Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Wide-area Structure-from-motion

The topic of this paper is wide area structure from motion. We first describe recent progress in obtaining large-scale 3D visual models from images. Our approach consists of a multi-stage processing pipeline, which can process a recorded video stream in real-time on standard PC hardware by leveraging the computational power of the graphics processor. The output of this pipeline is a detailed textured 3D model of the recorded area. The approach is demonstrated on video data recorded in Chapel Hill containing more than a million frames. While for these results GPS and inertial sensor data was used, we further explore the possibility to extract the necessary information for consistent 3D mapping over larger areas from images only. In particular, we discuss our recent work focusing on estimating the absolute scale of motion from images as well as finding intersections where the camera path crosses itself to effectively close loops in the mapping process. For this purpose we introduce viewpoint-invariant patches (VIP) as a new 3D feature that we extract from 3D models locally computed from the video sequence. These 3D features have important advantages with respect to traditional 2D SIFT features such as much stronger viewpoint-invariance, a relative pose hypothesis from a single match and a hierarchical matching scheme naturally robust to repetitive structures. In addition, we also briefly discuss some additional work related to absolute scale estimation and multi-camera calibration.
Institute of Physics Publishing Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering Surface Modification and Modulation in Microstructures: Controlling Protein Adsorption, Monolayer Desorption and Micro-self-assembly

The surface-to-volume ratio increases with decreasing scale, thus, controlling and changing the surface properties of microstructures can be a powerful tool in the design, fabrication and use of microsystems. This paper overviews several recent projects that utilize the modulation of surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic and vice versa, or from protein adsorbing to non-fouling, with applications in biomedical microdevices and self-assembling microelectromechanical systems.
Subjective evaluation of Video DNA Watermarking under bitrate conservation constraints

A popular and effective method to protect professional content against illegal distribution is to use watermarking, which inserts a robust and imperceptible fingerprint in the data using complex information hiding techniques. Video DNA watermarking is a state-of-the-art technique which enables shifting of the computational complexity to the server side. Despite the high level of protection it provides, this technique comes at a price in terms of storage space, as several versions of the same content have to be stored on the server. It is possible to limit the impact in terms of bitrate by slightly decreasing the quality of the final video. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of using Video DNA watermarking on the perceived quality by presenting the results of a standardized subjective experiment. We study various strategies to minimize the impact on the quality while maintaining the same overall bitrate, acting on the spatial resolution of the videos and bitrate repartition schemes.
A Simple Prelithiation Strategy To Build a High-Rate and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Battery with Improved Low-Temperature Performance.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are being used to power the commercial electric vehicles (EVs). However, the charge/discharge rate and life of current LIBs still cannot satisfy the further development of EVs. Furthermore, the poor low-temperature performance of LIBs limits their application in cold climates and high altitude areas. Herein, a simple prelithiation method is developed to fabricate a new LIB. In this strategy, a Li3 V2 (PO4 )3 cathode and a pristine hard carbon anode are used to form a primary cell, and the initial Li+ extraction from Li3 V2 (PO4 )3 is used to prelithiate the hard carbon. Then, the self-formed Li2 V2 (PO4 )3 cathode and prelithiated hard carbon anode are used to form a 4 V LIB. The LIB exhibits a maximum energy density of 208.3 Wh kg-1 , a maximum power density of 8291 W kg-1 and a long life of 2000 cycles. When operated at -40 °C, the LIB can keep 67 % capacity of room temperature, which is much better than conventional LIBs.
The stress interview as a tool for examining physiological reactivity.

&NA; Most studies of cardiovascular reactivity utilize tasks that are highly standardized and controlled. However, there is some concern whether the information obtained from these tasks is relevant to understanding the cardiovascular responses to behavioral stimuli encountered in real life. Historically, various forms of a stress interview have been used to examine physiological concomitants of emotional arousal. However, these tools fell into disuse because of ethical concerns, their intensive time requirements, and the perception that the interviews could not be standardized. We have developed a short (16‐minute) interview that is not aversive or threatening. In studies on 24 normotensives and 19 hypertensives, the interview elicited greater blood pressure elevations than those elicited by mathematical calculations or cold pressor (p less than 0.0001). The interview increased systolic and diastolic pressures by 38/32 mm Hg in hypertensives and 31/24 mm Hg in normotensives. The variance in BP elicited by this interview is not appreciably greater than that found in highly structured tasks such as mathematical calculations. The test‐retest stability of the interview is comparable to that of resting baseline blood pressure and is superior to that of mathematical calculations or cold pressor. Techniques such as the interview may be at least as useful as highly standardized tasks and possibly more valid as models for examining cardiovascular reactivity.
Anomaly and tampering detection of cameras by providing details

