PETS2009 and Winter-PETS 2009 results: a combined evaluation

This paper presents the results of the crowd image analysis challenge of the Winter PETS 2009 workshop. The evaluation is carried out using a selection of the metrics developed in the Video Analysis and Content Extraction (VACE) program and the CLassification of Events, Activities, and Relationships (CLEAR) consortium [13]. The evaluation highlights the detection and tracking performance of the authors’systems in areas such as precision, accuracy and robustness. The performance is also compared to the PETS 2009 submitted results

Why and How Your Traceability Should Evolve: Insights from an Automotive Supplier

Traceability is a key enabler of various activities in automotive software and systems engineering and required by several standards. However, most existing traceability management approaches do not consider that traceability is situated in constantly changing development contexts involving multiple stakeholders. Together with an automotive supplier, we analyzed how technology, business, and organizational factors raise the need for flexible traceability. We present how traceability can be evolved in the development lifecycle, from early elicitation of traceability needs to the implementation of mature traceability strategies. Moreover, we shed light on how traceability can be managed flexibly within an agile team and more formally when crossing team borders and organizational borders. Based on these insights, we present requirements for flexible tool solutions, supporting varying levels of data quality, change propagation, versioning, and organizational traceability.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures, accepted in IEEE Softwar

Identification transnationale chez les jeunes adultes iraniens de ‘seconde génération’ vivant à Montréal

Dans le cadre de cette étude exploratoire, nous interrogeons les processus d’identification transnationale de jeunes adultes iraniens de seconde génération vivant à Montréal. En mettant l’accent sur le caractère relationnel de l’identité, cet article explore les dynamiques intra- et extrafamiliales influentes dans la formation identitaire de nos répondants. Ainsi, à la lumière de la dizaine d’entrevues semi-directives réalisées jusqu’à présent, nous avons mis en évidence les rôles exercés par la famille – définie par ses dynamiques internes, mais aussi comme une institution traversée par de multiples contraintes structurelles – par les réseaux transnationaux développés par nos répondants, ainsi que de l’environnement sociopolitique local.This exploratory study investigates the transnational identity formation of second-generation Iranian young adults living in Montreal. Within a conceptual framework emphasizing the relational nature of identity formation, the article seeks to shed light on the multifaceted impact of dynamics within and outside the family institution on my respondents’ identity construction. From the dozen of interviews conducted so far, I have outlined the effects of the family’s internal dynamics, the transnational networks developed by my informants, as well as the multiple effects of the local socio-political environment, on the latter’s identity formation process

Ecologies of belonging and exclusion in urban Kuwait: towards an urban co-designed approach

The development of Kuwait City’s urban agglomeration – home to 3 million inhabitants, 71.2 percent of the country’s population – is connected to the country’s discovery of oil in 1938. As citizenship became the key to benefiting from Kuwait’s oil wealth, a complex system of differential inclusion and exclusion was devised to identify those entitled and the type and extent of entitlement. Kuwait’s oil wealth presented the emirate’s rulers with the resources to turn Kuwait’s citadel into a modern administrative and commercial centre, but the new city plans largely failed to have an equalising effect. Instead, the existing hierarchical character and divides of Kuwait were grafted onto its urban space. The urban sprawl that replaced Kuwait’s citadel was divided into districts whose boundaries reinforced status, class, ethnic and gender divides. Housing and mobility in the city, leisure and work all became entangled in a complex web of exclusion and inclusion. This paper draws on the findings of a year-long project on the ecologies of inclusion and exclusion in urban Kuwait and its impact on inclusive and effective urban governance

Probabilistic modeling of texture transition for fast tracking and delineation

In this thesis a probabilistic approach to texture boundary detection for tracking applications is presented. We have developed a novel fast algorithm for Bayesian estimation of texture transition locations from a short sequence of pixels on a scanline that combines the desirable speed of edge-based line search and the sophistication of Bayesian texture analysis given a small set of observations. For the cases where the given observations are too few for reliable Bayesian estimation of probability of texture change we propose an innovative machine learning technique to generate a probabilistic texture transition model. This is achieved by considering a training dataset containing small patches of blending textures. By encompassing in the training set enough examples to accurately model texture transitions of interest we can construct a predictor that can be used for object boundary tracking that can deal with few observations and demanding cases of tracking of arbitrary textured objects against cluttered background. Object outlines are then obtained by combining the texture crossing probabilities across a set of scanlines. We show that a rigid geometric model of the object to be tracked or smoothness constraints in the absence of such a model can be used to coalesce the scanline texture crossing probabilities obtained using the methods mentioned above. We propose a Hidden Markov Model to aggregate robustly the sparse transition probabilities of scanlines sampled along the projected hypothesis model contour. As a result continuous object contours can be extracted using a posteriori maximization of texture transition probabilities. On the other hand, stronger geometric constraints such as available rigid models of the target are directly enforced by robust stochastic optimization. In addition to being fast, the allure of the proposed probabilistic framework is that it accommodates a unique infrastructure for tracking of heterogeneous objects which utilizes the machine learning-based predictor as well as the Bayesian estimator interchangeably in conjunction with robust optimization to extract object contours robustly. We apply the developed methods to tracking of textured and non textured rigid objects as well as deformable body outlines and monocular articulated human motion in challenging conditions. Finally, because it is fast, our method can also serve as an interactive texture segmentation tool

