White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) commonly consume row crops, with yield losses often attributed to their browsing. Deer density and field morphology may predict yield losses within local areas. We sought to 1) determine the effects of deer browsing on corn and soybean yields and investigate if deer density or field morphology correlated to yield loss in western Kentucky, and 2) compare pellet-based distance sampling to game camera surveys to determine if a distance sampling technique could accurately estimate deer density during the growing season. Overall, deer reduced corn and soybean yields on one-half of surveyed properties. Deer density did not influence yield losses in either crop; however, field morphology correlated with soybean yield losses. Pellet-based distance sampling provided statistically similar estimates as our game camera survey technique; however, at the individual farm level distance sampling estimates proved unreliable. Inaccurate model parameter (i.e., defecation rates) and inability to detect pellet groups in dense vegetation complicated the reliability of distance sampling models. Overall, yield losses from deer occur in western Kentucky and may be a localized event. Finally, game camera surveys should be used over pellet-based distance sampling during the growing season until detection issues and inaccurate model parameters are solved.

The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is a species of conservation concern in western North America. Recent methods for monitoring populations of kit fox include using lures and remote cameras in an occupancy-modeling framework and habitat modeling to predict areas of occupancy. In chapter one, we tested the optimal lure and movement procedure for scent stations to maximize visits and detection of foxes, thereby improving estimates of occupancy. Between May 2015 and October 2016, we placed remote cameras at 522 random locations throughout nine study areas in the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin Desert, and Mojave Desert. Each location was randomly assigned one of three methods (Scented Predator Survey Disks, cotton swabs, or hollowed golf ball) to broadcast one of three lure types (Red and Gray Fox liquid lure, Willey liquid lure, and fatty acid lure). After seven nights, half of all stations were moved 100 meters within the same sample grid cell, while the others remained in the same location. Stations were then monitored for an additional week. We used Program MARK and AIC model selection to identify optimal lure types and broadcast methods and to estimate rates of occupancy. Detection of kit foxes differed by method of scent deployment; cotton swabs were associated with the highest rates of visitation. Detection of kit foxes did not differ by lure type. Relocating the scent station after one week did not influence detection probability. We suggest that the use of cotton swabs maximizes detection, and therefore, the precision of estimates of occupancy. For chapter two, we used resource selection functions to identify variables that best discriminated between locations where kit fox were detected and random locations. We then produced a habitat map that predicted the relative probability of kit foxes occurring across seven study areas throughout the state of Utah. We placed remote cameras at 458 randomly selected locations throughout the study areas in the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin Desert, and Mojave Desert. We detected kit foxes at 157 "use" points from these cameras between May 2015 and October 2016. We then compared the attributes of these "use" points to 14,742 available, randomly selected points located within the study areas using variables derived from a Geographic Information System (GIS). We used model selection and minimization of AIC values to determine key habitat characteristics that differentiated use and random locations. We identified slope, elevation, and soil type as significant variables (P < 0.05) in habitat selection of kit foxes. Kit foxes selected areas that were 1) less steep, 2) lower in elevation, and 3) classified as having silty soils. The identification of these specific variables from our modeling effort was generally consistent with kit fox ecology. Our study produced a habitat model that can serve as a foundation for future monitoring efforts of kit foxes in potential habitat across Utah.

The purpose of this thesis is the development of an interactive computer-generated rendering system that provides artists with the ability to create abstract paintings simply and intuitively. This system allows the user to distort a computer-generated environment using image manipulation techniques that are derived from fundamentals of expressionistic art. The primary method by which these images will be abstracted stems from the idea of several small images assembled into a collage that represents multiple viewing points rendered simultaneously. This idea has its roots in the multiple-perspective and collage techniques used by many cubist and futurist artists of the early twentieth century.

