MPI-Flow: Learning Realistic Optical Flow with Multiplane Images

The accuracy of learning-based optical flow estimation models heavily relies on the realism of the training datasets. Current approaches for generating such datasets either employ synthetic data or generate images with limited realism. However, the domain gap of these data with real-world scenes constrains the generalization of the trained model to real-world applications. To address this issue, we investigate generating realistic optical flow datasets from real-world images. Firstly, to generate highly realistic new images, we construct a layered depth representation, known as multiplane images (MPI), from single-view images. This allows us to generate novel view images that are highly realistic. To generate optical flow maps that correspond accurately to the new image, we calculate the optical flows of each plane using the camera matrix and plane depths. We then project these layered optical flows into the output optical flow map with volume rendering. Secondly, to ensure the realism of motion, we present an independent object motion module that can separate the camera and dynamic object motion in MPI. This module addresses the deficiency in MPI-based single-view methods, where optical flow is generated only by camera motion and does not account for any object movement. We additionally devise a depth-aware inpainting module to merge new images with dynamic objects and address unnatural motion occlusions. We show the superior performance of our method through extensive experiments on real-world datasets. Moreover, our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance in both unsupervised and supervised training of learning-based models. The code will be made publicly available at: \url{https://github.com/Sharpiless/MPI-Flow}.Comment: Accepted to ICCV202

3% diquafosol sodium eye drops in Chinese patients with dry eye: a phase IV study

IntroductionThe efficacy and safety of 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops in Chinese patients with dry eye in the real-world setting remains unclear.Methods3099 patients with dry eye symptoms were screened according to Asia Dry Eye Society latest recommendation. Among them, 3000 patients were enrolled for a phase IV study. We followed up with multiple clinical characteristics including corneal fluorescein staining, tear break up time, Schirmer’s tests, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and others. The follow ups were performed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment.ResultsBased on the results of corneal fluorescein staining and tear break up time, all age and gender subgroups exhibited obvious alleviation of the symptoms among the patients with dry eye, and the data in elderly group showed the most significant alleviation. All the adverse drug reactions (ADRs, 6.17%) were recorded, among which 6% local ocular ADRs were included. Meanwhile, mild ADRs (91.8%) accounted for the most. Most of the ADRs (89.75%) got a quick and full recovery, with an average time at 15.6 days. 1.37% of patients dropped out of the study due to ADRs.DiscussionThe use of 3% diquafosol sodium eye drop is effective and safe in the treatment of dry eye, with a low incidence of ADRs showing mild symptoms. This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ID: ChiCTR1900021999 (Registration Date: 19/03/2019)

Stereovision-Based Object Segmentation for Automotive Applications

<p/> <p>Obstacle detection and classification in a complex urban area are highly demanding, but desirable for pedestrian protection, stop &amp; go, and enhanced parking aids. The most difficult task for the system is to segment objects from varied and complicated background. In this paper, a novel position-based object segmentation method has been proposed to solve this problem. According to the method proposed, object segmentation is performed in two steps: in depth map ( <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-6180-2005-910950-i1.gif"/></inline-formula>- <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-6180-2005-910950-i2.gif"/></inline-formula> plane) and in layered images ( <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-6180-2005-910950-i3.gif"/></inline-formula>- <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-6180-2005-910950-i4.gif"/></inline-formula> planes). The stereovision technique is used to reconstruct image points and generate the depth map. Objects are detected in the depth map. Afterwards, the original edge image is separated into different layers based on the distance of detected objects. Segmentation performed in these layered images can be easier and more reliable. It has been proved that the proposed method offers robust detection of potential obstacles and accurate measurement of their location and size.</p

The effectiveness of theory-based smoking cessation interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Smoking cessation can effectively reduce the risk of death, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and decrease the frequency of acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Effective smoking cessation strategies are crucial for the prevention and treatment of COPD. Currently, clinical interventions based on theoretical frameworks are being increasingly used to help patients quit smoking and have shown promising results. However, theory-guided smoking cessation interventions have not been systematically evaluated or meta-analyzed for their effectiveness in COPD patients. To improve smoking cessation rates, this study sought to examine the effects of theory-based smoking cessation interventions on COPD patients. Methods We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for our systematic review and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP Information Services Platform, and China Biomedical Literature Service System were searched from the establishment of the database to April 20, 2023. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk assessment tool for bias. The revman5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. The I 2 test was used for the heterogeneity test, the random effect model and fixed effect model were used for meta-analysis, and sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding individual studies. Results A total of 11 RCTs involving 3,830 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that theory-based smoking cessation interventions improved smoking cessation rates, quality of life, and lung function in COPD patients compared to conventional nursing. However, these interventions did not significantly affect the level of nicotine dependence in patients. Conclusion Theory-based smoking cessation intervention as a non-pharmacologically assisted smoking cessation strategy has a positive impact on motivating COPD patients to quit smoking and improving their lung function and quality of life. Trial registration PROSPERO registration Number: CRD42023434357

A research of heat transfer enhancement of rectangular channel with dimples

this thesis is aimed to do numerical simulations on rectangular channel with a new model of dimple in different condition of channel height, dimple depth, dimple distance by using CFD program and RNG k-ε model. It is concluded that, the existence of dimple has changed the velocity and direction of the fluid, as well as the original flow status. Dimple increased the heat exchange area of rectangular channel and broke the boundary layer, enhanced the flow rate of fluid, as a result of enhanced heat transfer performance

Genome-wide characterization of GRAS family genes in Medicago truncatula reveals their evolutionary dynamics and functional diversification.

