High-quality Visualization Research Articles

Applying the Teaching Factory Paradigm and Augmented Reality Technology for Operator Training in Assembly Operations

Educational and vocational training is constantly evolving due to the new technologies emergence under the concept of Industry 4.0. Augmented Reality (AR) is a rapidly growing technology that promises the delivery of high-quality visualization solutions, in a way that enables the user to interact with both digital and physical objects in a single immersive environment. This paper utilizes AR to support bilateral communication, between industry and academia, and enhance assembly and process monitoring operations, under the umbrella of the Teaching Factory paradigm. The proposed framework supports real-time information exchange between industrial equipment and the cloud-enabled AR application that empowers online performance monitoring and assembly operation support. The proposed approach utilizes IoT-enabled devices from the process ecosystem, in order to retrieve and upload information on a cloud-platform in real-time. Additional focus was given on ensuring the data distribution and visualization mechanisms, within different application instances in a non-geographical anchored network. Users from both industry and academia can simultaneously visualize and analyze process information within the AR environment, in the foreground of the physical or the digital equipment respectively. Further on, the application assisted the assembly operations of the process equipment, using animated holographic components for creating a realistic display of the of the assembly steps. The approach was implemented in a turbocharger system, using Android platform for the deployment of the AR application and an AllThingsTalk server for the data aggregation and distribution. The results indicated high potential on enhancing the process monitoring and assembly training, establishing a valuable tool for fast troubleshooting between users across industry and academia.

АНАЛИЗ СОСТОЯНИЯ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИИ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННЫХ ДАННЫХ

The growth of information technology has led to a significant expansion of the possibilities for storing, processing and presenting spatial data. This gave a new round of development to such a direction of cartography and geoinformatics as geovisualization. Interactivity and dynamics have become the main distinguishing features of modern maps, especially in the field of cartographic design, which now extend to the problems of human-computer interaction to ensure more successful analysis of geodata and the development of spatial solutions. The article examines the existing definitions of geovisualization and proposes its own version. The scheme and features of individual stages of geovisualization creation are considered. Typical tasks that need to be solved to create high-quality visualization of spatial data are formulated and their systematization is performed. On the basis of the mentioned above tasks and their specificity, the most promising areas of research in the field of geovisualization were identified.

Intraoperative imaging of brain tumors with fluorescein: confocal laser endomicroscopy in neurosurgery. Clinical and user experience.

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an established tool in basic research for tissue imaging at the level of microstructures. Miniaturization and refinement of the technology have made this modality available for operative imaging with a handheld device. Sufficient image contrast is provided by the preoperative application of fluorescein sodium. The authors report their first experiences in a clinical case series using the new confocal laser endomicroscope. Handling, operative workflow, and visualization of the CLE were critically evaluated in 12 cases of different CNS tumors. Three different imaging positions in relation to the tumor were chosen: the tumor border (I), tumor center (II), and perilesional zone (III). Respective diagnostic sampling with H & E staining and matching intraoperative neuronavigation and microscope images are provided. CLE was found to be beneficial in terms of high-quality visualization of fine structures and for displaying hidden anatomical details. The handling of the device was good, and the workflow was easy. Handling ergonomics and image acquisition are intuitive. The endomicroscope allows excellent additional visualization of microstructures in the surgical field with a minimally invasive technique and could improve safety and clinical outcomes. The new confocal laser endomicroscope is an advanced tool with the potential to change intracranial tumor surgery. Imaging of these microstructures is novel, and research with comparative validation with traditional neuropathological assessments is needed.

Comparison of MR Ultrashort Echo Time and Optimized 3D-Multiecho In-Phase Sequence to Computed Tomography for Assessment of the Osseous Craniocervical Junction.