With the advent of digital imaging technology, the options available to consumers in consumer imaging have increased tremendously. From image capture through image processing and output, many options have emerged; however, the relative environmental impacts of these different options are not clear cut. Simplistically, one might say that the use of a digital camera has a lesser environmental burden than the use of a reloadable film camera because the image produced as a result of using the digital camera avoids chemicals in film developing. However, digital cameras require electronics and computers that need energy; and, energy production is one of the contributors to greenhouse gasses like CO2. Assessment of the environmental impacts of these different options can help provide feedback to decision makers and insights that will help reduce environmental impact through product system design. One tool that has been used to relate environmental impacts with functions provide to consumers through products or services is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA, which has been standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO) in ISO14000, is used here to evaluate both traditional film and digital imaging systems. Data from publicly available databases and both external and internal Eastman Kodak Company studies were utilized to develop LCA modules for the different processes involved. Product and service business models are explored for both technologies through ten different imaging and output scenarios. The functional unit used is the capture, processing and output of one 4 x6 image. Four impact categories (energy use, greenhouse emission, water use and waste generation) across four life cycle phases (upstream, distribution, use, and end of life) are explored for the ten scenarios. LCA is also evaluated as a tool to help facilitate strategic level environmental performance issues with both new and established business activities. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to evaluate the impact of assumptions made in the course of the assessment and comments are made regarding the effectiveness of LCA for strategic assessment and product service strategies in lowering environmental impact. Results indicate that the lowest impact scenarios are Digital Capture to LCD Display for Greenhouse Emissions and Energy Use and Film Capture to Wholesale Print for Water Use and Waste Generation. Highest impacts were seen for Greenhouse Emissions in the Film Capture to Retail Print scenario. In the Energy Use and Water Use category, the Digital Capture to CRT Computer Display was the highest scenario. For Waste Generation, the Digital Capture to Inkjet Print was the highest impact scenario.

This research was a collaborative effort between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the University of Texas at Austin to study laser induced thermal lensing. Analysis with a high-frame rate thermal camera system in an optical cuvette determined rates of heating and cooling in water exposed to 1200, 1310 and 1318-nm wavelengths. Thermal modeling software (BTEC) developed at AFRL was used to simulate the beam parameters that were used experimentally. The simulation was also used to compute axial temperature for various power levels, beam diameters, and pulse durations. Laser-induced optical pathlength modulation or phase-shift was computed to study the thermal lensing effect. Power and irradiance damage thresholds were calculated for collimated and focused geometries to study the effect in a focusing eye on retinal damage thresholds. / text

The purpose of this thesis is the development of an interactive computer-generated rendering system that provides artists with the ability to create abstract paintings simply and intuitively. This system allows the user to distort a computer-generated environment using image manipulation techniques that are derived from fundamentals of expressionistic art. The primary method by which these images will be abstracted stems from the idea of several small images assembled into a collage that represents multiple viewing points rendered simultaneously. This idea has its roots in the multiple-perspective and collage techniques used by many cubist and futurist artists of the early twentieth century.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used increasingly over the past few years. Special Forces of various countries utilise these systems successfully in war zones such as Afghanistan. The biggest advantage is rapid information gathering without endangering human lives. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) also identified the need for local short range aerial reconnaissance and information gathering. A detailed literature survey identified various international players involved in the development of small hand-launch UAV systems. Unfortunately, these overseas systems are too expensive for the SANDF. A new system had to be developed locally to comply with the unique requirements, and budget, of the SANDF. The survey of existing systems provided valuable input to the detailed user requirement statement (URS) for the new South African development. The next step was to build a prototype using off-the-shelf components. Although this aircraft flew and produced good video images, it turned out to be unreliable. The prototype UAV was then replaced with a standard type model aircraft, purchased from Micropilot. Some modifications were needed to ensure better compliance with the URS. Laboratory and field tests proved that the aircraft can be applied for aerial images, within range of 10 km from the ground control station (GCS). The major limitation is that it can only fly for 40 minutes. Furthermore, the airframe is not robust, needing repairs after only 15 flights. Although the system has shortcomings, it has already been used successfully. It is expected that improved battery technologies and sturdier light-weight materials will further help to improve the system beyond user specifications. / Thesis (MIng (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used increasingly over the past few years. Special Forces of various countries utilise these systems successfully in war zones such as Afghanistan. The biggest advantage is rapid information gathering without endangering human lives. