Deriving 3d point clouds from terrestrial photographs comparison of different sensors and software

Terrestrial photogrammetry nowadays offers a reasonably cheap, intuitive and effective approach to 3D-modelling. However, the important choice, which sensor and which software to use is not straight forward and needs consideration as the choice will have effects on the resulting 3D point cloud and its derivatives. <br><br> We compare five different sensors as well as four different state-of-the-art software packages for a single application, the modelling of a vegetated rock face. The five sensors represent different resolutions, sensor sizes and price segments of the cameras. The software packages used are: (1) Agisoft PhotoScan Pro (1.16), (2) Pix4D (2.0.89), (3) a combination of Visual SFM (V0.5.22) and SURE (1.2.0.286), and (4) MicMac (1.0). We took photos of a vegetated rock face from identical positions with all sensors. Then we compared the results of the different software packages regarding the ease of the workflow, visual appeal, similarity and quality of the point cloud. <br><br> While PhotoScan and Pix4D offer the user-friendliest workflows, they are also “black-box” programmes giving only little insight into their processing. Unsatisfying results may only be changed by modifying settings within a module. The combined workflow of Visual SFM, SURE and CloudCompare is just as simple but requires more user interaction. MicMac turned out to be the most challenging software as it is less user-friendly. However, MicMac offers the most possibilities to influence the processing workflow. The resulting point-clouds of PhotoScan and MicMac are the most appealing

Superconducting Vortices and Elliptical Ferromagnetic Textures

In this article an analytical and numerical study of superconducting thin film with ferromagnetic textures of elliptical geometries in close proximity is presented. The screening currents induced in the superconductor due to the magnetic texture are calculated. Close to the superconducting transition temperature $T_c$ the spontaneous creation of superconducting vortices becomes energy favorable depending on the value of the magnetization and the geometrical quantities of the magnetic texture. The creation of vortices by elliptic dots is more energy favorable than those created by circular ones. The superconductor covered by elliptic dots array exhibits anisotropic transport properties.Comment: 4 pages, 5figure

A Two-Field Quintessence Model

We study the dynamics of a quintessence model based on two interacting scalar fields. The model can account for the (recent) accelerated expansion of the Universe suggested by astronomical observations. Acceleration can be permanent or temporary and, for both scenarios, it is possible to obtain suitable values for the cosmological parameters while satisfying the nucleosynthesis constraint on the quintessence energy density. We argue that the model dynamics can be made consistent with a stable zero-energy relaxing supersymmetric vacuum.Comment: 4 pages, 3 eps figures, to be published in Phys. Rev.

Quantum driven Bounce of the future Universe

It is demonstrated that due to back-reaction of quantum effects, expansion of the universe stops at its maximum and takes a turnaround. Later on, it contracts to a very small size in finite future time. This phenomenon is followed by a " bounce" with re-birth of an exponentially expanding non-singular universe

Curvature Inspired Cosmological Scenario

Using modified gravity with non-linear terms of curvature, $R^2$ and $R^{(r +2)}$ (with $r$ being the positive real number and $R$ being the scalar curvature), cosmological scenario,beginning at the Planck scale, is obtained. Here, a unified picture of cosmology is obtained from $f(R)-$ gravity. In this scenario, universe begins with power-law inflation, followed by deceleration and acceleration in the late universe as well as possible collapse of the universe in future. It is different from $f(R)-$ dark energy models with non-linear curvature terms assumed as dark energy. Here, dark energy terms are induced by linear as well as non-linear terms of curvature in Friedmann equation being derived from modified gravity.It is also interesting to see that, in this model, dark radiation and dark matter terms emerge spontaneously from the gravitational sector. It is found that dark energy, obtained here, behaves as quintessence in the early universe and phantom in the late universe. Moreover, analogous to brane-tension in brane-gravity inspired Friedmann equation, a tension term $\lambda$ arises here being called as cosmic tension. It is found that, in the late universe, Friedmann equation (obtained here) contains a term $- \rho^2/2\lambda$ ($\rho$ being the phantom energy density) analogous to a similar term in Friedmann equation with loop quantum effects, if $\lambda > 0$ and brane-gravity correction when $\lambda < 0.$Comment: 19 Pages. To appear in Int. J. Thro. Phy

Applying systems thinking to unravel the mechanisms underlying orthostatic hypotension related fall risk

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an established and common cardiovascular risk factor for falls. An in-depth understanding of the various interacting pathophysiological pathways contributing to OH-related falls is essential to guide improvements in diagnostic and treatment opportunities. We applied systems thinking to multidisciplinary map out causal mechanisms and risk factors. For this, we used group model building (GMB) to develop a causal loop diagram (CLD). The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains related to OH and falls and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. Our CLD is a conceptual representation of factors involved in OH-related falls, and their interrelatedness. Network analysis and feedback loops were applied to analyze and interpret the CLD, and quantitatively summarize the function and relative importance of the variables. Our CLD contains 50 variables distributed over three intrinsic domains (cerebral, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal), and an extrinsic domain (e.g., medications). Between the variables, 181 connections and 65 feedback loops were identified. Decreased cerebral blood flow, low blood pressure, impaired baroreflex activity, and physical inactivity were identified as key factors involved in OH-related falls, based on their high centralities. Our CLD reflects the multifactorial pathophysiology of OH-related falls. It enables us to identify key elements, suggesting their potential for new diagnostic and treatment approaches in fall prevention. The interactive online CLD renders it suitable for both research and educational purposes and this CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on falls

B→D(∗)B \to D^{(*)} Form Factors from QCD Light-Cone Sum Rules

We derive new QCD sum rules for $B\to D$ and $B\to D^*$ form factors. The underlying correlation functions are expanded near the light-cone in terms of $B$-meson distribution amplitudes defined in HQET, whereas the $c$-quark mass is kept finite. The leading-order contributions of two- and three-particle distribution amplitudes are taken into account. From the resulting light-cone sum rules we calculate all B\to \Dst form factors in the region of small momentum transfer (maximal recoil). In the infinite heavy-quark mass limit the sum rules reduce to a single expression for the Isgur-Wise function. We compare our predictions with the form factors extracted from experimental B\to \Dst l \nu_l decay rates fitted to dispersive parameterizations.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures; one reference, one figure and several comments added; version to appear in European Physical Journal

The B-Meson Distribution Amplitude in QCD

The B-meson distribution amplitude is calculated using QCD sum rules. In particular we obtain an estimate for the integral relevant to exclusive B-decays \lambda_B = 460 \pm 110 MeV at the scale 1 GeV. A simple QCD-motivated parametrization of the distribution amplitude is suggested.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures, Latex styl