bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Beta Subunit Genes CGB1 and CGB2 are Transcriptionally Active in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kubiczak Marta , Walkowiak Grzegorz , Nowak-Markwitz Ewa , Jankowska Anna
Published: June 2013

Human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (CGB) is a marker of pregnancy as well as trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic tumors. CGB is encoded by a cluster of six genes, of which type II genes (CGB3/9, 5 and 8) have been shown to be upregulated in relation to type I genes (CGB6/7) in both placentas and tumors. Recent studies revealed that CGB1 and CGB2, originally considered as pseudogenes, might also be active, however, the protein products of these genes have not yet been identified. Our study demonstrates the presence of CGB1 and CGB2 transcripts in ovarian carcinomas. While CGB1 and CGB2 gene activation was not detected in normal ovaries lacking cancerous development, our study demonstrates the presence of CGB1 and CGB2 transcripts in 41% of analyzed ovarian cancer cases.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Dynamics Studies of Specific Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors over SHP-2
Authors: Sun Su-Xia , Li Xiao-Bo , Liu Wen-Bo , Ma Ying , Wang Run-Ling , Cheng Xian-Chao , Wang Shu-Qing , Liu Wei
Published: June 2013

Over expressing in PTPN1 (encoding Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP1B), a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that plays an overall positive role in insulin signaling, is linked to the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity. The relationship between PTP1B and human diseases exhibits PTP1B as the target to treat these diseases. In this article, small weight molecules of the imidazolidine series were screened from databases and optimized on silicon as the inhibitors of PTP1B based on the steric conformation and electronic configuration of thiazolidinedione (TZD) compounds. The top three candidates were tested using an in vitro biological assay after synthesis. Finally, we report a novel inhibitor, Compound 13, that specifically inhibits PTP1B over the closely related phosphatase Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) at 80 μΜ. Its IC50 values are reported in this paper as well. This compound was further verified by computer analysis for its ability to combine the catalytic domains of PTP1B and SHP-2 by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Potential Mechanisms Linking Atherosclerosis and Increased Cardiovascular Risk in COPD: Focus On Sirtuins
Authors: Corbi Graziamaria , Bianco Andrea , Turchiarelli Viviana , Cellurale Michele , Fatica Federica , Daniele Aurora , Mazzarella Gennaro , Ferrara Nicola
Published: June 2013

The development of atherosclerosis is a multi-step process, at least in part controlled by the vascular endothelium function. Observations in humans and experimental models of atherosclerosis have identified monocyte recruitment as an early event in atherogenesis. Chronic inflammation is associated with ageing and its related diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Recently it has been discovered that Sirtuins (NAD+-dependent deacetylases) represent a pivotal regulator of longevity and health. They appear to have a prominent role in vascular biology and regulate aspects of age-dependent atherosclerosis. Many studies demonstrate that SIRT1 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in vitro (e.g., fatty acid-induced inflammation), in vivo (e.g., atherosclerosis, sustainment of normal immune function in knock-out mice) and in clinical studies (e.g., patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Because of a significant reduction of SIRT1 in rodent lungs exposed to cigarette smoke and in lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), activation of SIRT1 may be a potential target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy. We review the inflammatory mechanisms involved in COPD-CVD coexistence and the potential role of SIRT1 in the regulation of these systems.
Interactions and Diffusion of Methane and Hydrogen in Microporous Structures: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Studies
Authors: Ji Yu , Sullivan Neil , Tang Yibing , Hamida Jaha
Published: June 2013

Measurements of nuclear spin relaxation times over a wide temperature range have been used to determine the interaction energies and molecular dynamics of light molecular gases trapped in the cages of microporous structures. The experiments are designed so that, in the cases explored, the local excitations and the corresponding heat capacities determine the observed nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times. The results indicate well-defined excitation energies for low densities of methane and hydrogen deuteride in zeolite structures. The values obtained for methane are consistent with Monte Carlo calculations of A.V. Kumar et al. The results also confirm the high mobility and diffusivity of hydrogen deuteride in zeolite structures at low temperatures as observed by neutron scattering.
Deep Sea Water Modulates Blood Pressure and Exhibits Hypolipidemic Effects via the AMPK-ACC Pathway: An in Vivo Study
Authors: Sheu Ming-Jyh , Chou Pei-Yu , Lin Wen-Hsin , Pan Chun-Hsu , Chien Yi-Chung , Chung Yun-Lung , Liu Fon-Chang , Wu Chieh-Hsi
Published: June 2013