To assess changes of the craniocervical junction (CCJ), computed tomography (CT) is considered the reference standard. Recent advances in bone depiction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable high-quality visualization of osseous structures. Consequently, MRI may serve as an alternative to CT, without the use of ionizing radiation. To compare two MRI sequences optimized for bone visualization to the CT reference standard in the assessment of the osseous CCJ. Prospective. Twenty-seven decedents and five healthy volunteers. 3T/ultrashort-echo time gradient echo (UTE) and optimized 3D-multiecho in-phase gradient echo sequences (FRACTURE). All decedents were scanned with both MRI sequences and CT. Three observers rated degeneration to obtain a score for the upper (atlanto-dental and left/right atlanto-occipital joint) and for the lower part of the CCJ (left and right atlanto-axial joint). Two reader rated the following quantitative parameters: basion-axial-interval, atlanto-dental-interval, atlanto-occipital-interval, Powers-ratio, and signal/contrast-to-noise-ratio. As a proof of concept, five healthy volunteers were scanned with both MRI sequences. Degeneration was assessed on a Likert scale by three independent observers. Interrater and intermodality reliability were calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient. To compare distance measurements between examination methods, a Friedman test, between-degenerative ratings, and a Kruskal-Wallis test were performed. Degenerative ratings of the CCJ between MRI sequences and CT showed a good interrater and intermodality agreement. MRI sequences tended to underestimate the degree of degeneration compared to CT, and this became more marked with increasing degeneration severity. There were no significant relationships between distance measurements and the degree of degeneration (PCT = 0.62, PUTE = 0.64, PFRACTURE = 0.67). The in vivo examination proved the feasibility of both MRI methods in a clinical setting. Quantitative and qualitative ratings on MR images were comparable to CT images; thus, MRI may be a valid alternative to CT assessing the CCJ. 1. 3.

Updates in techniques for improved visualization in sinus surgery.

Adequate visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most critical aspects of performing well tolerated and successful surgery. The topic of visualization encompasses a broad spectrum of preoperative and intraoperative manoeuvres the surgeon can perform that aid in the understanding of the patient's anatomy and in the delivery of efficient surgical care. Preoperative considerations to improve visualization include optimization of haemostasis through management of comorbidities (e.g. hypertension, coagulopathies), medication management (e.g. blood thinners) and systemic versus topical corticosteroids. New technologies allow preoperative visual mapping of surgical plans. Advances in knowledge of intraoperative anaesthesia have encouraged a move toward noninhaled anaesthetics to reduce bleeding. High definition cameras, angled endoscopes, 3D endoscopes and more recently augmented reality, image-guided surgery, and robotic surgery, represent the state of the art for high-quality visualization. Topical interventions, such as epinephrine, tranexamic acid and warm isotonic saline, can help to reduce bleeding and improve the operative field. Surgical manoeuvres, such as polyp debulking, septoplasty, carefully controlled tissue manipulation and a consistent repeatable approach remain fundamental to appropriate intraoperative surgical visualization. This chapter delineates medical, technical and technological means - preoperatively and intraoperatively - to achieve optimized visualization of the surgical field in ESS.

The UCSC Genome Browser database: 2021 update.

For more than two decades, the UCSC Genome Browser database (https://genome.ucsc.edu) has provided high-quality genomics data visualization and genome annotations to the research community. As the field of genomics grows and more data become available, new modes of display are required to accommodate new technologies. New features released this past year include a Hi-C heatmap display, a phased family trio display for VCF files, and various track visualization improvements. Striving to keep data up-to-date, new updates to gene annotations include GENCODE Genes, NCBI RefSeq Genes, and Ensembl Genes. New data tracks added for human and mouse genomes include the ENCODE registry of candidate cis-regulatory elements, promoters from the Eukaryotic Promoter Database, and NCBI RefSeq Select and Matched Annotation from NCBI and EMBL-EBI (MANE). Within weeks of learning about the outbreak of coronavirus, UCSC released a genome browser, with detailed annotation tracks, for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA reference assembly.

