment and sale to industries, use in agriculture after natural attenuation, groundwater recharge and lake regeneration. In Hanoi the only reuse was indirect use from rivers feeding fish ponds and fields, although formal treatment and use is planned. Critically, both cities have environmental and water resources policies and laws that advocate reuse, as well as related local legislation. However, support for reuse is not reciprocated in industrial, agricultural or fisheries law, the result being that reuse does not always take place as planned. Legislation is required along the whole sanitation chain to the point of wastewater use. Structures to implement reuse are also vital. In Bangalore the water board has initiated reuse projects and established the New Initiatives Division but resources are a limiting factor. Effective institutions include expertise, manpower and financing mechanisms, which are lacking in both cities. The environment agency is also engaged in reuse though legislation on recycling in residential and commercial complexes but guidance for users is inadequate, expectations are perceived to be excessive and monitoring is almost impossible. The driver for reuse is increasingly the benefits observed by users. In the case of apartments this is a reliable water source and reduced costs of water supply. As a result, a private sector in wastewater treatment is becoming established. The active civil society and strong, independent media are instrumental in providing information to potential users and holding authorities to account in Bangalore. Their absence in Hanoi is notable. In summary, institutional elements to be considered are: supportive legislation across all sectors; details of acceptable reuse, deterrents and inducements; budget allocation; structures to enable reuse; strong civil society, NGOs, courts, media and universities providing evidence of suitability and safety; donors and finance mechanisms; and stakeholders willing to use the products. Encumbrances are inconsistent or uncoordinated legislation, lack of cooperation and insufficient benefit sharing or perceptions of benefits along the reuse chain.

p. 1-72 / Submitted by Santiago Fabio (fabio.ssantiago@hotmail.com) on 2013-04-11T20:18:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS BETE.pdf: 376419 bytes, checksum: fa8308638e73c9c9d206f5044ecd0e68 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Creuza Silva(mariakreuza@yahoo.com.br) on 2013-05-04T16:58:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS BETE.pdf: 376419 bytes, checksum: fa8308638e73c9c9d206f5044ecd0e68 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-05-04T16:58:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS BETE.pdf: 376419 bytes, checksum: fa8308638e73c9c9d206f5044ecd0e68 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / No contexto brasileiro, uma das estratégias mais desenvolvidas do processo de implantação do SUS foi a municipalização da saúde. Depois de vinte e um anos de promulgação da Constituição Federal, pode-se admitir que, nesse processo de descentralização, foram muitas as experiências municipais bem sucedidas que contribuíram para a melhoria da atenção à saúde de suas populações. Contudo, há regiões e municípios que só recentemente assumiram suas responsabilidades para com a saúde. O objetivo geral do estudo foi descrever a implantação do SUS em Amélia Rodrigues (Ba), no período de 2000 a 2008, com a caracterização do projeto de governo, da capacidade de governo e da governabilidade. A estratégia da pesquisa foi o estudo de caso. Adotando como referencial teórico os conceitos que formam o triângulo de governo (Matus, 1996), foi possível descrever as variáveis com base em três níveis de análise: contexto político de governo, gestão do sistema da saúde e práticas assistenciais. Foram identificados os fatores que contribuíram ou dificultaram a implantação do SUS em Amélia Rodrigues no período, a partir da análise documental e de entrevistas. Observou-se que uma boa articulação entre o projeto de governo, a capacidade de governo e a governabilidade permitiu uma melhor estruturação dos serviços de saúde, resultando numa maior cobertura das ações básicas, a partir da estratégia Saúde da Família e uma melhor organização da atenção em termos de formação de redes, com maior percentual de aplicação de recursos financeiros próprios. / Salvador

Modular forms are important in different areas of mathematics and theoretical physics. The theory is well known for the modular group PSL(2,Z), but is also of interest for other Fuchsian groups. In this thesis we will be interested in triangle groups with a cusp. We review some theory about mapping of hyperbolic triangles in order to derive an expression for the Hauptmodul of a triangle group, and use this to write a SageMath-program that calculates the Fourier series of the Hauptmodul. We then review some of the results presented in [4] that describe generalizations of well known concepts such as the Eisenstein series, the Serre derivative and some general results about the algebra of modular forms for triangle groups with a cusp. We correct some of the mistakes made in [4] and prove some further properties of the generators of the algebra of modular forms in the case of Hecke groups. Then we use the results from [4] to write a SageMath-program that calculates the Fourier series of the generators of the algebra of modular forms for triangle groups with a cusp and that also finds the relations between the generators in the special case of Hecke groups. Using the results from this program, we present some conjectures concerning the generators of the algebra of modular forms for a Hecke group, which, if proven to be true, give us a generalization of some of the Ramanujan equations. We conclude by explicitly calculating the generalized Ramanujan equations for the first few Hecke groups.