In this paper a new method for detection of camera tampering is proposed. Some examples for camera tampering are: shaking the camera, movement of the camera, occlusion, and rotation of the camera. The tampering may be intentional or unintentional. In the proposed algorithm, in addition to detection of the exact nature of tampering, the exact amount of tampering also can be detected (i.e. the amount and direction of movement). This will help operator in diction making for management in surveillance system. The proposed algorithm detect the shaking using current and previous frames, as well as by constructing a total background based on all frames and building a temporary background based on last 10 frames. The proposed method employs the SURF feature detector to find interest points in both of two backgrounds and compare and match them using MSAC algorithm. The transformation matrix can be obtained to detect the camera movement, camera image zoom and camera rotate. Finally, using the method sobel edge detection the camera occlusion and defocus can be detected. The method also detect the sudden shut downs in camera or images loss. Another features of the algorithm is providing the information concerning the camera tampering.
Can we alter physician behavior by educational methods? Lessons learned from studies of the management and follow‐up of hypertension

Introduction: As expectations for effective continuing medical education (CME) grow, so, too, does the need to identify relationships among educational methods, physician performance, and patient outcomes associated with specific disease entities. Thus, we set out to review the literature on the effectiveness of physician educational interventions in the management and follow‐up of hypertension. Method: We searched PubMed and the Research and Development Resource Base in Continuing Medical Education for randomized controlled trials of physician educational interventions. We included only those studies that (a) used replicable educational interventions with > 50% physician involvement and that employed objective methods to measure physician behavior change or patient outcomes, (b) indicated a physician or patient dropout rate of < 30%, and (c) followed outcome measurement for > 30 days. Studies were designated “positive” if one or more of the primary outcome measures demonstrated a statistically significant change in physician performance or health care outcome. Results: We found 12 studies in which 7 different physician educational interventions were employed, alone or in combination, including reminders (computer or chart), formal CME, computerized decision support systems/risk stratification, printed educational materials, academic detailing, continuous quality improvement projects, and disease management aids in patient charts. Of the 12, 7 were positive and 4 were negative. One had mixed results. Discussion: Although physician educational interventions, especially reminders, improved the follow‐up of hypertension, they were ineffective in changing blood pressure levels. However, they may have some utility in improving compliance with guideline recommendations.
Affective disturbance in parkinson's disease

Some or all of the central clinical features of Parkinsonism, bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, rest tremor and postural instability, may result from a number of different conditions including idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), other basal ganglia degenerations, Alzheimer’s disease and neuroleptic treatment. While all these conditions may be associated with psychiatric symptoms, this review will concentrate on affective disturbance in PD. Parkinson’s disease generally begins between the ages of 40 and 70 with peak onset in the sixth decade of life. It is a common condition. In the United States 1% of the population over 50 years of age are known to be affected (Adams and Victor, 1989). In addition, Marsden (1990) points out that estimates of incidence and prevalence are generally based on hospital referrals. He suggests that as many as 40% of cases may not reach hospital services but may be living in the community undiagnosed, with their symptoms dismissed as ‘old age’. Many authors have noted that patients with PD are more commonly depressed than might be expected. However, published estimates of the frequency of depression in PD (see Table 1) have varied from less than 20% to more than 90% (Mayeux, 1982; Brown and MacCarthy, 1990). Methodological differences account for some of the variation in these studies. Recruitment of patients has been from general neurological clinics, specialist PD clinics and psychiatric hospitals. Depression is at times defined using recognized diagnostic criteria, eg DSM or ICD, but sometimes rating scales or symptom checklists are employed and these differ in the sensitivity and range with which they pick up depressive symptoms (Levin etal., 1988). Rating scale based studies may put too much weight on somatic symptoms that are common to PD and depression (Klawans, 1982). In addition, these dif-
Violating the Ingleton inequality with finite groups

It is well known that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the entropy vector of a collection of n random variables and a certain group-characterizable vector obtained from a finite group and n of its subgroups [1]. However, if one restricts attention to abelian groups then not all entropy vectors can be obtained. This is an explanation for the fact shown by Dougherty et al [2] that linear network codes cannot achieve capacity in general network coding problems (since linear network codes form an abelian group). All abelian group-characterizable vectors, and by fiat all entropy vectors generated by linear network codes, satisfy a linear inequality called the Ingleton inequality. In this paper, we study the problem of finding non-abelian finite groups that yield characterizable vectors which violate the Ingleton inequality. Using a refined computer search, we find the symmetric group S5 to be the smallest group that violates the Ingleton inequality. Careful study of the structure of this group, and its subgroups, reveals that it belongs to the Ingleton-violating family PGL(2, p) with primes p ≥ 5, i.e., the projective group of 2×2 nonsingular matrices with entries in Fp. This family of groups is therefore a good candidate for constructing network codes more powerful than linear network codes.
Causes of competitive analysis failure: Understanding and responding to problems at the individual level.