RUN: rational ubiquitous navigation, a model for automated navigation and searching in virtual environments

By now, the realm of virtual reality is abuzz with high-quality visuals, enough to simulate a real-world scene. The use of intelligence in virtual reality systems, however, is a milestone yet to be achieved to make possible seamless realism in a virtual environment. This paper presents a model, rational ubiquitous navigation to improve believability of a virtual environment. The model intends to augment maturity of a virtual agent by inculcating in it the human-like learning capability. A novel approach for automated navigation and searching is proposed by incorporating machine learning in virtual reality. An intelligent virtual agent learns objects of interest along with the paths followed for navigation. A mental map is molded dynamically as a user navigates in the environment. The map is followed by the agent during self-directed navigation to access any known object. After reaching at a location where an object of interest resides, the required object is selected on the basis of front-facet feature. The model is implemented in a case-study project learn objects on path (LOOP). Twelve users evaluated the model in the immersive maze-like environment of LOOP. Results of the evaluation assure applicability of the model in various cross-modality applications.

Chemical effects of diceCT staining protocols on fluid-preserved avian specimens.

Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) techniques allow visualization of soft tissues of fluid-preserved specimens in three dimensions without dissection or histology. Two popular diceCT stains, iodine-potassium iodide (I2KI) dissolved in water and elemental iodine (I2) dissolved in 100% ethanol (EtOH), yield striking results. Despite the widespread use of these stains in clinical and biological fields, the molecular mechanisms that result in color change and radiopacity attributed to iodine staining are poorly understood. Requests to apply these stains to anatomical specimens preserved in natural history museums are increasing, yet curators have little information about the potential for degradation of treated specimens. To assess the molecular effects of iodine staining on typical museum specimens, we compared the two popular stains and two relatively unexplored stains (I2KI in 70% EtOH, I2 in 70% EtOH). House sparrows (Passer domesticus) were collected and preserved under uniform conditions following standard museum protocols, and each was then subjected to one of the stains. Results show that the three ethanol-based stains worked equally well (producing fully stained, life-like, publication quality scans) but in different timeframes (five, six, or eight weeks). The specimen in I2KI in water became degraded in physical condition, including developing flexible, demineralized bones. The ethanol-based methods also resulted in some demineralization but less than the water-based stain. The pH of the water-based stain was notably acidic compared to the water used as solvent in the stain. Our molecular analyses indicate that whereas none of the stains resulted in unacceptable levels of protein degradation, the bones of a specimen stained with I2KI in water demineralized throughout the staining process. We conclude that staining with I2KI or elemental I2 in 70% EtOH can yield high-quality soft-tissue visualization in a timeframe that is similar to that of better-known iodine-based stains, with lower risk of negative impacts on specimen condition.

MODERN ACADEMIC LECTURE: PRO ET CONTRA

The article is devoted to lectures as the oldest organizational form of education. It has been emphasized that interactivity is one of the main parameters that a modern lecture must comply with. The authors note that a quality lecture at a medical university (academy), prepared by a qualified research and teaching staff, is an extremely capacious pedagogical phenomenon that has a number of advantages, such as: lecture is an effective form of emotional impact on the future doctor, deontological education, formation of professional self-awareness and professional position, reflection and self-reflection; it serves as an important form of cooperation and provides direct creative communication of the lecturer with the audience; it allows to involve students in the latest advances in health care; it serves as an effective means of learning through personal example. Paying attention to the already traditional (in the historical context) question about the shortcomings of the lecture, the authors briefly consider the barriers of psychological and pedagogical nature, related to both the teacher and the students. It is shown that these barriers hinder the implementation of the main functions of the lecture and generate discussions about the form of lecture. Considerable attention is paid to the means of visualization of lecture material. The conclusions state that the modern academic lecture must meet a number of prerequisites, which are interrelated: proper psychological and pedagogical training of research and teaching staff; correspondence of their knowledge to the modern level of development of science; impeccable mastery of lecture material and audience; high-quality contingent of students who have a high level of motivation to study and the desire to obtain education, acquire knowledge, skills and abilities; high-quality visualization of lecture material.

