Deep Mean-Shift Priors for Image Restoration

In this paper we introduce a natural image prior that directly represents a Gaussian-smoothed version of the natural image distribution. We include our prior in a formulation of image restoration as a Bayes estimator that also allows us to solve noise-blind image restoration problems. We show that the gradient of our prior corresponds to the mean-shift vector on the natural image distribution. In addition, we learn the mean-shift vector field using denoising autoencoders, and use it in a gradient descent approach to perform Bayes risk minimization. We demonstrate competitive results for noise-blind deblurring, super-resolution, and demosaicing.Comment: NIPS 201

A Study on Performance and Power Efficiency of Dense Non-Volatile Caches in Multi-Core Systems

In this paper, we present a novel cache design based on Multi-Level Cell Spin-Transfer Torque RAM (MLC STTRAM) that can dynamically adapt the set capacity and associativity to use efficiently the full potential of MLC STTRAM. We exploit the asymmetric nature of the MLC storage scheme to build cache lines featuring heterogeneous performances, that is, half of the cache lines are read-friendly, while the other is write-friendly. Furthermore, we propose to opportunistically deactivate ways in underutilized sets to convert MLC to Single-Level Cell (SLC) mode, which features overall better performance and lifetime. Our ultimate goal is to build a cache architecture that combines the capacity advantages of MLC and performance/energy advantages of SLC. Our experiments show an improvement of 43% in total numbers of conflict misses, 27% in memory access latency, 12% in system performance, and 26% in LLC access energy, with a slight degradation in cache lifetime (about 7%) compared to an SLC cache

Shifting A Culture

What is popular culture and how does it influence us? How can we be more critically aware consumers of media messages? Are we always online , or is there some way we can disconnect? These are the questions I\u27ve attempted to define through my research and experience studying contemporary pop culture . Consider this a beginner’s guide on how to become aware of and deal with the constant bombardment of media messages, and how to become a filter for content, rather than a sponge. As critical consumers of media we can cater our consumption to better suit our needs and lifestyles. This paper was mainly intended to raise awareness, but also to motivate and inspire us to: disconnect from the noise of society, to get out in nature, and to be positive role models for future generations. I’ve come to the conclusion that you can never fully disconnect, but we can get close if we really try. The important thing is to find a healthy balance, once we become aware of the pervasiveness of media influence in our lives

The side effects of Public Law 480 and implications for economic development :

A policy implication of the study suggests that for the future, Iran must give primary emphasis to stimulating both agricultural production and productivity in order to stimulate its economic development.This study provides an estimate of the direct economic effects of the American wheat aid program under Public Law 480 on Iran's domestic wheat production for the period of 1958 - 1973.The findings of this study suggest that wheat aid did not have a serious dampening effect on domestic wheat production in Iran for the simple reason that it has constituted only a small fraction of domestic food consumption. The domestic supply of wheat appeared to be responsive to price changes, but not strongly, i.e., the price elasticity of supply was positive but low--about 0.12.To accomplish the above objective, an econometric food aid model was developed and used to measure the effect on domestic production of a change in the amount of wheat availability caused by a change in P.L. 480 shipments. Specifically the model measured the elasticity of production response with respect to P.L. 480 imports with a one year response lag. The coefficient of the elasticity was determined to be 0.28 which means that domestic wheat production would change about 0.28 percent for each one percent change in P.L. 480's contribution to the wheat utilization in Iran.The estimation of any production impacts resulting from P.L. 480 wheat shipments rests heavily on the measurement of price changes and related production responses. Thus, the major effort of the study was devoted to determining the effect on the domestic price of wheat in the recipient country due to an increase in the wheat availability made up by P.L. 480 wheat imports

Developing a Framework for Qualitative Evaluation of Urban Interventions in Iranian Historical Cores

Iranian historic city cores are important parts of modern cities because of their valuable monuments and morphology but are also significant because of their population density, location and the major governmental functions they house. Since 1920, modernisation policies and urban development trends in Iran have justified spatial transformation and redevelopment and the demolition and destruction of traditional urban fabrics as a way to provide contemporary requirements and hygiene improvements for the residents. As the UNESCO recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape argues, historic urban cores can only sustain their role in the daily life of the city by getting prepared for and participating in this transformation process. Disagreement over the value of historic urban cores on the one hand and inevitable modification of urban areas in a developing country like Iran on the other, creates a problematic condition for the preservation of the historic environment. The Valletta Principles for the Safeguarding and Management of Historic Cities, Towns and Urban Areas states that historic towns and urban areas require an integrated approach including their “protection, conservation, enhancement and management as well as their coherent development and their harmonious adaptation to contemporary lifeâ€. In order to support the process of reaching a balance between these spatial targets in Iran, this research discusses the relation between urban transformation projects and their heritage context. In doing so it connects international literature on urban quality and traditional Iranian urban forms to contemporary Iranian urban design practice. To achieve this integration between urban heritage and spatial development, a framework of quality attributes has been developed to evaluate urban interventions in a heritage context. The three main pillars of this framework have been extracted from and inspired by international literature and guidelines. Place-making theories have proved to be especially helpful. An analysis of traditional urban forms in Iran and their main characteristics - especially for the urban type of the bazaar – has provided a list of specific and relevant parameters. The framework has been tested by evaluating two case studies in Shiraz that illustrate two different approaches to heritage intervention on an urban level. The outcome has led to modification of the framework and new research questions