Deep sea water (DSW), originally pumped from the Pacific Rim off the coast of Hualien County (Taiwan), and its mineral constituents, were concentrated by a low-temperature vacuum evaporation system to produce a hardness of approximately 400,000 mg/L of seawater mineral concentrate. The primary composition of this seawater mineral concentrate was ionic magnesium (Mg2+), which was approximately 96,000 mg/L. Referring to the human recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, we diluted the mineral concentrate to three different dosages: 0.1 × DSW (equivalent to 3.75 mg Mg2+/kg DSW); 1 × DSW (equivalent to 37.5 mg Mg2+/kg DSW); and 2 × DSW (equivalent to 75 mg Mg2+/kg DSW). Additionally, a magnesium chloride treatment was conducted for comparison with the DSW supplement. The study indicated that 0.1 × DSW, 1 × DSW and 2 × DSW decreased the systolic and diastolic pressures in spontaneous hypertensive rats in an eight-week experiment. DSW has been shown to reduce serum lipids and prevent atherogenesis in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model. Our results demonstrated that 1 × DSW and 2 × DSW significantly suppressed the serum cholesterol levels, reduced the lipid accumulation in liver tissues, and limited aortic fatty streaks. These findings indicated that the antiatherogenic effects of DSW are associated with 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) stimulation and the consequent inhibition of phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in atherosclerotic rabbits. We hypothesize that DSW could potentially be used as drinking water because it modulates blood pressure, reduces lipids, and prevents atherogenesis.
Mirror-Symmetry-Breaking in Poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-biphenyl] (PF8P2) is Susceptible to Terpene Chirality, Achiral Solvents, and Mechanical Stirring
Authors: Fujiki Michiya , Kawagoe Yoshifumi , Nakano Yoko , Nakao Ayako
Published: June 2013

Solvent chirality transfer of (S)-/(R)-limonenes allows the instant generation of optically active PF8P2 aggregates with distinct circular dichroism (CD)/circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) amplitudes with a high quantum yield of 16–20%. The present paper also reports subtle mirror-symmetry-breaking effects in CD-/CPL-amplitude and sign, CD/UV-vis spectral wavelengths, and photodynamics of the aggregates, though the reasons for the anomaly are unsolved. However, these photophysical properties depend on (i) the chemical natures of chiral and achiral molecules when used in solvent quantity, (ii) clockwise and counterclockwise stirring operations, and (iii) the order of addition of limonene and methanol to the chloroform solution.
Design of a Wearable Sensing System for Human Motion Monitoring in Physical Rehabilitation
Authors: González-Villanueva Lara , Cagnoni Stefano , Ascari Luca
Published: June 2013

Human motion monitoring and analysis can be an essential part of a wide spectrum of applications, including physical rehabilitation among other potential areas of interest. Creating non-invasive systems for monitoring patients while performing rehabilitation exercises, to provide them with an objective feedback, is one of the current challenges. In this paper we present a wearable multi-sensor system for human motion monitoring, which has been developed for use in rehabilitation. It is composed of a number of small modules that embed high-precision accelerometers and wireless communications to transmit the information related to the body motion to an acquisition device. The results of a set of experiments we made to assess its performance in real-world setups demonstrate its usefulness in human motion acquisition and tracking, as required, for example, in activity recognition, physical/athletic performance evaluation and rehabilitation.
COMPARISON OF SCHEDULE DELAY AND CAUSAL FACTORS BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Hwang Bon Gang , Leong Lay Peng
Published: June 2013

Despite the heighten focus on environmental sustainability for green construction, rare research has been conducted to analyze such projects, especially in the aspect of their schedule delay and causal factors. Conducting a survey in which 30 companies in the Singapore construction industry participated, this study first identified the degree of project delay in 220 traditional and 96 green construction projects performed in Singapore. Next, a set of factors affecting project delay was identified based on various literatures to determine the most influential factors for both green and traditional projects. The analysis result established that 15.91% of the traditional projects were delayed while 32.29% of the green construction projects were completed behind schedule. Furthermore, the top 5 factors causing delay in green projects were: (1) speed of decision making by client; (2) speed of decision making involving all project teams; (3) communication/coordination between key parties; (4) level of experience of consultants; and (5) difficulties in financing project by contractors. Lastly, recommendations were introduced to reduce schedule delay in green construction projects based on the analysis results. This study will serve as s a base for further research on the enhancement of green construction schedule performance.
AWARENESS, ACTIONS, DRIVERS AND BARRIERS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN CHILE
Authors: Serpell Alfredo , Kort Jorge , Vera Sergio
Published: June 2013