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) also identified the need for local short range aerial reconnaissance and information gathering. A detailed literature survey identified various international players involved in the development of small hand-launch UAV systems. Unfortunately, these overseas systems are too expensive for the SANDF. A new system had to be developed locally to comply with the unique requirements, and budget, of the SANDF. The survey of existing systems provided valuable input to the detailed user requirement statement (URS) for the new South African development. The next step was to build a prototype using off-the-shelf components. Although this aircraft flew and produced good video images, it turned out to be unreliable. The prototype UAV was then replaced with a standard type model aircraft, purchased from Micropilot. Some modifications were needed to ensure better compliance with the URS. Laboratory and field tests proved that the aircraft can be applied for aerial images, within range of 10 km from the ground control station (GCS). The major limitation is that it can only fly for 40 minutes. Furthermore, the airframe is not robust, needing repairs after only 15 flights. Although the system has shortcomings, it has already been used successfully. It is expected that improved battery technologies and sturdier light-weight materials will further help to improve the system beyond user specifications. / Thesis (MIng (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Las lesiones por tráfico son un importante problema de salud pública en España. En 2004, el gobierno español estableció la seguridad vial como una prioridad política, y creó el Plan Estratégico de Seguridad Vial 2005-2008, que propone una serie de medidas dirigidas a disminuir el impacto de las lesiones por tráfico en España. Los objetivos de la tesis son revisar las intervenciones de seguridad vial que se han demostrado efectivas en reducir las lesiones y mortalidad por tráfico y evaluar el impacto en morbilidad y mortalidad por tráfico del conjunto de medidas implementadas en España a partir del año 2004 y de algunas de las medidas implementadas, concretamente el permiso por puntos, la reforma del Código Penal y los radares. El diseño de todos los estudios de evaluación consistió en estudios de series temporales interrumpidas. Las poblaciones de estudio fueron el número de colisiones, conductores involucrados en colisiones con lesionados y personas lesionadas por tráfico en España entre los años 2000 y 2008. Las fuentes de información fueron bases de datos de policía y hospitalarias. Se ajustaron modelos de regresión Quasi-Poisson, controlando la tendencia temporal y la estacionalidad. Los estudios incluidos en la tesis sugieren que la priorización de la seguridad vial en el año 2004 supuso un cambio en la tendencia de las lesiones por tráfico en España, y fue especialmente efectiva en reducir el número de lesionados graves. Entre las intervenciones incluidas en el Plan Estratégico de Seguridad Vial 2005-2008, se evaluó la efectividad de los radares, el permiso por puntos y la criminalización de una serie de comportamientos de tráfico – mediante la reforma del Código Penal –, medidas que redujeron el impacto de las lesiones por tráfico en España. Sin embargo, la revisión de la literatura incluida en la tesis identificó diversas medidas efectivas de seguridad vial, como el permiso de conducir gradual, que todavía no han sido implementadas y que podrían reducir todavía más el número de personas lesionadas en las carreteras españolas. Será necesario realizar esfuerzos importantes y adjudicar suficientes recursos para mantener el nivel de seguridad vial alcanzado. Además, se deberán implementar más medidas efectivas de seguridad vial para reducir el todavía inaceptablemente elevado número de personas lesionadas o muertas en las carreteras españolas cada día. / Road traffic injuries are an important public health problem in Spain. In 2004, the Spanish government established road safety as a political priority, and created the Road Safety Strategic Programme 2005-2008, which proposes a series of actions aimed to reduce the burden of traffic injuries in Spain. The objectives of the present thesis are to review the road safety interventions which have proven to be effective in reducing road traffic deaths and injuries, and to assess the impact on traffic morbidity and mortality of overall road safety interventions implemented in Spain from the year 2004 on and of specific road safety interventions implemented, specifically the penalty points system, the reform of the Penal Code and speed cameras. The design of all the intervention evaluation studies consisted in interrupted time-series studies. The number of injury crashes, drivers involved in injury collisions, and people injured in traffic collisions in Spain between the years 2000-2008 were the study populations. Police and hospital registries were used as sources of information. Quasi-Poisson regression models were adjusted, controlling for time trend and seasonal patterns. The studies included in the present thesis suggest that the prioritisation of road safety in the year 2004 changed the trend of road traffic injuries in Spain, being especially effective in reducing the number of seriously injured people. Among the interventions included in the Road Safety Strategic Programme 2005-2008, speed cameras, the penalty points system, and the criminalisation of a set of road behaviours - by means of reforming the Penal Code – were assessed for effectiveness and were observed to reduce the burden of traffic injuries in Spain. Nevertheless, the literature review included in the thesis identified several effective road safety interventions, such as the graduated licensing system, that have not been implemented as yet, and which could further reduce the number of people injured on the Spanish roads. Important efforts and enough resources will be needed to maintain the level of road safety achieved. Furthermore, additional effective road safety measures should be implemented to reduce the still unacceptably high number of people injured or killed on the Spanish roads every day.