A Historical Review of Endoscopic Spinal Discectomy

As an essential component of minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has continuously evolved and has been accepted as a practical procedure by the worldwide spine community. Especially for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), the percutaneous endoscopic or full-endoscopic discectomy technique has been scientifically proven through randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses to be a good alternative to open discectomy. The initial concept of endoscopic spine discectomy was concerned with indirect disc decompression using various instruments such as blind forceps, a nucleotome, laser, radiofrequency coblation, and some chemical agents. The main surgical field has been shifted from the intradiscal space to the epidural space. Precise and selective discectomy for extruded LDH in the epidural space under high-quality endoscopic visualization is now feasible. Furthermore, the medical applications of ESS is broadening to include spinal stenosis, segmental instability, infection, and even intradural lesions. In this review article, I describe the history of endoscopic spine discectomy and decompression techniques, as well as evolution of the paradigm. This history may help indicate the future of practical ESS.

Design and development of impinging jet facility for flow visualization studies

Smoke flow visualization is employed to investigate the behavior of a round jet issuing from a straight tube and impinging on a flat plate or bodies mounted on a support. Smoke jet impingement facility is a tool used in aerodynamic research to provide information about the behavior of a round jet of smoke impinging on a model. The smoke impingement jet facility utilizes smoke as seeding for scattering towards visualization. In this study, an impingement jet facility is designed and fabricated that ought to be of low price and straightforward to use. This project aims to offer educators and students an economical means to demonstrate flow impingement over completely different objects employing an easy variety of construction. This work utilizes a smoke generator that can produce good quality smoke and have sufficient density to be visible. The application of this smoke jet impingement jet facility over several test visualization techniques is that it produces high-quality visualizations. The facility has proven to be an economic addition in supporting other research projects and is anticipated to be a valuable ‘hands-on’ addition to existing aerospace laboratory teaching.

How Does HIV Env Structure Informs Vaccine Design?

BackgroundThe DHVI Division of Structural Biology seeks to use atomic level structural information for design of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. Through visualization of the HIV-1 envelope (Env) and its interactions with the human immune system, we obtain structural information that we translate into the rational development vaccine immunogensMethodsWe use negative stain electron microscopy (NSEM), cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and x-ray crystallography as the major structural techniques for visualization of HIV-1 Env, and combine these with biochemical and biophysical studies, as well as computational methods to obtain a basic understanding of the functions and interactions of the HIV-1 Env.Results:1.The DHVI NSEM pipeline runs on a daily basis to quality control vaccine immunogens for animal studies and other applications. Offering rapid sample turnover and economical operations, the NSEM pipeline is the most widely utilized resource of the DHVI Division of Structural Biology. Over the last year, the NSEM team has focused efforts on improving operational speed and data processing allowing high-quality visualization of a large variety of samples including HIV-1 Env immunogens, antibodies, nanoparticles, and VLPs. In the last year we have also expanded our NSEM studies to the analyses of serum samples and mucosal fluids.2.To understand the mechanism of HIV-1 entry we have determined structures of HIV-1 entry intermediates. We have determined a 3.8 Å resolution structure of a single CD4 bound to a closed HIV-1 Env trimer revealing new contacts of CD4 with Env. We have also structurally characterized an Env designed to prevent CD4-induced rearrangements by targeted disruption of an allosteric network modulating Env conformational changes.3.We have structurally characterized the HIV-1 glycan-V3 targeting DH270 Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Lineage. The structures revealed movements in the V1 loop and interactive glycans, shifts in antibody orientations, antibody VH-VL orientations, and antibody elbow angles, as the lineage progressed to maturation.4.We have solved a structure in complex with the HIV-1 Env immunogen Man5-enriched CH505.N279K.G458Y.SOSIP.664 of the unmutated common ancestor (UCA) of the HIV-1 CD4-binding site targeting CH235 Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Lineage. The structure revealed interactions of the N279K and G458Y mutations with the CDR L3 loop of CH235 UCA thus providing a structural understanding of the role of these mutations in facilitating binding to the CH235 UCA. (see also Henderson et al abstract)5.Using NSEM and cryo-EM we have characterized the structural properties of a novel class of 2G12-mimetic, yet non domain-swapped Fab dimer glycan-reactive (FDG) antibodies. These studies showed that the Fab-dimerized 2G12-like motif is more common than previously thought, and that creation of a Fab-dimerized paratope for an HIV-1 neutralizing antibody does not require VH domain-swapping.6.Finally, the structural team is an integral part of the CHAVD Kalma Immunogen Design Team, wherein we are defining the structural basis of bnAb affinity maturation to guide sequential immunogen design.Conclusions:These results highlight the power of structural information on HIV-1 vaccine design, from leveraging a basic understanding of HIV-1 entry mechanism for immunogen design, to rapid visualization of Env immunogens by NSEM for quality control, discovery of novel antibody interactions, and atomic level visualization of antibody/Env interactions.

