Coherent multi-dimensional segmentation of multiview images using a variational framework and applications to image based rendering

Image Based Rendering (IBR) and in particular light field rendering has attracted a lot of attention for interpolating new viewpoints from a set of multiview images. New images of a scene are interpolated directly from nearby available ones, thus enabling a photorealistic rendering. Sampling theory for light fields has shown that exact geometric information in the scene is often unnecessary for rendering new views. Indeed, the band of the function is approximately limited and new views can be rendered using classical interpolation methods. However, IBR using undersampled light fields suffers from aliasing effects and is difficult particularly when the scene has large depth variations and occlusions. In order to deal with these cases, we study two approaches: New sampling schemes have recently emerged that are able to perfectly reconstruct certain classes of parametric signals that are not bandlimited but characterized by a finite number of parameters. In this context, we derive novel sampling schemes for piecewise sinusoidal and polynomial signals. In particular, we show that a piecewise sinusoidal signal with arbitrarily high frequencies can be exactly recovered given certain conditions. These results are applied to parametric multiview data that are not bandlimited. We also focus on the problem of extracting regions (or layers) in multiview images that can be individually rendered free of aliasing. The problem is posed in a multidimensional variational framework using region competition. In extension to previous methods, layers are considered as multi-dimensional hypervolumes. Therefore the segmentation is done jointly over all the images and coherence is imposed throughout the data. However, instead of propagating active hypersurfaces, we derive a semi-parametric methodology that takes into account the constraints imposed by the camera setup and the occlusion ordering. The resulting framework is a global multi-dimensional region competition that is consistent in all the images and efficiently handles occlusions. We show the validity of the approach with captured light fields. Other special effects such as augmented reality and disocclusion of hidden objects are also demonstrated

Swimsmart: An Interactive and instructional multimedia application

The thesis project, SwimSmart, created by Rebecca Natalie Berent, is an instructional CD-ROM designed for coaches and intermediate to advanced swimmers seeking to improve upon their swimming skills. It is designed for use on both a projector for group training and on a personal computer as an individual teaching aid, and it runs by inserting it into a computer. The CD includes videos depicting proper swimming technique and is organized within a graphical interface broken down by stroke technique, coach advice, and tips, exercises, and downloadable practice routines. There are two additional sections devoted to credits and an explanation of the application, and a library where the user can watch all videos found throughout SwimSmart in one place. The program is interactive, meaning the user uses the mouse to click through and view various types of content related to swimming. Teachers and professors typically use some form of multimedia to assist in instructing students in the classroom. The intent of SwimSmart is to improve upon a physical activity using the same principles behind the instructional multimedia used in classrooms. The physical skill is depicted by video that captures the actual movements of a swimmer, along with demonstrations of exercises, practices, and drills. These demonstrations are explained in terms of the muscles they affect as well as how they will improve personal swimming skills, times, and strokes. There are also sections devoted to common mistakes swimmers tend to make and how to correct them. For the creation, design, and implementation of SwimSmart, videos were shot, edited, and made into short, stand-alone clips, which were then combined and organized into a structured format within the SwimSmart application. Each clip is devoted to an area of swimming and is set up like a short documentary of the particular topic or subject. Video content includes coaches giving advice and explanations of strokes, swimmers in the pool demonstrating various aspects of swimming, and dry-land training. The designer shot and edited video of coaches and swimmers and created videos to teach the principles of swimming and the various strokes and to present drills, exercises, and other content. All the videos were combined into a dynamically generated video player embedded within a graphical interface using ActionScript and XML code and Adobe Flash. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe SoundBooth, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe InDesign were all used to create elements for the application, including its brand, video and user-interfaces, buttons, photos, imagery, icons, and more. Positive usability testing showed that the application was easy to use and understand, well organized and designed, and educational. Additional materials that accompany the CD are CD labels, a user guide, and posters marketing the product

Perceptions of Comfort by Cyclists and Pedestrians on Unsegregated Shared-use Paths: Developing an Assessment Tool

This study investigates the perceptions of comfort on unsegregated shared-use paths between cyclists and pedestrians and attempts to develop a Level-of-Service assessment tool. A better understanding of user perceptions is crucial to promote active travel in the UK, especially in cities with limited space. Unsegregated shared-use paths could be a viable option: however, there is currently a limited number of guidelines on whether and how a path can be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and no assessment tools which consider perspective of both modes and are developed for UK context. Data collection was in two stages, with samples of 919 and 899 respondents respectively: research method was online questionnaires, which included questions on perceptions of comfort in response to pictures and videos of unsegregated shared-use paths. Stage 1 established the hierarchy of factors and path characteristics associated with comfort, as well as differences by user type, gender and age. After Stage 1 identified ‘path width’ and ‘volume of users’ as key contributors to perception of comfort, Stage 2 quantified their impact. I collected comfort scores, determining the effect of path width, volume of users, flow direction, type of passerby, and the proportions of cyclists and pedestrians on perceptions of comfort. Two approaches were considered for establishing whether unsegregated shared-use works and in what conditions: one assumed that cyclists and pedestrians should perceive their experience on the positive side of the comfortable spectrum. The second assumed that the facility works as long as cyclists and pedestrians are willing to use it. This research contributed to practical understanding of comfort. It concluded that unsegregated shared-use paths can work but only in specific path width and volume of users circumstances. Where these cannot be met, it explored how it could be compensated through other interventions. The findings can assist transport professional

