title: Testing a biologically-based system for extracting depth from brief monocular 2-D video sequences

authors: Perrone, John A.

subjects: Cameras

abstract: Knowledge of the 3-D layout in front of a moving robot or vehicle is essential for obstacle avoidance and navigation. Currently the most common methods for acquiring that information rely on ‘active’ technologies which project light into the world (e.g., LIDAR). Some passive (non-emitting) systems use stereo cameras but only a relatively small number of techniques attempt to solve the 3-D layout problem using the information from a single video camera. A single camera offers many advantages such as lighter weight and fewer video streams to process. The visual motion occurring in brief monocular video sequences contains information regarding the movement of the camera and the structure of the scene. Extracting that information is difficult however because it relies on accurate estimates of the image motion velocities (optical flow) and knowledge of the camera motion, especially the heading direction. We have solved these two problems and can now obtain image flow and heading direction using mechanisms based on the properties of motion sensitive neurones in the brain. This allows us to recover depth information from monocular video sequences and here we report on a series of tests that assess the accuracy of this novel approach to 3-D depth recovery.

text: Testing a biologically-based system for extracting depth from brief monocular 2-D video sequences Knowledge of the 3-D layout in front of a moving robot or vehicle is essential for obstacle avoidance and navigation. Currently the most common methods for acquiring that information rely on ‘active’ technologies which project light into the world (e.g., LIDAR). Some passive (non-emitting) systems use stereo cameras but only a relatively small number of techniques attempt to solve the 3-D layout problem using the information from a single video camera. A single camera offers many advantages such as lighter weight and fewer video streams to process. The visual motion occurring in brief monocular video sequences contains information regarding the movement of the camera and the structure of the scene. Extracting that information is difficult however because it relies on accurate estimates of the image motion velocities (optical flow) and knowledge of the camera motion, especially the heading direction. We have solved these two problems and can now obtain image flow and heading direction using mechanisms based on the properties of motion sensitive neurones in the brain. This allows us to recover depth information from monocular video sequences and here we report on a series of tests that assess the accuracy of this novel approach to 3-D depth recovery.

year: 2018

title: Kava and balance: The effects of traditionally influenced kava consumption on human physiology

authors: Aughton, Harvey

subjects: Pharmcology

abstract: In recent years there has been increasing interest in the effects of kava as a medicinal substance. However, there are unknown facets of kava effects that continue to be the issue of debate within the literature. One such area is the discussion about whether kava causes drinkers to lose their balance, which has been largely ignored by researchers. There is a single comprehensive study which investigates the issue (Prescott, Jamieson, Emdur, & Duffield, 1993). The thesis opens with an introduction which outlines the basis of kava research and the justification for this research project; it is the first study to investigate the association between consuming kava at naturalistic volumes and increased body sway. The need to understand the issue is elevated by evidence which suggests that kava drinkers routinely drink kava for many hours and then drive home. 
 	As part of the requirements for this project, a journal article was submitted as a result of a data collection session involving experienced kava drinkers (N=6; low numbers were in part caused by time constraints and the COVID-19 lockdown period). The methodology was based on past naturalistic kava experiments and influenced by Post-Development Pacific Framework. Methods: Data collection surrounding a culturally influenced kava session (6 hours), involving experienced kava drinkers, 10-minute drink intervals (100ml kava), and three test batteries; pre-test (baseline), mid-test (3 hours) and post-test. Tests: Force Plate Centre of Pressure (COP) – 3x30s closed eyes, closed stance condition, and y-balance test – anterior condition, 3x right leg then 3x left leg.  
	The current study neither confirmed nor disputed the evidence that kava may induce increased body sway when consumed at high volumes. As a result, further research is needed as there is still a wealth of anecdotal evidence which suggests the effect may be moderate or significant. However, the current study did not replicate the results of Prescott et al., (1993), a study which involved a similarly low number of participants, lower volumes of kava consumption, and similar data collection duration. As a result, the results of this thesis project suggest further research is needed; to fill the gaps in kava pharmacodynamics and addressed issues apparent in replicability of body sway studies. The study provides a protocol and methodological framework for future, more controlled studies investigating kava’s effects on human body sway.

text: Kava and balance: The effects of traditionally influenced kava consumption on human physiology In recent years there has been increasing interest in the effects of kava as a medicinal substance. However, there are unknown facets of kava effects that continue to be the issue of debate within the literature. One such area is the discussion about whether kava causes drinkers to lose their balance, which has been largely ignored by researchers. There is a single comprehensive study which investigates the issue (Prescott, Jamieson, Emdur, & Duffield, 1993). The thesis opens with an introduction which outlines the basis of kava research and the justification for this research project; it is the first study to investigate the association between consuming kava at naturalistic volumes and increased body sway. The need to understand the issue is elevated by evidence which suggests that kava drinkers routinely drink kava for many hours and then drive home. 
 	As part of the requirements for this project, a journal article was submitted as a result of a data collection session involving experienced kava drinkers (N=6; low numbers were in part caused by time constraints and the COVID-19 lockdown period). The methodology was based on past naturalistic kava experiments and influenced by Post-Development Pacific Framework. Methods: Data collection surrounding a culturally influenced kava session (6 hours), involving experienced kava drinkers, 10-minute drink intervals (100ml kava), and three test batteries; pre-test (baseline), mid-test (3 hours) and post-test. Tests: Force Plate Centre of Pressure (COP) – 3x30s closed eyes, closed stance condition, and y-balance test – anterior condition, 3x right leg then 3x left leg.  
	The current study neither confirmed nor disputed the evidence that kava may induce increased body sway when consumed at high volumes. As a result, further research is needed as there is still a wealth of anecdotal evidence which suggests the effect may be moderate or significant. However, the current study did not replicate the results of Prescott et al., (1993), a study which involved a similarly low number of participants, lower volumes of kava consumption, and similar data collection duration. As a result, the results of this thesis project suggest further research is needed; to fill the gaps in kava pharmacodynamics and addressed issues apparent in replicability of body sway studies. The study provides a protocol and methodological framework for future, more controlled studies investigating kava’s effects on human body sway.

year: 2020

title: Neoliberalism and racism in Aotearoa

authors: Rew, Nathan

abstract: Webinar Toru will engage with issues of racism, neoliberalism and what Graham Hingangaroa Smith has called ‘New Formations of Colonisation’. This webinar will provide an overview of neoliberalism and racism and how they intersect and impact upon Māori, Pacific Nations and ethnic minority groups in Aotearoa.

text: Neoliberalism and racism in Aotearoa Webinar Toru will engage with issues of racism, neoliberalism and what Graham Hingangaroa Smith has called ‘New Formations of Colonisation’. This webinar will provide an overview of neoliberalism and racism and how they intersect and impact upon Māori, Pacific Nations and ethnic minority groups in Aotearoa.

year: 2025