The problem of structure and motion recovery from image sequences is an important theme in computer vision. Considerable progress has been made in this field during the past two decades, resulting in successful applications in robot navigation, augmented reality, industrial inspection, medical image analysis, and digital entertainment, among other areas. However, many of these methods work only for rigid objects and static scenes. The study of non-rigid structure from motion is not only of academic significance, but also has important practical applications in real-world, nonrigid or dynamic scenarios, such as human facial expressions and moving vehicles. This practical guide/reference provides a comprehensive overview of Euclidean structure and motion recovery, with a specific focus on factorization-based algorithms. The book discusses the latest research in this field, including the extension of the factorization algorithm to recover the structure of non-rigid objects, and presents some new algorithms developed by the authors. Readers require no significant knowledge of computer vision, although some background on projective geometry and matrix computation would be beneficial. Topics and features: presents the first systematic study of structure and motion recovery of both rigid and non-rigid objects from images sequences; discusses in depth the theory, techniques, and applications of rigid and non-rigid factorization methods in three dimensional computer vision; examines numerous factorization algorithms, covering affine, perspective and quasi-perspective projection models; provides appendices describing the mathematical principles behind projective geometry, matrix decomposition, least squares, and nonlinear estimation techniques; includes chapter-ending review questions, and a glossary of terms used in the book. This unique text offers practical guidance in real applications and implementations of 3D modeling systems for practitioners in computer vision and pattern recognition, as well as serving as an invaluable source of new algorithms and methodologies for structure and motion recovery for graduate students and researchers.
The first book to provide a detailed overview of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Walls Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Walls deploy horizontal layers of closely spaced tensile inclusion in the fill material to achieve stability of a soil mass. GRS walls are more adaptable to different environmental conditions, more economical, and offer high performance in a wide range of transportation infrastructure applications. This book addresses both GRS and GMSE, with a much stronger emphasis on the former. For completeness, it begins with a review of shear strength of soils and classical earth pressure theories. It then goes on to examine the use of geosynthetics as reinforcement, and followed by the load-deformation behavior of GRS mass as a soil-geosynthetic composite, reinforcing mechanisms of GRS, and GRS walls with different types of facing. Finally, the book finishes by covering design concepts with design examples for different loading and geometric conditions, and the construction of GRS walls, including typical construction procedures and general construction guidelines. The number of GRS walls and abutments built to date is relatively low due to lack of understanding of GRS. While failure rate of GMSE has been estimated to be around 5%, failure of GRS has been found to be practically nil, with studies suggesting many advantages, including a smaller susceptibility to long-term creep and stronger resistance to seismic loads when well-compacted granular fill is employed. Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Walls will serve as an excellent guide or reference for wall projects such as transportation infrastructure—including roadways, bridges, retaining walls, and earth slopes—that are in dire need of repair and replacement in the U.S. and abroad. Covers both GRS and GMSE (MSE with geosynthetics as reinforcement); with much greater emphasis on GRS walls Showcases reinforcing mechanisms, engineering behavior, and design concepts of GRS and includes many step-by-step design examples Features information on typical construction procedures and general construction guidelines Includes hundreds of line drawings and photos Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Walls is an important book for practicing geotechnical engineers and structural engineers, as well as for advanced students of civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering.
A comprehensive presentation and study of the poetry of Wu Li (1632-1718), one of the orthodox masters of early Ch'ing-dynasty painting, with particular attention to the circumstances that led this Chinese scholar deeply immersed in Neo-Confucianism and Buddhism to convert to Christianity and then t
During the global financial crisis, central banks in Pacific island countries eased monetary policy to stimulate economic activity. Judging by the ensuing movements in commercial bank interest rates and private sector credit, monetary policy transmission appears to be weak. This is confirmed by an empirical examination of interest rate pass-through and credit growth. Weak credit demand and underdeveloped financial markets seem to have limited the effectiveness of monetary policy, but the inflexibility of exchange rates and rising real interest rates have also served to frustrate the central banks’ efforts despite a supporting fiscal policy. While highlighting the importance of developing domestic financial markets in the long run, this experience also points to the need to coordinate macroeconomic policies and to use all macroeconomic tools available in conducting countercyclical policies, including exchange rate flexibility.
