The effects of scene content parameters, compression, and frame rate on the performance of analytics systems

In this investigation we study the effects of compression and frame rate reduction on the performance of four video analytics (VA) systems utilizing a low complexity scenario, such as the Sterile Zone (SZ). Additionally, we identify the most influential scene parameters affecting the performance of these systems. The SZ scenario is a scene consisting of a fence, not to be trespassed, and an area with grass. The VA system needs to alarm when there is an intruder (attack) entering the scene. The work includes testing of the systems with uncompressed and compressed (using H.264/MPEG-4 AVC at 25 and 5 frames per second) footage, consisting of quantified scene parameters. The scene parameters include descriptions of scene contrast, camera to subject distance, and attack portrayal. Additional footage, including only distractions (no attacks) is also investigated. Results have shown that every system has performed differently for each compression/frame rate level, whilst overall, compression has not adversely affected the performance of the systems. Frame rate reduction has decreased performance and scene parameters have influenced the behavior of the systems differently. Most false alarms were triggered with a distraction clip, including abrupt shadows through the fence. Findings could contribute to the improvement of VA systems

Image Compression Effects in Face Recognition Systems

With the growing number of face recognition applications in everyday life, image- an

The assessment of pain in older people: UK National Guidelines

We are facing a huge increase in the older population over the next 30 years. This brings an anticipated increase in the prevalence of chronic pain and with this comes the challenge of assessment of pain in many varied settings. Our first iteration of this document was published in 2007. But there has been a proliferation of literature and research since then, so we have developed a new set of guidelines. Different patterns and sites of pain were seen in men and women. Age differences suggest that pain prevalence increased with age up to 85 years and then decreased. The available studies on barriers and attitudes to pain management point towards an adherence to bio-medically orientated beliefs about pain, concern amongst clinicians in relation to activity recommendations, and a negative orientation in general towards patients with chronic painful conditions. A multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of pain is essential, but the assessment is a complex process which is hampered by many communication issues, including cognitive ability and socio-cultural factors. Such issues are part of the UK ageing population. Structured pain education should be implemented that provides all health professionals (whether professionally or non-professionally trained) with standardised education and training in the assessment and management of pain according to level of experience. Although subjective, patient self-report is the most valid and reliable indicator of pain and it may be necessary to ask questions about pain in different ways in order to elicit a response. A number of valid and reliable self-report measures are available and can be used even when moderate dementia exists. The Numerical Rating Scale or verbal descriptors can be used with people who have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. For people with severe cognitive impairment Pain in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) and Doloplus-2 are recommended. PAINAD and Doloplus-2 scales continue to show positive results in terms of reliability and validity. There has been no recent evaluation of the Abbey pain scale although it is widely used throughout the UK. There is a need for more research into pain assessment using the collaborative role of the multidisciplinary team in all care settings. Self-report questionnaires of function are limited in their ability to capture the fluctuations in capacity and ability. The concentration on items of relevance to the population of interest means that issues of personal relevance can be obscured. Strong associations were seen between pain and depressed mood with each being a risk factor for the other. Additionally, loneliness and social isolation were associated with an increased risk of pain. Clinicians should be cognisant that social isolation and or depressive signs and symptoms may be indicators of pre-existing pain or a predictor of future pain onset. There are a number of evidence based guidelines on pain assessment in older people with or without cognitive impairment from around the world, including Australia and Europe

Långsiktiga kostnader för Stockholmsbörsens emittenter : En rättslig analys av Stockholmsbörsens regelverk

Denna uppsats undersöker de stadigvarande kostnaderna som uppstår för en emittent till följd av de noteringskrav som ställs i avtalet “Regelverk för aktieemittenter på huvudmarknaden" som ingås mellan en emittent och Nasdaq Stockholm AB även kallat Stockholmsbörsen. Uppsatsens undersökning genomförs genom en rättslig analys av Stockholmsbörsens regelverk där det görs en identifiering av de avtalspunkter som skapar stadigvarande kostnader för emittenter. Undersökningen fastställer och preciserar även gällande rätt som ligger till grund för vissa av dessa avtalspunkter. Vidare undersöker uppsatsen kort det maktförhållande som råder mellan börsen och emittenter. Det sker även en kort diskussion om det finns någon begränsning av en marknadsoperatörs möjlighet att ställa krav mot en emittent på en reglerad marknad. Uppsatsen kommer fram till att de avtalspunkter i Stockholmsbörsens regelverk som skapar de mest omfattande kostnaderna på sikt för en emittent är de avtalspunkter som ställer krav om emittentens skyldighet att stå för övervakning och tillsynskostnader, emittentens informationsplikt gentemot börsen, emittentens bolagsstyrning, system och interna kontroll och emittentens informationsgivning. Utöver detta fann undersökningen att det finns begränsningar av en marknadsoperatörs möjlighet att ställa krav mot en emittent på en reglerad marknad