Semantic interaction in visual data analytics allows users to indirectly adjust model parameters by directly manipulating the output of the models. This is accomplished using an underlying bidirectional pipeline that first uses statistical models to visualize the raw data. When a user interacts with the visualization, the interaction is interpreted into updates in the model parameters automatically, giving the users immediate feedback on each interaction. These interpreted interactions eliminate the need for a deep understanding of the underlying statistical models. However, the development of such tools is necessarily complex due to their interactive nature. Furthermore, each tool defines its own unique pipeline to suit its needs, which leads to difficulty experimenting with different types of data, models, interaction techniques, and visual encodings. To address this issue, we present a flexible multi-model bidirectional pipeline for prototyping visual analytics tools that rely on semantic interaction. The pipeline has plug-and-play functionality, enabling quick alterations to the type of data being visualized, how models transform the data, and interaction methods. In so doing, the pipeline enforces a separation between the data pipeline and the visualization, preventing the two from becoming codependent. To show the flexibility of the pipeline, we demonstrate a new visual analytics tool and several distinct variations, each of which were quickly and easily implemented with slight changes to the pipeline or client. / Master of Science

It is well known that the seats in a parked vehicle become very hot and uncomfortable on warm days. A new self-powered thermoelectric car seat cooler is presented to solve this problem. This study details the design and optimization of such a device. The design relates to the high level layout of the major components and their relation to each other in typical operation. Optimization is achieved through the use of the ideal thermoelectric equations to determine the best compromise between power generation and cooling performance. This design is novel in that the same thermoelectric device is utilized for both power generation and for cooling. The first step is to construct a conceptual layout of the self-powered seat cooler. Using the ideal thermoelectric equations, an analytical model of the system is developed. The model is validated against experimental data and shows good correlation. Through a non-dimensional approach, the geometric sizing of the various components is optimized. With the optimal design found, the performance is evaluated using both the ideal equations and though use of the simulation software ANSYS. The final design consists of a flat absorber plate embedded into the car seat with a thermoelectric attached to the back. A finned heat sink is used to cool the thermoelectric. The device is shown to generate enough power to provide a reasonable temperature drop in the seat. / Master of Science

Many data sets have too many features for conventional pattern recognition techniques to work properly. This thesis investigates techniques that alleviate these difficulties. One such technique, biclustering, clusters data in both dimensions and is inherently resistant to the challenges posed by having too many features. However, the algorithms that implement biclustering have limitations in that the user must know at least the structure of the data and how many biclusters to expect. This is where the VIsual Statistical Data Analyzer, or VISDA, can help. It is a visualization tool that successively and progressively explores the structure of the data, identifying clusters along the way. This thesis proposes coupling VISDA with biclustering to overcome some of the challenges of data sets with too many features. Further, to increase the performance, usability, and maintainability as well as reduce costs, VISDA was translated from Matlab to a Python version called VISDApy. Both VISDApy and the overall process were demonstrated with real and synthetic data sets. The results of this work have the potential to improve analysts' understanding of the relationships within complex data sets and their ability to make informed decisions from such data. / Master of Science / Many data sets have too many features for conventional pattern recognition techniques to work properly. This thesis investigates techniques that alleviate these difficulties. One such technique, biclustering, clusters data in both dimensions and is inherently resistant to the challenges posed by having too many features. However, the algorithms that implement biclustering have limitations in that the user must know at least the structure of the data and how many biclusters to expect. This is where the VIsual Statistical Data Analyzer, or VISDA, can help. It is a visualization tool that successively and progressively explores the structure of the data, identifying clusters along the way. This thesis proposes coupling VISDA with biclustering to overcome some of the challenges of data sets with too many features. Further, to increase the performance, usability, and maintainability as well as reduce costs, VISDA was translated from Matlab to a Python version called VISDApy. Both VISDApy and the overall process were demonstrated with real and synthetic data sets. The results of this work have the potential to improve analysts’ understanding of the relationships within complex data sets and their ability to make informed decisions from such data.

