SubPatch: Random kd-tree on a sub-sampled patch set for nearest neighbor field estimation

We propose a new method to compute the approximate nearest-neighbors field (ANNF) between image pairs using random kd-tree and patch set sub-sampling. By exploiting image coherence we demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the number of patches on which we compute the ANNF, while maintaining high overall accuracy on the final result. Information on missing patches is then recovered by interpolation and propagation of good matches. The introduction of the sub-sampling factor on patch sets also allows for setting the desired trade off between accuracy and speed, providing a flexibility that lacks in state-of-the-art methods. Tests conducted on a public database prove that our algorithm achieves superior performance with respect to PatchMatch (PM) and Coherence Sensitivity Hashing (CSH) algorithms in a comparable computational time

XKin: an open source framework for hand pose and gesture recognition using kinect

4noThis work targets real-time recognition of both static hand-poses and dynamic hand-gestures in a unified open-source framework. The developed solution enables natural and intuitive hand-pose recognition of American Sign Language (ASL), extending the recognition to ambiguous letters not challenged by previous work. While hand-pose recognition exploits techniques working on depth information using texture-based descriptors, gesture recognition evaluates hand trajectories in the depth stream using angular features and hidden Markov models (HMM). Although classifiers come already trained on ASL alphabet and 16 uni-stroke dynamic gestures, users are able to extend these default sets by adding their personalized poses and gestures. The accuracy and robustness of the recognition system have been evaluated using a publicly available database and across many users. The XKin open project is available online (Pedersoli, XKin libraries. https://github.com/fpeder/XKin, 2013) under FreeBSD License for researchers in human-machine interaction.Published on-line 31 JAN 2014; Published in print OCT 2014partially_openpartially_openF. Pedersoli; S. Benini; N. Adami; R. LeonardiPedersoli, Fabrizio; Benini, Sergio; Adami, Nicola; Leonardi, Riccard

XKin - eXtendable hand pose and gesture recognition library for Kinect

In this work we provide an open-source framework for Kinect enabling more natural and intuitive hand-gesture communication between human and computer devices. The software package is endowed with useful tools for training the system to work with user-defined postures and gestures. The XKin project is fully implemented in C and freely available at https://github.com/fpeder/XKin under FreeBSD License. Our goal is to encourage contributions from other researchers and developers in building an open and effective system for empowering a natural modality for humanmachine interaction

The prevalence and incidence of thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome in adults aged 18-49 years: A population-based study in a mountain community in northern Italy

Objective: To estimate prevalence and incidence of thrombotic Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS) in the general population aged 18-49 years. Methods: The study was carried out in Valtrompia, a valley in northern Italy, in 2011-2015. The identification of PAPS cases leveraged three integrated sources: 1) Rheumatology Unit at the University Hospital; 2) General Practitioners; 3) hospital discharge codes of patients admitted for thrombotic events. Results: Prevalence and incidence were estimated as 22.9 (95% C.I. 11.4-41.0) and 5.0 (2.6-8.7) cases per 100,000 individuals, respectively. The estimates were 28.3 and 4.8, and 17.2 and 5.1 in males and females, respectively. The type of disease onset was mainly of arterial type in men and venous in women. Conclusions: Thrombotic PAPS was found to be a rare disease in this population-based study. Prevalence and incidence were not significantly different between males and females aged 18-49 years, but a different type of onset was observed