Data-driven depth and 3D architectural layout estimation of an interior environment from monocular panoramic input

Recent years have seen significant interest in the automatic 3D reconstruction of indoor scenes, leading to a distinct and very-active sub-field within 3D reconstruction. The main objective is to convert rapidly measured data representing real-world indoor environments into models encompassing geometric, structural, and visual abstractions. This thesis focuses on the particular subject of extracting geometric information from single panoramic images, using either visual data alone or sparse registered depth information. The appeal of this setup lies in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of data acquisition using 360o images. The challenge, however, is that creating a comprehensive model from mostly visual input is extremely difficult, due to noise, missing data, and clutter. My research has concentrated on leveraging prior information, in the form of architectural and data-driven priors derived from large annotated datasets, to develop end-to-end deep learning solutions for specific tasks in the structured reconstruction pipeline. My first contribution consists in a deep neural network architecture for estimating a depth map from a single monocular indoor panorama, operating directly on the equirectangular projection. Leveraging the characteristics of indoor 360-degree images and recognizing the impact of gravity on indoor scene design, the network efficiently encodes the scene into vertical spherical slices. By exploiting long- and short- term relationships among these slices, it recovers an equirectangular depth map directly from the corresponding RGB image. My second contribution generalizes the approach to handle multimodal input, also covering the situation in which the equirectangular input image is paired with a sparse depth map, as provided from common capture setups. Depth is inferred using an efficient single-branch network with a dynamic gating system, processing both dense visual data and sparse geometric data. Additionally, a new augmentation strategy enhances the model's robustness to various types of sparsity, including those from structured light sensors and LiDAR setups. While the first two contributions focus on per-pixel geometric information, my third contribution addresses the recovery of the 3D shape of permanent room surfaces from a single panoramic image. Unlike previous methods, this approach tackles the problem in 3D, expanding the reconstruction space. It employs a graph convolutional network to directly infer the room structure as a 3D mesh, deforming a graph- encoded tessellated sphere mapped to the spherical panorama. Gravity- aligned features are actively incorporated using a projection layer with multi-head self-attention, and specialized losses guide plausible solutions in the presence of clutter and occlusions. The benchmarks on publicly available data show that all three methods provided significant improvements over the state-of-the-art

Fast Diffusion EM: a diffusion model for blind inverse problems with application to deconvolution

Using diffusion models to solve inverse problems is a growing field of research. Current methods assume the degradation to be known and provide impressive results in terms of restoration quality and diversity. In this work, we leverage the efficiency of those models to jointly estimate the restored image and unknown parameters of the degradation model. In particular, we designed an algorithm based on the well-known Expectation-Minimization (EM) estimation method and diffusion models. Our method alternates between approximating the expected log-likelihood of the inverse problem using samples drawn from a diffusion model and a maximization step to estimate unknown model parameters. For the maximization step, we also introduce a novel blur kernel regularization based on a Plug \& Play denoiser. Diffusion models are long to run, thus we provide a fast version of our algorithm. Extensive experiments on blind image deblurring demonstrate the effectiveness of our method when compared to other state-of-the-art approaches

Effects of Artificial Light Treatments on Growth, Mineral Composition, Physiology, and Pigment Concentration in Dieffenbachia maculata “Compacta” Plants

Specific wavebands may allow precise control of plant growth. However, light sources must be carefully evaluated before the large-scale use of supplemental light sources can be implemented. Dieffenbachia maculata “Compacta” plants were grown for 8 weeks in pots in a growth chamber under tightly controlled temperature and humidity in order to assess the effects of supplemental light. Three treatments were applied: (i) using 18-W fluorescent bulbs (T1), (ii) using the same bulbs with supplemental light emitting diodes (LEDs) (Pure Blue and Pure Red Mix-Light-Emitting Diodes (BR-LEDs)) (T2), and (iii) using high-efficiency TL5 fluorescents (T3). Plant biomass, mineral composition, and physiological and photosynthetic parameters were assessed under each light treatment. Total plant dry weight was highest in plants grown under treatments T1 and T3. Other differences were observed between different light treatments, including variation in biomass partitioning as well as N and K concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves. Further, proline and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) levels were higher in plants grown under the T1 treatment, whereas total soluble sugars and starch were higher in plants grown under treatment T3. Plants grown under treatment T1 had the lowest chlorophyll concentrations. No differences were observed in organ water content and P concentration. T2 was not the best treatment, as expected. The model proposed a linear regression between integrated use of spectral energy (IUSE) and total dry weight (TDW), which showed a good relationship with an R2 value of 0.83. Therefore, we recommend this methodology to discern the effects of the different spectral qualities on plant biomass