The socio-economic conditions of a country and the overall practices of the construction industry towards Sustainable Construction (SC) are critical factors to define the foundations for developing and carrying out a strategic plan to advance in sustainable construction. This paper reports the results of a study about SC practices currently implemented by construction companies and discusses the level of awareness and knowledge, barriers and drivers of SC that were found in building and infrastructure construction companies. In addition, it analyses the influence of the company size on SC practices. Research results show that Chilean construction firms are in an early stage of the path for achieving SC. Their practices towards SC are highly dependent of the company's size and its core business. Main barriers towards SC are the lack of financial incentives, lack of integrated design, and affordability whereas company's tax reduction incentives related to the level of investment effort on SC would be a key governmental policy to promote sustainability. The results of this study might be particularly useful for other countries, particularly developing ones, and for government policy making.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELS FOR SMALL OPEN ECONOMIES – A CASE OF CROATIA
Authors: Škare Marinko , Stjepanović Saša
Published: June 2013

This paper develops a general equilibrium model for the Republic of Croatia to evaluate CGE model use in macroeconomic management and forecasting. Since Croatia is a small open country subject to large external shock and growth constraints efficient macroeconomic management framework is fundamental. The lack of data prevents to follow historic economic variables over a longer period of time, which is why CGE models look as possible solution. CGE models use calibration to solve the problem of missing most macroeconomic variables. After developing the model, we use it to run different scenarios for economic policies using a CGE model for Croatia. Results show that CGE model can be an important instrument for policy makers in running macroeconomic policies for small open countries.
La réinternalisation d'activités : une approche processuelle du choix entre faire ou faire-faire
Authors: Law Florence
Published: June 2013

Cet article analyse les raisons et le déroulement d’une réinternalisation d’activités. L’intérêt d’étudier la réinternalisation est que son étude permet d’adopter une approche processuelle du choix entre faire et faire-faire . Pour ce faire, nous avons construit un modèle conceptuel de processus de réinternalisation que nous avons confronté à deux études longitudinales et rétrospectives menées sur des cas de réinternalisation d’activités informatiques. Les résultats montrent une initialisation du processus de réinternalisation par la création d’un contexte de crise interne et par la décision d’une première réinternalisation. Le développement du processus de réinternalisation est le fruit de l’interaction étroite de facteurs d’ordre stratégique, organisationnel et individuel. Au final, la recherche met en évidence l’imbrication des décisions de réinternalisation et d’externalisation et les processus d’apprentissage en œuvre.
Disparités fiscales et redistribution territoriale : de la coordination subie à la coordination choisie
Authors: Duran-Vigneron Pascale
Published: June 2013

La question des disparités fiscales se pose aujourd’hui de manière accrue et renouvelée avec l’ouverture européenne et la globalisation qui induisent une concurrence des territoires toujours plus forte dont les risques en termes de cohésion spatiale sont très importants. Une réflexion sur les outils de traitement de la question sensible des disparités territoriales s’avère donc tout à la fois pertinente et nécessaire. Nous distinguons deux approches : « fiscale » et « territoriale ». L’approche fiscale vise à traiter ex post les inégalités résultant du système de fiscalité locale à travers des mécanismes de redistribution quand l’approche territoriale tend à définir des règles du jeu qui amènent les acteurs publics à se préoccuper ex ante des conséquences de leurs choix. Caractéristiques de ces deux approches, la péréquation financière et la coopération intercommunale renvoient à des finalités et des méthodologies différentes qu’il convient ici d’analyser afin d’apporter une réflexion nouvelle sur la mise en œuvre et l’impact des politiques de redistribution territoriale.
What to Do With … Folklore? What to Do … with Ballads? Revisiting “Mrs Brown of Falkland”
Authors: Rieuwerts Sigrid
Published: June 2013

With one of the oldest and most important ballad repertoires in English now published, I would like to revisit the singer Mrs Brown of Falkland (1747-1810) and discuss what is involved in studying ballads in general and her ballads in particular.
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Z enim najstarejših in najpomembnejših doslej izdanih angleških baladnih repertoarjev bi se rada vnovič vrnila k pevki gospe Brownovi s Falklanda (1747–1810) in razpravljala o tem, kaj vključuje študij balad na spološno in kaj v posameznostih.
Some Remarks toward More Social Context in Slovenian Folkloristics
Authors: Kozorog Miha
Published: June 2013

Članek problematizira (ne)upoštevanje družbenega konteksta v sodobni slovenski folkloristiki. Etnografsko se navezuje na primer žganja močeradovca in poulično petje v Tolminu. Teoretsko obravnava koncept folklornega dogodka, komunikacijske vidike folklore in družbeno-kulturni kontekst kot ogrodje razumevanja folklore.
***
The article questions the insufficient attention given to social context in contemporary Slovenian folkloristics. Ethnographically, it draws on the examples of salamander brandy and street singing in Tolmin. Theoretically, the concept of a folklore event, the communication aspects of folklore, and socio-cultural context, are discussed as a framework for understanding folklore.
The “Almdudler Trachtenpärchenball” Part of Typical Austrian Folk Culture
Authors: Egger Irene
Published: June 2013

