Urban tree classification using discrete-return LiDAR and an object-level local binary pattern algorithm

© 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Urban trees have the potential to mitigate some of the harm brought about by rapid urbanization and population growth, as well as serious environmental degradation (e.g. soil erosion, carbon pollution and species extirpation), in cities. This paper presents a novel urban tree extraction modelling approach that uses discrete laser scanning point clouds and object-based textural analysis to (1) develop a model characterised by four sub-models, including (a) height-based split segmentation, (b) feature extraction, (c) texture analysis and (d) classification, and (2) apply this model to classify urban trees. The canopy height model is integrated with the object-level local binary pattern algorithm (LBP) to achieve high classification accuracy. The results of each sub-model reveal that the classification of urban trees based on the height at 47.14 (high) and 2.12 m (low), respectively, while based on crown widths were highest and lowest at 22.5 and 2.55 m, respectively. Results also indicate that the proposed algorithm of urban tree modelling is effective for practical use

The Effect of Using Flipped Class on Teaching Reading Comprehension at Cihan University

Reading comprehension is one of the important skills of language learning. It is believed that teaching with flipped class is more effective and comes out with more positive outcomes than the traditional class teaching. Thus, this study aims to explore the effect of flipped class on improving reading comprehension skills for Kurdish and Arabic EFL at Cihan University-Erbil. The main question of this study is to figure out whether implementing flipped class on EFL will improve their reading comprehension skills? Will it develop the students reading abilities including both levels ‘elementary and intermediate’? In addition, to which level of students is more applicable? According the mentioned questions, it is presupposed that flipped class has more positive results in teaching reading Comprehension skills than the tradition class. This is due to the fact that the student will have access to online facilities and internet to gain further information about the topic before the class. Thus, it is assumed that it will improve Kurdish and Arabic EFL reading comprehension skills including both levels ‘Elementary and intermediate’. However, it is presumed that the flipped class will have a greater impact on intermediate level than on Elementary level

Response of Dome-enclosed Box-type Structure to Underwater Explosion

In the development of underwater sensor systems, the sensor arrays are configured for different shapes like cylindrical, rectangular and spherical depending on the requirement. The rectangular shaped box–type structure discussed here has both top and bottom ends open. Flanges stiffen the top and bottom ends, and gussets are used to connect the flanges with the structure. In this paper, the box-type structure is subjected to non-contact underwater explosion in a shock tank to study the peak free field pressure on the structure. To simulate the actual conditions, the structure is placed in free flooded area and covered with a dome. The free-field peak pressure on the dome and structure are plotted with time. The measured pressure curves are in agreement with the empirical predictions reported in literature. It is concluded that around 85 per cent of the shock impulse acting on the dome is transmitted to the box-type structure. The dome and box-type structure withstood the explosive load, thereby validating their design.Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(4), pp.381-385, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.213

GitHub: Factors Influencing Project Activity Levels

Open source software projects typically extend the capabilities of their software by incorporating code contributions from a diverse cross-section of developers. This GitHub structural path modelling study captures the current top 100 JavaScript projects in operation for at least one year or more. It draws on three theories (information integration, planned behavior, and social translucence) to help frame its comparative path approach, and to show ways to speed the collaborative development of GitHub OSS projects. It shows a project’s activity level increases with: (1) greater responder-group collaborative efforts, (2) increased numbers of major critical project version releases, and (3) the generation of further commits. However, the generation of additional forks negatively impacts overall project activity levels

Strengthening of prism beam by using NSM technique with roots planted in concrete

This paper presents experimental results of four prismatic concrete reinforced beam and strengthened by NSM (Near surface mounted) FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) reinforced technique, with additional roots planted in the concrete. The strengthening technique causes load capacity of beams to increase from (6%-8%).A decrease in mid-span deflection was also observed from (4%-5%).Using this technique gave increasing in flexural beam resistant under the same conditions and this increasing was also noted in shear beam resistant

The ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on cardiovascular functions and osmotic fragility of wistar rats exposed to petrol vapour

