<p>There are several methods avaliable to find areas of interest, but most fail at detecting such areas in cluttered scenes. In this paper two methods will be presented and tested in a qualitative perspective. The first is the darg operator, which is used to detect three dimensional convex or concave objects by calculating the derivative of the argument of the gradient in one direction of four rotated versions. The four versions are thereafter added together in their original orientation. A multi scale version is recommended to avoid the problem that the standard deviation of the Gaussians, combined with the derivatives, controls the scale of the object, which is detected. </p><p>Another feature detected in this paper is rotational symmetries with the help of approximative polynomial expansion. This approach is used in order to minimalize the number and sizes of the filters used for a correlation of a representation of the orientation and filters matching the rotational symmetries of order 0, 1 and 2. With this method a particular type of rotational symmetry can be extracted by using both the order and the orientation of the result. To improve the method’s selectivity a normalized inhibition is applied on the result, which causes a much weaker result in the two other resulting pixel values when one is high. </p><p>Both methods are not enough by themselves to give a definite answer to if the image consists of an area of interest or not, since several other things have these types of features. They can on the other hand give an indication where in the image the feature is found.</p>

<p>Gaze tracking means to detect and follow the direction in which a person looks. This can be used in for instance human-computer interaction. Most existing systems illuminate the eye with IR-light, possibly damaging the eye. The motivation of this thesis is to develop a truly non-intrusive gaze tracking system, using only a digital camera, e.g. a web camera.</p><p>The approach is to detect and track different facial features, using varying image analysis techniques. These features will serve as inputs to a neural net, which will be trained with a set of predetermined gaze tracking series. The output is coordinates on the screen.</p><p>The evaluation is done with a measure of accuracy and the result is an average angular deviation of two to four degrees, depending on the quality of the image sequence. To get better and more robust results, a higher image quality from the digital camera is needed.</p>

<p>The dynamical evolution of the spin axis direction due to gravitational and thermal factors is examined. It is found that the spin axis variations generally are regular and relatively small for the bodies in the asteroid main belt. There are also reasons to believe that this is the case for minor objects beyond the main belt. However, it is found that these regular variations are larger when the orbital inclination of the objects is increased. This effect may explain certain features in the spin vector distribution of the main belt asteroids, not possible to explain by collisional factors. The spin vector evolution of the asteroids in the inner solar system, including the Earth- and Mars-crossing objects, is often subjected to strong forces related to frequencies in the orbital evolution. The variations in the spin vector direction are then very large and often subjected to chaos. The larger frequency related obliquity zones of the Mars-crossers are usually regular while the zones of the Earth-Mars-crossers often are of a chaotic nature. The spin vector evolution of asteroids with comet-like orbits is often chaotic regardless of initial obliquity. For the inner solar system asteroids, it is often possible for an initial prograde spin to turn into a retrograde one, or vice versa, due to the frequency related phenomena. Though some spin vector directions seem to be more probable than other ones over time, there are no indications for an evolution towards a more prograde or a more retrograde spin vector distribution.</p><p>The effects on the spin vector evolution from the thermal Yarkovsky force are examined for objects with radii larger than 50 m. This force will affect the orbital evolution and thus indirectly affect the spin vector evolution. However, it is found that the studied effects are minor as compared to the gravitationally related ones. This is true both for the diurnal and the seasonal variants of the Yarkovsky force.</p>