Current methods for treating and diagnosing spinal deformities caused by scoliosis are both surgically intensive and rarely allow for complete correction. This is mainly due to the fact that the diagnostic techniques used are rough estimates made by angles defined by observations of 2-D radiographs. By utilizing the latest software, our research is based on designing a tool that creates a 3-D representation of the spine. When creating a three-dimensional spinal model, it becomes possible to determine local curvature and local torsion values at each specific vertebrae. By manipulating these values at discrete locations on the spine, one can generate "virtual" spines in a three-dimensional environment. The Scoliosis Learning Tool includes algorithmic steps that determine the Lenke Classification of the "virtual" spines. The Lenke Classification is the most commonly accepted method for diagnosing spinal deformities. This patient building program will produce a group of spines with random values for curvature, torsion and initial spinal orientation. An algorithm within the software determines the Lenke Classification of each, and discards any curves that appear unnatural. By defining a metric that places an emphasis on certain geometric similarities, the software is able to define diameters of classification groups and separations between different classification groups. In turn it is possible to determine minor to major differences between spines within the same classification. In doing so, the opportunity exists to possibly find an undiscovered deformity that had previously fallen under another classification category. / Master of Science

This project was born out of the work performed by a group of researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) [1] [2] [3] working on interferometric imaging with a spiral array. Their investigation stopped at two dimensional imaging with a two dimensional array. In this thesis, their idea was developed further into the significantly more complex imaging with a three dimensional array. The general design of the NJIT [1] [2] [3] experiment was reproduced, studied, and modified in a manner that was theorized to enhance the experiment with the added ability to perform three dimensional imaging. The NJIT team [1] [2] [3] has developed their experiment to where they were able to accurately perform two dimensional imaging of two sources of equal intensity located at different distances from a spiral array. In this thesis, the equations used for two dimensional imaging are extrapolated into a three dimensional array application. This three dimensional imaging concept is simulated with MATLAB and the results presented and compared to the NJIT experimental results. [1] [2] [3] A proof of concept physical experiment is conducted and the results are compared to the MATLAB simulation. The results show that additional spatial information can be obtained from a three dimensional array that can enhance the information gleaned from images. / Master of Science

No description available.

van der Waals heterostructures meet other low-dimensional materials. Stacking of about 1 nm thick nanosheets with out-of-plane anchor groups functionalized with fullerenes integrates this zero-dimensional material into layered heterostructures with a well-defined chemical composition and without degrading the mechanical properties. The developed modular and highly applicable approach enables the incorporation of other low-dimensional materials, e.g. nanoparticles or nanotubes, into heterostructures significantly extending the possible building blocks.

