From 3D Point Clouds to Pose-Normalised Depth Maps

We consider the problem of generating either pairwise-aligned or pose-normalised depth maps from noisy 3D point clouds in a relatively unrestricted poses. Our system is deployed in a 3D face alignment application and consists of the following four stages: (i) data filtering, (ii) nose tip identification and sub-vertex localisation, (iii) computation of the (relative) face orientation, (iv) generation of either a pose aligned or a pose normalised depth map. We generate an implicit radial basis function (RBF) model of the facial surface and this is employed within all four stages of the process. For example, in stage (ii), construction of novel invariant features is based on sampling this RBF over a set of concentric spheres to give a spherically-sampled RBF (SSR) shape histogram. In stage (iii), a second novel descriptor, called an isoradius contour curvature signal, is defined, which allows rotational alignment to be determined using a simple process of 1D correlation. We test our system on both the University of York (UoY) 3D face dataset and the Face Recognition Grand Challenge (FRGC) 3D data. For the more challenging UoY data, our SSR descriptors significantly outperform three variants of spin images, successfully identifying nose vertices at a rate of 99.6%. Nose localisation performance on the higher quality FRGC data, which has only small pose variations, is 99.9%. Our best system successfully normalises the pose of 3D faces at rates of 99.1% (UoY data) and 99.6% (FRGC data)

Desarrollo de membranas para la separación de olefinas utilizando redes metal orgánicas (mofs)

desarrollo de membranas de redes metal orgánicas ZIF-7 para la separación de oleofinasDue to the importance of the search for new methods in the industry, with low cost, less aggressive to the environment and easy to implement, the possibility of separation of olefins, in particular, propylene (C3H6) and propane (C3H8) a Through Metal Organic Networks (MOFs). MOF membrane technologies have become an active area in recent years, mainly because of the flexibility in design, as well as their thermal and chemical stability. In addition to being materials that can meet critical parameters such as selectivity without compromising permeation, unlike polymer or inorganic membranes. Therefore, it was proposed to construct a solid absorbent material such as Zeolitic Imidazolate Networks (ZIFs) and Organic Metal Networks (MOFs) supported on a solid material (α-alumina) for the Separation of propane-propylene, so that they can serve as a package within an adsorption column. The first part of the document presents generally the demand for propylene, the processes commonly employed in the separation of olefins-paraffins, a description of the MOFs and because they can be considered as an option, the methods for the preparation of membranes ending with a review of the state of the art of these materials in gas separation. The second part is composed of the experimental part for the synthesis of membranes by the in situ growth method for the membranes of ZIFs (ZIF-7 and ZIF- DESARROLLO DE MEMBRANAS PARA LA SEPARACIÓN DE OLEFINAS UTILIZANDO REDES METAL ORGANICAS (MOFs) xiii 8), while for the MOF membrane (HKUST-1) Was performed by secondary growth, complementing this section with the characterization techniques used as: scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis as well as permeation tests to evaluate the performance of the membranes. Finally, the results of the synthesized membranes are presented, where a higher selectivity coefficient is presented for the ZIF-8 membrane ie it has a higher affinity for propane, whereas the HKUST-1 membrane reverses the affinity for propylene. Therefore, it is considered that this study has an important contribution to the recovery of olefins.conacy

Issue 16: Irregular Migration to Canada: Addressing Current Policy Responses that Impact Refugee Claimants’ Arrival and Settlement in the Country

The unexpected influx of refugee claimants irregularly crossing the US-Canada border since 2016 has strained Canada’s immigration system. According to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), 47,425 claims were referred to the IRB in 2017, and more than 43,000 were still pending at the end of the year (IRB, 2017). This only increased in the following years; in 2018, 55,388 claims were referred to the IRB and as of June of 2019 more than 74,000 were still pending. Compared to the total claims referred to the IRB in 2016 (23,350) and 2015 (16,592), these numbers represent a significant increase which consequently strains Canadian settlement services (IRB, 2019a). While Canada has a global reputation for humanitarianism and human rights leadership (Atak, et. al 2018), the lack of coordination to effectively manage the increase in inland claims during recent years reflects systemic limitations of the reception and processing of spontaneous and irregular arrivals. This Policy Points discusses Canadian policy changes and responses to refugee claimants and analyzes how these are detrimental for their arrival and settlement in Canada

Modality is Not Explainable by Essence

Some metaphysicians believe that metaphysical modality is explainable by the essences of objects. In §II, I spell out the definitional view of essence, and in §III, a working notion of metaphysical explanation. Then, in §IV, I consider and reject five natural ways to explain necessity by essence: in terms of the principle that essential properties can't change, in terms of the supposed obviousness of the necessity of essential truth, in terms of the logical necessity of definitions, in terms of Fine's logic of essence, and in terms of the theory of real definitions. I will conclude that the present evidence favours rejecting the hypothesis that modality is explainable by essence

An Eye-Opening Experience

2014 essay contest winner Kevin Romero\u27s An Eye-Opening Experienc

What Next? The Quest to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in a Digital World

Around the world, governments and non-state actors are using sophisticated techniques to monitor, threaten, and harass human rights defenders (HRDs) and journalists. The growing use of digital technology has empowered activists to rally citizens around common causes and hold governments accountable, but it has also opened new doors for surveillance and harassment of activists and citizens' activities online. On November 14 -- 15, 2013, Freedom House, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), held a global conference in Mexico City entitled "What Next? The Quest to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in a Digital World," which brought together over 60 policymakers, donors, and activists to explore the full range of emerging threats and best strategies to overcome them; take an honest look at what is and is not working; and chart a path forward for more proactive and realistic solutions to build the resilience, sustainability, and relevance of HRDs and their movements. The conference sought to answer "what's next?" by identifying opportunities that can be exploited to build up frontline defenders and their ability to uphold human rights principles fearlessly and strategically at home and abroad