Classification of hand postures against complex backgrounds using elastic graph matching

A system for person-independent classification of hand postures against complex backgrounds in video images is presented. The system employs elastic graph matching, which has already been successfully applied for object and face recognition. We use the bunch graph technique to model variance in hand posture appearance between different subjects and variance in backgrounds. Our system does not need a separate segmentation stage but closely integrates finding the object boundaries with posture classification.     

MOBSY: Integration of vision and dialogue in service robots

Abstract. This contribution introduces MOBSY, a fully integrated, autonomous mobile service robot system. It acts as an automatic dialogue-based receptionist for visitors to our institute. MOBSY incorporates many techniques from different research areas into one working stand-alone system. The techniques involved range from computer vision over speech understanding to classical robotics. Along with the two main aspects of vision and speech, we also focus on the integration aspect, both on the methodological and on the technical level. We describe the task and the techniques involved. Finally, we discuss the experiences that we gained with MOBSY during a live performance at our institute.     

Evaluating dynamic performance: The influence of salient Gestalt characteristics on performance ratings.

It is well recognized that performance changes over time. However, the effect of these changes on overall assessments of performance is largely unknown. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics of a dynamic performance profile on supervisory ratings. We manipulated performance trend (flat, linear-improving, linear-deteriorating, U-shaped, and ∩-shaped), performance variation (small, large), and performance mean (negative, zero, positive) within subjects and display format (graphic, tabular) between subjects. Participants received and evaluated information about the weekly performance of different employees over a simulated 26-week period. Results showed strong main effects on performance ratings of both performance mean and performance trend, as well as interactions with display format. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Real-Time Three-Dimensional Occupancy Grid Modeling for the Detection and Tracking of Construction Resources

Awareness of the construction environment can be improved by automatic three-dimensional (3D) sensing and modeling of job sites in real time. Commercially available 3D modeling approaches based on range scanning techniques are capable of modeling static objects only, and thus cannot model dynamic objects in real time in an environment comprised of moving humans, equipment, and materials. Emerging prototype video range cameras offer an alternative by facilitating affordable, wide field of view, dynamic object tracking at frame rates better than 1?Hz (real time). This paper describes a methodology to model, detect, and track the position of static and moving objects in real time, based on data obtained from video range cameras. Experiments with this technology have produced results that indicate that video rate 3D data acquisition and analysis of construction environments can support effective modeling, detection, and tracking of project resources. This approach to job site awareness has inherent value and broad application. In combination with effective management practices and other sensing techniques, this technology has the potential to significantly improve safety on construction job sites.     

Peirce algebras

We present a two-sorted algebra, called aPeirce algebra, of relations and sets interacting with each other. In a Peirce algebra, sets can combine with each other as in a Boolean algebra, relations can combine with each other as in a relation algebra, and in addition we have both a set-forming operator on relations (the Peirce product of Boolean modules) and a relation-forming operator on sets (a cylindrification operation). Two applications of Peirce algebras are given. The first points out that Peirce algebras provide a natural algebraic framework for modelling certain programming constructs. The second shows that the so-calledterminological logics arising in knowledge representation have evolved a semantics best described as a calculus of relations interacting with sets.     

Hydrocephalus secondary to diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus. Case report and review of the literature

Diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus, which is distinct from bilateral choroid plexus papillomas, is extremely rare and is often associated with hydrocephalus due to the overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The authors describe an infant with hydrocephalus, diagnosed by computerized tomography scanning, who developed ascites following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and, subsequently, demonstrated excessive CSF production when the shunt was externalized. The patient was later successfully treated by placement of a ventriculoatrial shunt. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus as the cause of the patient's hydrocephalus. The literature on diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus is reviewed.     

Prevention of marital distress: Results of a German prospective longitudinal study.

This article reports on the development and long-term evaluation of a marital distress prevention program for German couples, the Ein Partnerschaftliches Lernprogramm (EPL, A Couple's Learning Program). The EPL is a 6-session program designed to teach couples effective communication and problem-solving skills. In the current article, the EPL is evaluated in a prospective, quasi-experimental, controlled trial. The results of the 3-year follow-up are reported, contrasting 55 EPL couples with a control group of 17 couples. Significant differences emerged with regard to the couples' dissolution rates, relationship satisfaction, and positive and negative communication behavior favoring the EPL couples. These results demonstrate the utility of the EPL program in assisting happy couples who are preparing for marriage. The implications of the findings for prevention research and for the dissemination of prevention programs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preview benefit and parafoveal-on-foveal effects from word n + 2.

Using the gaze-contingent boundary paradigm with the boundary placed after word n, the experiment manipulated preview of word n + 2 for fixations on word n. There was no preview benefit for 1st-pass reading on word n + 2, replicating the results of K. Rayner, B. J. Juhasz, and S. J. Brown (2007), but there was a preview benefit on the 3-letter word n + 1, that is, after the boundary but before word n + 2. Additionally, both word n + 1 and word n + 2 exhibited parafoveal-on-foveal effects on word n. Thus, during a fixation on word n and given a short word n + 1, some information is extracted from word n + 2, supporting the hypothesis of distributed processing in the perceptual span. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)