Toward a mathematical formalism of performance, task difficulty, and activation

The rudiments of a mathematical formalism for handling operational, physiological, and psychological concepts are developed for use by the man-machine system design engineer. The formalism provides a framework for developing a structured, systematic approach to the interface design problem, using existing mathematical tools, and simplifying the problem of telling a machine how to measure and use performance

High-dimensional approximate nearest neighbor: k-d Generalized Randomized Forests

We propose a new data-structure, the generalized randomized kd forest, or kgeraf, for approximate nearest neighbor searching in high dimensions. In particular, we introduce new randomization techniques to specify a set of independently constructed trees where search is performed simultaneously, hence increasing accuracy. We omit backtracking, and we optimize distance computations, thus accelerating queries. We release public domain software geraf and we compare it to existing implementations of state-of-the-art methods including BBD-trees, Locality Sensitive Hashing, randomized kd forests, and product quantization. Experimental results indicate that our method would be the method of choice in dimensions around 1,000, and probably up to 10,000, and pointsets of cardinality up to a few hundred thousands or even one million; this range of inputs is encountered in many critical applications today. For instance, we handle a real dataset of $10^6$ images represented in 960 dimensions with a query time of less than $1$sec on average and 90\% responses being true nearest neighbors

Abnormal subgrain growth in a dislocation-based model of recovery

Simulation of subgrain growth during recovery is carried out using two-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics on a hexagonal crystal lattice having three symmetric slip planes. To account for elevated temperature (i) dislocation climb was allowed and (ii) a Langevin type thermal noise was added to the force acting on the dislocations. During the simulation, a random ensemble of dislocations develop into subgrains and power-law type growth kinetics are observed. The growth exponent is found to be independent of the climb mobility, but dependent on the temperature introduced by the thermal noise. The in-depth statistical analysis of the subgrain structure shows that the coarsening is abnormal, i.e. larger cells grow faster than the small ones, while the average misorientation between the adjacent subgrains remains nearly constant. During the coarsening Holt's relation is found not to be fulfilled, such that the average subgrain size is not proportional to the average dislocation spacing. These findings are consistent with recent high precision experiments on recovery.Comment: 17 pages, 11 figure

Alien Registration- Samaras, Irene (Livermore Falls, Androscoggin County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/27358/thumbnail.jp

Futureproofing Visual Effects

Digital visual effects (VFX), including computer animation, have become a commonplace feature of contemporary episodic and film production projects. Using various commercial applications and bespoke tools, VFX artists craft digital objects (known as “assets”) to create visual elements such as characters and environments, which are composited together and output as shots. While the shots that make up the finished film or television (TV) episode are maintained and preserved within purpose-built digital asset management systems and repositories by the studios commissioning the projects; the wider VFX network currently has no consistent guidelines nor requirements around the digital curation of VFX digital assets and records. This includes a lack of guidance about how to effectively futureproof digital VFX and preserve it for the long-term. In this paper I provide a case study – a single shot from a 3D animation short film – to illustrate the complexities of digital VFX assets and records and the pipeline environments whence they are generated. I also draw from data collected from interviews with over 20 professional VFX practitioners from award-winning VFX companies, and I undertake socio-technical analysis of VFX using actor-network theory. I explain how high data volumes of digital information, rapid technology progression and dependencies on software pose significant preservation challenges. In addition, I outline that by conducting holistic appraisal, selection and disposal activities across their entire digital collections, and by continuing to develop and adopt open formats; the VFX industry has improved capability to preserve first-hand evidence of their work in years to come

Are 20th-century recommendations for growth and height correct? A review

Findings supporting the counter-intuitive thesis that smaller body size promotes greater health and longevity are reviewed. In addition, the risks of promoting further growth through genetic manipulation are explored in relation to chronic disease and longevity. Supporting examples from animal research are also covered. The biological mechanisms that relate to height and longevity conclude the review.Keywords: longevity; nutrition; growth; body height; chronic diseas