Measuring tree stem diameters and straightness with depth-image computer vision

Current techniques of forest inventory rely on manual measurements and are slow and labor intensive.Recent developments in computer vision and depth sensing can produce accurate measurement data at significantly reduced time and labor costs.We developed the ForSense system to measure the diameters of trees at various points along the stem as well as stem straightness.Time use,mean absolute error(MAE),and root mean squared error(RMSE)metrics were used to compare the system against manual methods,and to compare the system against itself(reproducibility).Depth-derived diameter measurements of the stems at the heights of 0.3,1.4,and 2.7 m achieved RMSE of 1.7,1.5,and 2.7 cm,respectively.The ForSense system produced straightness measurement data that was highly correlated with straightness ratings by trained foresters.The ForSense system was also consistent,achieving sub-centimeter diameter difference with subsequent measures and less than 4%difference in straightness value between runs.This method of forest inventory,which is based on depth-image computer vision,is time efficient compared to manual methods and less computationally and technologically intensive compared to Structure-from-Motion(SFM)photogrammetry and ground-based LiDAR or terrestrial laser scanning(TLS).

Monte Carlo Method for the Uncertainty Evaluation of Spatial Straightness Error Based on New Generation Geometrical Product Specification

Straightness error is an important parameter in measuring high-precision shafts. New generation geometrical product speeifieation（GPS） requires the measurement uncertainty characterizing the reliability of the results should be given together when the measurement result is given. Nowadays most researches on straightness focus on error calculation and only several research projects evaluate the measurement uncertainty based on ＂The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement（GUM）＂. In order to compute spatial straightness error（SSE） accurately and rapidly and overcome the limitations of GUM, a quasi particle swarm optimization（QPSO） is proposed to solve the minimum zone SSE and Monte Carlo Method（MCM） is developed to estimate the measurement uncertainty. The mathematical model of minimum zone SSE is formulated. In QPSO quasi-random sequences are applied to the generation of the initial position and velocity of particles and their velocities are modified by the constriction factor approach. The flow of measurement uncertainty evaluation based on MCM is proposed, where the heart is repeatedly sampling from the probability density function（PDF） for every input quantity and evaluating the model in each case. The minimum zone SSE of a shaft measured on a Coordinate Measuring Machine（CMM） is calculated by QPSO and the measurement uncertainty is evaluated by MCM on the basis of analyzing the uncertainty contributors. The results show that the uncertainty directly influences the product judgment result. Therefore it is scientific and reasonable to consider the influence of the uncertainty in judging whether the parts are accepted or rejected, especially for those located in the uncertainty zone. The proposed method is especially suitable when the PDF of the measurand cannot adequately be approximated by a Gaussian distribution or a scaled and shifted t-distribution and the measurement model is non-linear.

Effect of Working Position on Vertical Motion Straightness of Open Hydrostatic Guideways in Grinding Machine

Hydrostatic guideways have various applications in precision machine tools due to their high motion accuracy. The analysis of motion straightness in hydrostatic guideways is generally ignoring the external load on the slider. A variation force also exists, caused by the different working positions, together with the dead load of the slider and that of other auxiliary devices. The effect of working position on vertical motion straightness is investigated based on the equivalent static model, considering the error averaging effort of pressured oil film in open hydrostatic guideways. Open hydrostatic guideways in LGF1000 are analyzed with this approach. The theoretical results show that the slider has maximum vertical motion straightness when the working position is closer the guiderail of Y axis. The vertical motion straightness reaches a minimum value as the working position is located at the center of the two guiderails on the Y axis. The difference between the maximum and minimum vertical motion straightness is 34.7%. The smaller vertical motion straightness is attributed to the smaller spacing of the two pads centers, along the Y direction. The experimental results show that the vertical motion straightness is 4.15 μm/1200 mm, when the working position is located in the middle of the Xbeam, and 5.08 pro/1200 mm, when the working position is approaching the Y guiderails, denoting an increase of 18.3%. The changing trends of the measured results validate the correctness of the theoretical model. The research work can be used to reveal the variation law of accuracy of the open hydrostatic guideways, under different working positions, to predict the machining precision, and provides the basis for an error compensation strategy for gantry type grinding machines.

