Enabling geometry-based 3-D tele-immersion with fast mesh compression and linear rateless coding

3-D tele-immersion (3DTI) enables participants in remote locations to share, in real time, an activity. It offers users interactive and immersive experiences, but it challenges current media-streaming solutions. Work in the past has mainly focused on the efficient delivery of image-based 3-D videos and on realistic rendering and reconstruction of geometry-based 3-D objects. The contribution of this paper is a real-time streaming component for 3DTI with dynamic reconstructed geometry. This component includes both a novel fast compression method and a rateless packet protection scheme specifically designed towards the requirements imposed by real time transmission of live-reconstructed mesh geometry. Tests on a large dataset show an encoding speed-up up to ten times at comparable compression ratio and quality, when compared with the high-end MPEG-4 SC3DMC mesh encoders. The implemented rateless code ensures complete packet loss protection of the triangle mesh object and a delivery delay within interactive bounds. Contrary to most linear fountain codes, the designed codec enables real-time progressive decoding allowing partial decoding each time a packet is received. This approach is compared with transmission over TCP in packet loss rates and latencies, typical in managed WAN and MAN networks, and heavily outperforms it in terms of end-to-end delay. The streaming component has been integrated into a larger 3DTI environment that includes state of the art 3-D reconstruction and rendering modules. This resulted in a prototype that can capture, compress transmit, and render triangle mesh geometry in real-time in realistic internet conditions as shown in experiments. Compared with alternative methods, lower interactive end-to-end delay and frame rates over three times higher are achieved

The prisoner's right to vote and civic responsibility: Reaffirming the social contract?

Copyright © 2009 NAPOThis article considers the issue of the prisoner’s right to vote in the light of recent developments in law and policy. It critically reviews the purported justifications for disenfranchisement and argues that re-enfranchisement should be pursued on the grounds of both principle and policy

Human coping strategies to desertification in Yobe State, Nigeria

This paper examined the coping strategies adopted by the rural population in Yobe State of Nigeria to desertification. Data on methods used to cope with desertification were collected from eighteen development areas of the study area, as well as government agencies. The main objective was to examine how the process of desertification has forced the local population to use various coping strategies. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis employed the use of air photographs of thedevelopment areas obtained from the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) for the 1990s and 2000s. These aerial photographs were used to validate the presence of sand dune accumulation, bare grounds, depletion of water bodies and vegetation cover. These results were validated at the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos. The study finings show that the expanding desert is a severe environmental problem. Environmental changes have been significant particularly inreduction of water body, depletion of vegetation cover, shifting sand dunes, increasing bare grounds and loss of biodiversity. A combination of coping strategies such as use of trees as wind breaks, woven stick construction around houses, agro-forestry practices and fadama farming have been used by the local population. The paper suggests the needfor massive tree plantings in the study area and Nigeria in general. The Federal and State Departments of Forestry need to be empowered with adequate revenue for massive reforestation programme. Regulation to discourage dependence on wood for local energy should be put in place, while other sources of energy such as kerosene should be adequately provided

Jaminan Gadai dalam Akad Rahn di Pegadaian Syariah Sampang

The study aims to find out the arrangements for pawning collateral in the rahn contract at the Sampang Sharia Pawnshop Unit Robatal and the mechanism for handling auctions in rahn guarantees at the Sampang Sharia Pawnshop Unit Robatal. It is empirical research, so obtaining the data is done by observation and interviews. The results of this study are twofold. First, Islam allows debt agreements, which are the essence of a pawn agreement. This pawn agreement in Islamic law is a "jaiz deed" (something that is permissible), both according to the provisions of the Qur'an, Sunnah and consensus of 'Ulama. Second, the procedure for auctioning pawn collateral items at the Sampang Robatal Unit Sharia Pawnshop is in accordance with Islamic law because, in practice, it is in accordance with the demands of the Qur'an and hadith. This is by paying attention to its implementation, such as how to display goods, influence prospective buyers, do the bargaining, consent, deliverance, and hand over the goods. Abstrak: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah: (1) untuk mengetahui pengaturan jaminan gadai dalam akad rahn di Pegadaian Syariah Sampang Unit Robatal, dan (2) untuk mengetahui mekanisme penanganan lelang dalam jaminan rahn di Pegadaian Syariah Sampang Unit Robatal. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian empiris, sehingga untuk memperoleh datanya dilakukan dengan observasi dan wawancara. Hasil dari penelitian ini ada dua. Pertama, bahwa Islam memperbolehkan perjanjian utang piutang, yang pada dasarnya merupakan inti daripada perjanjian gadai, yang artinya bahwa perjanjian gadai ini dalam syari’at Islam merupakan “perbuatan jaiz” (sesuatu yang diperbolehkan), baik menurut ketentuan Alqur’an, Sunnah maupun ijma’ Ulama. Kedua, bahwa prosedur  pelelangan barang jaminan gadai di Pegadaian Syariah Unit Robatal Sampang sudah sesuai dengan syariat Islam, dikarenakan dalam praktiknya sudah sesuai dengan tuntutan al-Quran dan hadits, hal ini dengan memperhatikan pelaksanaannya seperti cara memperlihatkan barang, cara mempengaruhi calon pembeli, cara melakukan tawar menawar, cara melakukan ijab dan qabul serta melakukan penyerahan barang.  