In 2003, seeds of Macrobrachium rosenbergii were stocked at 2, 4, and 6 postlarvae/m2 as well as 1, 2 and 3 juveniles/m2 with two culture systems, the integrated and rotational prawn - rice systems. Prawns were fed with pellets twice a day. Water levels in rice plots were arranged at the same levels for both systems. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in the integrated system were lower than in the rotational system. The growth of prawns decreased at higher stocking densities. Prawns in the rotational system grew faster than those in integrated system. The yields ranged from 286 ± 32 to 516 ± 51 and 412 ± 17 to 584 ± 37 kg/ha in the integrated and rotational system at stocking PL, respectively. The yields of prawns ranged from 251 ± 16 to 430 ± 54 and 297 ± 24 to 486 ± 38 kg/ha in integrated and rotational prawn - rice systems stocking juveniles, respectively. However, at higher density, the investment cost significantly increased (P < 0.05), while profit significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At low density, cost benefit ratio and profit were the highest (P < 0.05). Finally, the integrated rice - prawn system gives lower profits than the rotational system. In 2004, an experiment on the effects of stocking densities (1, 2, 3 and 4 PL/m2) and feeding types, pellets only (P) and pellets + snail meat (PS), on the production and economic aspects of rotational prawn culture in the rice fields were carried out in the same culture facilities. Water levels were 0.3 - 0.6 m in rice-grown areas. Water temperatures were higher than the suitable range for prawns at noon in the hot months. After 7 months, survival rates of prawns were 28.0 - 50.3 %. Final mean weights were 32.0 - 39.8 g/prawn. Yields ranged from 194 ± 82 to 373 ± 32 kg/ha. There was no significant difference between the two types of feeding on production parameters (P > 0.05). The total cost significantly increased at higher densities (P < 0.05) but it was not different between feed types (P > 0.05). Net profit and cost benefit ratio of treatment PS were significantly higher than in treatment P. In the present study, yield (394 ± 22 kg/ha) and cost benefit ratio (1.57 ± 0.07) in treatment PS at 3 PL/m² were significantly the highest (P < 0.05). The effects of stocking densities of postlarvae (0.5, 1 and 2 PL/m2) on the production and economics of prawn culture in the integrated rice - prawn system were studied to affirm the efficiency of this model with low investment. The high temperature in the dry season and low dissolved oxygen after rice harvesting caused small final mean weights, low survival rates and low yields. However, low investment in this system led to good cost benefit ratio. The on farm trials of rotational rice - prawn farming in the semi-deep water area were monitored with the farmers in six rice fields (0.7 - 1.0 ha). Two treatments of feed types (pellets and pellets + snail meat) were applied at stocking 4 PL/m2. Prawns in two treatments of densities (4 and 5 PL/m2) were fed on a combination of pellets and snail meat. By cull harvesting during the culture period, final mean weights of prawn were improved and larger than 50 g/prawn in all treatments. The prawn yield of treatment 5 PL/m2 was highest (630 ± 22 kg/ha). Net profits in the treatment using a combination of pellets and snail meat were 861 ± 193 US$/ha to 1,019 ± 25 US$/ha for the prawn crop and 1,393 ± 71 US$/ha to 1,576 ± 180 US$/ha for the whole system (prawn crop + dry rice crop). The integrated two rice crop and one prawn crop system with low investment costs can be applied by poor farmers, while the rotational a rice crop and one prawn crop system with higher operating costs can be practiced by moderately well off and rich farmers. Due to a higher economic return than monoculture of rice or rice - fish systems, rice - freshwater prawn system is spreading very rapidly in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. En 2003, de jeunes Macrobrachium rosenbergii furent stockés à 2, 4 et 6 postlarves/m² ainsi qu’à 1, 2 et 3 juvéniles/m² dans deux systèmes de culture: riz et crevettes produits soit en même temps (intégration) soit successivement (rotation). Les crevettes étaient alimentées de granulés deux fois par jour. Les niveaux d’eau dans les casiers rizicoles ont été maintenus identiques dans les 2 systèmes. Les concentrations en oxygène dissous dans le système intégré étaient plus faibles que dans le système en rotation. La croissance des crevettes a diminué aux plus fortes densités. Les crevettes dans le système en rotation ont grandi plus rapidement que dans le système intégré. Les récoltes à partir de postlarves se sont étalées de 286 ± 32 à 516 ± 51 et de 412 ± 17 à 584 ± 37 kg/ha respectivement dans le système intégré et en rotation. Les récoltes à partir de juvéniles se sont étalées de 251 ± 16 à 430 ± 54 et de 297 ± 24 à 486 ± 36 kg/ha respectivement dans le système intégré et en rotation. Cependant, à plus forte densité, les coûts d’investissement augmentent significativement (P < 0,05), tandis que le profit diminue significativement (P < 0,05). A faible densité le rapport coûtbénéfice et le profit ont été les plus élevés (P < 0,05). Finalement, le système intégré riz-crevette donne des profits plus faibles que le système en rotation. En 2004, une expérience sur les effets de différentes densités de mise en charge (1, 2, 3 et 4 PL/m²) et des types d’aliments, granulés uniquement (G) ou granulés et viande d’escargot (GE), sur la production et les aspects économiques de la culture riz-crevette en rotation ont été effectués dans les mêmes installations que précédemment. Les niveaux d’eau ont varié de 0,3 à 0,6 m dans les zones de production du riz. Les températures de l’eau ont été plus élevées que la température optimale pour la crevette du moins à midi pendant les mois les plus chauds. Après 7 mois, les taux de survie ont été de 28,0 à 50,3 %. Les poids moyens finaux étaient de 32,0 à 39,8 g/crevette. Les récoltes s’étalaient entre 194 ± 82 à 373 ±32 kg/ha. Aucune différence statistique (P < 0,05) concernant les paramètres de production n’a été enregistrée entre les deux types d’alimentation. Les coûts totaux ont augmenté significativement (P < 0,05) à plus fortes densités de mise en charge mais n’étaient pas différents selon les types d’aliments. Le profit net et le rapport coût bénéfice ont été significativement plus élevés avec les aliments combinés (GE) qu’avec les granulés seuls (G). Nos travaux démontrent que la récolte (394 ± 22 kg/ha) et le rapport coût bénéfice du traitement aliment combiné (GE) à 3 PL/:m² donne les meilleurs résultats (P < 0,05). Les effets de différentes densités de mise en charge de postlarves (0,5, 1 et 2 PL/m²) sur la production et le gain monétaire de l’élevage de crevette d’eau douce dans le système riz –crevette intégré ont été étudiés afin de confirmer l’efficacité de ce modèle basé sur un faible investissement. La température élevée en saison sèche et les faibles concentrations en oxygène dissous de l’eau après la récolte du riz induisent des poids moyens finaux faibles, de faibles taux de survie et de faibles récoltes. Cependant, le faible investissement nécessaire conduit à un bon rapport coût bénéfice. Les essais sur fermes du système riz-crevette en rotation dans les zones semi-profondes du district de Codo ont été effectués de façon participative avec les fermiers dans six champs de riz (0,7-1,0 ha). Deux types d’aliments (G et GE) ont été testés à la densité de 4 PL/m² et deux types de densité (4 et 5 PL/m²) ont été testés avec l’aliment combiné (GE). Grâce à des récoltes partielles en cours de production, les poids moyens finaux des crevettes ont été améliorés et étaient supérieurs à 50 g/crevette pour tous les traitements. La récolte de crevette à 5 PL/m² a été la plus élevée (630 ± 22 kg/ha). Les profits nets du traitement combinant les 2 types d’aliments (GE) ont varié de 861 ± 193 US$/ha à 1.019 ± 25 US$/ha pour la récolte de crevettes et de 1.393 ± 71 US$/ha à 1.576 ± 180 US$/ha pour l’ensemble du système (riz + crevette). Le système intégré de deux récoltes de riz et 1 récolte de crevette par an nécessite peu d’investissement et peut être appliquée par les fermiers les plus pauvres tandis que le système une récolte de riz et une récolte de crevette en rotation par an nécessite des investissements plus conséquents et ne peut être appliqué que par des fermiers aisés ou riches. Etant donné que le revenu économique du système riz-crevette est nettement plus élevé que la seule riziculture ou même que la rizipisciculture, ce système est en train de se développer très rapidement dans le delta du Mékong.

