Determining geometric primitives for a 3D GIS : easy as 1D, 2D, 3D?

Acquisition techniques such as photo modelling, using SfM-MVS algorithms, are being applied increasingly in several fields of research and render highly realistic and accurate 3D models. Nowadays, these 3D models are mainly deployed for documentation purposes. As these data generally encompass spatial data, the development of a 3D GIS would allow researchers to use these 3D models to their full extent. Such a GIS would allow a more elaborate analysis of these 3D models and thus support the comprehension of the objects that the features in the model represent. One of the first issues that has to be tackled in order to make the resulting 3D models compatible for implementation in a 3D GIS is the choice of a certain geometric primitive to spatially represent the input data. The chosen geometric primitive will not only influence the visualisation of the data, but also the way in which the data can be stored, exchanged, manipulated, queried and understood. Geometric primitives can be one-, two- and three-dimensional. By adding an extra dimension, the complexity of the data increases, but the user is allowed to understand the original situation more intuitively. This research paper tries to give an initial analysis of 1D, 2D and 3D primitives in the framework of the integration of SfM-MVS based 3D models in a 3D GIS

Spatiotemporal data as the foundation of an archaeological stratigraphy extraction and management system

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Instruments for personnel selection in the 21st century: research and practice

Instruments for Personnel Selection in the 21st Century: Research and Practice. This article presents an evidence-based overview of innovative selection techniques that were developed in the last years to provide an answer to key questions concerning the contemporary practice of selection. In addition, we aim to point out gaps in the current knowledge about these novel techniques to guide future research. The article shows that innovative selection instruments such as conditional reasoning tests, integrity tests, and implicit association tests might offer opportunities to measure value-based competencies, and maladaptive traits. Furthermore, contextualized personality questionnaires, business-related intelligence tests, situational judgment tests, and so-called serious games enable organizations to improve their image, which creates branding opportunities to promote the company as an attractive employer. Finally, we conclude by stating that practitioners and researchers face numerous selection challenges. Examples are the selection of a diverse as well as competent workforce and the reliable and valid implementation of unproctored Internet testing

Equal access to community interpreting in Flanders: a matter of self-reflective decision making?

The central issue tackled by this article revolves around decision-making by public service institutions in respect of the uses and perceived effects of community interpreting and translation in Flanders (Belgium) and/or other resources of language support (such as the use of a lingua franca, soliciting the help of a multilingual co-worker, etc.). The aim of the study was to obtain a clear understanding of processes and participant frameworks of decision-making with regard to language support within these institutions. Consequently, a qualitative survey was set up focusing on three selected geographic regions and, within these regions, on four domains of public service (health, education, public administration and employment assistance). Respondents were both institutional end users and immigrants. The results reveal a lack of national and local organizational policy and explicit procedures in the allocation of language support resources. This lack contributes to inequality in foreign language users’ access to the services of public institutions. It is recommended that a self-reflective framework be introduced for regulating access to a more systematic use of community interpreting alongside other instruments or strategies for bridging language barriers. Such a framework should be tailored to the needs of the institution’s clients and to domain-specific and local needs of the institution. It should also include the relative availability of other adequate instruments for bridging language barriers

Identification and substrate prediction of new Fragaria x ananassa aquaporins and expression in different tissues and during strawberry fruit development

The newly identified aquaporin coding sequences presented here pave the way for further insights into the plant-water relations in the commercial strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Aquaporins are water channel proteins that allow water to cross (intra) cellular membranes. In Fragaria x ananassa, few of them have been identified hitherto, hampering the exploration of the water transport regulation at cellular level. Here, we present new aquaporin coding sequences belonging to different subclasses: plasma membrane intrinsic proteins subtype 1 and subtype 2 (PIP1 and PIP2) and tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIP). The classification is based on phylogenetic analysis and is confirmed by the presence of conserved residues. Substrate-specific signature sequences (SSSSs) and specificity-determining positions (SDPs) predict the substrate specificity of each new aquaporin. Expression profiling in leaves, petioles and developing fruits reveals distinct patterns, even within the same (sub) class. Expression profiles range from leaf-specific expression over constitutive expression to fruit-specific expression. Both upregulation and downregulation during fruit ripening occur. Substrate specificity and expression profiles suggest that functional specialization exists among aquaporins belonging to a different but also to the same (sub)class