Structural and functional studies of respiratory chain proteins using infrared spectroscopy

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the 4000-800 cm"1 range was applied to NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) and cytochrome bc complex of the respiratory electron transfer chain. High signal:noise redox difference spectra were acquired using novel electrochemical and perfusion techniques to reversibly adjust protein redox state which, where appropriate, was monitored by simultaneous UV/visible spectroscopy. Interpretation of spectra was assisted by hydrogen-deuterium exchange, 15N labelling and redox titration. Model compound data, including protonation state/redox difference spectra of histidine, flavin mononucleotide and ferredoxins, were recorded and are presented as a comprehensive 'toolkit' for assisting in acquisition and interpretation of protein IR data in general. Electrochemically-induced difference spectra of bovine and Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome bc complex are comparable to published perfusion data but are at significantly higher signahnoise demonstrating the functionality of the electrochemical technique. Comparison of wild-type and E295V Rba. capsulatus difference spectra resulting from haem reduction/oxidation definitively rules out Glu-295 as the principal carboxylic acid residue responsive to haem b redox change. Full redox difference spectra of Yarrowia lipolytica and bovine complex I are similar to published E. coli transmission FTIR spectra where signals in the amide I and II region were interpreted as indictors of large scale conformational change. Comparison of complex I and ferredoxin difference spectra rules out this interpretation. Signals in the presented spectra are tentatively assigned to reduced flavin and to protonation state change of one or more histidine residues. In iron-sulphur centre N2 redox difference spectra, measured in intact complex I for the first time, signals from substrate ubiquinone/ubiquinol formation are clear a putative histidine protonation change signal is also present. Perfusion induced-difference spectra, using NADH as reductant, indicate that NADH does not reduce the full complement of iron-sulphur centres and no signals indicative of large scale conformational change were present

Implikasi Hukum Pembebasan Narapidana Koruptor dalam Kondisi Penyebaran Covid 19 Perspektif Sosiologi Hukum

Sociologically, the corruptor's behaviour is against the function of law. Law as social control, dictates people's lives in juridical aspect. As a means of social control, the law determines ideal and deviant behaviour and stipulates legal sanctions against the deviant. This paper refers to normative legal research by conducting studies on legislation and legal theory related to existing problems. Furthermore, the study results showed that releasing prisoners to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 was not the right solution and was only temporary because the main problem was not over capacity in prisons and detention centres but instead government policies that prioritized continuous prison sentences. It encourages over-capacity even when there is a COVID-19 pandemic or not. In addition, releasing prisoners also has several impacts, such as the vulnerability of prisoners to COVID-19 in the community, the difficulty in finding a living, the increased crime rate, and so on. In short, releasing prisoners to reduce the spread of COVID-19 amid crowded prisons is a temporary solution.

Analysis of physical pore space characteristics of two pyrolytic biochars and potential as microhabitat

Background and Aims Biochar amendment to soil is a promising practice of enhancing productivity of agricultural systems. The positive effects on crop are often attributed to a promotion of beneficial soil microorganisms while suppressing pathogens e.g. This study aims to determine the influence of biochar feedstock on (i) spontaneous and fungi inoculated microbial colonisation of biochar particles and (ii) physical pore space characteristics of native and fungi colonised biochar particles which impact microbial habitat quality. Methods Pyrolytic biochars from mixed woods and Miscanthus were investigated towards spontaneous colonisation by classical microbiological isolation, phylogenetic identification of bacterial and fungal strains, and microbial respiration analysis. Physical pore space characteristics of biochar particles were determined by X-ray μ-CT. Subsequent 3D image analysis included porosity, surface area, connectivities, and pore size distribution. Results Microorganisms isolated from Wood biochar were more abundant and proliferated faster than those from the Miscanthus biochar. All isolated bacteria belonged to gram-positive bacteria and were feedstock specific. Respiration analysis revealed higher microbial activity for Wood biochar after water and substrate amendment while basal respiration was on the same low level for both biochars. Differences in porosity and physical surface area were detected only in interaction with biochar-specific colonisation. Miscanthus biochar was shown to have higher connectivity values in surface, volume and transmission than Wood biochars as well as larger pores as observed by pore size distribution. Differences in physical properties between colonised and non-colonised particles were larger in Miscanthus biochar than in Wood biochar. Conclusions Vigorous colonisation was found on Wood biochar compared to Miscanthus biochar. This is contrasted by our findings from physical pore space analysis which suggests better habitat quality in Miscanthus biochar than in Wood biochar. We conclude that (i) the selected feedstocks display large differences in microbial habitat quality as well as physical pore space characteristics and (ii) physical description of biochars alone does not suffice for the reliable prediction of microbial habitat quality and recommend that physical and surface chemical data should be linked for this purpose