The dynamical evolution of the spin axis direction due to gravitational and thermal factors is examined. It is found that the spin axis variations generally are regular and relatively small for the bodies in the asteroid main belt. There are also reasons to believe that this is the case for minor objects beyond the main belt. However, it is found that these regular variations are larger when the orbital inclination of the objects is increased. This effect may explain certain features in the spin vector distribution of the main belt asteroids, not possible to explain by collisional factors. The spin vector evolution of the asteroids in the inner solar system, including the Earth- and Mars-crossing objects, is often subjected to strong forces related to frequencies in the orbital evolution. The variations in the spin vector direction are then very large and often subjected to chaos. The larger frequency related obliquity zones of the Mars-crossers are usually regular while the zones of the Earth-Mars-crossers often are of a chaotic nature. The spin vector evolution of asteroids with comet-like orbits is often chaotic regardless of initial obliquity. For the inner solar system asteroids, it is often possible for an initial prograde spin to turn into a retrograde one, or vice versa, due to the frequency related phenomena. Though some spin vector directions seem to be more probable than other ones over time, there are no indications for an evolution towards a more prograde or a more retrograde spin vector distribution. The effects on the spin vector evolution from the thermal Yarkovsky force are examined for objects with radii larger than 50 m. This force will affect the orbital evolution and thus indirectly affect the spin vector evolution. However, it is found that the studied effects are minor as compared to the gravitationally related ones. This is true both for the diurnal and the seasonal variants of the Yarkovsky force.

The purpose of the work presented in this thesis is to implement co-rotational beam elements and branch-switching procedures in order to analyse elastic and elastoplasticinstability problems. For the 2D beam elements, the co-rotational framework is taken from Crisfield [23]. The main objective is to compare three different local elasto-plastic elements. The 3D co-rotational formulation is based on the work of Pacoste and Eriksson [73],with new items concerning the parameterisation of the finite rotations, the definitionof the local frame, the inclusion of warping effects through the introduction of aseventh nodal degree of freedom and the consideration of rigid links. Differenttypes of local formulations are considered, including or not warping effects. It isshown that at least some degree of non-linearity must be introduced in the localstrain definition in order to obtain correct results for certain classes of problems. Within the present approach any cross-section can be modelled, and particularly, the centroid and shear center are not necessarily coincident.Plasticity is introduced via a von Mises material with isotropic hardening. Numericalintegration over the cross-section is performed. At each integration point, theconstitutive equations are solved by including interaction between the normal andshear stresses. Concerning instabilities, a new numerical method for the direct computation of elasticcritical points is proposed. This is based on a minimal augmentation procedure asdeveloped by Eriksson [32–34]. In elasto-plasticity, a literature survey, mainly concernedwith theoretical aspects is first presented. The objective is to get a completecomprehension of the phenomena and to give a basis for the two branch-switchingprocedures presented in this thesis.A large number of examples are used in order to assess the performances of the elements and the path-following procedures. / QC 20100512