Levando em consideração a influência das variáveis meteorológicas no desenvolvimento dos cultivos e na definição do rendimento de grãos, o monitoramento da resposta da cultura da soja frente às condições ambientais se torna necessário devido sua importância tanto no cenário internacional quanto nacional. Sabe-se que para a cultura da soja, a estiagem é a causa mais frequente das perdas em safras no Rio Grande do Sul. Neste contexto, testar ferramentas de monitoramento em tempo quase real das condições hídricas das lavouras de soja ao longo do ciclo torna-se relevante e permite verificar se a cultura está em adequadas condições de crescimento e desenvolvimento. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a aptidão do índice TVDI em representar as condições de disponibilidade hídrica em áreas de cultivo de soja no Rio Grande do Sul; caracterizar e analisar a sensibilidade dos parâmetros da relação entre a temperatura de superfície (TS) e o índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI) e, por fim, comparar as abordagens por cena e por safra no processo de parametrização do índice TVDI para a cultura da soja. Para tanto, foram utilizados os produtos MODIS TS (MOD11A2) e NDVI (MOD13A2) com resolução espacial de 1.000 m e temporal de 8 e 16 dias, respectivamente, assim como dados de precipitação pluvial de 3 estações meteorológicas localizadas na área de estudo e dados oficiais do IBGE de área e de rendimento. Os resultados mostraram que a abordagem de parametrização por cena possibilita o entendimento da distribuição espacial das condições hídricas da área de estudo frente aos limites hídricos de cada imagem. Os parâmetros "b" e “TSmin” utilizados para determinar as retas dos limites seco e úmido do triângulo evaporativo na determinação do TVDI com parametrização por cena podem auxiliar na compreensão do perfil temporal deste índice ao longo da safra. Já a parametrização por safra, mostrou aptidão do índice em representar o momento e a frequência de ocorrência de restrição hídrica ao longo do ciclo da cultura. O método do triângulo evaporativo para a obtenção do índice TVDI mostra-se eficiente, pois permite a partir de dados de sensoriamento remoto, o entendimento do padrão espacial e temporal de resposta da vegetação frente à disponibilidade hídrica, além de informações de grande utilidade para sistemas de monitoramento e estimativas de safras. / In view of the influence of meteorological variables on crop growth and grain yield, monitoring the response of soybean to different environmental conditions is essential, given the international and domestic importance of this crop. Drought is the leading cause of soybean crop losses in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. In this context, testing tools for monitoring in near real time the water conditions of soybean fields throughout their cycle becomes relevant and allows for checking if the crop is under proper conditions for growth and development. The objectives of this study were: to assess the adequacy of the temperature–vegetation dryness index (TVDI) to represent water availability status in soybean growing areas in Rio Grande do Sul; to characterize and analyze the sensitivity of the surface temperature (TS)/normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) ratio; and to compare the scene-specific and crop-specific approaches for parameterization of TVDI. To this end, the MODIS TS (MOD11A2) and NDVI (MOD13A2) products were used, with a spatial resolution of 1000 m and a temporal resolution of 8 and 16 days respectively, as well as precipitation data from 3 weather stations located in the study area and official area and yield data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results showed that the scene-specific parameterization approach was able to provide an understanding of the spatial distribution of water status in the area of interest as derived from the dry and wet edges of each image. With scene-based parameterization, the “b” and “TSmin” parameters used to determine the dry and wet edges of the TS/NDVI can help elucidate the temporal profile of this index throughout the harvest period. With crop-type parameterization, the TVDI was able to represent the timing and frequency of limited water availability during the crop cycle. The triangle method proved effective in deriving the TVDI, as it provides a means of using remote sensing data to understand the spatiotemporal response pattern of vegetation to water availability, as well as other information that can be highly useful for monitoring systems and crop estimation.

In this thesis, we propose a general computational framework for generating mesh models of single-component (e.g., grayscale) and multi-component (e.g., RGB color) images. This framework builds on ideas from the previously-proposed GPRFSED method for single-component images to produce a framework that can handle images with any arbitrary number of components. The key ideas embodied in our framework are Floyd-Steinberg error diffusion and greedy-point removal. Our framework has several free parameters and the effect of the choices of these parameters is studied. Based on experimentation, we recommend two specific sets of parameter choices, yielding two highly effective single/multi-component mesh-generation methods, known as MED and MGPRFS. These two methods make different trade offs between mesh quality and computational cost. The MGPRFS method is able to produce high quality meshes at a reasonable computational cost, while the MED method trades off some mesh quality for a reduction in computational cost relative to the MGPRFS method. To evaluate the performance of our proposed methods, we compared them to three highly-effective previously-proposed single-component mesh generators for both grayscale and color images. In particular, our evaluation considered the following previously-proposed methods: the error diffusion (ED) method of Yang et al., the greedy-point-removal from-subset (GPRFSED) method of Adams, and the greedy-point removal (GPR) method of Demaret and Iske. Since these methods cannot directly handle color images, color images were handled through conversion to grayscale as a preprocessing step, and then as a postprocessing step after mesh generation, the grayscale sample values in the generated mesh were replaced by their corresponding color values. These color-capable versions of ED, GPRFSED, and GPR are henceforth referred to as CED, CGPRFSED, and CGPR, respectively. Experimental results show that our MGPRFS method yields meshes of higher quality than the CGPRFSED and GPRFSED methods by up to 7.05 dB and 2.88 dB respectively, with nearly the same computational cost. Moreover, the MGPRFS method outperforms the CGPR and GPR methods in mesh quality by up to 7.08 dB and 0.42 dB respectively, with about 5 to 40 times less computational cost. Lastly, our MED method yields meshes of higher quality than the CED and ED methods by up to 7.08 and 4.72 dB respectively, where all three of these methods have a similar computational cost. / Graduate