ACTION RESEARCH FOR NURSE EDUCATORS:A MORE NOURISHING ALTERNATIVE TO EATING OUR YOUNG

Poster Session- Since Florence Nightengale began professional schools of nursing, socialization in the nursing curriculum has been viewed from multiple perspectives. University-based nursing programs include a professional nursing course at the beginning of students’ studies. This begins the professional development of students. A thorough overview examining the history and evolution of nursing demonstrates a gap in the socialization process and faculty’s influence. In this proposed study, the researcher will examine ways in which the nursing faculty communicates with the student nurses. The question to be explored using action research is: What are the implicit and explicit behaviors nursing faculty integrate into the nursing curriculum that socialize students? This research proposal asserts that Participatory Research (PR) methods impacting the curriculum will support and empower students in this important process. Gajanayake (2001) outlined an eight-phase cycle. This will be used as a flexible template for redesigning the early professional development nursing courses. Collaboration between students and faculty will stimulate the PR method. PR will provide the structure for joint faculty and student exploration of the problem. This methodology includes: 1.Identification of a problem or need: Fewer students are choosing a career in nursing. Many nurses are leaving the profession for various reasons. Many students and nurses verbalize the lack of support throughout nursing education. 2. Reflection: Faculty members and students will be invited through focus groups and interviews to identify the impact of the socialization process. 3. Investigation: Participants will explore historical influences that have changed the face of nursing. 4. Analysis: Data gathered in the investigation phase will be used to identify the major problems and suggest possible solutions. 5. Integration: With the analysis information, participants will stimulate curriculum change by sharing and publishing this research. 6. Action Planning: In this phase, we will engage in grant writing, obtaining administrative support, and coordinating faculty input. As a result, changes in the curriculum will be created. 7. Implementation: The curriculum changes will be evaluated and analyzed. 8. Transformation: The goal of these curriculum changes is an improvement in self-confidence and self-worth in the students and the faculty. This phase will only be able to be evaluated over a period of time. What is advocated here, then, is not merely a PR project but a curriculum “revisioning” with PR as the central pedogogical feature. As a new framework outside the traditional research conducted by nurse researchers, I am aware of possible resistance. I am hopeful that this beginning work will help to reshape and rejuvenate nursing curriculum

Impact of music therapy on sensory gating and attention abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder, The: a feasibility study

2017 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors, frequently accompanied by deficits in attentional abilities and atypical processing of sensory information. Sensory gating is an aspect of sensory processing in which redundant sensory information is filtered. These deficits may lead to impaired social and academic functioning. Music therapy has been used to address cognitive, sensory, and motor impairments with neurological causes. This feasibility study looked at whether children with ASD have significantly impaired neurological sensory gating and attentional abilities when compared to typically developing (TD) children. This study also aimed to explore whether music therapy is an effective intervention to address these deficits. Lastly, this study examined potential relationships between neural sensory gating and attentional abilities. Electroencephalography (EEG) and a paired-click paradigm was used to measure neural sensory gating at the P50 and N100 components. The Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch) was used to measure attention abilities across three domains: sustained, selective, and shift/control. A total score of all three sub-domains was calculated to determine overall attentional abilities. In this feasibility study, 7 children ages 5 to 12 participated in 5 weeks of biweekly music therapy delivered by a board-certified music therapist. An age and gender matched group of 7 TD children was used as a control to compare attention and sensory gating abilities to children with ASD at baseline. At baseline, children with ASD demonstrated significantly reduced N100 gating, selective attention, and overall attentional abilities compared to TD peers. Analysis revealed significantly improved selective attentional abilities in the experimental group after music therapy intervention. There were no significant differences in sensory gating at P50 or N100 component. The TD group demonstrated significant correlations between sustained and overall attention with N100 gating at baseline. At baseline, there were no significant correlations between neural sensory gating and attention abilities in the experimental group. After music therapy intervention, children with ASD demonstrated a significant correlation with sustained attention and P50 gating. Further research that utilizes a control group throughout the intervention, with larger sample sizes to attain greater statistical power, and a clearly defined intervention protocol is recommended. Post-hoc power analyses suggest that a sample size of at least n = 18 would ensure adequate statistical power to detect changes in neural sensory gating

The Relationship between Successor, Planning Characteristics, and the Transfer Process on Post-Transfer Profitability in SMEs

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between successor characteristics, transfer planning characteristics and post-transfer profitability within Dutch SMEs. On the one hand, based on the resource dependency view, it is assumed that successors with more knowledge and experience, derived from work experience from outside the target firm, will be able to extract higher rents from the firm than those with less (diverse) work experience. On the other hand, based on the knowledge management literature, and in particular, concepts such as tacit knowledge, this research makes the contrasting prediction that post-transfer profitability is likely to be higher in firms where the successor is an insider and is related to the predecessor. Moreover, this paper proposes, based on the theory of planned behaviour, that written plan and strategic intent have a positive association with post-transfer profitability. The study is based on quantitative analysis of a random sample of Dutch SMEs. Initial results from the current study suggest that determinants of post-transfer profitability may be quite different in the family-to-family ownership vs. nonfamily ownership transfer conditions (i.e. whether or not the successor is related to the predecessor). Significant interaction effect is found such that the effect of strategic planning, in particular, varies depending on the nature of the transfer relationship (family to family, vs family to non-family). Other results offer mixed support for the proposed theories.

ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Recommendations on the Treatment and Prevention of Uroliths in Dogs and Cats.

In an age of advancing endoscopic and lithotripsy technologies, the management of urolithiasis poses a unique opportunity to advance compassionate veterinary care, not only for patients with urolithiasis but for those with other urinary diseases as well. The following are consensus-derived, research and experience-supported, patient-centered recommendations for the treatment and prevention of uroliths in dogs and cats utilizing contemporary strategies. Ultimately, we hope that these recommendations will serve as a foundation for ongoing and future clinical research and inspiration for innovative problem solving