Almdudler is an Austrian brand of lemonade. In 2007, Almdudler celebrated its 50th anniversary by organizing the “Almdudler Trachtenpärchenball”, at which all participants had to wear traditional costumes. Since then, other similar events in urban nightlife enthuse many Austrians, young people in particular. An analysis of the ball shows that today’s Austrians strive to choose different styles in order to create a lively folk culture in contemporary society.
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Almdudler je avstrijska limonada. Leta 2007 je družba praznovala petdesetletnico in ob tem organizirala Almdudlerjev ples parov v tradicionalnih nošah (Almdudler Trachtenpärchenball). Odtlej ta ples in podobni dogodki v urbanem nočnem življenju navdušujejo predvsem mlade. Analiza plesa kaže, da ljudje danes v svojem okolju svojo živo ljudsko kulturo ustvarjajo z izborom različnih stilov.
Paradox of Writing Folk Music. National Representation and Song Writers in Russian Karelia
Authors: Suutari Pekka
Published: June 2013

The role of folk music song writers is often ambiguous. In Russia, such songwriters have worked as leaders of local choirs. In so doing they have become mediators between local traditions and the present day music scene but they have also been blamed for corrupting authentic traditions. Their role in drawing interest towards national cultures and creating valuable works in local languages has been very important. When identity is considered to be continuously constructed in everyday practices, we can see that musical activities are also an integral part of forming local societies.
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Vloga piscev ljudskih pesmi je pogosto dvoumna. V Rusiji so takšni pesniki delovali kot vodje krajevnih zborov. Krajevna izročila so posredovali na sodobno glasbeno prizorišče, pri čemer pa so bili deležni tudi kritike, da kvarijo avtentično izročilo, čeprav je bil njihov vpliv na spodbujanje zanimanja za narodne kulture in ustvarjanje pomembnih del v lokalnih jezikih zelo pomemben. Če na identiteto gledamo kot nenehno ustvarjano v vsakdanjih praksah, vidimo, da so tudi glasbene aktivnosti integralni del v oblikovanju lokalnih družb.
Orthogonal Image Moment Invariants
Authors: Papakostas G.A. , Karakasis E.G. , Koulouriotis D.E.
Published: June 2013

This chapter focuses on the usage of image orthogonal moments as discrimination features in pattern recognition applications and discusses their main properties. Initially, the ability of the moments to carry information of an image with minimum redundancy is studied, while their capability to enclose distinctive information that uniquely describes the image’s content is also examined. Along these directions, the computational formulas of the most representative moment families will be defined analytically and the form of the corresponding moment invariants in each case will be derived. Appropriate experiments have taken place in order to investigate the description capabilities of each moment family, by applying them in several benchmark problems.
Real-Time Primary Image Processing
Authors: Dobrescu Radu , Popescu Dan
Published: June 2013

Image processing operations have been classified into three main levels, namely low (primary), intermediate, and high. In order to combine speed and flexibility, an optimum hardware/software configuration is required. For multitask primary processing, a pipeline configuration is proposed. This structure, which is an interface between the sensing element (camera) and the main processing system, achieves real time video signal preprocessing, during the image acquisition time. In order to form the working neighborhoods, the input image signal is delayed (two lines and three pixels). Thus, locally 3×3 type processing modules are created. A successive comparison median filter and a logical filter for edge detection are implemented for a pipeline configuration. On the other hand, for low level, intermediate, and high level operations, software algorithms on parallel platforms are proposed. Finally, a case study of lines detection using directional filter discusses the performance dependency on number of processors.
The Kolmogorov Spline Network for Image Processing
Authors: Leni Pierre-Emmanuel , Fougerolle Yohan D. , Truchetet Frédéric
Published: June 2013

In 1900, Hilbert stated that high order equations cannot be solved by sums and compositions of bivariate functions. In 1957, Kolmogorov proved this hypothesis wrong and presented his superposition theorem (KST) that allowed for writing every multivariate functions as sums and compositions of univariate functions. Sprecher has proposed in (Sprecher, 1996) and (Sprecher, 1997) an algorithm for exact univariate function reconstruction. Sprecher explicitly describes construction methods for univariate functions and introduces fundamental notions for the theorem comprehension (such as tilage). Köppen has presented applications of this algorithm to image processing in (Köppen, 2002) and (Köppen & Yoshida, 2005). The lack of flexibility of this scheme has been pointed out and another solution which approximates the univariate functions has been considered. More specifically, it has led us to consider Igelnik and Parikh’s approach, known as the KSN which offers several perspectives of modification of the univariate functions as well as their construction. This chapter will focus on the presentation of Igelnik and Parikh’s Kolmogorov Spline Network (KSN) for image processing and detail two applications: image compression and progressive transmission. Precisely, the developments presented in this chapter include: (1)Compression: the authors study the reconstruction quality using univariate functions containing only a fraction of the original image pixels. To improve the reconstruction quality, they apply this decomposition on images of details obtained by wavelet decomposition. The authors combine this approach into the JPEG 2000 encoder, and show that the obtained results improve JPEG 2000 compression scheme, even at low bitrates. (2)Progressive Transmission: the authors propose to modify the generation of the KSN. The image is decomposed into univariate functions that can be transmitted one after the other to add new data to the previously transmitted functions, which allows to progressively and exactly reconstruct the original image. They evaluate the transmission robustness and provide the results of the simulation of a transmission over packet-loss channels.
Multi-View Stereo Reconstruction Technique
Authors: Song Peng , Wu Xiaojun
Published: June 2013

