This paper introduces a simple yet effective shape analysis mechanism for geometry processing. Unlike traditional shape
analysis techniques which compute descriptors per surface point up to certain neighborhoods, we introduce a shape analysis
framework in which the descriptors are based on pairs of surface points. Such a pairwise analysis approach...
This study employed ethnographic methodology to investigate and record the post-camp, pre-assimilation period of Laotian refugees.The primary goal was to document the special problems and experiences of the Laotian population as they attempted to adjust to new roles and expectations within mainstream North American society.Oral histories and biographical statements focused...
The purpose of this research was to determine whether
student academic achievement in college computer science
programs in the Republic of China (ROC) could be predicted
by factors reported to be effective in US studies. The
relationship between these factors and course performance in
computer science programs was examined. Gender...
Linkages between land use and its influence on the atmosphere have been a long-standing research area. For example, what is the impact of irrigated agriculture on downwind rainfall? Global-scale models show that moisture recycling is an important source of water for inland regions around the world, but they do not...
In areas such as spatial analysis and time series analysis, it is essential to understand and quantify spatial or temporal heterogeneity. In this dissertation, we focus on a spatially varying coefficient model, in which spatial heterogeneity is accommodated by allowing the regression coefficients to vary in a given spatial domain....
Identifying material parameters in composite plates is a necessary first step in a variety of structural applications. For example, understanding the material parameters of carbon fiber composite is important in investigating sensor and actuator placement on micro-air-vehicle wings for control and wing morphing purposes. Knowing the material parameters can also...
Mobile devices are becoming more prevalent and complex. As a result, the wireless communication aspect of these devices is becoming increasingly significant. At the same time, video demands in terms of availability and quality are also on the uprise. High definition (HD) video is the standard of choice for meeting...
Limited bandwidth and high packet loss rate pose a serious challenge for video streaming applications over wireless networks. Even when packet loss is not present, the bandwidth fluctuation as a result of an arbitrary number of active flows in an IEEE 802.11 network, can significantly degrade the video quality. This...
All life depends on the reliable translation of RNA to protein according to complex interactions between translation machinery and RNA sequence features. While ribosomal occupancy and codon frequencies vary across coding regions, well-established metrics for computing coding potential of RNA do not capture such positional dependence. Here, we investigate position-dependent...
Over the last several decades, potato production has increased globally as it has been recognized as an important component to improving food security. However, potato production has been continuously challenged by pests. Current pest management practices rely heavily on chemical pesticides. Unfortunately, the overuse of pesticides can be harmful to...