The GRAS gene family is a large plant-specific family of transcription factors that are involved in diverse processes during plant development. Medicago truncatula is an ideal model plant for genetic research in legumes, and specifically for studying nodulation, which is crucial for nitrogen fixation. In this study, 59 MtGRAS genes were identified and classified into eight distinct subgroups based on phylogenetic relationships. Motifs located in the C-termini were conserved across the subgroups, while motifs in the N-termini were subfamily specific. Gene duplication was the main evolutionary force for MtGRAS expansion, especially proliferation of the LISCL subgroup. Seventeen duplicated genes showed strong effects of purifying selection and diverse expression patterns, highlighting their functional importance and diversification after duplication. Thirty MtGRAS genes, including NSP1 and NSP2, were preferentially expressed in nodules, indicating possible roles in the process of nodulation. A transcriptome study, combined with gene expression analysis under different stress conditions, suggested potential functions of MtGRAS genes in various biological pathways and stress responses. Taken together, these comprehensive analyses provide basic information for understanding the potential functions of GRAS genes, and will facilitate further discovery of MtGRAS gene functions

Georgia Express Lane Corridors Vehicle Occupancy and Throughput Study 2018-2020 - Volume I: Vehicle and Person Throughput Analysis Before and After the I-75 Northwest Corridor and I-85 Express Lanes Extension

Ongoing assessment of system performance monitoring is critical to successful and efficient transportation planning, ensuring that infrastructure investments provide a desired return on investment. As with any new transportation facility, it is important to understand how Express Lane facilities affect travel behavior, resulting on-road vehicle activity, and subsequent person-throughput (a function of vehicle occupancy) as part of the facility performance assessment. This report summarizes the vehicle and person throughput analysis for the I-75 Northwest Corridor (NWC) and I-85 Express Lanes in Atlanta, GA, undertaken by the Georgia Institute of Technology research team for the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). The research team tracked changes in observed vehicle throughput on four managed lane corridors and collected vehicle occupancy (persons per vehicle) data to assess changes in both vehicle throughput and person throughput associated with the opening of new Express Lane facilities. The team collected traffic volumes by video observation (GDOT’s Georgia NaviGAtor machine vision system and SRTA’s vehicle activity monitoring system). The team implemented a large-scale data collection effort for vehicle occupancy across all general purpose freeway lanes and from SRTA’s Express Lanes over a two-year period (before-and-after the opening of the Express Lanes). Between the baseline year (2018) and post-opening year (2019), the team observed a decrease in average vehicle occupancy (persons/vehicle), coupled with a significant increase in traffic volumes, especially on the NWC. The combined effect of increased traffic volumes and decreased occupancy still led to an overall increase in person throughput at all sites. Vehicle throughput on the I-85 corridor increased by about 5-7% and person throughput increased by 1-2% in the morning peak, and increased by around 10% for vehicles and 5% for persons in the evening peak. Vehicle throughput increased by more than 35% on I-575 in the AM and PM peaks, and by the same on I-75 in the AM peaks (only minor increases were noted in the PM peaks), likely due to the diversion of commute traffic from arterials onto the freeway corridor once the Express Lanes opened and congestion declined. Based upon vehicle throughput and occupancy distributions, the largest share of the increase in vehicle throughput in the peak periods came from an influx of single-occupant vehicle activity onto the corridor. Even though the number of carpools traversing the I-575 corridor increased slightly during the morning peak, the overall carpool mode share (percentage of carpools) decreased after the significantly greater numbers of single-occupant vehicles began using the corridor.View the NCST Project Webpag

Application of "Problem Solving" in Religious Educatiion

Anglická anotace (English annotation) Application of the "Problem solving" to the Religious education This dissertation work deals with the practical application of teaching methods "problem solving" in the lessons of religion with all its pros and cons. It deals with issues in the teaching of religious education 8th classes of elementary schools, using only the Czech language and suggested topics, which are set out in the curriculum of religious education Roman Catholic Church in 2004, for use in the diocese of Hradec Králové. The first part is devoted to learning theory, regulations, curriculum and teaching plans of the relevant legislation with regard to the specifics and the territorial limits. The following section presents the individual applicable methods in the "problem solving" with respect to the development of key competencies of students. And in the last section are selected appropriate methods discussed in details and presented on topics discussed in the teaching of religious education lessons. The course of instruction and the subsequent reactions of students and teachers alike are drawn appropriate recommendations to the methods already fully applicable. In conclusion, the proper methods for teaching religious education in the 8th elementary school classroom are described in detail for any..