3D modeling of complex objects is an important task of computer graphics and poses substantial difficulties to traditional synthetic modeling approaches. The multi-view stereo reconstruction technique, which tries to automatically acquire object models from multiple photographs, provides an attractive alternative. The whole reconstruction process of the multi-view stereo technique is introduced in this chapter, from camera calibration and image acquisition to various reconstruction algorithms. The shape from silhouette technique is also introduced since it provides a close shape approximation for many multi-view stereo algorithms. Various multi-view algorithms have been proposed, which can be mainly classified into four classes: 3D volumetric, surface evolution, feature extraction and expansion, and depth map based approaches. This chapter explains the underlying theory and pipeline of each class in detail and analyzes their major properties. Two published benchmarks that are used to qualitatively evaluate multi-view stereo algorithms are presented, along with the benchmark criteria and evaluation results.
Unsupervised and Supervised Image Segmentation Using Graph Partitioning
Authors: Bichot Charles-Edmond
Published: June 2013

Image segmentation is an important research area in computer vision and its applications in different disciplines, such as medicine, are of great importance. It is often one of the very first steps of computer vision or pattern recognition methods. This is because segmentation helps to locate objects and boundaries into images. The objective of segmenting an image is to partition it into disjoint and homogeneous sets of pixels. When segmenting an image it is natural to try to use graph partitioning, because segmentation and partitioning share the same high-level objective, to partition a set into disjoints subsets. However, when using graph partitioning for segmenting an image, several big questions remain: What is the best way to convert an image into a graph? Or to convert image segmentation objectives into graph partitioning objectives (not to mention what are image segmentation objectives)? What are the best graph partitioning methods and algorithms for segmenting an image? In this chapter, the author tries to answer these questions, both for unsupervised and supervised image segmentation approach, by presenting methods and algorithms and by comparing them.
Graph Matching Techniques for Computer Vision
Authors: Vento Mario , Foggia Pasquale
Published: June 2013

Many computer vision applications require a comparison between two objects, or between an object and a reference model. When the objects or the scenes are represented by graphs, this comparison can be performed using some form of graph matching. The aim of this chapter is to introduce the main graph matching techniques that have been used for computer vision, and to relate each application with the techniques that are most suited to it.
Corner Detection Using Fuzzy Principles
Authors: Cuevas Erik , Zaldivar Daniel , Perez-Cisneros Marco
Published: June 2013

Reliable corner detection is an important task in pattern recognition applications. In this chapter an approach based on fuzzy-rules to detect corners even under imprecise information is presented. The uncertainties arising due to various types of imaging defects such as blurring, illumination change, noise, et cetera. Fuzzy systems are well known for efficient handling of impreciseness. In order to handle the incompleteness arising due to imperfection of data, it is reasonable to model corner properties by a fuzzy rule-based system. The robustness of the proposed algorithm is compared with well known conventional detectors. The performance is tested on a number of benchmark test images to illustrate the efficiency of the algorithm in noise presence.
Inexpensive, Simple and Quick Photorealistic 3DCG Modeling
Authors: Torii Ippei , Okada Yousuke , Onogi Manabu , Ishii Naohiro
Published: June 2013

The process of creating photorealistic 3-dimensional computer graphic (3DCG) images is divided into two stages: modeling and rendering. Automatic rendering has gained popularity, and photorealistic rendering is generally used to render different types of images. However, professional artists still model characters manually. Moreover, not much progress has been achieved with regard to 3-D shape data acquisition techniques that can be applied to facial modeling. This is an important problem hampering the progress of 3DCG. Generally, a laser and a highly accurate camera are used to acquire 3-D shape data. This technique is time-consuming and expensive. The eyes may be damaged during measurements by this method. In order to solve these problems, this chapter proposes a simple method for 3-D shape data acquisition using a projector and Web cameras. This method is economical, simple, and less time-consuming than conventional techniques. This chapter describes the setup of the projector and Web cameras, shape data acquisition process, image processing, and generation of a photorealistic image. As an example, the authors take a reconstructed photorealistic 3DCG image of Japanese vegetable “bitter melon,” whose surface is extremely bumpy. The authors evaluate the error margin of this technique. They also verify the accuracy of this method by comparing the photograph of a face with its rendered image.
A Review of Registration Methods on Mobile Robots
Authors: Morell-Gimenez Vicente , Orts-Escolano Sergio , García-Rodríguez José , Cazorla Miguel , Viejo Diego
Published: June 2013

