Search Results (53)

Gaussian Splatting (GS) methods, including 3DGS and 2DGS, have demonstrated significant effectiveness in real-time novel view synthesis (NVS), establishing themselves as a key technology in the field of computer graphics. However, GS-based methods still face challenges in rendering high-quality image details. Even when utilizing advanced frameworks, their outputs may display significant rendering artifacts when relying solely on a few input views, such as noise and blurriness. A reasonable approach is to conduct post-processing in order to restore clear details. Therefore, we propose GaussianEnhancer, a general GS-agnostic post-processor that employs a degradation-driven view blending method to improve the rendering quality of GS models. Specifically, we design a degradation modeling method tailored to the GS style and construct a large-scale training dataset to effectively simulate the native rendering artifacts of GS, enabling efficient training. In addition, we present a spatial information fusion framework that includes view fusion and depth modulation modules. This framework successfully integrates related images and leverages depth information from the target image to enhance rendering details. Through our GaussianEnhancer, we effectively eliminate the rendering artifacts of GS models and generate highly realistic image details. Based on GaussianEnhancer, we introduce GaussianEnhancer++, which features an enhanced GS-style degradation simulator, leading to improved enhancement quality. Furthermore, GaussianEnhancer++ can generate ultra-high-resolution outputs from noisy low resolution GS rendered images by leveraging the symmetry between high-resolution and low resolution images. Extensive experiments demonstrate the excellent restoration ability of GaussianEnhancer++ on various novel view synthesis benchmarks. Full article

This article focuses on modern methods of documentation and visualization for a historic object. Digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), which are essential tools for documenting cultural heritage in view of their rapid development in recent years, were used, compared, and analyzed. Furthermore, the use of available 3D computer graphics technologies for visualization is described and an optimal procedure for converting the object into VR and AR is proposed and implemented. The technologies presented in this article were tested within the context of a project on the reconstruction of the shrine of the Prophet Nahum in the city of Alqosh in northern Iraq, taking the shrine as a case study. Funded by ARCH Int. and provided by GemaArt Int., the restoration project started in 2018 and was completed in 2021. The ongoing documentation was prepared by the CTU and it used the materials for research purposes. Accurate documentation using photogrammetry, drones, and TLS was key to the restoration. Leica BLK360, Faro Focus S150, and GeoSlam laser scanners were used, as well as photogrammetric methods. In particular, the documentation process involved the creation of 3D textured models from the photogrammetry, which were compared to the TLS data to ensure accuracy. These models were necessary to track changes during the reconstruction phases and to calculate the volumes of rubble removed and materials added. Our data analysis revealed significant differences between the construction logs and the analysis of the accurate 3D models; the results showed an underestimation of the displaced material statements by 13.4% for removed material and 4.6% for added material. The use of heat maps and volumetric analyses helped to identify areas of significant change that guided the reconstruction and documented significant changes to the building for the investor. These findings are important for use in the construction industry with respect to historic sites as well as for further research focused on visualization using VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality). The conversion of existing 3D models into VR and AR is rapidly evolving and significant progress was made during this project. The Unreal Engine (UE) game engine was used. Despite the significantly improved performance of the new UE 5 version, the data for conversion to VR and AR needs to be decimated to reduce the amount—in our case, this was by up to 90%. The quality appearance of the objects is then ensured by textures. An important outcome of this part of the research was the debugged workflow developed to optimize the 3D models for VR, which was essential for creating a virtual museum that shows the restoration process. Full article

Fractal geometry theory has been widely used in engineering image processing. In this work, the basic principles and features of fractal geometry are first introduced and its importance in image processing is explained. The features of the symmetry and asymmetry of images are represented in fractal geometry and symmetry scaling is utilized to deal with image processing problems in engineering applications. Subsequently, specific applications of fractal geometry in engineering image processing are discussed in detail in terms of image compression, edge detection, texture analysis, and image reconstruction and restoration. The exploration of these applications reveals the advantages and usefulness of fractal geometry theory in image processing, and it is found that the image has certain symmetry and self-similarity, which is conducive to the establishment of mathematical models for the statistics of graphic contours and shapes. Finally, the unique value of fractal geometry in engineering image processing is further emphasized by comparing the innovations of fractal geometry with traditional image processing methods, which prompts the in-depth consideration of its potential value in this field. This paper provides new insights and directions for the research of engineering image processing, which is of positive significance for future research. Full article