The present study was aimed at evaluating the ameliorating effects of Moringa oleifera extract compared to captopril and candesartan cilexetil on cardiovascular functions and osmotic fragility of rats exposed to petrol vapour. Twenty five adult male Wistar rats (130g-200g) were randomly grouped to five with five rats in a group. Group 1 (control) was not exposed to petrol fume. Groups 2 (petrol only), was exposed to petrol fume only. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with Moringa oleifera extract (40mg/kg), captopril (25 mg/kg) and candesartan (16mg/kg), respectively before exposure to petrol vapour, 10 minutes every day for eight weeks. All groups were given feed and water ad-libitum. Petrol vapour was generated by using human compressor nebulizer adopted for rats and connected to fume chamber where the rats were kept. The pretreatment were administered by oral cannula. At the end of the exposure, 0.2ml of blood samples obtained from individual rat in each group were suspended in separate sets of Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution of decreasing concentrations. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) was determined by spectrophotometer. Electrocardiography was done using EDAN 10. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in EOF of the rats exposed to petrol vapour only. However, Moringa oleifera, captopril and candesartan cilexetil significantly ameliorated this effect. There was no significant difference in the amelioration of Moringa oleifera and candesartan cilexetil. There was absence of p-wave and significant increase in heart rate observed in the electrocardiogram of petrol only group, this was significantly restored in the Moringa oleifera, captopril and the candesartan cilexetil group. The results showed that exposure to petrol vapour elevated EOF, resulted in atria arrhythmia and increased heart rate. These effects were ameliorated by pretreatment with Moringa oleifera, captopril and candesartan cilexetil. The amelioration in Moringa oleifera was comparable with that of candesartan cilexetil suggesting that Moringa oleifera may be an Angiotensin II receptor blocker.Keywords: Candesartan cilexetil, Captopril, Moringa oleifera, Osmotic fragility, Petrol vapou

Analysing Big Data Projects Using Github and JavaScript Repositories

GitHub open source software developers remain in short supply. Successful GitHub projects offer multiple pathways for developers to contribute into their repositories. This study’s GitHub JavaScript big data is path modelled to provide understanding of the different significant developer contribution pathways towards raising the project’s activity level. Its significant pathways offer the project’s creator benchmark decision making capabilities that can be used to trigger faster project software development through to its next completion point. This approach has behavioural consumptive value connotations that may provide a future pathway towards tapping big data sources and to also delivering real business values

A four stage approach towards speeding GitHub OSS development

Many open source software (OSS) project creators adopt GitHub as their chosen online repository. They seek out others within the global OSS community of developers. Such community developers are then encouraged to add their capabilities, ideas and coding into a creator’s developing OSS project. A structural equation modelling study of three top OSS programming languages deploys GitHub’s operational elements as a four stage directional suite of (1) dependent, (2) intermediaries, and (3) independent elements. It shows a project’s activity levels can be enhanced when additional project contributions are effectively stage-wise pursued. A staged development approach helps creators understand the process of attracting OSS developers into a creator’s GitHub project

Design and analysis of a novel concentric rings based crossed lines single negative metamaterial structure

AbstractThis paper presents the design and analysis of a novel single negative metamaterial (MTM) based on concentric rings with crossed lines (CR-CL) to be miniaturized to λ/4 at 15GHz. The unit cell is structured to behave as a single negative MTM, -ε or -μ, at different frequency bands. The unit cell is consistent of a dielectric substrate, 5×5×1mm3, of FR4-Epoxy underneath of a conductive patch designed as 4.4×4.4mm2. A complete analysis in terms of S-parameters, constitutive parameters and refraction index are evaluated for the unit cell using both full wave simulation and circuitry analysis as well. Nevertheless, the unit cell characteristics based circuit equivalent lumped components are retrieved. HFSS software package based on Finite Element Method (FEM) and Advanced Design System (ADS) based on circuit analysis formulations are invoked to perform the simulation study. Later on, the obtained simulation results are compared to their identical measurements based on transmission line technique. Finally, the simulated and measured results are agreed excellently