Semantic fusion of laser and vision in pedestrian detection

Fusion of laser and vision in object detection has been accomplished by two main approaches: (1) independent integration of sensor-driven features or sensor-driven classifiers, or (2) a region of interest (ROI) is found by laser segmentation and an image classifier is used to name the projected ROI. Here, we propose a novel fusion approach based on semantic information, and embodied on many levels. Sensor fusion is based on spatial relationship of parts-based classifiers, being performed via a Markov logic network. The proposed system deals with partial segments, it is able to recover depth information even if the laser fails, and the integration is modeled through contextual information—characteristics not found on previous approaches. Experiments in pedestrian detection demonstrate the effectiveness of our method over data sets gathered in urban scenarios.     

Performance analysis of available bandwidth estimation tools for grid networks

Modern large-scale grid computing systems for processing advanced science and engineering applications rely on geographically distributed clusters. In such highly distributed environments, estimating the available bandwidth between clusters is a key issue for efficient task scheduling. We analyze the performance of two well known available bandwidth estimation tools, pathload and abget, with the aim of using them in grid environments. Differently than previous investigations (Jain et al., ; Shriram et al., in Passive and active network measurement: 6th international workshop, PAM 2005. Springer, Berlin, 2005), our experiments consider a series of relevant metrics such as accuracy of the estimation, convergence time, degree of intrusion in the grid links, and ability to handle multiple simultaneous estimations. No previous work has analyzed the use of available bandwidth tools for the derivation of efficient grid scheduling.     

APROMORE: An advanced process model repository

Business process models are becoming available in large numbers due to their widespread use in many industrial applications such as enterprise and quality engineering projects. On the one hand, this raises a challenge as to their proper management: how can it be ensured that the proper process model is always available to the interested stakeholder? On the other hand, the richness of a large set of process models also offers opportunities, for example with respect to the re-use of existing model parts for new models. This paper describes the functionality and architecture of an advanced process model repository, named APROMORE. This tool brings together a rich set of features for the analysis, management and usage of large sets of process models, drawing from state-of-the art research in the field of process modeling. A prototype of the platform is presented in this paper, demonstrating its feasibility, as well as an outlook on the further development of APROMORE.     

An Efficient Solution for Model Checking Graph Transformation Systems

This paper presents an efficient solution for modeling checking graph transformation systems. The approach transforms AGG specifications into Bogor models and supports both attributed typed graphs and layered transformations. Resulting models are amenable to check interesting properties expressed as combinations of LTL (Linear Temporal Logic) and graph transformation rules. The first experimental results are encouraging and show that in most cases our proposal improves existing approaches, both in terms of performance and expressiveness.     

Move limits definition in structural optimization with sequential linear programming. Part II: Numerical examples

A variety of numerical methods have been proposed in literature in purpose to deal with the complexity and non-linearity of structural optimization problems. In practical design, sequential linear programming (SLP) is very popular because of its inherent simplicity and because linear solvers (e.g. Simplex) are easily available. However, SLP performance is sensitive to the definition of proper move limits for the design variables which task itself often involves considerable heuristics. This research presents a new SLP algorithm (LESLP) that implements an advanced technique for defining the move limits. The linearization error sequential linear programming (LESLP) algorithm is formulated so to overcome the traditional limitations of the SLP method. In a companion paper [Comput. Struct. 81 (2003) 197] the basics of the LESLP formulation along with a guide to programming are provided.The new algorithm is successfully tested in weight minimisation problems of truss structures with up to hundreds of design variables and thousands of constraints: sizing and configuration problems are considered. Optimization problems of non-truss structures are also presented. The numerical efficiency, advantages and drawbacks of LESLP are discussed and compared to those of other SLP algorithms recently published or implemented in commercial software packages.     

A Color Vision-Based Lane Tracking System for Autonomous Driving on Unmarked Roads

This work describes a color Vision-based System intended to perform stable autonomous driving on unmarked roads. Accordingly, this implies the development of an accurate road surface detection system that ensures vehicle stability. Although this topic has already been documented in the technical literature by different research groups, the vast majority of the already existing Intelligent Transportation Systems are devoted to assisted driving of vehicles on marked extra urban roads and highways. The complete system was tested on the BABIECA prototype vehicle, which was autonomously driven for hundred of kilometers accomplishing different navigation missions on a private circuit that emulates an urban quarter. During the tests, the navigation system demonstrated its robustness with regard to shadows, road texture, and weather and changing illumination conditions.     

Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Impair Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Differentiation Favoring Adipogenic Rather than Osteogenic Differentiation in Adolescents with Obesity

Excess body weight has been considered beneficial to bone health because of its anabolic effect on bone formation; however, this results in a poor quality bone structure. In this context, we evaluated the involvement of circulating extracellular vesicles in the impairment of the bone phenotype associated with obesity. Circulating extracellular vesicles were collected from the plasma of participants with normal weight, as well as overweight and obese participants, quantified by flow cytometry analysis and used to treat mesenchymal stromal cells and osteoblasts to assess their effect on cell differentiation and activity. Children with obesity had the highest amount of circulating extracellular vesicles compared to controls. The treatment of mesenchymal stromal cells with extracellular vesicles from obese participants led to an adipogenic differentiation in comparison to vesicles from controls. Mature osteoblasts treated with extracellular vesicles from obese participants showed a reduction in differentiation markers in comparison to controls. Children with obesity who regularly performed physical exercise had a lower circulating extracellular vesicle amount in comparison to those with a sedentary lifestyle. This pilot study demonstrates how the high amount of circulating extracellular vesicles in children with obesity affects the bone phenotype and that physical activity can partially rescue this phenotype.     

Inactivation of Oxidative Enzymes by High-Intensity Pulsed Electric Field for Retention of Color in Carrot Juice

The effects of high-intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF) on oxidative enzymes and color of fresh carrot juice were studied. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of pulse polarity (mono or bipolar mode), pulse width (from 1 to 7 μs), and pulse frequency (from 50 to 250 Hz) on color and peroxidase (POD) inactivation of carrot juice treated by HIPEF. The total treatment time and the electric field strength were set at 1,000 μs and 35 kV/cm, respectively, at a temperature below 35°C. The physicochemical characteristics of carrot juice were measured. There was a linear relationship between electrical conductivity and temperature of the carrot juice. The results showed that HIPEF-treated carrot juice at 35 kV/cm for 1,000 μs applying 6 μs pulse width at 200 Hz in bipolar mode led to 73.0% inactivation of POD. The color coordinates did not change significantly. Therefore, HIPEF was effective in POD inactivation and carrot juice color preservation.     

Effects of nisin concentration on properties of gelatin film-forming solutions and their films

The addition of nisin into a gelatin matrix can change properties of the film. The aim of this work was to develop gelatin-based films containing different nisin concentrations in order to study their influence on the film's antimicrobial and physical properties and their rheological properties as a film-forming solution (FFS). The FFS was characterised by rheological assays, and the gelatin-based active films were characterised and assessed by the effects of nisin concentrations on their various properties, including antimicrobial activity. Nisin's concentration affected not only its viscoelastic properties of FFS but also its film solubility in water, film surface roughness and light barrier. The addition of nisin also slightly modified the water contact angle and the mechanical properties of the gelatin films. Finally, the films demonstrated activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes at concentrations above 56 mg of nisin g⁻¹ of gelatin.