It ought to be a fairly safe assumption that a CI analyst would want to perform the analysis task and execute their responsibilities successfully over time. Such competencies should come with added experience on the job, as should the ability to reduce the risk of failure by diagnosing potential pitfalls. This paper presents a) a unique four-level hierarchical model of analysis failure, b) ten key continua of competitive analysis skills which we believe an analyst has to master before they can consider themselves to be truly competent in their work, c) a discussion on the paucity of high quality teaching of these skills, and d) presents eight guiding principles which a firm should consider in an attempt to improve individual performance and reduce the potential for analysis failure. Our purpose in identifying the possibility and causes of analytical failure is that we believe much can be learned by managers and practitioners from studying failures. This learning can ultimately contribute towards creating a more successful analysis function which can only be beneficial to all concerned.
Why Asylum Policy Harmonisation Undermines Refugee Burden-Sharing

about the high number of asylum applications (compared to the mid-1980s) and their highly unequal distribution among countries. In Western Europe the absolute number of asylum applications rose sharply from about 150.000 in 1985 to more than 600.000 in 1992 before falling again, with ca 300.000 applications being recorded in 2000. Average annual asylum applications per head of population have been more than ten times higher in some of the most popular destination countries such as Switzerland and Sweden compared to the least popular ones such as Spain and Portugal. The relative distribution of asylum seekers across Europe has been quite volatile over the years, exemplified by the rapid rise of applications in the UK in recent years. Increasingly, differences in the relative restrictiveness of countries’ asylum regimes over time have come to be regarded as one of the principal reasons for disparities in asylum burdens and their variation over time. According to this view, host countries with a high relative number of applications will try to make their asylum policies more restrictive and other host countries will, as a result, become more attractive destination countries. This has sparked a heated debate about whether countries in which asylum applications have increased in recent years represent a ‘soft touch’ for asylum seekers and economic migrants using the asylum route alike. 1 It has also raised concerns that European countries as a result of the so-called ‘soft touch’ logic have become engaged in the competitive downgrading of refugee protection standards. In order to achieve a more stable and equitable distribution of asylum burdens and prevent a slide toward the lowest common denominator in protection standards, policy makers in Europe have turned to policy-harmonisation at the European level to achieve these objectives. Policy convergence in the field of asylum is seen as the key toward more equitable burden-sharing and less competition for the most effective deterrence measures. This article seeks to challenge the emerging consensus that sees EU policy harmonisation as a panacea for Europe’s burden-sharing problems in this area. It will be shown that the relative restrictiveness of a country’s asylum policy is only one
Leading the Herd Astray: An Experimental Study of Self-fulfilling Prophecies in an Artificial Cultural Market

Individuals influence each others' decisions about cultural products such as songs, books, and movies; but to what extent can the perception of success become a “self-fulfilling prophecy”? We have explored this question experimentally by artificially inverting the true popularity of songs in an online “music market,” in which 12,207 participants listened to and downloaded songs by unknown bands. We found that most songs experienced self-ful- filling prophecies, in which perceived—but initially false—popularity became real over time. We also found, however, that the inversion was not self-fulfilling for the market as a whole, in part because the very best songs recovered their popularity in the long run. Moreover, the distortion of market information reduced the correlation between appeal and popularity, and led to fewer overall downloads. These results, although partial and speculative, suggest a new approach to the study of cultural markets, and indicate the potential of web-based experiments to explore the social psychological origin of other macrosocio- logical phenomena.
Retrenchment and the Mondex Electronic Purse (Extended Abstract)

Some of the success stories of model based refinement are recalled, as well as some of the annoyances that arise when refinement is deployed in the engineering of large systems. The way that retrenchment attempts to alleviate such inconveniences is reviewed. The Mondex Electronic Purse formal development provides a highly credible testbed for examining how real world refinement difficulties can be treated via retrenchment. The contributions of retrenchment to integrating the real implementation with the formal development are surveyed, and the extraction of commonly occurring ‘retrenchment patterns’is suggested.
The thinker: opposing directionality of lighting bias within sculptural artwork