As pentoses são subprodutos de vários rejeitos agrícolas tais como palha de arroz, palha e sabugo de milho, casca de aveia, bagaço da cana-de-açúcar, caroço de algodão, resíduos de madeira e outros, de onde se pode obter, por digestão com ácido forte, o furfural, e dele, por hidrogenação, o álcool furfurílico (FFA). A polimerização do FFA conduzindo a um produto inerte, resistente a corrosão, que tem sido utilizado principalmente como revestimento de mesas e bancadas de laboratório e de tanques industriais, é um produto negro que apresenta estrutura fortemente intercruzada. Porém, seu relativo alto custo tem constituído uma barreira para que suas aplicações se popularizem. Com o aproveitamento de resíduos industriais da produção de etanol, óleo de arroz, algodão, milho, e da indústria madeireira, espera-se a redução de seu custo de produção e, consequentemente, a ampliação de seu campo de aplicações principalmente por tratar-se de um polímero natural não derivado do petróleo. Por outro lado, o país enfrenta sérias dificuldades no campo habitacional, uma delas sendo o elevado custo dos materiais de construção. Viabilizando-se o emprego de madeiras de reflorestamento para emprego em construção civil e industrial, por exemplo, aumentando sua resistência ao ataque de fungos e de insetos, a propagação da chama e a variação dimensional, proporciona-se um número maior de moradias sem, contudo, promover o desmatamento de reservas de madeiras nobres. Neste trabalho tem-se como objetivos a obtenção de compósitos de madeira e polímero que apresentem vantagens sobre a madeira de reflorestamento sem tratamento, e o estudo de um meio de fixar o bom usando o álcool furfurílico para que as propriedades de ambos sejam combinadas e melhoradas. Impregnou-se duas espécies de coníferas muito populares, uma no Brasil e outra no Japão, com álcool furfurílico em combinação com compostos de boro e testou-se algumas de suas propriedades. Espécies de Coníferas \"Japanese cedar\' (Cryptomena japonica D. Don.) - o sugi, e (Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis) - pinus - foram impregnadas com álcool furfurílico (FFA) pelo processo vácuo-encharcamento seguido da cura do FFA sob aquecimento. Compostos de boro: ácido bórico, borato de amônia e biborato de amônia foram adicionados a solução de impregnação. Espécies impregnadas foram submetidas aos testes de eficiência anti-inchamento, resistência aos térmitas, resistência aos microrganismos, resistência a inflamabilidade e resistência as intempéries. Ao lado destes testes, os resíduos das soluções submetidas aos ciclos de lixiviação de acordo com as normas padrões JIS 9201 (1992) foram analisados através de cromatografia iônica com o objetivo de estudar métodos de fixação do boro na madeira. Os resultados mostraram que a resina de FFA confere a madeira alta estabilidade dimensional. Resultados semelhantes são obtidos quando FFA é combinada com compostos de boro. A mobilidade do bom mostrou diferentes comportamentos em comparação com o tratamento com o ácido bórico, embora o boro ainda seja Iixiviável. A madeira tratada com FFA combinada com compostos de boro apresentou grande resistência a ataques de térmitas e à deterioração biológica quando não submetida a lixiviação. Quando lixiviadas a resistência biológica diminui consideravelmente mas ainda assim é maior que a da madeira sem tratamento ou da tratada somente com ácido bórico. O tratamento mostrou que a combinação aumentou a resistência da madeira contra a queima sem chama. A queima produz pouca fumaça e cinzas. As combinações de tratamento não se mostraram eficazes para fixar a cor durante a exposição as condições climáticas / Pentosans are by-products of many agricultural crops such as rice, com and oat husks, comcobs, sugar cane bagasse, cotton seeds, wood wastes, etc. By digesting these by-products with strong acid furfural can be produced, which, in its turn, can be transformed into furfuryl alcohol through hydrogenation. Polymerization of furfuryl alcohol transforms it into an inert corrosion-resistant product that is used as a coating material for laboratory tables, workbenches and industrial tanks. Its relatively high cost, however, has so far been an obstacle to its widespread application. By taking advantage of industrial waste from ethanol distilleries and from the rice, cotton, com oil and wood industries, it is expected to reduce the cost of furfuryl alcohol production and, thus, to increase its applications. This becomes an increasingly relevant objective when one considers the future scarcity of petroleum. Brazil is also beset by a variety of housing-related problems, one of which is the high cost of construction materials. Increasing the resistance of reforested wood against termite and fungi attacks and enhancing its fireproof and anti-swelling characteristics will enable the country to increase housing and preclude further deforestation of hardwood forests. Present work discusses the work involved in developing a wood-polymer composite with particular characteristics for improving the dimensional stability of wood, increasing its resistance against termite and fungi attacks, decreasing its flammability and enhancing its weathering resistance, for proposing the utilization of furfuryl alcohol as boron fixation agent. Two species of very popular softwoods, one of them in Brazil, pine and the other in Japan, sugi were impregnated with poli-FFA. Sapwood blocks of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don.) and Caribbean pitch pine (Pinus caribaea varohondurensis) were impregnated with furfuryl alcohol (FFA) by a vacuum-impregnation process followed by curing of FFA under heating. Boron compounds: boric acid, ammonium borate and ammonium biborate were mixed in the impregnation solution. Impregnated specimens were submitted to an anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) test, exposed to attack by termites and microorganisms, and subjected to a flame resistance and natural weathering test. Boron leachability was determined, along with ten cycles of weathering, according to JIS 9201 (1992), by ion chromatography (IC). Results indicated that FFA imparted high dimensional stability to wood when mixed with boron compounds. Boron mobility showed differentiated behavior in comparison to treatment with boric acid alone, although boron was still leachable. Wood specimens treated with a FFA-boron compound combination were quite resistant to termite attacks and to biological deterioration when they were not submitted to leaching cycles. When were submitted to leaching cycles, their biological resistance decreased significantly; however, it was still higher than in untreated wood or in wood treated only with boric acid. The treatment proved to be effective as a glowing retardan1.The combustion yields small amount of smoke and ash. Treatments did not prove efficiency to avoid the color changes in outdoor exposure

