Integration of Absolute Orientation Measurements in the KinectFusion Reconstruction pipeline

In this paper, we show how absolute orientation measurements provided by low-cost but high-fidelity IMU sensors can be integrated into the KinectFusion pipeline. We show that integration improves both runtime, robustness and quality of the 3D reconstruction. In particular, we use this orientation data to seed and regularize the ICP registration technique. We also present a technique to filter the pairs of 3D matched points based on the distribution of their distances. This filter is implemented efficiently on the GPU. Estimating the distribution of the distances helps control the number of iterations necessary for the convergence of the ICP algorithm. Finally, we show experimental results that highlight improvements in robustness, a speed-up of almost 12%, and a gain in tracking quality of 53% for the ATE metric on the Freiburg benchmark.Comment: CVPR Workshop on Visual Odometry and Computer Vision Applications Based on Location Clues 201

The Relationships between Cognitive Styles and Creativity: The Role of Field Dependence-Independence on Visual Creative Production

Previous studies explored the relationships between field dependent-independent cognitive style (FDI) and creativity, providing misleading and unclear results. The present research explored this problematic interplay through the lens of the Geneplore model, employing a product oriented task: the Visual Creative Synthesis Task (VCST). The latter requires creating objects belonging to pre-established categories, starting from triads of visual components and consists of two steps: the preinventive phase and the inventive phase. Following the Amabile’s consensual assessment technique, three independent judges evaluated preinventive structures in terms of originality and synthesis whereas inventions were evaluated in terms of originality and appropriateness. The Embedded Figure Test (EFT) was employed in order to measure the individual’s predisposition toward the field dependence or the field independence. Sixty undergraduate college students (31 females) took part in the experiment. Results revealed that field independent individuals outperformed field dependent ones in each of the four VCST scores, showing higher levels of creativity. Results were discussed in light of the better predisposition of field independent individuals in mental imagery, mental manipulation of abstract objects, as well as in using their knowledge during complex tasks that require creativity. Future research directions were also discussed

A non-contact optical technique for vehicle tracking along bounded trajectories

This paper presents a method for measuring the non-controlled trajectory of a cart along a bounded rectilinear path. The method uses non-contact measurement devices to identify the position of a movable laser scanner working in helical mode in order to reconstruct the 3D model of bridges. The main idea of the proposed method is to use vision systems in order to identify the coordinates of the laser scanner placed on the cart with respect to the global reference system. A fit-to-purpose vision system has been implemented: the system uses three CCD's cameras mounted on the cart to identify the relative rotations with respect to the environment. Two lasers pointers and a laser distance meter are fixed at the starting point of the trajectory and pointing in the direction of motion of the cart, creating three dots on a plane placed on the cart. One of the camera detects the cart displacements and rotations in the plane using a blob analysis procedure. The method described in this paper has a constant uncertainty and the measurement range only depends on the lasers power. The theoretical accuracy of the measurement system is close to 1 mm for the translation along the motion direction and around 0.5 mm along the other two directions. Orientations measurement have a theoretical accuracy of less than 0.1 °. The solution has been implemented for the 3D reconstruction of concrete bridge; preliminary experimental results are presented and discussed

Exploring the G-quadruplex binding and unwinding activity of the bacterial FeS helicase DinG

Despite numerous reports on the interactions of G-quadruplexes (G4s) with helicases, systematic analysis addressing the selectivity and specificity of each helicase towards a variety of G4 topologies are scarce. Among the helicases able to unwind G4s are those containing an iron-sulphur (FeS) cluster, including both the bacterial DinG (found in E. coli and several pathogenic bacteria) and the medically important eukaryotic homologues (XPD, FancJ, DDX11 and RTEL1). We carried out a detailed study of the interactions between the E. coli DinG and a variety of G4s, by employing physicochemical and biochemical methodologies. A series of G4-rich sequences from different genomic locations (promoter and telomeric regions), able to form unimolecular G4 structures with diverse topologies, were analyzed (c-KIT1, KRAS, c-MYC, BCL2, Tel23, T30695, Zic1). DinG binds to most of the investigated G4s with little discrimination, while it exhibits a clear degree of unwinding specificity towards different G4 topologies. Whereas previous reports suggested that DinG was active only on bimolecular G4s, here we show that it is also able to bind to and resolve the more physiologically relevant unimolecular G4s. In addition, when the G4 structures were stabilized by ligands (Pyridostatin, PhenDC3, BRACO-19 or Netropsin), the DinG unwinding activity decreased and in most cases was abolished, with a pattern that is not simply explained by a change in binding affinity. Overall, these results have important implications for the biochemistry of helicases, strongly suggesting that when analysing the G4 unwinding property of an enzyme, it is necessary to investigate a variety of G4 substrates