While the single core accretion model for low mass star formation is well developed, it cannot simply be extended into the high mass star formation regime where clustered star formation dominates. The study of intermediate-mass star formation should provide us with insights into how the process of star formation changes for high mass stars. In this thesis observations of H2O line emission from two intermediate-mass candidate Young Stellar Objects (YSOs) made using the HIFI instrument aboard the Herschel Space Observatory are presented. Modelling of molecular line emission using the radiative transfer code RATRAN is used to put constraints on kinematics and the abundance of water throughout the region by modelling the observed water lines after decomposing them into separate Gaussian components. The medium component of the 752 GHz line from Vela IRS 17 was modelled by using a turbulent velocity of 1.7 km s^-1 and an outer abundance of 6x10^-8. The narrow component of the 752 GHz line from Vela IRS 19 could be modelled using a turbulent velocity of 0.6 km s^-1 and an outer abundance of 6x 10^-8, while the medium component required an outer abundance of 4 x 10^-7 with a turbulent velocity of 2.5 km s^-1. The constraints on water abundance in these star-forming regions are to be used along with studies of water in low and high mass star-forming regions in the effort to improve our understanding of star formation across the entire stellar mass spectrum.

No description available.

This thesis focuses on the design, development, and evolution of a novel patent-pending plastic processing technology entitled “Rapid Rotational Foam Molding” with special emphasis on the processing of polyethylene (PE) integral-skin foamed core moldings. Rapid Rotational Foam Molding is a technology deliberately designed to address the intrinsic disadvantage of conventional rotational foam molding, i.e., its very long cycle times. In this context, a physical system that exploits the positive synergistic effects of innovatively combining extrusion melt compounding and rotational foam molding was designed and built. The fundamental processing steps of this system comprise (i) rotationally molding a non-foamable PE powder in a lab-scale oven while, (ii) simultaneously melt compounding and foaming a pre-dry blended foamable PE and chemical blowing agent (CBA) formulation in an on-line lab-scale extruder, and then (iii) filling the newly created foaming material into the non-chilled hollow article thereby created in the mold through a special interface. Two varieties of PE resins ranging from linear low density PE (LLDPE) to high density PE (HDPE) were selected for experimentation with melt flow rates (MFR) ranging from 2.0 to 3.6 g/10min. The implemented CBA was Celogen OT. The materials were characterized using thermal analysis techniques such as differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to ensure their correct operating temperatures ranges. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized for characterizing the quality of the foam samples and achieved skin-foam interface for the final moldings. Improvements to the achieved molding quality were accomplished through various system and process modifications described throughout this research work.

Extrusion compounding addresses such problems as the non-homogeneity of the mixture and separation of fiber from the polymer during rotational molding, which consequently affect the mechanical and physical properties of the resulting composites. <p>Using triethoxyvinylsilane as chemical pre-treatment on flax fibers and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) as polymer matrices, this study focused on the effects of flax fiber content (0%, 12.5% or 25%) and extrusion parameters such as barrel zone temperatures (75-110-120-130-140°C or 75-120-130-140-150°C) and screw speed (110 or 150 rpm) on the extrudate and composite properties (extrudate color, extrudate density, extrudate melt flow index, extrudate morphology, composite color, composite density, composite morphology, composite tensile strength and composite water absorption). <p>A mixture of chemically pre-treated flax fibers and powdered polyethylene matrices underwent extrusion compounding using a twin-screw extruder. The extrudates were then pelletized, ground, rotationally molded and cut into test specimens (composites). The mechanical and physical properties of both the extrudates and the composites from different treatments were then measured and compared. <p>Using multiple linear regression, models were generated to show quantitatively the significant effects of the process variables on the response variables. Finally, using response surface methodology and superposition surface methodology on the preceding data, the following optimum values for fiber content and extrusion parameters were determined: for LLDPE composites, fiber content = 6.25%, temperatures = 75-117.3-127.3-137.3-147.3°C, screw speed = 117.5 rpm; for HDPE composites, fiber content = 5.02%, temperatures = 75-118.1-128.1-138.1-148.1°C, screw speed = 125.56 rpm.