Sistemas de Interação Humano-Computador baseados em toque são uma tecnologia disseminada em tablets, smartphones e notebooks. Trata-se de um grande avanço que aumenta a facilidade de comunicação e, ao mesmo tempo, diminui a necessidade de interfaces como mouse e teclado. Entretanto, a superfície de interação utilizada por esses sistemas normalmente é equipada com sensores para a captação dos movimentos realizados pelo usuário, o que impossibilita transformar uma superfície planar qualquer (uma mesa, por exemplo) em uma superfície de interação. Por outro lado, a popularização de sensores de profundidade a partir do lançamento do Microsoft Kinect propiciou o desenvolvimento de sistemas que adotam objetos do dia a dia como superfícies de interação. Nesta dissertação é proposta uma interface natural para interação com superfícies planares utilizando uma câmera RGB-D em posição descendente. Inicialmente, o plano de interação é localizado na nuvem de pontos 3D através de uma variação do algoritmo RANSAC com coerência temporal. Objetos acima do plano são segmentados a partir da transformada watershed baseada em uma função de energia que combina cor, profundidade e informação de confiança. A cor de pele é utilizada para isolar as mãos, e os dedos que interagem com o plano são identificados por um novo processo de esqueletonização 2D. Finalmente, as pontas dos dedos são rastreadas com o uso do algoritmo Húngaro, e o filtro de Kalman é usado para produzir trajetórias mais suaves. Para demonstrar a utilidade da técnica, foi desenvolvido um protótipo que permite ao usuário desenhar em uma superfície de forma natural e intuitiva. / Touch-based Human-Computer Interfaces (HCIs) are a widespread technology present in tablets, smartphones, and notebooks. This is a breakthrough which increases the ease of communication and at the same time reduces the need for interfaces such as mouse and keyboard. However, the interaction surface used by these systems is usually equipped with sensors to capture the movements made by the user, making it impossible to substitute this surface by any other such as a table, for example. On the other hand, the progress of commercial 3D depth sensing technologies in the past five years, having as a keystone Microsoft’s Kinect sensor, has increased the interest in 3D hand gesture recognition using depth data. In this dissertation, we present a natural Human-Computer Interface (HCI) for interaction with planar surfaces using a topdown RGB-D camera. Initially, the interaction plane is located in the 3D point cloud by using a variation of RANSAC with temporal coherence. Off-plane objects are segmented using the watershed transform based on an energy function that combines color, depth and confidence information. Skin color information is used to isolate the hand(s), and a novel 2D skeletonization process identifies the interaction fingers. Finally, the fingertips are tracked using the Hungarian algorithm, and a Kalman filter is applied to produce smoother trajectories. To demonstrate the usefulness of the technique, we also developed a prototype in which the user can draw on the surface using lines and sprays in a natural way.