On-Machine Measurement of the Straightness and Tilt Errors of a Linear Slideway Using a New Four-Sensor Method

Although there are some multi-sensor methods for measuring the straightness and tilt errors of a linear slideway, they need to be further improved in some aspects, such as suppressing measurement noise and reducing precondition.In this paper, a new four-sensor method with an improved measurement system is proposed to on-machine separate the straightness and tilt errors of a linear slideway from the sensor outputs, considering the influences of the reference surface profile and the zero-adjustment values. The improved system is achieved by adjusting a single sensor to di erent positions. Based on the system, a system of linear equations is built by fusing the sensor outputs to cancel out the e ects of the straightness and tilt errors. Three constraints are then derived and supplemented into the linear system to make the coe cient matrix full rank. To restrain the sensitivity of the solution of the linear system to the measurement noise in the sensor outputs, the Tikhonov regularization method is utilized. After the surface profile is obtained from the solution, the straightness and tilt errors are identified from the sensor outputs. To analyze the e ects of the measurement noise and the positioning errors of the sensor and the linear slideway, a series of computer simulations are carried out. An experiment is conducted for validation, showing good consistency. The new four-sensor method with the improved measurement system provides a new way to measure the straightness and tilt errors of a linear slideway, which can guarantee favorable propagations of the residuals induced by the noise and the positioning errors.

Geometric Approximation Searching Algorithm for Spatial Straightness Error Evaluation

Considering the characteristics of spatial straightness error, this paper puts forward a kind of evaluation method of spatial straightness error using Geometric Approximation Searching Algorithm (GASA). According to the minimum condition principle of form error evaluation, the mathematic model and optimization objective of the GASA are given. The algorithm avoids the optimization and linearization, and can be fulfilled in three steps. First construct two parallel quadrates based on the preset two reference points of the spatial line respectively;second construct centerlines by connecting one quadrate each vertices to another quadrate each vertices;after that, calculate the distances between measured points and the constructed centerlines. The minimum zone straightness error is obtained by repeating comparing and reconstructing quadrates. The principle and steps of the algorithm to evaluate spatial straightness error is described in detail, and the mathematical formula and program flowchart are given also. Results show that this algorithm can evaluate spatial straightness error more effectively and exactly.

High-precision method of detecting motion straightness based on plane mirror interference

A high-precision method of detecting motion straightness was proposed based on the prin- ciple of plane mirror interference after analyzing the motion straightness error of a linear stage. De- tection experiments were carried out and the motion straightness errors were separated by the linear regression method. Finally, linear measurement uncertainty of the detection method was estimated. The results showed that this detection method was simple and accurate, and was especially suitable for precision detection of motion straightness error in the small travel movement of ultra-precision machining.

ALTERABLE INTERVAL OPTICALELECTRONIC AUTOCOLLIMATION METHOD FOR STRAIGHTNESS MEASUREMENT OF PRECISION GUIDE

Optical-electronic autocollimation method is commonly used to measure straightness of precision guides in engineering application. However, the traditional fixed interval optical-electronic autocollimation method is not suitable for measuring straightness of an air-bearing guide with a long air-bearing bush or a precision straight guide with a long slide-carriage, because the air-bearing bush and the slidecarriage are actually taken as a big bridgeboard bigger than the length of the bridgeboard with the reflector, which is about 1/4-1/2 of total length of the measured guide. If straightness is measured according to the traditional method, only a few points are sampled so that the guide straightness can not be evaluated fully or accurately. In order to solve the problem, an alterable measuring interval method is proposed for straightness measurement based on analyzing the mutual relations and effects among the tilting angle of the reflector, the length of the bridgeboard, the measuring interval and the straightness of the guide. A straightness calculation model is also developed using the method, and the errors stemming from the method proposed are introduced in brief. A precision air-bearing guide with a long air-bearing bush is measured and evaluated using the method proposed, and the actual measurement and evaluation results prove that the method is correct in theory and practical in operation. The method proposed gives an effective and flexible solution to the straightness measurement of the precision guide with long slide-carriage or air-bearing bush in application. It is an extension of the traditional optical-electronic autocollimation method for straightness measurement.

