Three-Dimensional Engine-Based Geometric Model Optimization Algorithm for BIM Visualization with Augmented Reality.

Building information modeling (BIM), a common technology contributing to information processing, is extensively applied in construction fields. BIM integration with augmented reality (AR) is flourishing in the construction industry, as it provides an effective solution for the lifecycle of a project. However, when applying BIM to AR data transfer, large and complicated models require large storage spaces, increase the model transfer time and data processing workload during rendering, and reduce visualization efficiency when using AR devices. The geometric optimization of the model using mesh reconstruction is a potential solution that can reduce the required storage while maintaining the shape of the components. In this study, a 3D engine-based mesh reconstruction algorithm that can pre-process BIM shape data and implement an AR-based full-size model is proposed, which is likely to increase the efficiency of decision making and project processing for construction management. As shown in the experimental validation, the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the number of vertices, triangles, and storage for geometric models while maintaining the overall shape. Moreover, the model elements and components of the optimized model have the same visual quality as the original model; thus, a high performance can be expected for BIM visualization in AR devices.

Genetic variation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm in Myanmar based on genomic compositions of DNA markers.

The genetic diversity of 175 rice accessions from Myanmar, including landraces and improved types from upland and lowland ecosystems in five different areas-Western (hilly), Northern (mountainous), North and South-eastern (plateau), and Southern (plain)-was evaluated on the basis of polymorphism data for 65 DNA markers and phenol reactions. On the basis of the DNA polymorphism data, high genetic diversity was confirmed to conserve in the accessions from each ecosystem and area. And the accessions were classified into two cluster groups I and II, which corresponded to Indica Group and Japonica Group, respectively. Cluster group I accessions were distributed mainly in upland ecosystems; group II were distributed in lowland in the Southern area, and the distributions of dominant groups differed among areas. Rice germplasm in Myanmar has maintained high genetic diversity among ecosystems and areas. This information will be used for advanced studies in germplasm and rice breeding in Myanmar.

Diversity of global rice markets and the science required for consumer-targeted rice breeding.

With the ever-increasing global demand for high quality rice in both local production regions and with Western consumers, we have a strong desire to understand better the importance of the different traits that make up the quality of the rice grain and obtain a full picture of rice quality demographics. Rice is by no means a 'one size fits all' crop. Regional preferences are not only striking, they drive the market and hence are of major economic importance in any rice breeding / improvement strategy. In this analysis, we have engaged local experts across the world to perform a full assessment of all the major rice quality trait characteristics and importantly, to determine how these are combined in the most preferred varieties for each of their regions. Physical as well as biochemical characteristics have been monitored and this has resulted in the identification of no less than 18 quality trait combinations. This complexity immediately reveals the extent of the specificity of consumer preference. Nevertheless, further assessment of these combinations at the variety level reveals that several groups still comprise varieties which consumers can readily identify as being different. This emphasises the shortcomings in the current tools we have available to assess rice quality and raises the issue of how we might correct for this in the future. Only with additional tools and research will we be able to define directed strategies for rice breeding which are able to combine important agronomic features with the demands of local consumers for specific quality attributes and hence, design new, improved crop varieties which will be awarded success in the global market.