Разработка модификации метода главных проекций Торгерсона с применением анализа кумулятивных кривых в задаче выявления выбросов в данных больших размерностей

Рассмотрена задача выявления аномальных наблюдений в данных больших размерностей на основе метода многомерного шкалирования с учетом возможности построения качественной визуализации данных. Предложен алгоритм модифицированного метода главных проекций Торгерсона, основанный на построении подпространства проектирования исходных данных путем изменения способа факторизации матрицы скалярных произведений при помощи метода анализа кумулятивных кривых. Построено и проанализировано эмпирическое распределение F -меры для разных вариантов проектирования исходных данных Purpose. Purpose of the article. The paper aims at the development of methods for multidimensional data presentation for solving classification problems based on the cumulative curves analysis. The paper considers the outlier detection problem for high-dimensional data based on the multidimensional scaling, in order to construct high-quality data visualization. An abnormal observation (or outlier), according to D. Hawkins, is an observation that is so different from others that it may be assumed as appeared in the sample in a fundamentally different way. Methods. One of the conceptual approaches that allow providing the classification of sample observations is multidimensional scaling, representing by the classical Orlochi method, the Torgerson main projections and others. The Torgerson method assumes that when converting data to construct the most convenient classification, the origin must be placed at the gravity center of the analyzed data, after which the matrix of scalar products of vectors with the origin at the gravity center is calculated, the two largest eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors are chosen and projection matrix is evaluated. Moreover, the method assumes the linear partitioning of regular and anomalous observations, which arises rarely. Therefore, it is logical to choose among the possible axes for designing those that allow obtaining more effective results for solving the problem of detecting outlier observations. A procedure of modified CC-ABOD (Cumulative Curves for Angle Based Outlier Detection) to estimate the visualization quality has been applied. It is based on the estimation of the variances of angles assumed by particular observation and remaining observations in multidimensional space. Further the cumulative curves analysis is implemented, which allows partitioning out groups of closely localized observations (in accordance with the chosen metric) and form classes of regular, intermediate, and anomalous observations. Results. A proposed modification of the Torgerson method is developed. The F1-measure distribution is constructed and analyzed for different design options in the source data. An analysis of the empirical distribution showed that in a number of cases the best axes are corresponding to the second, third, or even fourth largest eigenvalues. Findings. The multidimensional scaling methods for constructing visualizations of multi-dimensional data and solving problems of outlier detection have been considered. It was found out that the determination of design is an ambiguous problem.

