Combined Feature-Level Video Indexing Using Block-Based Motion Estimation.

We describe a method for attaching content-based labels to video data using a weighted combination of low-level features (such as colour, texture, motion, etc.) estimated during motion analysis. Every frame of a video sequence is modeled using a fixed set of low-level feature attributes together with a set of corresponding weights using a block-based motion estimation technique. Indexing a new video involves an alternative scheme in which the weights of the features are first estimated and then classification is performed to determine the label corresponding to the video. A hierarchical architecture of increasingly complexity is used to achieve robust indexing of new videos. We explore the effect of different model parameters on performance and prove that the proposed method is effective using publicly available datasets

Where constructionism and critical realism converge: interrogating the domain of epistemological relativism

The paper interrogates the status, nature and significance of epistemological relativism as a key element of constructionism and critical realism. It finds that epistemological relativism is espoused by authorities in critical realism and marginalized or displaced in the field of management and organization studies, resulting in forms of analysis that are empirically, but not fully critically, realist. This evaluation prompts reflection on the question of whether, how and with what implications epistemological relativism might be recast at the heart of critical realist studies of management and organization

How Many Subpopulations is Too Many? Exponential Lower Bounds for Inferring Population Histories

Reconstruction of population histories is a central problem in population genetics. Existing coalescent-based methods, like the seminal work of Li and Durbin (Nature, 2011), attempt to solve this problem using sequence data but have no rigorous guarantees. Determining the amount of data needed to correctly reconstruct population histories is a major challenge. Using a variety of tools from information theory, the theory of extremal polynomials, and approximation theory, we prove new sharp information-theoretic lower bounds on the problem of reconstructing population structure -- the history of multiple subpopulations that merge, split and change sizes over time. Our lower bounds are exponential in the number of subpopulations, even when reconstructing recent histories. We demonstrate the sharpness of our lower bounds by providing algorithms for distinguishing and learning population histories with matching dependence on the number of subpopulations. Along the way and of independent interest, we essentially determine the optimal number of samples needed to learn an exponential mixture distribution information-theoretically, proving the upper bound by analyzing natural (and efficient) algorithms for this problem.Comment: 38 pages, Appeared in RECOMB 201

Fast pyrolysis of halogenated plastics recovered from waste computers

The disposal of waste computers is an issue that is gaining increasing interest around the world. In this paper, results from the fast pyrolysis in a fluidized bed reactor of three different waste computer monitor casings composed of mainly acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer and two different waste computer body casings composed of mostly poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) type polymers are presented. Preliminary characterization of the waste plastics was investigated using coupled thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TGA-FT-IR). The results showed that the plastics decomposed in two stages. For the ABS-containing monitor casings, aromatic and aliphatic material were released in the first and second stages. The PVC-containing computer body casing samples showed a first-stage evolution of HCl and a second stage evolution of aromatic and aliphatic material and further HCl. In addition, each of the five plastics was fast-pyrolyzed in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor at 500 °C. The fluidized bed pyrolysis led to the conversion of most of the plastics to pyrolysis oil, although the two PVC computer body cases produced large quantities of HCl. The pyrolysis oils were characterized by GC-MS and it was found that they were chemically very heterogeneous and contained a wide range of aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated, oxygenated, and nitrogenated compounds

Spin Relaxation Resonances Due to the Spin-Axis Interaction in Dense Rubidium and Cesium Vapor

Resonances in the magnetic decoupling curves for the spin relaxation of dense alkali-metal vapors prove that much of the relaxation is due to the spin-axis interaction in triplet dimers. Initial estimates of the spin-axis coupling coefficients for the dimers are 290 MHz for Rb; 2500 MHz for Cs.Comment: submitted to Physical Review Letters, text + 3 figure

A holistic multi-methodology for sustainable renovation

A review of the barriers for building renovation has revealed a lack of methodologies, which can promote sustainability objectives and assist various stakeholders during the design stage of building renovation/retrofitting projects. The purpose of this paper is to develop a Holistic Multi-methodology for Sustainable Renovation, which aims to deal with complexity of renovation projects. It provides a framework through which to involve the different stakeholders in the design process to improve group learning and group decision-making, and hence make the building renovation design process more robust and efficient. Therefore, the paper discusses the essence of multifaceted barriers in building renovation regarding cultural changes and technological/physical changes. The outcome is a proposal for a multi-methodology framework, which is developed by introducing, evaluating and mixing methods from Soft Systems Methodologies (SSM) with Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). The potential of applying the proposed methodology in renovation projects is demonstrated through a case study