Influence of structure on de degradation with lacase mediator systems

A new laccase was purified from Trametes hirsuta IMA2002. The laccase had a molecular mass of 62 kDa and an isoelectric point of pH 7. It had an optimum pH of 3.0 and an optimum temperature of 558C. The laccase was quite stable at 308C and pH 4.0 with a half-life of more than 100 hours. On ABTS, yringaldazide, and DMP the laccase showed KM and Kcat values of 75, 12 and 37 mM and 64, 83 and 54 s_1, respectively. The structurally diverse commercial dyes Indigo Carmine, Lanaset Blue 2R, Diamond Black PV 200 and Diamond Fast Brown were oxidized by the laccase. While the rate and extent of decolorization of the latter dye was significantly enhanced by the presence of different types of mediators, the structurally similar azo-dye Tartrazine was not oxidized. Lanaset Blue 2R, a commercial textile dye containing an anthrachinoid structural fragment acted similarly to anthrachinone sulfonic acid by strongly enhancing the rate of the decolorization reaction. Twenty two model azo-dyes based on the molecular framework of 2,7-dihydroxy-1-phenylazonaphtalene-3,6- disulfonic acid were synthesized and the kinetics of their laccase-catalyzed decolorization was studied. Hydroxy- substituted dyes were the most susceptible to enzyme/mediator action. All reactions were well described by Michaelis_/Menten-like kinetics and the Hammett free energy linear relationship could be successfully applied to describe the influence of dye structure (substituents on the aromatic ring) on decolorization. Strongly electron withdrawing substituents such as a nitro-group in the meta-position (_/0.7) resulted in positive s-constants whereas electron donating groups such as para-methyl (_/0.3) resulted in negative values for s-constants

Fittonia verschaffeltii Response to Artificial Light Treatments: BIOMASS, Nutrient Concentrations and Physiological Changes

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different light treatments on biomass, nutrient concentrations and physiological parameters of Fittonia verschaffeltii (Lem) Van Houtte. The aim was to establish a methodology to evaluate the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) emitted by lamps on biomass. The light treatments used were tube luminescent Dunn (TL-D), tube luminescent Dunn + light emitting diodes (LEDs) and Tube luminescent 5 (TL-5). At the end of the experimental period, biomass, nutritional, biochemical, and physiological parameters were assessed. A clear reduction in total plant dry weight under TL-D + LEDs at the end of the experiment was recorded. With respect to nutrient concentration in the different organs assessed, there was no clear response under the different light treatments. The growth under TL-D lamps resulted in the highest concentration of total soluble sugars and starch in leaves, whereas the highest value of indole 3-acetic acid concentration was under TL-5 lamps. Plants grown under TL-D + LEDs showed the lowest values of chlorophyll a, b and a + b. The relationship proposed between integrated use of spectral energy (IUSE) and total dry weight (TDW) showed a good correlation with an R2 value of 0.86, therefore we recommend this methodology to discern the effects of the different spectral qualities on plant biomass

The Impact of Pb from Ammunition on the Vegetation of a Bird Shooting Range

Hunting with lead ammunition represents a source of heavy metal pollution to the environment that can be potentially high at the local scale. Intensive hunting of small game species can concentrate high levels of ammunition discharging in small areas. This type of hunting is a relevant economic resource for private landowners in some regions of Spain, and current legislation allows the use of lead ammunition in these scenarios. It becomes, therefore, highly relevant to study whether this activity may pose concerns to the conservation of the environment in the areas where it takes place. Using a red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) shooting range as a study area, we examined the effect of intensive hunting on this species on the vegetation present. We found significantly higher lead levels in the sprouts of plants of shooting areas related to control sites of the same property where partridge shooting does not occur. We found differences in the presence of lead between sprouts of different plant species. In addition, old sprouts of existing vegetation in shooting areas also showed higher lead levels than newly emerged sprouts of the same plants. These results demonstrate the impact of lead ammunition on vegetation in terms of persistence over time and differences between species. Further analyses using chemical and ecotoxicological data are necessary to evaluate the extent of environmental pollution risks. Our results provide new support in favor of the use of alternative ammunition, with particular emphasis on scenarios where hunting activity is intensive

Do loneliness and social exclusion breed paranoia? An experience sampling investigation across the psychosis continuum.

The role of loneliness and social exclusion in the development of paranoia is largely unexplored. Negative affect may mediate potential associations between these factors. We investigated the temporal relationships of daily-life loneliness, felt social exclusion, negative affect, and paranoia across the psychosis continuum. Seventy-five participants, including 29 individuals with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis, 20 first-degree relatives, and 26 controls used an Experience Sampling Method (ESM) app to capture the fluctuations in loneliness, feelings of social exclusion, paranoia, and negative affect across a 1-week period. Data were analysed with multilevel regression analyses. In all groups, loneliness and feelings of social exclusion were independent predictors of paranoia over time (b = 0.05,  < .001 and b = 0.04,  < .05, respectively). Negative affect predicted paranoia (b = 0.17,  < .001) and partially mediated the associations between loneliness, social exclusion, and paranoia. It also predicted loneliness (b = 0.15,  < .0001), but not social exclusion (b = 0.04,  = .21) over time. Paranoia predicted social exclusion over time, with more pronounced effects in controls (b = 0.43) than patients (b = 0.19; relatives: b = 0.17); but not loneliness (b = 0.08,  = .16). Paranoia and negative affect worsen in all groups following feelings of loneliness and social exclusion. This highlights the importance of a sense of belonging and being included for mental well-being. Loneliness, feeling socially excluded, and negative affect were independent predictors of paranoid thinking, suggesting they represent useful targets in its treatment. [Abstract copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).