The determinants of information seeking behaviour and paying attention to earthquake-related information

This study explores the process and determinants of finding information about earthquake-preparedness andof paying attention to earthquake-related information. Data were collected in Istanbul-Turkey, where an earthquake with a magnitude greater than 7 on the Richter scale is expected in the near future, using qualitative methods.Participants were mainly exposed to earthquake-related information following an earthquake. They seldom sought information, although those with higher socioeconomic levels and those who lived in higher risk zones were more likely to do so. There were clear differences between younger people, who did not share the collective memory of the 1999 earthquakes, and the older generations. Television was the main source of information and the internet the main source of further information. Participants were attracted by information that was based on real stories, had high quality visuals, was easily accessible, understandable, practical and that influenced the emotions. Due to the competing risks and concerns of daily life, the participants needed regular reminders about earthquake preparedness. The findings of the study presented valuable insight and hints, which might enlighten further arrangement needs considering earthquake risk communication among populations. The finding regarding the influence of collective memory among younger generations is new and will open the ways for further investigations.

A unified view of the sequence and functional organization of the human RNA polymerase II promoter.

To better understand human RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoters in the context of promoter-proximal pausing and local chromatin organization, 5′ and 3′ ends of nascent capped transcripts and the locations of nearby nucleosomes were accurately identified through sequencing at exceptional depth. High-quality visualization tools revealed a preferred sequence that defines over 177 000 core promoters with strengths varying by >10 000-fold. This sequence signature encompasses and better defines the binding site for TFIID and is surprisingly invariant over a wide range of promoter strength. We identified a sequence motif associated with promoter-proximal pausing and demonstrated that cap methylation only begins once transcripts are about 30 nt long. Mapping also revealed a ∼150 bp periodic downstream sequence element (PDE) following the typical pause location, strongly suggestive of a +1 nucleosome positioning element. A nuclear run-off assay utilizing the unique properties of the DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) coupled with sequencing of DFF protected fragments demonstrated that a +1 nucleosome is present downstream of paused Pol II. Our data more clearly define the human Pol II promoter: a TFIID binding site with built-in downstream information directing ubiquitous promoter-proximal pausing and downstream nucleosome location.

Facile visualization of the initial nucleation and growth of an active metal electrodeposited in a high temperature molten salt using a detachable disk electrode

In molten salt electrodeposition, a clear understanding of the initial nucleation and growth of nuclei formed on a substrate/electrode is critical to determining the morphology and structure of deposits in order to produce devices and products in various scientific fields. However, it is a challenge to obtain and characterize micro- or nano-sized nuclei, especially for very active elements due to their high sensitivity to water and oxygen. This problem is made even worse when the nuclei are accompanied by a larger amount of solid salts. In this work, we have designed a detachable disk electrode (DDE) which can prevent inessential salts from adhering to the disk substrate, greatly reducing the operational complexity, and ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and ease of visualizing initial nucleation. Uranium, a typical radioactive element with high metallic activity in the nuclear fuel cycle, was chosen as an example to test the sampling performance of the DDE. High-quality visualization of the initial nucleation and growth morphology of uranium on different substrates is presented here for the first time. The DDE provides a universal and simple scheme with wide applicability to the study of initial nucleation in high temperature molten salts, in fields such as electrodeposition, electrosynthesis, electroplating, etc.

Eyes in Ears: A Miniature Steerable Digital Endoscope for Trans-Nasal Diagnosis of Middle Ear Disease.

The aim of this work is to design, fabricate and experimentally validate a miniature steerable digital endoscope that can provide comprehensive, high-resolution imaging of the middle ear using a trans-nasal approach. The motivation for this work comes from the high incidence of middle ear diseases, and the current reliance on invasive surgery to diagnose and survey these diseases which typically consists of the eardrum being lifted surgically to directly visualize the middle ear using a trans-canal approach. To enable less-invasive diagnosis and surveillance of middle ear disease, we propose an endoscope that is small enough to pass into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, with a steerable tip that carries a 1 Megapixel image sensor and fiber-optic illumination to provide high-resolution visualization of critical middle ear structures. The proposed endoscope would enable physicians to diagnose middle ear disease using a non-surgical trans-nasal approach instead, enabling such procedures to be performed in an office setting and greatly reducing invasiveness for the patient. In this work, the computational design of the steerable tip based on computed tomography models of real human middle ear anatomy is presented, and these results informed the fabrication of a clinical-scale steerable endoscope prototype. The prototype was used in a pilot study in three cadaveric temporal bone specimens, where high-quality middle ear visualization was achieved as determined by an unbiased cohort of otolaryngologists. This is the first paper to demonstrate cadaveric validation of a digital, steerable, clinical-scale endoscope for middle ear disease diagnosis, and the experimental results illustrate that the endoscope enables the visualization of critical middle ear structures (such as the epitympanum or sinus tympani) that were seldom or never visualized in prior published trans-Eustachian tube endoscopy feasibility studies.