Improvement on straightness of metal bar based on straightening stroke-deflection model

The straightening technics is one of important means to improve the straightness of metal bar. A nove way of predicting the straightening stroke is proposed based on mathematical methods and bending experimental and numerical simulation. The experimental and numerical simulation is conducted by following the mathematical load-stroke model of press straightening process under the elastic-plastic theory. For the linear guide rails, as an example, the stroke-deflection model focusing on the straight-ening stroke prediction can be achieved by contrasting and integrating the bending experimental results and finite element methods (FEM) simulation data. And then the formula for predicting the straightening stroke is presented based on the precise straightening stroke-deflection model. The stroke prediction formula with high precision can be applied to the straightening stroke prediction in the high straightness metal bar manufacturing process and automatic straightening machine conveniently.

Going straight for the gut:gut-brain axis pathology and treatment of Parkinson's disease

This perspective focuses on the recent literature regarding the role of the gut-brain axis(GBA) in fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) and stem cell therapy(SCT) in Parkinson's disease(PD).PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States,yet therapies remain limited.Current research suggests that the GBA may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.GBAbased FMT as well as SCT offer promising new avenues for PD treatment.Pro bing the interactions between FMT and SCT with the GBA may reveal novel therapeutics for PD.

A self-organization formation configuration based assignment probability and collision detection

The formation control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles(multi-UAVs)has always been a research hotspot.Based on the straight line trajectory,a multi-UAVs target point assignment algorithm based on the assignment probability is proposed to achieve the shortest overall formation path of multi-UAVs with low complexity and reduce the energy consumption.In order to avoid the collision between UAVs in the formation process,the concept of safety ball is introduced,and the collision detection based on continuous motion of two time slots and the lane occupation detection after motion is proposed to avoid collision between UAVs.Based on the idea of game theory,a method of UAV motion form setting based on the maximization of interests is proposed,including the maximization of self-interest and the maximization of formation interest is proposed,so that multi-UAVs can complete the formation task quickly and reasonably with the linear trajectory assigned in advance.Finally,through simulation verification,the multi-UAVs target assignment algorithm based on the assignment probability proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the total path length,and the UAV motion selection method based on the maximization interests can effectively complete the task formation.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Hand-Reared in Captivity: Isotopic Insights into Their Inherent Dietary Variation

Stable isotope analysis is a widely used method for gathering ecological insights into the diet and feeding habitats of various species. While captive studies often limit lethal sampling and differ from wild conditions, they offer valuable insights into inherent isotopic variations among individuals, which are often assumed to reflect differences between natural populations. In the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, loggerhead turtle hatchlings from different nests were fed. Necropsies were conducted on turtles that died during this period, obtaining bone fragments for analysis. We evaluated the isotopic variation of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in bone tissue across six turtle nests (n = 66 samples) and assessed differences in Straight Carapace Length (SCL, n = 71 samples). Using SIBER and nicheROVER in R, we calculated niche width and overlap, while the simmr package determined primary prey assimilation. Despite feeding the hatchlings the same prey, we observed variations in nitrogen isotope assimilation between nests. Nests 4 and 6 had a niche width >1.8‰, indicating consistent consumption frequencies across all prey and >70% niche overlap with other nests. In contrast, nests 1 and 2 showed a narrower niche width (Mugil sp. constituted the primary diet component (>40%) across all groups. This study demonstrates how factors like competition or prey preference can influence the assimilation of diet, even when the source remains constant (inherent variation).