Environmental and socio-demographic associates of children's active transport to school: a cross-sectional investigation from the URBAN Study

BACKGROUND: Active transport (e.g., walking, cycling) to school (ATS) can contribute to children's physical activity and health. The built environment is acknowledged as an important factor in understanding children's ATS, alongside parental factors and seasonality. Inconsistencies in methodological approaches exist, and a clear understanding of factors related to ATS remains equivocal. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of associates of children's ATS, by considering the effects of daily weather patterns and neighbourhood walk ability and neighbourhood preferences (i.e., for living in a high or low walkable neighbourhood) on this behaviour. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Understanding Relationships between Activity and Neighbourhoods study, a cross-sectional study of physical activity and the built environment in adults and children in four New Zealand cities. Parents of participating children completed an interview and daily trip diary that assessed their child's mode of travel to school, household and individual demographic information, and parental neighbourhood preference. Daily weather data were downloaded from New Zealand's national climate database. Geographic information systems-derived variables were calculated for distance to school and neighbourhood walkability. Bivariate analyses were conducted with ATS and potential associates; factors related to ATS at p less than 0.20 were considered simultaneously in generalized estimation equation models, and backwards elimination of non-significant factors was conducted; city was treated as a fixed effect in all models. RESULTS: A total of 217 children aged 6.5-15 years participated in this study. Female sex, age, city, household income, limited/no car access, residing in zone of school, shorter distance to school, neighbourhood self selection, rainfall, and sunlight hours were simultaneously considered in multivariate generalised estimation equation modelling (all p less than 0.20 in bivariate analyses). After elimination of non-significant factors, age (p = 0.005), shorter distance to school (p less than 0.001), city (p = 0.03), and neighbourhood self selection (p = 0.04) remained significantly associated with ATS in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Distance to school is the prevailing environmental influencing factor on children's ATS. This study, in conjunction with previous research, suggests that school siting is likely an important associate of children's ATS

Tigers of Sundarbans in India: Is the Population a Separate Conservation Unit?

The Sundarbans tiger inhabits a unique mangrove habitat and are morphologically distinct from the recognized tiger subspecies in terms of skull morphometrics and body size. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess their ecological and genetic distinctiveness and determine if Sundarbans tigers should be defined and managed as separate conservation unit. We utilized nine microsatellites and 3 kb from four mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes to estimate genetic variability, population structure, demographic parameters and visualize historic and contemporary connectivity among tiger populations from Sundarbans and mainland India. We also evaluated the traits that determine exchangeability or adaptive differences among tiger populations. Data from both markers suggest that Sundarbans tiger is not a separate tiger subspecies and should be regarded as Bengal tiger (P. t. tigris) subspecies. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA data revealed reciprocal monophyly. Genetic differentiation was found stronger for mtDNA than nuclear DNA. Microsatellite markers indicated low genetic variation in Sundarbans tigers (He= 0.58) as compared to other mainland populations, such as northern and Peninsular (Hebetween 0.67- 0.70). Molecular data supports migration between mainland and Sundarbans populations until very recent times. We attribute this reduction in gene flow to accelerated fragmentation and habitat alteration in the landscape over the past few centuries. Demographic analyses suggest that Sundarbans tigers have diverged recently from peninsular tiger population within last 2000 years. Sundarbans tigers are the most divergent group of Bengal tigers, and ecologically non-exchangeable with other tiger populations, and thus should be managed as a separate "evolutionarily significant unit" (ESU) following the adaptive evolutionary conservation (AEC) concept.Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun (India)

Multidimentional proteomics for cell biology

The proteome is a dynamic system in which each protein has interconnected properties — dimensions — that together contribute to the phenotype of a cell. Measuring these properties has proved challenging owing to their diversity and dynamic nature. Advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics now enable the measurement of multiple properties for thousands of proteins, including their abundance, isoform expression, turnover rate, subcellular localization, post-translational modifications and interactions. Complementing these experimental developments are new data analysis, integration and visualization tools as well as data-sharing resources. Together, these advances in the multidimensional analysis of the proteome are transforming our understanding of various cellular and physiological processes