Real world–based immersive Virtual Reality for research, teaching and communication in volcanology

Direct outcrop observation and field data collection are key techniques in research, teaching and outreach activities in volcanic areas. However, very often outcrops are of difficult or impossible access, such as in areas with active volcanoes or steep cliffs. Classical remote-sensing surveys by satellites or airplanes are expensive, rarely reach sufficient resolution to allow high-quality 3D visualisation of volcanic features and do not facilitate mapping of vertical cliffs. We describe a novel approach that uses immersive Virtual Reality (VR) based on real-world 3D Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs) from images surveyed by “unoccupied aerial system” (UAS). 3D DOMs are built up using the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry technique, and a VR scene is created using game engine technologies. Immersive real-time exploration of the environment is possible through a head-mounted display, e.g. Oculus Rift. Tools embedded in the VR environment allow the user to map polygons, lines and point features. Tools also allow to measure orientation, dip, inclination, azimuth, area and thickness and even take virtual photographs. Using three examples of volcanic areas with different geological features, we demonstrate the potential of our approach to allow users to be able to virtually map and measure remotely, and to collect data for research and teaching. Our approach is of paramount importance also for outreach, as it allows non-specialist audiences (e.g. common citizens) to experience and appreciate highly complex volcanic features through customised, hands-on immersive VR tools.

Vectorizing Quantum Turbulence Vortex-Core Lines for Real-Time Visualization.

Vectorizing vortex-core lines is crucial for high-quality visualization and analysis of turbulence. While several techniques exist in the literature, they can only be applied to classical fluids. As quantum fluids with turbulence are gaining attention in physics, extracting and visualizing vortex-core lines for quantum fluids is increasingly desirable. In this article, we develop an efficient vortex-core line vectorization method for quantum fluids enabling real-time visualization of high-resolution quantum turbulence structure. From a dataset obtained through simulation, our technique first identifies vortex nodes based on the circulation field. To vectorize the vortex-core lines interpolating these vortex nodes, we propose a novel graph-based data structure, with iterative graph reduction and density-guided local optimization, to locate sub-grid-scale vortex-core line samples more precisely, which are then vectorized by continuous curves. This vortex-core representation naturally captures complex topology, such as branching during reconnection. Our vectorization approach reduces memory consumption by orders of magnitude, enabling real-time visualization performance. Different types of interactive visualizations are demonstrated to show the effectiveness of our technique, which could help further research on quantum turbulence.

Genetic Programming for Evolving a Front of Interpretable Models for Data Visualization

Data visualization is a key tool in data mining for understanding big datasets. Many visualization methods have been proposed, including the well-regarded state-of-the-art method t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding. However, the most powerful visualization methods have a significant limitation: the manner in which they create their visualization from the original features of the dataset is completely opaque. Many domains require an understanding of the data in terms of the original features; there is hence a need for powerful visualization methods which use understandable models. In this article, we propose a genetic programming (GP) approach called GP-tSNE for evolving interpretable mappings from the dataset to high-quality visualizations. A multiobjective approach is designed that produces a variety of visualizations in a single run which gives different tradeoffs between visual quality and model complexity. Testing against baseline methods on a variety of datasets shows the clear potential of GP-tSNE to allow deeper insight into data than that provided by existing visualization methods. We further highlight the benefits of a multiobjective approach through an in-depth analysis of a candidate front, which shows how multiple models can be analyzed jointly to give increased insight into the dataset.