Automatic non-biting midge (Chironomidae) identification through the application of object detection and deep learning techniques

This research study introduces a possible new method for the identification of chironomid larvae mounted on microscope slides in the form of an automatic computer-based identification tool using deep learning techniques. Deep learning is becoming an important tool for ecologists where there are advantages and limitations for its use as a rapid biomonitoring tool. Chironomids collected from the River Stour in Kent had their head capsules mounted on microscope slides and images of these were then captured using a Raspberry PI. Using these images, a series of object detection models were created to classify several different chironomid genera. These models were then used to show how different deep learning approaches, focusing on pre-training preparation, could improve the performance of image classification. The model comparisons included two object detection frameworks (Faster-RCNN and SDD frameworks), three balanced image sets (with and without augmentation) and variations of two hyperparameter values (Learning Rate and Intersection Over Union). All models were reported using the standard computer science object detection evaluation protocol, the mean average precision metric. Each model configuration was run three times,to allow for statistical significance evaluation. Additionally, a series of novel post training performance metrics were created examining a model’s prediction accuracy and its givenconfidence value in its prediction choice. The highest mean average precision value achieved was 0.751 by Faster-RCNN. The models highlighted significance between the two object detection frameworks, where the Faster-RCNN framework performed better than SDD framework; however, there was non-significance between the image sets and the hyperparameters values. All models produced similar accuracy results regardless of framework used (between 95.5%-97.7%), however, there were large differences between the confidence examinations, wherein Faster-RCNN produced more confident predictions than SSD. In conclusion, this investigation successfully developed object detection models using SSD and Faster-RCNN to classify between three chironomid genera. As a proof of concept, this study highlighted that automatic and rapid classification models using deep learning techniques can be applied for the correct taxonomic identification of difficult organisms, like chironomid larvae, further advancing the prospect of using this relatively new field of computer science for ecological research

Optimum transfer to Mars via Venus

Thrust maneuver at Venus for optimum Earth-Mars rendezvous trajectory in flyby missio

Navigation and guidance requirements for commercial VTOL operations

The NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has undertaken a research program to develop the navigation, guidance, control, and flight management technology base needed by Government and industry in establishing systems design concepts and operating procedures for VTOL short-haul transportation systems in the 1980s time period. The VALT (VTOL Automatic Landing Technology) Program encompasses the investigation of operating systems and piloting techniques associated with VTOL operations under all-weather conditions from downtown vertiports; the definition of terminal air traffic and airspace requirements; and the development of avionics including navigation, guidance, controls, and displays for automated takeoff, cruise, and landing operations. The program includes requirements analyses, design studies, systems development, ground simulation, and flight validation efforts

Power Up: Exploring Gaming in LIS Curricula

Given their educational potential, increasing accessibility, and growing, diverse user base, games are fast becoming integral parts of library collections and programming. Previous research has found that few ALA-accredited programs offer courses specifically on gaming in libraries, potentially leaving pre-service librarians unprepared to implement games in their libraries. This research study will survey LIS educators to identify factors that promote or inhibit the inclusion or exclusion of content related to games and gaming in their courses and curricula. The findings will be used to provide recommendations for curricula and best practices to better prepare LIS educators and, ultimately, pre-service librarians to engage with games and other new interactive media as part of the transforming universe of LIS education

Scald risk in social housing can be reduced through thermostatic control system without increasing Legionella risk: a cluster randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effects of a thermostatic control system in social (public) housing on the prevalence of dangerous (>60°C) water temperatures and on fuel consumption. DESIGN: Pair-matched double-blind cluster randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Social housing in a deprived inner-London borough. PARTICIPANTS: 150 households recruited as clusters from 22 social housing estates. Four small estates were combined into two clusters (resulting in a total of 10 pairs of clusters). INTERVENTION: Social housing estate boiler houses were randomised to a thermostatic control sterilisation programme (heating water to 65°C during 00:00-06:00 h and to 50°C from 06:00 to 00:00 h daily) or to standard control (constant temperature 65°C). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Water temperature over 60°C ('dangerous') after running taps for 1 min and daily fuel consumption (cubic feet of gas). RESULTS: 10 clusters (80 households) were allocated to the sterilisation programme and 10 clusters (70 households) to control, of which 73 and 67 households, respectively, were analysed. Prevalence of dangerous (>60°C) hot water temperatures at 1 min was significantly reduced with the sterilisation programme (mean of cluster prevalence 1% in sterilisation programme group vs 34% in control group; absolute difference 33%, 95% CI 12% to 54%; p=0.006). Prevalence of high (>55°C) hot water temperatures at 1 min was significantly reduced (31% sterilisation vs 59% control; absolute difference 28%, 95% CI 9% to 47%; p=0.009). Gas consumption per day reduced more in the control group than in the sterilisation programme group, although not statistically significantly (p=0.125). CONCLUSIONS: The thermostatic control with daily sterilisation was effective in capping hot water temperatures and therefore reduced scald risk. Although expected to save energy, fuel consumption was increased relative to the control group. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00874692

Tailoring the mechanical properties of 3D-designed poly(glycerol sebacate) scaffolds for cartilage applications