From the 1898 Martian Siege of Baltimore to a forlorn AI attack dog on the blue-star-scarred surface of MZ458-C and from the merc-manned Freestead Mayflower off the coast of post-apocalyptic Portland to the man-desperate shores of the Red Sea, here are seventeen science fiction stories of valiant endurance. These heroes battle conspiracies of usurpers, confront the unearned consequences of others’ willful lunacy, seek out buried truths at unbearable personal expense and endure the inhuman demands of digital rebellion in worlds innately hostile to truth and freedom. With original, never-before-published works from veteran authors, including William F. Wu, as well as emerging talents.
Particle Technology and Engineering presents the basic knowledge and fundamental concepts that are needed by engineers dealing with particles and powders. The book provides a comprehensive reference and introduction to the topic, ranging from single particle characterization to bulk powder properties, from particle-particle interaction to particle-fluid interaction, from fundamental mechanics to advanced computational mechanics for particle and powder systems. The content focuses on fundamental concepts, mechanistic analysis and computational approaches. The first six chapters present basic information on properties of single particles and powder systems and their characterisation (covering the fundamental characteristics of bulk solids (powders) and building an understanding of density, surface area, porosity, and flow), as well as particle-fluid interactions, gas-solid and liquid-solid systems, with applications in fluidization and pneumatic conveying. The last four chapters have an emphasis on the mechanics of particle and powder systems, including the mechanical behaviour of powder systems during storage and flow, contact mechanics of particles, discrete element methods for modelling particle systems, and finite element methods for analysing powder systems. This thorough guide is beneficial to undergraduates in chemical and other types of engineering, to chemical and process engineers in industry, and early stage researchers. It also provides a reference to experienced researchers on mathematical and mechanistic analysis of particulate systems, and on advanced computational methods. Provides a simple introduction to core topics in particle technology: characterisation of particles and powders: interaction between particles, gases and liquids; and some useful examples of gas-solid and liquid-solid systems Introduces the principles and applications of two useful computational approaches: discrete element modelling and finite element modelling Enables engineers to build their knowledge and skills and to enhance their mechanistic understanding of particulate systems
How to Pass the FRACP Written Examination is an indispensable review and study guide for anyone preparing for the challenging Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) exam. This up-to-date resource fully aligns with the current FRACP core training curriculum, containing a wealth of traditional multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as well as extended-matching questions (EMQs). There are hundreds of questions for every major topic of the written examination, including critical care medicine, cardiology, infectious diseases, immunology and allergy, neurology, and pharmacology. More than a simple practice exam, this guide provides clear and complete explanations of each answer, a mini-review of the subject, and links to the most recent or relevant articles on the topic. Complementing the main body of questions are a number of ‘teaching’ and two-step questions—designed to strengthen clinical reasoning skills, highlight important issues, and expand knowledge of contemporary ‘hot’ topics. Written by an experienced team of physicians and educators, this must-have book: Provides a thorough review of the latest FRACP basic training syllabus Features QR codes embedded in the text to enable quick access to all references Offers tips, hints, advice, and examination strategies from previous candidates Provides numerous questions grounded in clinically relevant cases Covers of areas of medicine that are new, contemporary, and evolving Covering both the ‘Basic Sciences’ and ‘Clinical Practice’ of the latest exam, Passing the FRACP Written Examination is an essential companion for FRACP candidates as well as those looking to refresh, improve, or update their knowledge of the FRACP syllabus.
From the Imperium-controlled aetherlanes to a tech noir restitution agency in the Free Zone and from a steampunk, 1894 China with clockwork automatons to a post-1984 Orwellian dystopia with mandatory goodpharm, here are ten science fiction stories of defiance and daring. Split evenly between strong female and male leads, these heroes fight losing battles on principle alone, discover lies hidden deep inside themselves, execute daring rescues and fight for love and liberty in a society where human dignity is cheaper than obsolete swarmbots. These original, never-before-published works are from veteran authors, including William F. Wu, as well as emerging talents.