Chris Brown’s Liberal Conservatism, the Process of Moral Learning and Global Institutional Transformations

In the normative theory of International Relations, the major debate has been between the state-centric view and cosmopolitanism. A quarter of century ago I attempted to deconstruct one round of this debate – between Chris Brown and Mark Hoffman – by showing that the debate is both utopian and has an other-negating character. With the help of epistemological discussions and an analysis of two “case studies”, I built a case for a contextualist and dialogical morality, grounded on the concept of judgement. Interestingly, Brown’s 2010 collection of essays is entitled Practical Judgement in International Political Theory. In this paper I first explore whether similar or analogical deconstruction would anymore be possible. Second, I discuss Brown’s ideas about global civil society, democracy and justice, particularly in light of world-historical developments since the early 1990s and in relation to the development of my own thinking on the topic. While Brown has tried to overcome the dichotomy between the state-centric view and cosmopolitanism, I examine whether the idea of universal ethico-political learning and its cosmopolitan implications might explain the divergence in our practical judgements. I conclude by arguing any area of activities in international relations and world society, from property and contract to nuclear safety and global warming, can be subject to normative debates and potentially democratic politics. Good normative arguments often involve designs for better institutions, but they must be realizable by virtue of being connected to real causal processes.Peer reviewe

Real-Gas Effects and Phase Separation in Underexpanded Jets at Engine-Relevant Conditions

A numerical framework implemented in the open-source tool OpenFOAM is presented in this work combining a hybrid, pressure-based solver with a vapor-liquid equilibrium model based on the cubic equation of state. This framework is used in the present work to investigate underexpanded jets at engine-relevant conditions where real-gas effects and mixture induced phase separation are probable to occur. A thorough validation and discussion of the applied vapor-liquid equilibrium model is conducted by means of general thermodynamic relations and measurement data available in the literature. Engine-relevant simulation cases for two different fuels were defined. Analyses of the flow field show that the used fuel has a first order effect on the occurrence of phase separation. In the case of phase separation two different effects could be revealed causing the single-phase instability, namely the strong expansion and the mixing of the fuel with the chamber gas. A comparison of single-phase and two-phase jets disclosed that the phase separation leads to a completely different penetration depth in contrast to single-phase injection and therefore commonly used analytical approaches fail to predict the penetration depth.Comment: Preprint submitted to AIAA Scitech 2018, Kissimmee, Florid

Desperately seeking a cure: Treatment seeking and appraisal in irritable bowel syndrome

© 2018 The British Psychological Society Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and adversely affects patients' quality of life. Multiple potential treatment options exist for patients (and clinicians) to choose from, with limited evidence to inform treatment selection. The aim was to explore how patients with IBS go about seeking and appraising different treatment modalities, with a view to elucidating the psychological processes involved and identifying opportunities to improve clinical practice. Design: Qualitative study nested within a randomized controlled trial of therapist-delivered and web-based cognitive behavioural therapy versus treatment-as-usual for IBS. Methods: A total of 52 people participated in semi-structured interviews about their prior experiences of treatments for IBS. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Key themes (desperation for a cure, disappointment at lack of cure, appraising the effects of diverse treatments, and hope for positive effects) clustered around an overarching theme of being trapped within a vicious cycle of hope and despair on treatment seeking. A desperation and willingness drove interviewees to try any treatment modality available that might potentially offer relief. Coming to accept there is no cure for IBS helped interviewees escape the vicious cycle. Treatments were appraised for their effects on symptoms and quality of life while also considering, but rarely prioritizing, other aspects including convenience of the regimen itself, whether it addressed the perceived root causes of IBS, perceived side-effects, and cost. Conclusion: Treatment seeking in IBS can be challenging for patients. Supportive discussions with health care professionals about illness perceptions, treatment beliefs, and goals could improve patients' experiences. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent chronic relapsing functional gastrointestinal disorder. Studies show few treatment modalities provide complete symptom relief. IBS is associated with emotional and physical distress, and negatively impacts personal, social, and professional aspects of quality of life. What does this study add? Patients appraise IBS treatments for impact on quality of life and treatment characteristics. Developing acceptance and coping strategies helps escape treatment-seeking vicious cycles of hope and despair. Clinicians could better support patients by discussing their illness perceptions, treatment goals, and values