University of Macau / Faculty of Science and Technology. / Department of Computer and Information Science

A importância das restaurações provisórias no tratamento reabilitador oral é inquestionável. Os materiais utilizados para a elaboração deste tipo de restauração, também são de grande importância, tanto em função da técnica de manuseio como na qualidade e características dos mesmos, devido ao fato de que deles depende a longevidade, adaptação e qualidade das restaurações provisórias. O tipo de manipulação e a técnica utilizada influem nas propriedades físicas das resinas acrílicas, o que poderia causar falhas de adaptação. Por essas razões, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a estabilidade dimensional de uma resina acrílica (Dencor®), utilizada na confecção de coroas provisórias. Foram avaliados cinco tipos de processamento: I polimerização térmica utilizando líquido de polimerização rápida em mufla; II autopolimerização sob pressão em matriz de aço inox; III autopolimerização utilizando pincel; IV autopolimerização após mistura (pó + líquido) em pote dappen e inserção em matriz de aço inox na fase arenosa; V autopolimerização após mistura em pote dappen com inserção na matriz de aço inox na fase plástica. Para cada tipo de processamento foram confeccionados 10 corpos-de-prova. Foi avaliada sua estabilidade dimensional por meio de matrizes de aço inox confeccionadas seguindo a especificação da ADA No 19. Os corpos de prova foram armazenados em água destilada a uma temperatura de 37oC por 6 meses. Durante este tempo eles foram examinados com o microscópio óptico Mitutoyo com aumento de 20 vezes. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (Teste de Tukey) em nível de 5% de significância. Dos resultados obtidos, observamos que todos os corpos de prova tiveram as alterações dimensionais nos primeiros 7 dias da pesquisa independente da técnica utilizada. Já nos dias 30, 90, 180 não foi observada nenhuma alteração dimensional estatisticamente significante. / The importance of the provisional restorations in the oral rehabilitation treatment is undebated. The materials used for the fabrication of this type of restoration, are, as well, of great importance, as much as in function of the processing technique as in their quality and characteristics, due the fact that of them depend the longevity, adaptation and quality of the restorations. The mixing and processing technique influence the physical properties of acrylic resins, what could interfere with the adaptation of the provisional crowns. For these reasons, the present study aimed at evaluating the dimensional stability of an acrylic resin (Dencor®), used for fabrication of provisional crowns. Five types of processing techniques were evaluated: I thermal polymerization using fast polymerization liquid and flask; II - autopolimerization under pressure in stainless steel matrix; III - autopolimerization using bead brush technique to build the sample; IV - autopolimerization after mixture (powder + liquid) in dappen dish and insertion in stainless steel matrix at the sand phase; V - autopolimerization after mixture in dappen dish with insertion in the stainless steel matrix at the plastic phase. For each type of processing technique, 10 samples were made. Dimensional stability was evaluated by means of steel matrices made following the ADA specification no 19. The samples were stored in distilled water at a temperature of 37oC for 6 months. During this time they were examined with the optic microscope Mitutoyo with 20x magnification. The results were subjected to the analysis of variance (Test of Tukey) at the significance level of 5%. From the results obtained, it could be observed that all samples had dimensional alterations in the first 7 days independent of the technique used. In days 30, 90, 180 there were no statisticaly significant dimensional alteration.