Surface hydrolysis of polyamide with a new polyamidase from Beauveria brongniartii

Twelve fungi were screened for the potential of their extracellular enzymes to increase the hydrophilicity of polyamide (PA) materials. The most pronounced increase in hydrophilicity was found for enzymes from Beauveria brongniartii and B. bassiana. The 55 kDa polyamidase from B. brongniartii was purified using ultrafiltration, anion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. This polyamidase was able to hydrolyse adipic acid bishexylamide and various typical amidase substrates, but did not show protease activity. In contrast, the 27 kDa protease from B. brongniartii did not show activity on PA. The improvement of hydrophilicity due to hydrolysis with the 55 kDa polyamidase from B. brongniartii based on rising height was 11 cm for PA 6 Perlon fibres and 5 cm for PA 6.6 Nylon. The drop dissipation measurement corroborated the improvement of the hydrophilicity giving 7 s and less than 1 s for the two enzyme treated materials, respectively. The surface tension s of Perlon increased from 46.1 to 67.4 mNm after enzyme treatment.The research was financed by the SFG, the FFG, the city of Graz and the province of Styria and by European Commission within the project GRD 2000-30110 Biosynte

Effects of organic enrichment on macrofauna community structure: an experimental approach

A determinação da resiliência das assembleias bênticas é um assunto fundamental para a indústria da aquicultura de mar aberto como tentativa de minimizar as perturbações ambientais. Estudos experimentais são ferramenta importante para o estabelecimento das linhas de base para as comunidades do fundo oceânico. Nesse sentido, um experimento foi conduzido sob três tratamentos (controle, 1x e 3x), nos quais o aporte orgânico (pelotas fecais de peixes) foi adicionado nas quantidades de 1x (10 g de pelotas fecais) e de 3 vezes (30 g). Os resultados mostram que foi encontrada redução na abundância de indivíduos e também no número de espécies entre o controle e os tratamentos com enriquecimento orgânico. Mudanças significativas na estrutura das assembleias também foram encontradas, principalmente devido ao decréscimo do tanaidáceo sensível Apseudes talpa nos tratamento enriquecidos. Os índices AMBI e M-AMBI foram calculados e um decréscimo do status ecológico foi observado no tratamento 3x.The determination of the resilience of benthic assemblages is a capital issue for the off-shore aquaculture industry in its attempts to minimize environmental disturbances. Experimental studies are an important tool for the establishment of thresholds for macrofaunal assemblages inhabiting sandy seabeds. An experiment was conducted with three treatments (Control, 1x and 3x),in which organic load (fish pellets) was added (1x (10 g of fish pellets) and 3x (30 g)). A reduction in abundance of individuals and species richness was found as between the control and organic-enriched treatments. Significant changes in assemblage structure were also found, mainly due to the decrease of the sensitive tanaid Apseudes talpa in organically-enriched treatments. AMBI and M-AMBI indices were calculated and a decrease of ecological status was observed in treatment 3x

New model substrates for enzymes hydrolysing polyethyleneterephthalate and polyamide fibres

Recently the potential of enzymes for surface hydrophilisation and/or functionalisation of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA) has been discovered. However, there was no correlation between enzyme class/activity (e.g. esterase, lipase, cutinase) and surface hydrolysis of these polymers and consequently no simple assay to estimate this capability. Enzymes active on the model substrates bis (benzoyloxyethyl) terephthalate and adipic acid bishexyl-amide, were also capable of increasing the hydrophilicity of PET and PA. When dosed at the identical activity on 4-nitrophenyl butyrate, only enzymes from Thermobifida fusca, Aspergillus sp., Beauveria sp. and commercial enzymes (TEXAZYME PES sp5 and Lipase PS) increased the hydrophilicity of PET fibres while other esterases and lipases did not show any effect. Activity on PET correlated with the activity on the model substrate. Hydrophilicity of fibres was greatly improved based on increases in rising height of up to 4.3 cm and the relative decrease of water absorption time between control and sample of the water was up to 76%. Similarly, enzymes increasing the hydrophilicity of PA fibres such as from Nocardia sp., Beauveria sp. and F. solani hydrolysed the model substrate; however, there was no common enzyme activity (e.g. protease, esterase, amidase) which could be attributed to all these enzymes