我需要牛仔裤

Look around you,and you will see many people wearing jeans.They are popular and a favorite fashion choice for men and women of all ages.There are many styles and colors of jeans.But blue is still the most common color.Some jeans are tight.Some have straight legs,others have wide legs.Jeans with rips in them are in fashion now.

Potential sex differences in activation of pain-related brain regions in nonhuman primates with a unilateral spinal nerve ligation

The lack of truly robust analgesics for chronic pain is owed,in part,to the lack of an animal model that reflects the clinical pain state and of a mechanismbased,objective neurological indicator of pain.The present study examined stimulus-evo ked brain activation with functional magnetic resonance imaging in male and female cynomolgus macaques following unilateral L7 spinal nerve ligation and the effects of clinical analgesics pregabalin,duloxetine,and morphine on brain activation in these macaques.A modified straight leg raise test was used to assess pain severity in awake animals and to evo ke regional brain activation in anesthetized animals.The potential effects of clinical analgesics on both awake pain behavior and regional brain activation were examined.Following spinal nerve ligation,both male and female macaques showed significantly decreased ipsilateral straight leg raise thresholds,suggesting the presence of radicula rlike pain.Morphine treatment increased straight leg raise thresholds in both males and females whereas duloxetine and pregabalin did not.In male macaques,the ipsilateral straight leg raise activated contralateral insular and somatosensory cortex(Ins/SII),and thalamus.In female macaques,the ipsilateral leg raise activated cingulate cortex and contralateral insular and somatosensory cortex.Straight leg raises of the contralateral,unligated leg did not evoke brain activation.Morphine reduced activation in all brain regions in both male and female macaques.In males,neither pregabalin nor duloxetine decreased brain activation compared with vehicle treatment.In females,however,pregabalin and duloxetine decreased the activation of cingulate cortex compared with vehicle treatment.The current findings suggest a diffe rential activation of brain areas depending on sex following a peripheral nerve injury.Diffe rential brain activation observed in this study could underlie qualitative sexual dimorphism in clinical chronic pain perception and responses to analgesics.Future pain management approaches for neuropathic pain will need to consider potential sex differences in pain mechanism and treatment efficacy.

Straight and twisted Weyl nodal line phonons in Ho2CF2 material

Based on first-principles calculations, symmetry analysis and model construction, we predict that Ho2CF2hosts both straight and twisted Weyl nodal lines in its bulk phonon spectrum. We identify that the top two phonon bands entangle with each other, forming two straight Weyl nodal lines on the K–H and K′–H′paths at the Brillouin zone(BZ) boundary,and six twisted Weyl nodal lines within the BZ. All the Weyl nodal lines along the kz direction and across the entire BZ.The symmetry analysis indicates that these Weyl nodal lines are protected by the PT symmetry and crystal symmetry. The Berry phase and drumhead-like nontrivial surface states are calculated. We also construct a tight-binding model to describe these nodal lines. Our work provides an excellent material platform for exploring the fascinating physics associated with straight and twisted Weyl nodal line phonons.

Design and fabrication of a series contact RF MEMS switch with a novel top electrode

Radio-frequency(RF)micro-electro-mechanical-system(MEMS)switches are widely used in communication devices and test instruments.In this paper,we demonstrate the structural design and optimization of a novel RF MEMS switch with a straight top electrode.The insertion loss,isolation,actuator voltage,and stress distribution of the switch are optimized and explored simultaneously by HFSS and COMSOL software,taking into account both its RF and mechanical properties.Based on the optimized results,a switch was fabricated by a micromachining process compatible with conventional IC processes.The RF performance in the DC to 18 GHz range was measured with a vector network analyzer,showing isolation of more than 21.28 dB over the entire operating frequency range.Moreover,the required actuation voltage was about 9.9 V,and the switching time was approximately 33μs.A maximum lifetime of 109 switching cycles was obtained.Additionally,the dimension of the sample is 1.8 mm×1.8 mm×0.3 mm,which might find application in the current stage.