Passing the FRACP Written Examination is the ideal study aid for candidates of the Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) examination. Written by a team of physicians based at Flinders Medical Centre, and covering the key components of the FRACP basic training syllabus, this guide presents over 500 multiple-choice questions on all major topics covered in the examination. It provides coverage of rapidly evolving topics such as healthcare in an ageing population, disparity in indigenous health outcomes, advances in molecular science and genetics, and the complexity of care arising from multiple chronic illnesses. Questions echo the written examination, including those on both ‘Basic Sciences’ and ‘Clinical Practice’. Many of the questions are similar to those in the actual examination; others are designed to ‘teach’ particularly important issues or to draw attention to contemporary topics. Each question has an answer that fully explains the correct and incorrect responses. This study aid also includes: • Questions and answers linked to a reference that is usually the best and most contemporary review for further reading and as additional guide to study • QR code links to all the references • Hints and tips from previous candidates on examination strategies • A large number of the new style extended matching questions (EMQs). This brand new study aid gives all FRACP candidates a unique opportunity to practise for the examination and improve their medical knowledge of the syllabus as a whole.
Machine learning techniques have the potential of alleviating the complexity of knowledge acquisition. This book presents today’s state and development tendencies of machine learning. It is a multi-author book. Taking into account the large amount of knowledge about machine learning and practice presented in the book, it is divided into three major parts: Introduction, Machine Learning Theory and Applications. Part I focuses on the introduction to machine learning. The author also attempts to promote a new design of thinking machines and development philosophy. Considering the growing complexity and serious difficulties of information processing in machine learning, in Part II of the book, the theoretical foundations of machine learning are considered, and they mainly include self-organizing maps (SOMs), clustering, artificial neural networks, nonlinear control, fuzzy system and knowledge-based system (KBS). Part III contains selected applications of various machine learning approaches, from flight delays, network intrusion, immune system, ship design to CT and RNA target prediction. The book will be of interest to industrial engineers and scientists as well as academics who wish to pursue machine learning. The book is intended for both graduate and postgraduate students in fields such as computer science, cybernetics, system sciences, engineering, statistics, and social sciences, and as a reference for software professionals and practitioners.
Qi Gong is more than practicing for health and Martial Arts is more than self-defense. They engage deeper aspects of our lives and when combined make a practice called Wu Gong. Wu Gong is the study of philosophy, medicine, self-defense, spiritual growth, virtue and science and how to make it part of our daily lives. The first step into this world is to start practicing the simple movements of Qi Gong to calm the mind, bring health to your mind and body, and find peace within. Even after a little practice, the beauty of life shines brilliantly.
Information has become one of the most valuable assets in the modern era. Within the last 5-10 years, the demand for multimedia applications has increased enormously. Like many other recent developments, the materialization of image and video encoding is due to the contribution from major areas like good network access, good amount of fast processors e.t.c. Many standardization procedures were carrried out for the development of image and video coding. The advancement of computer storage technology continues at a rapid pace as a means of reducing storage requirements of an image and video as most situation warrants. Thus, the science of digital video compression/coding has emerged. This storage capacity seems to be more impressive when it is realized that the intent is to deliver very high quality video to the end user with as few visible artifacts as possible. Current methods of video compression such as Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) standard provide good performance in terms of retaining video quality while reducing the storage requirements. Many books are available for video coding fundamentals.This book is the research outcome of various Researchers and Professors who have contributed a might in this field. This book suits researchers doing their research in the area of video coding.The understanding of fundamentals of video coding is essential for the reader before reading this book. The book revolves around three different challenges namely (i) Coding strategies (coding efficiency and computational complexity), (ii) Video compression and (iii) Error resilience. The complete efficient video system depends upon source coding, proper inter and intra frame coding, emerging newer transform, quantization techniques and proper error concealment.The book gives the solution of all the challenges and is available in different sections.
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