The work developed aims to present an innovative methodology to execute the heritage conservation processes in a collaborative and interdisciplinary Building Information Modeling (BIM) project, with an effective management of the deterioration suffered over time, emphasizing the structures and coatings. The research begins with an architectural survey using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and terrestrial photogrammetry software, Structure from Motion (SfM), studying study the Duomo of Molfetta (Italy), a unique Romanesque architecture of Puglia (Italy). The methodological process is mainly aided by the precise semantic segmentation of global point clouds, a semi-automatic process assisted by classification algorithms implemented in the Cyclone 3DR post-processing software, which has allowed the classification of the unstructured information provided by the remote sensing equipment when identifying the architectural-structural systems of a building with high historical values. Subsequently, it was possible to develop an efficient Scan-to-HBIM workflow, where the Heritage BIM (HBIM) project has fulfilled the function of a database by incorporating and organizing all the information (graphic and non-graphic) to optimize the tasks of auscultation, identification, classification, and quantification and, in turn, facilitating the parametric modeling of unique structures and architectural elements. The results have shown great effectiveness in the processes of characterization of architectural heritage, focusing on the deformations and deterioration of the masonry in columns and pilasters. To make multidisciplinary conservation work more flexible, specific properties have been created for the identification and analysis of the degradation detected in the structures, with the HBIM project constituting a manager of the control and inspection activities. The restoration technician interacts with the determined 3D element to mark the “type decay”, managing the properties in the element’s own definition window. Interactive schemes have been defined that incorporate the items for the mapping of the elements, as well as particular properties of a conservation process (intervention, control, and maintenance). All listed parametric elements have links to be viewed in 2D and 3D views. Therefore, the procedure has facilitated the auscultation of the scanned element as it is semantically delimited, the parametric modeling of it, the analytical study of its materials and deterioration, and the association of intrinsic parameters so that they can be evaluated by all the intervening agents. But there are still some difficulties for the automatic interpretation of 3D point cloud data, related to specific systems of the historical architecture. In conclusion, human action and interpretation continues to be a fundamental pillar to achieve precise results in a heritage environment. Full article

The Marquis of Benicarlo’s House is a prime example of 18th-century Baroque civil architecture in the Valencian region. Inside, it preserves ceramic panels from this period of great historical and heritage value. However, prior to its designation as a Cultural Heritage Site, the building lost some of its most architecturally significant elements, such as the flooring in one of the main rooms, which was decorated with rich iconography. Fortunately, the original tiles from this flooring have been located in the collections of the National Museum of Ceramics. This study presents the recovery and graphic restitution of the flooring based on the pieces found in the museum’s collections. This work allows us to understand the original appearance of the flooring before its dismantling and may enable its in situ restoration through digital ceramic printing techniques, thus returning one of its most unique architectural elements to the building. It also details the process of digitally restoring the flooring to its original location using advanced digitization techniques. This enables the visualization of the hall in its authentic state using virtual reality methods, thereby facilitating its appreciation and dissemination as a heritage architectural space. Full article