The task of registering three dimensional data sets with rigid motions is a fundamental problem in many areas as computer vision, medical images, mobile robotic, arising whenever two or more 3D data sets must be aligned in a common coordinate system. In this chapter, the authors review registration methods. Focusing on mobile robots area, this chapter reviews the main registration methods in the literature. A possible classification could be distance-based and feature-based methods. The distance based methods, from which the classical Iterative Closest Point (ICP) is the most representative, have a lot of variations which obtain better results in situations where noise, time, or accuracy conditions are present. Feature based methods try to reduce the great number or points given by the current sensors using a combination of feature detector and descriptor which can be used to compute the final transformation with a method like RANSAC or Genetic Algorithms.
Visual Positioning in a Smartphone
Authors: Ruotsalainen Laura , Kuusniemi Heidi
Published: June 2013

Numerous techniques for obtaining motion and location related information are needed for obtaining seamless positioning capability with smartphones. High-quality cameras are nowadays widely available in portable devices and can provide necessary redundant data about the user’s surroundings in addition to the other sensors usable for positioning purposes. In this chapter, after introducing methods of image processing related to feature extraction, applicable methods for visual positioning are discussed with state-of-the-art examples. Regardless whether the visual-based positioning is based on reference images in a database or using information obtained from consecutive images, the first steps of pre-processing are similar to obtain noiseless images for accurate calculations and to retrieve the required camera parameters. Smartphones have limited computational resources and that restricts the methods available for image processing. To carry out the visual positioning function, features in images are either matched to corresponding features in consecutive images, or to a database. Obtaining the location can be performed with matching the query image to a database of reference images equipped with location information. Alternatively, the attitude and position change can be resolved from consecutive images to provide localization augmentation that may be fused with other sensor information. When smartphones are concerned, the restricted resources however bring about challenges that are the focus in this chapter.
Image Based 3D Modeling and Rendering from Single View Perspective Images
Authors: Mohan S. , Murali S.
Published: June 2013

In computer vision, 3D modeling refers to the process of developing 3D representation of the real world objects with systematic procedure. The 3D models can be built based on geometric information about the object or scene to be modeled using CAD/CAM software. However, this approach needs prior knowledge of the objects in the scene like dimension, size of objects, distance from the object to camera, et cetera. To make the 3D models more photo realistic and convenient, images of the objects can be used to build the 3D models. In this chapter, the authors propose a method to extract 3D model from single view perspective image. The approach is based on edge length and exploiting symmetric objects in the scene. Later, an application of touring into picture is discussed with the proposed method.
Clinical Machine Learning in Action
Authors: Masutani Yoshitaka , Nemoto Mitsutaka , Nomura Yukihiro , Hayashi Naoto
Published: June 2013

This chapter first discusses the database problems in CAD development comprehensively. Then, it introduces the authors’ integrated platform, called the Clinical Infrastructure for Radiologic Computation of United Solutions (CIRCUS), for in-hospital research, development, use, and evaluation of clinical image processing. Based on the authors’ clinical experience and the data collected through the CIRCUS system, they present research results on the improvement of CAD performance as well as simulated studies for additional learning. Finally, the authors’ future plans, including radiologist-CAD collaboration beyond machine learning, are also discussed.
Fuzzy Image Segmentation for Mass Detection in Digital Mammography
Authors: Alharbi Hajar Mohammedsaleh H. , Kwan Paul , Jayawardena Ashoka , Sajeev A. S. M.
Published: June 2013

In the last decade, many computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems that utilize a broad range of diagnostic techniques have been proposed. Due to both the inherently complex structure of the breast tissues and the low intensity contrast found in most mammographic images, CAD systems that are based on conventional techniques have been shown to have missed malignant masses in mammographic images that would otherwise be treatable. On the other hand, systems based on fuzzy image processing techniques have been found to be able to detect masses in cases where conventional techniques would have failed. In the current chapter, recent advances in fuzzy image segmentation techniques as applied to mass detection in digital mammography are reviewed. Image segmentation is an important step in CAD systems since the quality of its outcome will significantly affect the processing downstream that can involve both detection and classification of benign versus malignant masses.
Machine Learning Applications in Computer Vision
Authors: Harandi Mehrtash , Taheri Javid , Lovell Brian C.
Published: June 2013