What is needed for citizen-centered urban energy transitions : Insights on attitudes towards decentralized energy storage

This paper aims to fill a research gap in the area of consumer-citizen attitudes to business models for decentralized energy storage, at the level of households and buildings. The study focuses on the interaction of such attitudes and their underlying motivation factors with socio-cultural, contextual factors. Self-determination theory (SDT) is used as a theoretical framework, to connect interpersonal and contextual factors, addressing the question of how contexts influence the motivation to support energy storage. Drawing on SDT, this study examines the role of autarky (independence from the energy system), autonomy (control over energy management) and relatedness (degree of sharing required) in this regard, embedded and interpreted in the socio-cultural local context of two demonstration sites in Sweden and Portugal. A mixed method approach is used. Quantitative survey data provides information on local social and cultural dimensions, followed by stakeholder consultation workshops that elicit participants’ views on different models of decentralized energy storage. The findings raise questions of how to improve autarky and autonomy for prosumers, while keeping the need for time investment low and provide flexibility regarding the required degree of interaction between prosumers. Implications for business models and policy support for citizen-centered sustainable urban energy systems are derived

The Role of EGFR Inhibitors in the Treatment of Metastatic Anal Canal Carcinoma: A Case Series

Anal cancer patients who have exhibited disease progression after having received all approved drugs pose a major therapeutic challenge. In addition to cytotoxic agents, novel targeted agents are being developed and have an established role in the treatment of many solid tumors, including colon cancer. However, their role in anal cancer is yet to be determined. Most anal malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas often strongly expressing epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). Targeting the latter seems to result in favorable changes in tumor growth. We present three cases of refractory anal cancers, treated with EGFR inhibitors, after having received the recommended chemotherapy regimens. We conclude that EGFR inhibitors may play a vital role in the treatment of anal cancer and we suggest that large trials are be conducted in order to clarify their efficacy and to improve therapeutic management

Cancer and Aging; Preparing for Silver Tsunami

Abstract Growing number of older adults is one the most significant sociodemographic changes in the United States in the next few decades. Advancing age is associated with increased incidence of cancer and other age-related health conditions. It is common that older cancer patients have concurrent conditions and comorbidities that may affect treatment decisions, prognosis and overall survival. Assessment and care for older cancer patient is more complex than caring for younger patient. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a useful method for assessing older patients with cancer. CGA is a multidisciplinary evaluation designed to assess and manage elderly patient's medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities. In this paper we will review domains of CGA and their impact on older cancer patient's outcome

A comparison of the satiety effects of a fruit smoothie, its fresh fruit equivalent and other drinks

Energy-containing liquids are claimed to have relatively low satiating power, although energy in liquids is not without effect on appetite. Using the preload test-meal method, effects on fullness and energy intake compensation were compared across four drinks (water, blackcurrant squash, milk and fruit smoothie) and the fresh fruit equivalent of the smoothie. Preload volumes were similar, and the energy value of each preload was 569 kJ, except for water (0 kJ). Healthy, adult participants rated the preloads for liking, enjoyment, satisfaction, familiarity and how ‘food-like’ they seemed. The preload to test-meal interval was 2 min (n = 23) or 2 h (n = 24). The effects of the preloads on fullness varied with food-likeness and the rate at which they were consumed. In contrast, energy intake compensation versus water did not differ between the energy-containing preloads, although it decreased over time (from 82% at 2 min to 12% at 2 h). In conclusion, although fullness increased with food-likeness, subsequent energy intake compensation did not differ for energy/nutrients consumed in drinks compared with a food. The results also support the proposal that food intake is influenced predominantly by the immediate, but rapidly waning, post-ingestive effects of the previous ‘meal’ (rather than by changes in energy balance)