In recent decades, humanity has had a significant negative impact on the environment. This problem can be solved only by establishing a rational environmental management policy and ensuring an effective financial policy in the context of balancing emissions and expenditures on environmental protection measures. The purpose of this article is to analyze the efficiency of financing environmental protection measures by determining the dependence of pollutant emissions on environmental protection expenditures in Ukraine and the European Union. The following methods were used for the study: analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison, specification, and statistical and graphical methods. The statistical information was systematized on the basis of open data from the Open Budget web portal, the State Statistics Service, and Eurostat. This study identified the dynamics of revenues from environmental taxes in Ukraine; taxes on air emissions prevail. Most of the expenditures are made from the state budget. According to the functional classification, environmental expenditures are mainly aimed at preventing and eliminating environmental pollution. The dynamics of capital investments in environmental protection were also studied. To assess the effectiveness of the state policy in the field of environmental protection, we analyzed the dependence of pollutant emissions in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania on the amount of environmental expenditures and investments in this area and revenues from environmental tax. In Ukraine, the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere depends mostly on investments in this area; in Poland—on revenues from environmental taxes; and in Romania—on expenditures on environmental protection. It has been established that the obtained models are adequate and can be used to build future forecasts of pollutant emissions. Directions for the development of financial and environmental policy are proposed. Post-war restoration of the environmental situation should be carried out on the basis of sustainable development, focusing on the European Green Deal A triple-task approach should be implemented, including environmental restoration, the minimization of negative climate change and balanced use of resources, and the expansion of powers of the relevant ministry with a focus on the strategic goals of the state policy. It is necessary to develop methodological recommendations according to international standards to assess the real state of the environment. Full article

Settlements situated downstream of hills and dams are invariably at risk of floods. Constant land use/land cover changes in the Vishwamitri Watershed and long-term climate variability have made Vadodara City more susceptible to river flooding in recent times. In the past, the local government authorities have only tried to solve this issue within the administrative boundary of the Vadodara City. This study demonstrates the importance of watershed scale investigation over administrative scale. The study presents a review of the current flooding and environmental degradation challenges that are affecting the Vishwamitri Watershed. For the analysis, the entire watershed was classified into two parts: (1) the upper watershed and (2) city limits. The data-deficient upper watershed was studied with the aid of site visits and secondary sources. The floodplain within the city limits was simulated for the 2005 peak discharge event (805 cumec) using Hydrological Engineering Centre—River Analysis System (HEC-RAS, 5.0.7.) software and HEC-GeoRAS (10.2.) (a set of procedures, tools, and utilities for processing geospatial data in ArcGIS using a graphical user interface). The simulated water surface elevation from HEC-RAS was validated with the in situ data available within the city limits. The generated floodplain extent map was used for conducting a primary flood impact survey and analysing the inundation-affected zones. Various aspects of the flood plain, like land use, land cover, built form, affected demography, river system, natural environment and habitat, were analysed during this survey. For the mitigation of floods and other maladies associated with the watershed, this probing calls for the restoration of the river ecosystem back to its original state to the maximum possible extent. Nature-based solutions were found to be the remedy for most of the issues pertaining to the floodplain. The study can potentially help concerned stakeholders of any flood-prone urban settlement to envision the issue of flooding with the whole river system and watershed in mind. This will discourage the usual approach of interventions limited to administrative boundaries. Full article

The Hakka cardigan stands as a quintessential representation of traditional Hakka attire, embodying not only the rich cultural heritage of a nation but also serving as a global cultural treasure. In this academic paper, we focus on a representative model to showcase the development of an autonomous 3D scanning system founded on an offline point cloud generation algorithm. Through a meticulous process involving the emulation of clothing pattern restoration, we employ a diverse array of software tools including Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, and CORELDRAW, harnessing graphic and image processing techniques to seamlessly transition from two-dimensional pattern restoration to a three-dimensional realm. This study revolves around the establishment of an autonomous 3D scanning system centered on a representative model, leveraging an offline point cloud generation algorithm. We incorporate the La-place mesh deformation algorithm to execute conformal transformations on neighboring vertices of motion vertices, while delving into the fundamental methodologies behind digital restoration and the three-dimensional virtual presentation of Hakka cardigans. Our experiments culminate in the measurement of six three-dimensional clothing pieces, revealing absolute deviation between the model and the actual clothing. Furthermore, when we compare the automatic measurements from 200 3D scanned human bodies with their manually obtained counterparts, the displayed measurement error hovers at approximately 0.5 cm. This research endeavor charts an expedited pathway to achieve digital restoration and three-dimensional virtual representation of Hakka cardigans. It not only offers a novel perspective for the digital revitalization of traditional clothing but also serves as a valuable augmentation to contemporary methods of preserving traditional clothing. Full article