Individuals tend to perceive the direction of light to come from above and slightly from the left; it has been speculated that this phenomenon is also producing similar lighting preferences within 2-dimensional artworks (e.g., paintings, advertisements). The purpose of the present study was to address if lighting bias was present in the 3-dimensional medium of sculpture by implementing a virtual art gallery lighting paradigm. Thirty-nine participants completed a computer task that consisted of 48 galleries each containing one sculpture (24 original sculptures, 24 mirror-reversed) which was surrounded by eight lights (above/below, left/right, front/back). Participants would select one light source to illuminate the sculpture in a manner they perceived to be the most aesthetically pleasing. The results indicated a significant preference for lights positioned from above and from the right, a finding that is contradictory to previous lighting bias research examining artworks. An interpretation for the rightward bias applies the perceptual concept of subjective lighting equality. Objects illuminated from the left typically appear brighter in comparison to right-side lighting; in sculpture, however, increased luminosity can reduce the sculptural detail, and may have been compensated via right-side lighting choices within the lighting task.
Molecular Dissection of the Human Ubiquitin C Promoter Reveals Heat Shock Element Architectures with Activating and Repressive Functions

The promoter of the polyubiquitin C gene (UBC) contains putative heat shock elements (HSEs) which are thought to mediate UBC induction upon stress. However, the mapping and the functional characterization of the cis-acting determinants for its up-regulation have not yet been addressed. In this study, the sequence encompassing 916 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site of the human UBC gene has been dissected by in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. The information derived from this analysis was used to study the functional role and the interplay of the identified HSEs in mediating the transcriptional activation of the UBC gene under conditions of proteotoxic stress, induced by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Here we demonstrate that at least three HSEs, with different configurations, exist in the UBC promoter: two distal, residing within nucleotides -841/-817 and -715/-691, and one proximal to the transcription start site (nt -100/-65). All of them are bound by transcription factors belonging to the heat shock factor (HSF) family, as determined by bandshift, supershift and ChIP analyses. Site-directed mutagenesis of reporter constructs demonstrated that while the distal elements are involved in the up-regulation of UBC in response to proteasome inhibition, the proximal one appears rather to function as negative regulator of the stress-induced transcriptional activity. This is the first evidence that an HSE may exert a negative role on the transcription driven by other HSE motifs on the same gene promoter, highlighting a new level of complexity in the regulation of HSFs and in the control of ubiquitin levels.
Personalizing map content to improve task completion efficiency

Significant interaction challenges arise in both developing and using interactive map applications. Users encounter problems of information overload in using interactive maps to complete tasks. This is further exacerbated by device limitations and interaction constraints in increasingly popular mobile platforms. Application developers must then address restrictions related to screen size and limited bandwidth in order to effectively display maps on mobile devices. In order to address issues of user information overload and application efficiency in interactive map applications, we have developed a novel approach for delivering personalized vector maps. Ongoing task interactions between users and maps are monitored and captured implicitly in order to infer individual and group preferences related to specific map feature content. Personalized interactive maps that contain spatial feature content tailored specifically to users' individual preferences are then generated. Our approach addresses spatial information overload by providing only the map information necessary and sufficient to suit user interaction preferences, thus simplifying the completion of tasks performed with interactive maps. In turn, tailoring map content to specific user preferences considerably reduces the size of vector data sets necessary to transmit and render maps on mobile devices. We have developed a geographic information system prototype, MAPPER (MAP PERsonalization), that implements our approach. Experimental evaluations show that the use of personalized maps helps users complete their tasks more efficiently and can reduce information overload.
A Monte Carlo Localization algorithm for 2-D indoor self-localization based on magnetic field

Evidence shows that a large variety of animals use Earth's magnetic field for navigation. Inspired by this intriguing ability of animals, we propose a MCL algorithm that utilizes local anomalies of magnetic field to achieve 2-D indoor self-localization. Monte Carlo Localization (MCL) is one of the most popular probabilistic techniques due to the high efficiency and accuracy, but one potential problem is particle impoverishment. In order to further improve the performance of MCL, we employ a clustering approach to get the clustering information and thus resolving the problem of losing effective particles. The approach has been implemented and intensively tested in real-world environments. The result shows that the proposed approach provides a simple, robust, low-cost solution for indoor localization.