Controllable Multi-domain Semantic Artwork Synthesis

We present a novel framework for multi-domain synthesis of artwork from semantic layouts. One of the main limitations of this challenging task is the lack of publicly available segmentation datasets for art synthesis. To address this problem, we propose a dataset, which we call ArtSem, that contains 40,000 images of artwork from 4 different domains with their corresponding semantic label maps. We generate the dataset by first extracting semantic maps from landscape photography and then propose a conditional Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based approach to generate high-quality artwork from the semantic maps without necessitating paired training data. Furthermore, we propose an artwork synthesis model that uses domain-dependent variational encoders for high-quality multi-domain synthesis. The model is improved and complemented with a simple but effective normalization method, based on normalizing both the semantic and style jointly, which we call Spatially STyle-Adaptive Normalization (SSTAN). In contrast to previous methods that only take semantic layout as input, our model is able to learn a joint representation of both style and semantic information, which leads to better generation quality for synthesizing artistic images. Results indicate that our model learns to separate the domains in the latent space, and thus, by identifying the hyperplanes that separate the different domains, we can also perform fine-grained control of the synthesized artwork. By combining our proposed dataset and approach, we are able to generate user-controllable artwork that is of higher quality than existingComment: 15 pages, accepted by CVMJ, to appea

Common genetic variants in ADCY5 and gestational glycemic traits.

Two meta-analysis of genome wide association studies identified two variants at adenylate cyclase 5 (ADCY5) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, fasting and 2-hour glucose in non-pregnant individuals of European descent. The objective of our study was to explore the role of common variants in ADCY5 on gestational glycemic traits, including plasma glucose, insulin values, β cell function and insulin resistance in the fasted state as well as plasma glucose 1 hour after a 50-gram glucose challenge test among Chinese Han women. Homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to quantify β cell function (HOMA1-β and HOMA2-β) and insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR). Thirty-five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADCY5 were genotyped in 929 unrelated Chinese Han women with singleton pregnancies. Three SNPs (rs6797915, rs9856662 and rs9875803) displayed evidence for association with plasma glucose 1 hour after a 50-gram glucose challenge test (P = 0.042, 0.018 and 0.018, respectively), one (rs6777397) displayed evidence for association with HOMA1-β (P = 0.014), and one (rs6762009) displayed evidence for association with HOMA1-IR (P = 0.033). These results provide additional insight into the effects of genetic variation within ADCY5 in glucose metabolism, especially during pregnancy and in non-European descent populations

Viscoelastic Analysis of the Damping Asphalt Mixtures (DAMs) Made with a High Content of Asphalt Rubber (AR)

Damping asphalt mixtures (DAMs) have been developed to resist vibration and noise caused by traffic loads, and the ultimate design goal in this process is to increase damping. However, while optimizing its damping characteristics, the viscoelastic properties are not yet clear. In the present study, two DAMs are designed based on the open-graded (OG) aggregate structure, and the viscoelastic properties are evaluated subsequently by the dynamic mechanical testing. The results show that the proposed mix-design method for DAMs can meet the mechanical requirements specified in the standards; DAMs are detected to have higher phase angle and lower stiffness modulus compared with traditional mixtures, and the antifatigue performance is excellent but resistance to rutting may face challenges

Effect of Modifiers on the Rutting, Moisture-Induced Damage, and Workability Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures

The present study aims to examine the effect of modifiers (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and crumb rubber) on the rutting, moisture-induced damage, and workability properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. In this study, three types—namely, control (CB), crumb rubber-modified (CRMB), and polymer-modified (PMB)—of mixtures/binders were evaluated. The rutting properties were evaluated using a wheel tracking device and the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test. The moisture-induced damage properties were evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Strength (modified Lottman) and bitumen bond strength (BBS) tests. The workability properties were evaluated using densification indices (Bahia and locking point method) and a viscosity test. The results indicate that CRMB mixtures were less workable and exhibited a better resistance to rutting than the PMB and CB mixtures. Further, the PMB mixtures had increased resistance to moisture-induced damage, while the effect of the CRMB mixtures was negligible compared to the CB mixtures

Stability Analysis of Roadway Groups under Multi-Mining Disturbances

The roadway stability has been regarded as the main challenging issue for safety and productivity of deep underground coal mines, particularly where roadways are affected by coal mining activities. This study investigates the −740 m main roadway in the Jining No. 2 Coal Mine to provide a theoretical basis for the stability control of the main deep roadway affected by disturbances of adjacent working activities. Field surveys, theoretical analyses, and numerical simulations are used to reveal mechanisms of the coal mining disturbance. The field survey shows that the deformation of roadway increases when the work face advances near the roadway group. Long working face mining causes the key strata to collapse based on the key strata theory and then disturbs the adjacent roadway group. When the working face is 100 m away from the stop-mining line, the roadway group is affected by the mining face, and the width roadway protection coal pillar is determined to be about 100 m. Flac3D simulations prove the accuracy of the theoretical result. Through reinforcement and support measures for the main roadway, the overall strength of the surrounding rock is enhanced, the stability of the surrounding rock of the roadway is guaranteed, and the safe production of the mine is maintained

Modulating Smart Mechanoluminescent Phosphors for Multistimuli Responsive Optical Wood

Abstract Mechanoluminescence is a smart light‐emitting phenomenon in which applied mechanical energy is directly converted into photon emissions. In particular, mechanoluminescent materials have shown considerable potential for applications in the fields of energy and sensing. This study thoroughly investigates the mechanoluminescence and long afterglow properties of singly doped and codoped Sr2MgSi2O7(SMSO) with varying concentrations of Eu2+ and Dy3+ ions. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of its multimode luminescence properties, including photoluminescence, mechanoluminescence, long afterglow, and X‐ray‐induced luminescence, is conducted. In addition, the density of states mapping is acquired through first‐principles calculations, confirming that the enhanced mechanoluminescence properties of SMSO primarily stem from the deep trap introduced by Dy3+. In contrast to traditional mixing with Polydimethylsiloxane, in this study, the powders are incorporated into optically transparent wood to produce a multiresponse with mechanoluminescence, long afterglow, and X‐ray‐excited luminescence. This structure is achieved by pretreating natural wood, eliminating lignin, and subsequently modifying the wood to overall modification using various smart phosphors and epoxy resin composites. After natural drying, a multifunctional composite wood structure with diverse luminescence properties is obtained. Owing to its environmental friendliness, sustainability, self‐power, and cost‐effectiveness, this smart mechanoluminescence wood is anticipated to find extensive applications in construction materials and energy‐efficient displays