This research focuses on exploring various techniques and models for simulating the random behavior of energy facilities or systems. These simulations are essential in identifying the likelihood of component failures within the studied facilities. By assessing the potential consequences of emergency scenarios, this analysis serves as a fundamental aspect of synthesizing and analyzing reliability in the cyber-physical system. Ultimately, the study aims to enhance the management and control of reliability and safety for these facilities. In this study, a unified heating source is considered as an energy facility (as part of district heating systems), for example, a combined heat and power plant. However, the developed methods and models have sufficient universality for their adaptation to other energy facilities without significant changes. The research methodology is based on the use of Markov random processes and laws of the probability theory. The basic model of the energy facilities is formulated for the conditions of the simplest events flow with appropriate assumptions and constraints, in particular, ordinary events and independence of events (failures and restorations). To take into account the non-ordinary events (failures) and dependences between some failures, corresponding modifications of the basic model are proposed. A computational experiment was carried out using the developed models, and graphical interpretations of the results are presented. The obtained results allow us to formulate some preliminary conclusions about the range of influence of the simulated factors on the reliability analysis of studied facilities and to outline conditions and areas of their admissible application. Full article

The main idea of the current investigation is to explore some new aspects of Ostrowski’s type integral inequalities implementing the generalized Jensen–Mercer inequality established for generalized s-convexity in fractal space. To proceed further with this task, we construct a new generalized integral equality for first-order local differentiable functions, which will serve as an auxiliary result to restore some new bounds for Ostrowski inequality. We establish our desired results by employing the equality, some renowned generalized integral inequalities like Hölder’s, power mean, Yang-Hölder’s, bounded characteristics of the functions and considering generalized s-convexity characteristics of functions. Also, in support of our main findings, we deliver specific applications to means, and numerical integration and graphical visualization are also presented here. Full article

The importance of voltage quality is continuously increasing in electrical networks due to the rising manufacturing costs resulting from system faults and disturbances in utility dynamics. Researchers generally prefer reference-frame transformation-based methods to detect and mitigate these disturbances. However, these methods are adversely affected during unbalanced loading and disturbances due to their direct dependence on system dynamics (currents and voltages). In this study, a new and simple method based on Clarke transformation is proposed to detect disturbances and generate compensation signals for Power Quality Mitigation Devices. The aim is to address the deficiencies of existing approaches. Firstly, the Clarke transformation is introduced through the vector presentation. Then, the mathematical derivation of the proposed method is provided to enhance readers’ understanding. The voltage sag detection and compensation signal extraction of its control algorithm for a Dynamic Voltage Restorer is illustrated graphically. Subsequently, a simple power system is created using a simulation program. Balanced and unbalanced voltage disturbances are applied to the test system to demonstrate the validation of the proposed method under distorted system conditions. The results of voltage sag detection and compensation signal extraction for both the proposed and existing methods are compared at the end of the case studies. Full article

