A Non-Convex Relaxation for Fixed-Rank Approximation

This paper considers the problem of finding a low rank matrix from observations of linear combinations of its elements. It is well known that if the problem fulfills a restricted isometry property (RIP), convex relaxations using the nuclear norm typically work well and come with theoretical performance guarantees. On the other hand these formulations suffer from a shrinking bias that can severely degrade the solution in the presence of noise. In this theoretical paper we study an alternative non-convex relaxation that in contrast to the nuclear norm does not penalize the leading singular values and thereby avoids this bias. We show that despite its non-convexity the proposed formulation will in many cases have a single local minimizer if a RIP holds. Our numerical tests show that our approach typically converges to a better solution than nuclear norm based alternatives even in cases when the RIP does not hold

Modeling Wildfire Hazard in the Western Hindu Kush-Himalayas

Wildfire regimes are a leading driver of global environmental change affecting diverse ecosystems across the planet. The objectives of this study was to model regional wildfire potential and identify environmental, topological, and sociological factors that contribute to the ignition of regional wildfire events in the Western Hindu Kush-Himalayas. The environmental, topological, and sociological factors were used to model regional wildfire potential through multi-criteria evaluation using a method of weighted linear combination. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and geographic information systems (GIS) data were integrated to identify regional wildfire factors. Point pattern and inferential statistical analysis were used to analyze regional wildfire activity and evaluate the factors selected for the model

Camera Tracking Using A Dense 3D Model

Abstract In this thesis we present a method for tracking a depth sensor and building a 3D model in real-time. The tracking will be done using the current estimated 3D model. We will show that this approach gives more accurate results and is more robust than the well-known KinectFusion approach. It will also be shown how to colourise the 3D model in real-time. In this work we will study different error metrics such as the projective point-to-point metric and projective point-to-plane metric. Also different norms will be evaluated to find out which gives the best result. We will also show how to represent a 3D model by using a so called signed distance function

Real-Time Camera Tracking and 3D Reconstruction Using Signed Distance Functions

The ability to quickly acquire 3D models is an essential capability needed in many disciplines including robotics, computer vision, geodesy, and architecture. In this paper we present a novel method for real-time camera tracking and 3D reconstruction of static indoor environments using an RGB-D sensor. We show that by representing the geometry with a signed distance function (SDF), the camera pose can be efficiently estimated by directly minimizing the error of the depth images on the SDF. As the SDF contains the distances to the surface for each voxel, the pose optimization can be carried out extremely fast. By iteratively estimating the camera poses and integrating the RGB-D data in the voxel grid, a detailed reconstruction of an indoor environment can be achieved. We present reconstructions of several rooms using a hand-held sensor and from onboard an autonomous quadrocopter. Our extensive evaluation on publicly available benchmark data shows that our approach is more accurate and robust than the iterated closest point algorithm (ICP) used by KinectFusion, and yields often a comparable accuracy at much higher speed to feature-based bundle adjustment methods such as RGB-D SLAM for up to medium-sized scenes

Kunden som hjälte - Ett narrativt perspektiv på den komplexa kundresan

This bachelor thesis is written within the field of strategic communication, focusing on marketing communication and the concept of sensemaking. Instead of seeing a high involvement purchase according to the traditional and linear buyer decision process, this thesis suggests the purchase instead to be seen as a customer journey, which addresses the complexity of the purchase. The aim of the study is to create an understanding of the customer’s experience in the complex journey in relation to the communicational efforts. The empirical material was collected by meaning of in-depth interviews and observations. It was further analyzed by means of our narrative approach. As an example of a customer journey the employees as well as the customers at one of Sweden’s largest housing developers, JM, was studied. By drawing parallels between the customer journey and mythological journeys, Joseph Campbell’s (2011) model of the monomyth has been applied in the analysis. The findings suggest that the same customer journey cannot be applied to all customers since the interaction in the different touch points, as well as the experience of a journey, differ from one customer to another. The main conclusion is that organizations should increase communication activities in the post-purchase phase by confirming the customer’s purchase in order to increase customer satisfaction

Dense Tracking and Mapping with a Quadrocopter

In this paper, we present an approach for acquiring textured 3D models of room-sized indoor spaces using a quadrocopter. Such room models are for example useful for architects and interior designers as well as for factory planners and construction man- agers. The model is internally represented by a signed distance function (SDF) and the SDF is used to directly track the camera with respect to the model. Our solution enables accurate position control of the quadrocopter, so that it can automatically follow a pre-defined flight pattern. Our system provides live feedback of the acquired 3D model to the user. The final model consisting of a textured 3D triangle mesh can be saved in several standard CAD file formats

Effectiveness of web-based education in addition to basic life support learning activities: A cluster randomised controlled trial

publishedVersio

Double‐blind, randomized, phase 2 trial of maintenance sunitinib versus placebo after response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106126/1/cncr28477.pd

Oncology EDGE Task Force on Prostate Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures for Functional Mobility

Background: The medical treatment of prostate cancer results in multiple impairments in body structure and declines functional abilities, resulting in activity limitations and participation restrictions. Measurement of functional mobility is an essential outcome measure in survivorship care. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to make recommendations of the best measurement tools to assess functional mobility in men treated for prostate cancer based on psychometric properties and clinical utility. Methods: Multiple electronic databases were searched from February to March 2014. Studies of tools used to assess functional mobility were included if they met the following criteria: reported psychometric properties, were clinically feasible methods, and were published in the English language. Each outcome measure was reviewed independently and rated by 2 reviewers separately. A single Cancer EDGE (Evaluation Database to Guide Effectiveness) Task Force Outcome Measure Rating Form was completed for each category of functional mobility assessment, and a recommendation was made using the 4-point Cancer EDGE Task Force Rating Scale. Results: Of the original 38,373 articles found, 87 were included in this review. Conclusion: Seven tests are highly recommended by the Oncology EDGE Task Force, based on good clinical utility and psychometric properties: 2-Minute Walk Test; 6-Minute Walk Test; 10-Meter Timed Walk; the Timed-Up and Go (TUG); 5 times sit to stand; the Short Performance Physical Battery; and the Physical Performance Battery for Patients with Cancer