General health and residential proximity to the coast in Belgium : results from a cross-sectional health survey

The health risks of coastal areas have long been researched, but the potential benefits for health are only recently being explored. The present study compared the general health of Belgian citizens a) according to the EU's definition of coastal ( 50 km), and b) between eight more refined categories of residential proximity to the coast ( 250 km). Data was drawn from the Belgian Health Interview Survey (n = 60,939) and investigated using linear regression models and mediation analyses on several hypothesized mechanisms. Results indicated that populations living 50-100 km. Four commonly hypothesized mechanisms were considered but no indirect associations were found: scores for mental health, physical activity levels and social contacts were not higher at 0-5 km from the coast, and air pollution (PM ic , concentrations) was lower at 0-5 km from the coast but not statistically associated with better health. Results are controlled for typical variables such as age, sex, income, neighbourhood levels of green and freshwater blue space, etc. The spatial urban-rural-nature mosaic at the Belgian coast and alternative explanations are discussed. The positive associations between the ocean and human health observed in this study encourage policy makers to manage coastal areas sustainably to maintain associated public health benefits into the future

BUILDING A VIRTUAL TIME MACHINE FOR THE ANCIENT RUINS OF JIAOHE

[EN] The goal of this work in progress is the virtual 3D reconstruction of one of the temples of the Ancient Ruins of Jiaohe (China). This site, considered as one of the key locations on the Silk Road, is slowly deteriorating due to erosion and human activity. One of its buildings, the Northwest Small Temple, was partially reconstructed as part of the Master plan for preservation and restoration as proposed by the UNESCO/Japan Trust Fund. Furthermore, a replica of the temple was built at the site entrance. The UNESCO master plan serves as the starting point for the 3D reconstruction, which is performed in three phases. The first phase comprises an initial 3D reconstruction of the temple based on floor plans and sections, and the placement of this reconstruction in a low-resolution 3D model of Jiaohe. The second phase consists of a field campaign at the site, in order to acquire the necessary data to complement the initial reconstruction: a high-resolution 3D model of the current state of the Northwest Small Temple, 3D models of the statues inside the replica of the temple and imagery of the murals inside the replica. After combining the data from phase one and two, a 3D model of the Northwest Small Temple, completed with textures and statues inside, will be placed on a 3D model of its surroundings. This final 3D model will then be made available to a broad audience as a virtual time machine, allowing the visitors to both experience the site as it is today, as the way it used to be at the peak of the site’s civilisation.Lonneville, B.; Vanhaeren, N.; Vandenbulcke, A.; De Wulf, A.; De Maeyer, P. (2016). BUILDING A VIRTUAL TIME MACHINE FOR THE ANCIENT RUINS OF JIAOHE. En 8th International congress on archaeology, computer graphics, cultural heritage and innovation. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 400-403. https://doi.org/10.4995/arqueologica8.2015.3741OCS40040

Helium balloons for 3D modelling : off to a flying start?

Currently, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as a platform for aerial photography is becoming more and more common practice for 3D photo modelling applications. However, the use of these platforms has several drawbacks. Firstly, to recharge the UAV’s batteries a nearby electricity source is needed. This might cause problems when performing research in remote areas. Secondly, a skilled operator is required to control the UAV. Thirdly, there might be legal restrictions to the use of such an aerial platform in several countries. Finally, purchasing a UAV can form a big cost when performing a small project. To address these issues, the use of helium balloons as an alternative and low cost platform for aerial photography is proposed. To assess its efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy, several case studies are elaborated. In the first case study the accuracy of a 3D model created by laser scanning is compared with a 3D model created by helium balloon imagery (Ghent, Belgium). The second case study comprises a test of the performance of the system used at the lake of Vassivière (France). Finally, the helium balloons are deployed on the archaeological site of Edzna (Mexico). Here, a comparison is made between the accuracy of 3D models generated by UAV and helium balloon imagery. In conclusion, the advantages and drawbacks of the use of helium balloons as platform for aerial photography are listed. This allows potential users to make an informed choice between this and other platforms