Matching tissue engineering scaffold modulus to that of native tissue is highly desirable. Effective scaffold modulus can be altered through changes in base material modulus and/or scaffold pore architecture. Because the latter may be restricted by tissue in-growth requirements, it is advantageous to be able to alter the base material modulus of a chosen scaffold material. Here, we show that the bulk modulus of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) can be changed by varying molar ratios during prepolymer synthesis and by varying curing time. We go on to show that PGS can be used to create 3D designed scaffolds via solid freeform fabrication methods with modulus values that fall within the ranges of native articular cartilage equilibrium modulus. Furthermore, using base material modulus inputs, homogenization finite element analysis can effectively predict the tangent modulus of PGS scaffold designs, which provides a significant advantage for designing new cartilage regeneration scaffolds. Lastly, we demonstrate that this relatively new biomedical material supports cartilaginous matrix production by chondrocytes in vitro . © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75767/1/32653_ftp.pd

Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors for Millimeter-Wave Astrophysics

Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (TKIDs) combine the excellent noise performance of traditional bolometers with a radio frequency (RF) multiplexing architecture that enables the large detector counts needed for the next generation of millimeter-wave instruments. Here we present dark prototype TKID pixels that demonstrate a noise equivalent power NEP = 2×10⁻¹⁷√W/Hz with a 1/f knee at 0.1 Hz, suitable for background-limited noise performance at 150 GHz from a ground-based site. We discuss the optimizations in the device design and fabrication techniques to realize optimal electrical performance and high quality factors at a bath temperature of 250 mK

Compositional changes in particulate matter on the Iceland Rise, through the water column, and at the seafloor

Local resuspension of sediments along the Iceland Rise was substantiated by the collection in sediment traps of large particles whose source is clearly the seafloor. These resuspended components included benthic foraminifera, iron-oxide coated planktonic foraminifera, the glacial, subpolar assemblage planktonic foraminifera (N. pachyderma (sinistral)), and an increase in the volcanic glass and mineral grain/aggregate component with proximity to the seafloor.The horizontal flux of particulate matter in the near-bottom nepheloid layer through the region was ≃200 kg/s. The apparent vertical flux of sediment calculated from sediment traps at 500 m above bottom (mab) was an order of magnitude less than Recent sediment accumulation rates, suggesting a large fraction of the sediments in the region was brought in horizontally via bottom currents or turbidity currents.The compositional changes with depth in the material collected in the sediment traps indicated that most of the changes in the material due to dissolution, degradation, and decomposition occurred while the material resided on the seafloor or during periods of resuspension rather than during transit through the water column. Regional variations in clay mineralogy, organic carbon and carbonate content indicated preferential preservation in cores from a channel in the study region or preferential decomposition, dissolution, and/or erosion of the surface sediments beneath the bottom current

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Adsorption onto Poly-ɛ-caprolactone Better Preserves Bioactivity In Vitro and Produces More Bone In Vivo than Conjugation Under Clinically Relevant Loading Scenarios

Background: One strategy to reconstruct large bone defects is to prefabricate a vascularized flap by implanting a biomaterial scaffold with associated biologics into the latissimus dorsi and then transplanting this construct to the defect site after a maturation period. This strategy, similar to all clinically and regulatory feasible biologic approaches to surgical reconstruction, requires the ability to quickly (<1?h within an operating room) and efficiently bind biologics to scaffolds. It also requires the ability to localize biologic delivery. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of binding bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) to poly-?-caprolactone (PCL) using adsorption and conjugation as a function of time. Methods: BMP2 was adsorbed (Ads) or conjugated (Conj) to PCL scaffolds with the same three-dimensional printed architecture while altering exposure time (0.5, 1, 5, and 16?h), temperature (4°C, 23°C), and BMP2 concentration (1.4, 5, 20, and 65??g/mL). The in vitro release was quantified, and C2C12 cell alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression was used to confirm bioactivity. Scaffolds with either 65 or 20??g/mL Ads or Conj BMP2 for 1?h at 23°C were implanted subcutaneously in mice to evaluate in vivo bone regeneration. Micro-computed tomography, compression testing, and histology were performed to characterize bone regeneration. Results: After 1?h exposure to 65??g/mL BMP2 at 23°C, Conj and Ads resulted in 12.83±1.78 and 10.78±1.49??g BMP2 attached, respectively. Adsorption resulted in a positive ALP response and had a small burst release; whereas conjugation provided a sustained release with negligible ALP production, indicating that the conjugated BMP2 may not be bioavailable. Adsorbed 65??g/mL BMP2 solution resulted in the greatest regenerated bone volume (15.0±3.0?mm3), elastic modulus (20.1±3.0?MPa), and %bone ingrowth in the scaffold interior (17.2%±5.4%) when compared with conjugation. Conclusion: Adsorption may be optimal for the clinical application of prefabricating bone flaps due to BMP2 binding in a short exposure time, retained BMP2 bioactivity, and bone growth adhering to scaffold geometry and into pores with healthy marrow development.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140249/1/ten.tec.2014.0377.pd