How Can Scientific Literature Support Decision-Making in the Renovation of Historic Buildings? An Evidence-Based Approach for Improving the Performance of Walls

Buildings of heritage significance due to their historical, architectural, or cultural value, here called historic buildings, constitute a large proportion of the building stock in many countries around the world. Improving the performance of such buildings is necessary to lower the carbon emissions of the stock, which generates around 40% of the overall emissions worldwide. In historic buildings, it is estimated that heat loss through external walls contributes significantly to the overall energy consumption, and is associated with poor thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Measures to improve the performance of walls of historic buildings require a balance between energy performance, indoor environmental quality, heritage significance, and technical compatibility. Appropriate wall measures are available, but the correct selection and implementation require an integrated process throughout assessment (planning), design, construction, and use. Despite the available knowledge, decision-makers often have limited access to robust information on tested retrofit measures, hindering the implementation of deep renovation. This paper provides an evidence-based approach on the steps required during assessment, design, and construction, and after retrofitting through a literature review. Moreover, it provides a review of possible measures for wall retrofit within the deep renovation of historic buildings, including their advantages and disadvantages and the required considerations based on context

1991-05-04

Abstract OBJECTIVES: To analyse the virological and clinical efficacy of cidofovir combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in AIDS-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). DESIGN: Multicentre observational study of consecutive HIV-positive patients with histologically or virologically-proven PML. Group A, 26 patients treated with HAART; group B, 14 patients treated with HAART plus cidofovir 5 mg/kg intravenously per week for the first 2 weeks and alternate weeks thereafter. JC virus DNA was quantified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by PCR. RESULTS: Baseline virological, immunological and clinical characteristics were homogeneous between the groups. In one case cidofovir was discontinued because of severe proteinuria. There was no significant difference in HIV RNA responses and changes in the number of CD4 cells between group A and B. After 2 months of therapy, five out of 12 (42%) patients from group A and seven out of eight (87%) from group B reached undetectable JC virus DNA in the CSF (Chi-square P = 0.04); moreover, 24% of group A and 57% of group B patients showed neurological improvement or stability (P = 0.038). One-year cumulative probability of survival was 0.67 with cidofovir and 0.31 without (log-rank test, P = 0.01). Variables independently associated with longer survival were the use of cidofovir, HAART prior to the onset of PML, a baseline JC virus DNA load in CSF or = 60. CONCLUSIONS: In AIDS-related PML, cidofovir added to HAART is associated with a more effective control of JCV replication, with improved neurological outcome and survival compared with HAART alone

Conservation-compatible retrofit solutions in historic buildings: An integrated approach

Historic, listed, or unlisted, buildings account for 30% of the European building stock. Since they are complex systems of cultural, architectural, and identity value, they need particular attention to ensure that they are preserved, used, and managed over time in a sustainable way. This implies a demand for retrofit solutions able to improve indoor thermal conditions while reducing the use of energy sources and preserving the heritage significance. Often, however, the choice and implementation of retrofit solutions in historic buildings is limited by socio-technical barriers (regulations, lack of knowledge on the hygrothermal behaviour of built heritage, economic viability, etc.). This paper presents the approach devised in the IEA-SHC Task 59 project (Renovating Historic Buildings Towards Zero Energy) to support decision makers in selecting retrofit solutions, in accordance with the provision of the EN 16883:2017 standard. In particular, the method followed by the project partners to gather and assess compatible solutions for historic buildings retrofitting is presented. It focuses on best practices for walls, windows, HVAC systems, and solar technologies. This work demonstrates that well-balanced retrofit solutions can exist and can be evaluated case-by-case through detailed assessment criteria. As a main result, the paper encourages decision makers to opt for tailored energy retrofit to solve the conflict between conservation and energy performance requirements