GPU-based Image Analysis on Mobile Devices

With the rapid advances in mobile technology many mobile devices are capable of capturing high quality images and video with their embedded camera. This paper investigates techniques for real-time processing of the resulting images, particularly on-device utilizing a graphical processing unit. Issues and limitations of image processing on mobile devices are discussed, and the performance of graphical processing units on a range of devices measured through a programmable shader implementation of Canny edge detection.Comment: Proceedings of Image and Vision Computing New Zealand 201

A Comparison of MuDST and PicoDST Data Analysis Methods

For STAR-experiment associated research at Brookhaven National Laboratory, the primary objective is the study and characterization of the Quark-Gluon Plasma, or QGP. The data is stored in subsets of the original, full 'Data Summary Tape' or DST format. The PicoDST format is the new, more compact way in which all data from particle collider experiments is stored. Because this data format is relatively new, much of the existing data analysis scripts written by the TAMU group to run on root4star (the modified ROOT software package used for the STAR experiment) work only with MuDST-type files, which is the older format. While extensive documentation exists for both the PicoDST and MuDST formats, not every aspect is exactly analogous, and therefore methods to convert older MuDST-scripts to perform the same analytical functions with PicoDST files must be created. In this paper, the differences between the PicoDST and MuDST formats will be considered, as well as the differences between algorithms written to accomplish the same task with either format. In addition, a significantly higher time-efficiency is demonstrated for a particular PicoDST algorithm when measured against its MuDST counterpart

Accelerating NTRUEncrypt for in-browser cryptography utilising graphical processing units and WebGL

One of the challenges encryption faces is it is computationally intensive and therefore slow, it is vital to find faster methods to accelerate modern encryption algorithms to keep performance high whilst also preserving information security. Users often do not want to wait for applications to become responsive, applications on limited devices such as mobiles often compromise security in order to keep execution times quick. Often they use algorithms and key sizes which are not considered cryptographically secure in order to maintain a smooth user experience. Emerging approaches have begun using a devices Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to offload some of the computational burden from the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in an effort to parallelize and accelerate the encryption algorithms. Programming for a GPU often involves the use of CUDA or OpenCL programming, however these approaches are platform dependant. This research focuses on utilizing a GPU to perform in-browser cryptography using WebGL and JavaScript. This allows any GPU-enabled device capable of launching an OpenGL compatible browser to perform GPU accelerated cryptography. A GPU based implementation of the NTRUEncrypt algorithm was created and tested against a CPU based version on a range of hardware devices with results, challenges and limitations discussed

Accurately Detecting Flirting: Error Management Theory, the Traditional Sexual Script, and Flirting Base Rate

The present manuscript reports two studies on the accuracy of flirting detection. In Study 1, 52 pairs (N = 104) of opposite-sex heterosexual strangers interacted for 10-12 minutes, then self-reported flirting and perceived partner flirting. The results indicated that interactions where flirting did not occur were more accurately perceived than interactions where flirting occurred. In Study 2, 26 one minute video clips drawn from Study 1 were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental conditions that varied flirting base rate and the traditional sexual script. Participant observers (N = 261) attempted to determine if flirting occurred. Results indicated that base rate affected accuracy; flirting was more accurately detected in clips where flirting did not occur than in clips where flirting occurred. Study 2 also indicated that female targets’ flirting was more accurately judged than male targets’ flirting. Findings are discussed in relation to accuracy and courtship context

1862-10-26 Seth H. Hall requests a discharge

https://digitalmaine.com/cw_me_2nd_regiment_corr/1534/thumbnail.jp

A Web-Based Learning Module for Teaching GIS within the Context of Environmental Engineering

There is a Growing Need for Teaching Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Engineering Disciplines, Such as Environmental. However, There Has Been Limited Focus on GIS in Undergraduate Programs, Since It\u27s Difficult to Fit a GIS Class into the Large Number of Class Requirements Already Included in Engineering Curricula. the Purpose of This Research is the Evaluation of Web-Based Learning Module Created by a Multidisciplinary Team at a Midwestern Technological Research University, Which Allows Instructors to Integrate GIS Instruction into Existing Courses. This Module is One Part of a Large-Scale National Science Foundation Funded Project in Which GIS Modules Are Being Developed for Several Areas in Civil Engineering. the Principal Goals of This Evaluation Are to Determine the overall Effectiveness of the Module, Identify the Factors that Mediate the Effectiveness, and to Determine Ways in Which the Module Can Be Made More Effective. Data Were Collected from 56 Students, 28 in an Experimental Group and 28 in a Control Group. Students in an Experimental Group Participated in a Laboratory Session, Which Utilized the Module, to Solve a Problem on Urban Ozone Events and Census Tract Analysis, Whereas Students in a Control Group Attended a Class Lecture Covering the Same Information. Students in the Experimental Group Completed a Questionnaire and Students in Both Groups Completed a Quiz over the Material. Quantitative Analysis Was Carried Out on the Quantitative Portion of the Scale for the Experimental Group, and for Both Groups on the Quiz. a Qualitative Analysis Was Applied to the Open-Ended Questionnaire Items for the Experimental Group. Students in the Experimental (Learning System) Section Scored Significantly Higher on the Quiz. Students in the Learning Systems Group Rated the Laboratory Session as Significantly More Effective for Learning, and More Motivational Than the Class Texts. They Also Rated the Lab Significantly More Applicable to Real World Engineering Than Both their Textbooks and Class Lecture. the Qualitative Analysis Revealed a Number of Ways the System Can Be Further Improved to Make the Module More Effective. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education

Therapeutic Potential of Dietary Polyphenols

The chapter summarizes available research on polyphenols and the potential for polyphenol based therapeutics. Polyphenols have the potential to be used in a multi-target fashion therapeutically. The majority of the polyphenol benefits appear to share positive effects across multiple disease states including inflammatory diseases, diseases of metabolic dysregulation and cancer. The reviewed literature includes human, animal and cell culture based studies. Selected mechanisms within each disease state are highlighted including interleukin inflammatory markers, NF-κB, acetyl-CoA concentration regulation of metabolism, and p-glycoprotein multidrug efflux pump associated with cancer treatment failures. Reviewed studies discuss polyphenols inhibiting transcription factors that control expression on inflammatory factors as well as activating other transcription factors that increase expression of enzymes protective of oxidative damage. Levels of metabolic regulatory enzymes are also affected positively by polyphenol addition through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic modifications affecting cancer development and progression appear positively affected by polyphenol treatment. Additionally, oxidative damage protection of normal cells can be achieved by polyphenol treatment thus limiting chemotherapeutic damage. Upon review of the available literature, a strong case for the potential use of polyphenols in therapeutic situations stands out. Potential risks included are that the purity and specific concentrations required to achieve therapeutic benefits without potential side effects need to be examined prior to the adoption of therapeutics

Local Resource Management in the Forest? Savanna Transition Zone: The Case of Wenchi District, Ghana

Summary In Ghana's forest?savanna transition zone, recent ecological debates counterpose the dominant view that human activities cause progressive savannisation of forests, with competing views that the forest?savanna boundary is relatively stable, and even that people can assist the formation of forest in savanna. Applying the environmental entitlements approach to people?vegetation interactions in the Wenchi area of Brong Ahafo region, this article shows that ecological outcomes vary for different parts of the landscape, depending on the particular practices of socially?differentiated land users. The cases of farming by local landowners, farming by immigrants from the north, and charcoal production illustrate how such practices are shaped by diverse local and state?level institutions, especially land and tree tenure arrangements, with implications for current attempts to develop collaborative forms of forest management in Ghana