Color fading naturally occurs with time under light illumination. It is triggered by the high photon energy of light. The rate of color fading and darkening depends on the substance, lighting condition, and storage conditions. Color fading is only observed after some time has passed. The current color of objects of interest can only be compared with old photographs or the observer’s perception at the time of reference. Color fading and color darkening rates between two or more points in time in the past can only be determined using photographic images from the past. For objective characterization of color difference between two or more different times, quantification of color in either digital or printed photographs is required. A newly developed image analysis and comparison software (PicMan) has been used for color quantification and pixel-by-pixel color difference mapping in this study. Images of two copies of Japanese wood-block prints with and without color fading have been selected for the exemplary study of quantitative characterization of color fading and color darkening. The fading occurred during a long period of exposure to light. Pixel-by-pixel, line-by-line, and area-by-area comparisons of color fading and darkening between two images were very effective in quantifying color change and visualization of the phenomena. RGB, HSV, CIE L*a*b* values between images and their differences of a single pixel to areas of interest in any shape can be quantified. Color fading and darkening analysis results were presented in numerical, graphical, and image formats for completeness. All formats have their own advantages and disadvantages over the other formats in terms of data size, complexity, readability, and communication among parties of interest. This paper demonstrates various display options for color analysis, a summary of color fading, or color difference among images of interest for practical artistic, cultural heritage conservation, and museum applications. Color simulation for various moments in time was proposed and demonstrated by interpolation or extrapolation of color change between images, with and without color fading, using PicMan. The degree of color fading and color darkening over the various moments in time (past and future) can be simulated and visualized for decision-making in public display, storage, and restoration planning. Full article

This article analyzes how narratives about the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to memorialize lives lost in the crisis. It juxtaposes the author’s personal experience of the loss of family members with emerging memoirs by South Asian women to explore the diversity of genres like the lyric essay and the graphic memoir that memorialize lives lost to COVID-19. While acknowledging that the current pandemic and its effects are far from over, the essay argues that these memoirs are a conscious attempt to mourn and thereby restore the humanity of lives robbed of traditional acts of remembrance due to the isolation and bureaucracy of laws governing COVID-19 deaths and funerals. These texts by Barkha Dutt, Kay Sohini, and Jhumpa Lahiri are exceptional because the great majority of deaths during this time have been consigned to erasure, lack of documentation, or censorship. These texts are resisting the dominant trend to leave the pandemic behind and resume normal lives. By committing to grief instead of a facile recuperation, these memoirs are not just charting a private path of healing but also transforming private grief into a statement of shared suffering and solidarity, even when the pandemic has affected individuals differently based on stratifications of race, class, and privilege. Full article

Integrating building information modeling (BIM) technology into historical and cultural heritage structures has resulted in historic building information modeling (H-BIM), an effective method for managing and documenting invaluable historical artifacts. H-BIM has the potential to aid with the design, restoration, and maintenance activities of historical buildings by properly integrating parametric data and deliberately assessing semantic information, thus progressing the 3D model’s performance. H-BIM also aims to conduct cultural heritage (CH) studies in a systematic manner by combining 3D modeling techniques and information management. The first step in this process is to conduct a suitable geomatic survey to build accurate 3D models. The most efficient modeling method is to employ 3D point cloud data that are acquired using the terrestrial laser scanning method. This study proposes a manual modeling strategy for urban historical buildings that falls within the scope of the H-BIM methodology. The proposed modeling strategy follows a workflow that inserts point cloud data into the BIM environment in order to create a 3D urban cultural heritage model using ontologies applied with the H-BIM methodology. With this objective in mind, the H-BIM model development platform Revit was used to model the object elements of the inheritance structure in 3D and save them in the BIM library. It is very important to model building elements separately in 3D modeling studies. The resulting BIM product sheds light on fundamental data for the future planning, design, operation, and maintenance processes of the building. Users can obtain data suitable for H-BIM by adding graphical and non-graphical data. Full article

At the 16th Biennial Conference of Science & Management on the Colorado Plateau & Southwest Region on 12–15 September 2022, the authors hosted a symposium on the topic of “Considering host-microbial interactions in ecosystem restoration”. The goal of this symposium was to showcase studies that demonstrate how soil biota and symbioses can be used to promote forest restoration. Two key principles emerging from the symposium and research on this topic include the following: (1) diverse, native mixes of appropriate soil biota can meaningfully shift forests and plantings towards more successful and ecologically appropriate conditions; (2) context is important to consider in determining the appropriateness of plant and microbial pairings, including the similarity of source material and work sites across a variety of factors. To summarize the literature and discussion on this topic, we offer a graphical depiction of several of the factors to consider. Full article