Explicit Topology Optimization Design of Stiffened Plate Structures Based on the Moving Morphable Component(MMC)Method

This paper proposes an explicit method for topology optimization of stiffened plate structures.The present work is devoted to simultaneously optimizing stiffeners’shape,size and layout by seeking the optimal geometry parameters of a series of moving morphable components(MMC).The stiffeners with straight skeletons and the stiffeners with curved skeletons are considered to enhance the modeling and optimization capability of the current approach.All the stiffeners are represented under the Lagrangian-description framework in a fully explicit way,and the adaptive ground structure method,as well as dynamically updated plate/shell elements,is used to obtain optimized designs with more accurate analysis results.Compared with existing works,the proposed approach provides an explicit description of the structure.Thus,a stiffened plate structure with clear stiffener distribution and smooth geometric boundary can be obtained.Several numerical examples provided,including straight and curved stiffeners,hierarchical stiffeners,and a stiffened plate with a cutout,validate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.

Related mechanisms and research progress in straight back syndrome

Despite the high prevalence of straight back syndrome(SBS),there is still limited research on this condition,posing challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment.The disease has been known for a long time,but there have been few related studies,which mostly consist of case reports.These studies have not been systematically summarized,making it difficult to meet the current needs of diagnosis and treatment.This article summarized the existing literature and comprehensively reviewed the diagnosis,pathogenesis,treatment,and research status of mitral valve prolapse related to SBS.We specifically emphasized the mechanisms and prognosis of SBS combined with mitral valve prolapse and discussed the latest research progress in this disease.

The‘New Normal’of Extreme Weather And the Urgency of Transformation“The era of global warming is over and the era of global boiling has arrived.”

Phong,a 42-year-old Vietnamese motorcyclist begins his busy day at 5 a.m.In Hanoi,light motorcycles are an important mode of transportation.Countless motorcycles shuttle through the streets and alleys of the city,transporting parcels,goods,and passengers to various destinations.Phong usually works for 12 hours straight with little rest.However,the unprecedented heat waves this summer had often pushed daytime temperatures to above 40 degrees Celsius,making it extremely difficult for Phong to complete his daily routine.Phong prepared a hat,a wet handkerchief,and more drinking water.He even installed a small umbrella above his mobile phone rack to prevent the phone from overheating in the sun because it is his only source of work.Despite all the equipment,he is still worried.“If I suffer heat stroke or anything else,I will be unable to work,”he said.“I can’t afford it.”

Magnificent Chinese Apparels

Clothing plays an important role in people’s lives,having been instilled with different significance of social status,lifestyle,aesthetics,and cultural concepts throughout history.It has always been the truest and most straightforward reflection of the social and historical scenes of any given time.In this sense,the histo ry of what people wear as clothes is at the same time a vivid history on the development of civilizations.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Catalyst for Productive Ethylene Cracking Feedstock in Selective Hydrocracking of Straight Run Diesel Oil

The upgrading of diesel oil to produce ethylene rich cracking feedstock is an important and promising technical route to reduce the ratio of diesel to gasoline. In the present work, a hydrocracking catalyst suitable for selective hydrocracking of straight run diesel oil to produce high-quality ethylene cracking feedstock at low cost was developed, by optimizing the composition of catalyst support materials, using amorphous silicon aluminum and aluminum oxide with high mesopore content as the main support, and modified Y zeolite with excellent aromatic ring opening selectivity as the acidic component. The catalyst has in-depth characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, N2-low temperature adsorption-desorption, NH3-temperature-programmed desorption, and IR techniques. And its catalytic cracking straight run diesel oil performance was evaluated. The results show that the prepared catalyst has high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring opening cracking selectivity. However, alkanes retained in diesel distillates can achieve the goal of producing more ethylene cracking feedstocks with low BMCI value under low and moderate pressure conditions. This work may shed significant technical insight for oil refining transformation.