Recognizing objects based on their appearance (visual recognition) is one of the most significant abilities of many living creatures. In this study, recent advances in the area of automated object recognition are reviewed; the authors specifically look into several learning frameworks to discuss how they can be utilized in solving object recognition paradigms. This includes reinforcement learning, a biologically-inspired machine learning technique to solve sequential decision problems and transductive learning, and a framework where the learner observes query data and potentially exploits its structure for classification. The authors also discuss local and global appearance models for object recognition, as well as how similarities between objects can be learnt and evaluated.
3D Reconstruction of Underwater Natural Scenes and Objects Using Stereo Vision
Authors: Prabhakar C.J. , Kumar P.U. Praveen , Hiremath P.S.
Published: June 2013

Over the last two decades, research community of computer vision has developed various techniques suitable for underwater applications using intensity images. This chapter will explore 3D reconstruction of underwater natural scenes and objects based on stereo vision, which will be helpful in mine detection, inspection of shipwrecks, detection of telecommunication cables and pipelines. The general steps involved in 3D reconstruction using stereo vision are provided. The brief summary of papers for 3D reconstruction of underwater environment is presented. 3D reconstruction of underwater natural scenes and objects is challenging problem due to light propagation in underwater. In contrast to light propagation in the air, the light rays are attenuated and scattered, having a great effect on image quality. We have proposed preprocessing technique to enhance degraded underwater images. At the end of the chapter, we have presented the proposed stereo vision based 3D reconstruction technique to reconstruct 3D surface of underwater objects. Ultimately, this chapter intends to give an overview of the 3D reconstruction technique using stereo vision in order to help a reader in understanding stereo vision and its benefits for underwater applications.
Using Line Cameras for Monitoring and Surveillance Sensor Networks
Authors: Zheng Jiang Yu
Published: June 2013

The innovative combination of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology with visual monitoring and surveillance technology in computer vision has been emerging as an important new paradigm. This emerging technology will play a crucial role in visual monitoring and surveillance for automatic object detection and tracking in applications such as real-time traffic monitoring and control, vehicle parking control, intrusion detection, security surveillance, military battlefield monitoring, and so on. Compared to traditional WSNs with scalar sensing data, the development of WVSNs presents much greater challenges in terms of node’s computation power, storage, wireless bandwidth capacity and energy conservation due to the processing and transmission of the huge amount of two-dimensional (2D) image data. We introduce the use of linear CCD sensors for wireless sensor network here. It reads temporal data from a CCD array continuously and stores them to form a 2D image profile. Compared to most of the sensors in the current sensor networks that output temporal signals, it delivers more information such as color, shape, and event of a flowing scene. On the other hand, it abstracts passing objects in the profile without heavy computation and transmits much less data than a video from normal cameras. This paper focus on several unsolved issues of line sensors in capturing targets in the 3D space such as sensor setting, shape analysis, robust object extraction, and real time background adapting to ensure long-term sensing and visual data collection via networks. All the developed algorithms are executed in constant complexity for reducing the sensor and network burden. A sustainable visual sensor network can thus be established in a large area to monitor passing objects and people for surveillance, traffic assessment, invasion alarming, etc.
Image Processing for Solar Cell Analysis, Diagnostics and Quality Assurance Inspection
Authors: Mauk Michael G.
Published: June 2013

Image capturing, processing, and analysis have numerous uses in solar cell research, device and process development and characterization, process control, and quality assurance and inspection. Solar cell image processing is expanding due to the increasing performance (resolution, sensitivity, spectral range) and low-cost of commercial CCD and infrared cameras. Methods and applications are discussed, with primary focus on monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar cells using visible and infrared (thermography) wavelengths. The most prominent applications relate to mapping of minority carrier lifetime, shunts, and defects in solar cell wafers, in various stages of the manufacturing process. Other applications include measurements of surface texture and reflectivity, surface cleanliness, integrity of metallization lines, uniformity of coatings, and crystallographic texture and grain size. Image processing offers the capability to assess large-areas (> 100 cm2) with a non-contact, fast (~ 1 second), and modest cost. The challenge is to quantify and interpret the image data in order to better inform device design, process engineering, and quality control. Many promising solar cell technologies fail in the transition from laboratory to factory due to issues related to scale-up in area and manufacturing throughput. Image analysis provides an effective method to assess areal uniformity, device-to-device reproducibility, and defect densities. More integration of image analysis from research devices to field testing of modules will continue as the photovoltaics industry matures.
Public Participation, Social Equity, and Technology in Urban Governance
Authors: Sanchez Thomas W. , Brenman Marc
Published: June 2013

Social equity commonly refers to fairness or impartiality, usually in terms of inputs or outcomes related to social and economic opportunity. In the case of urban planning, social equity can take the form of participation in decision-making activities, especially those that involve allocating public resources. An assumption (and hope) is that through participation, stakeholders have greater influence on outcomes that are in their collective interest. Opportunities to participate are rapidly expanding along with rapid technological innovation. Therefore, the authors argue that there is a connection among participation, equity, and technology in creating more equitable governance structures. In particular, the authors discuss how information and communications technologies can serve to reduce barriers to information exchange and thereby generate stronger bonds and quicker formation of partnerships and connections within the public realm. This chapter explores these issues through the lens of e-government, e-democracy, and the digital divide in a U.S. context.
The Geospatial Web
Authors: Atzmanstorfer Karl , Blaschke Thomas
Published: June 2013

This chapter introduces a spatial view to e-participation in urban governance which is based on the technological core of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and their more recent transformation into service architectures. The chapter begins with the premise that the technological realms are available today in professional software packages and in open source software environments. It focuses on the utilization of GIS and various methodologies in participatory planning projects. The technical descriptions are limited to a degree that the reader can understand the applications envisaged. The chapter describes developments in the GIS domain which are summarized under the term ‘Public Participation GIS’ (PPGIS) since the 1990s. In 2005 however, the launch of Google Earth changed the situation significantly: such mapping platforms—including Microsoft Bing and others—brought mapping functionality to the computers of hundreds of millions of internet users and soon after, the term “volunteered geographic information” was created. It refers to the two-way communication possibilities using geospatial tools and to the participation of citizens in planning initiatives. The chapter highlights a few of such applications in urban planning and administration and discusses the situation in developing and emerging countries, while posing the question of whether or not such options may lead to an empowerment of citizens.
Lending a Hand
Authors: Karetsos George T.
Published: June 2013

Cooperative networking is considered one of the main enablers for achieving enhanced data rates in wireless communications. This is due to the fact that through cooperation the adverse effects of fading can be alleviated significantly. Thus, more reliable communication systems deployments can be devised, and performance enhancements can be achieved. In this chapter, the authors discuss the main aspects of cooperative networking starting from the main historical milestones that shaped the idea. Then they focus on the main mechanisms and techniques that foster cooperation and continue by studying performance metrics for various possible deployments, such as capacity bounds and outage probabilities. Finally, the authors take a more practical viewpoint and discuss aspects related to medium access control design and implementation that can serve as a stepping stone for the widespread deployment of cooperative networking.
The Impact of Regulations on the Business Case for Cognitive Radio
Authors: Anker Peter
Published: June 2013

Cognitive Radio holds an interesting promise for improved utilisation of the radio spectrum. However, there is a considerable degree of uncertainty regarding the potential application of cognitive radio. One of the reasons for this uncertainty is the need for changes in the regulatory regime to allow for more dynamic forms of spectrum access. In addressing the necessary changes in regulations, the regulator should be well aware of the perspective of the entrepreneur. Eventually, it is the entrepreneur who invests in CR technology and thereby realises the goal of improved utilisation of the radio spectrum. This chapter addresses the impact on the business case for cognitive technologies of the regulatory regime and the choices on the fundamental CR technology that regulators will have to make.
Real-World Experimentation of Distributed DSA Network Algorithms
Authors: Tonelli Oscar , Berardinelli Gilberto , Tavares Fernando M. L. , Cattoni Andrea F. , Popovski Petar , Sørensen Troels B. , Mogensen Preben E.
Published: June 2013

The problem of spectrum scarcity in uncoordinated and/or heterogeneous wireless networks is the key aspect driving the research in the field of flexible management of frequency resources. In particular, distributed Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) algorithms enable an efficient sharing of the available spectrum by nodes in a network without centralized coordination. While proof-of-concept and statistical validation of such algorithms is typically achieved by using system level simulations, experimental activities are valuable contributions for the investigation of particular aspects such as a dynamic propagation environment, human presence impact, and terminals mobility. This chapter focuses on the practical aspects related to the real world-experimentation with distributed DSA network algorithms over a testbed network. Challenges and solutions are extensively discussed, from the testbed design to the setup of experiments. A practical example of experimentation process with a DSA algorithm is also provided.
Specification and Description Language for Discrete Simulation
Authors: Fonseca i Casas Pau
Published: June 2013

Designing a new simulation model usually involves the participation of personnel with different knowledge of the system and with diverse formations. These personnel often use different languages, making more difficult the task to define the existing relations between the key model elements. These relations represent the hypotheses that constrain the model and the global behavior of the system, and this information must be obtained from the system experts. A formalism can be a powerful tool to understand the model complexity and helps in the communication between the different actors that participate in the definition of the model. In this chapter we review the use of the “Specification and Description Language,” a standard and graphical language that simplifies the model understanding thanks to its modular nature. To do this we present a complete example, representing a simple queuing model that helps the reader to understand the structure and the nature of the language.