Tesis sobre el tema "Exposure Merger"

Dans de nombreuses situations, la dynamique des capteurs ou la profondeur de champ des appareils photographiques conventionnels sont insuffisantes pour capturer fidèlement des scènes naturelles. Une méthode classique pour contourner ces limitations est de fusionner des images acquises avec des paramètres de prise de vue variables. Ces méthodes nécessitent que les images soient parfaitement alignées et que les scènes soient statiques, faute de quoi des artefacts (fantômes) ou des structures irrégulières apparaissent lors de la fusion. Le but de cette thèse est de développer des techniques permettant de traiter directement des images dynamiques et non-alignées, en exploitant des mesures de similarité locales par patchs entre images.Dans la première partie de cette thèse, nous présentons une méthode pour la fusion d'images de scènes dynamiques capturées avec des temps d'exposition variables. Notre méthode repose sur l'utilisation jointe d'une normalisation de contraste, de combinaisons non-locales de patchs et de régularisations. Ceci permet de produire de manière efficace des images contrastées et bien exposées, même dans des cas difficiles (objets en mouvement, scènes non planes, déformations optiques, etc.).Dans la deuxième partie de la thèse nous proposons, toujours dans des cas dynamiques, une méthode de fusion d'images acquises avec des mises au point variables. Le cœur de notre méthode repose sur une comparaison de patchs entre images ayant des niveaux de flou variables.Nos méthodes ont été évaluées sur des bases de données classiques et sur d'autres, nouvelles, crées pour les besoins de ce travail. Les expériences montrent la robustesse des méthodes aux distortions géométriques, aux variations d'illumination et au flou. Ces méthodes se comparent favorablement à des méthodes de l'état de l'art, à un coût algorithmique moindre. En marge de ces travaux, nous analysons également la capacité de l'algorithme PatchMatch à reconstruire des images en présence de flou et de changements d'illumination, et nous proposons différentes stratégies pour améliorer ces reconstructions
The most common computational techniques to deal with the limited high dynamic range and reduced depth of field of conventional cameras are based on the fusion of images acquired with different settings. These approaches require aligned images and motionless scenes, otherwise ghost artifacts and irregular structures can arise after the fusion. The goal of this thesis is to develop patch-based techniques in order to deal with motion and misalignment for image fusion, particularly in the case of variable illumination and blur.In the first part of this work, we present a methodology for the fusion of bracketed exposure images for dynamic scenes. Our method combines a carefully crafted contrast normalization, a fast non-local combination of patches and different regularization steps. This yields an efficient way of producing contrasted and well-exposed images from hand-held captures of dynamic scenes, even in difficult cases (moving objects, non planar scenes, optical deformations, etc.).In a second part, we propose a multifocus image fusion method that also deals with hand-held acquisition conditions and moving objects. At the core of our methodology, we propose a patch-based algorithm that corrects local geometric deformations by relying on both color and gradient orientations.Our methods were evaluated on common and new datasets created for the purpose of this work. From the experiments we conclude that our methods are consistently more robust than alternative methods to geometric distortions and illumination variations or blur. As a byproduct of our study, we also analyze the capacity of the PatchMatch algorithm to reconstruct images in the presence of blur and illumination changes, and propose different strategies to improve such reconstructions

This study was an attempt to replicate the positive results of a precognitive habituation (PH) experiment devised by Bem (2003). The procedure is based on the subliminal mere exposure (SME) design. In an SME procedure subjects are exposed to image-pairs in a preference task, after being exposed to one of those images (the target) subliminally. The target is preferred significantly more often due to the mere exposure effect. In the PH procedure the preference task precedes the exposure and images are of negative and erotic valence. It was hypothesized that due to exposure (in the future), subject preference will increase for negative and decrease for the erotic target images, especially for subjects classified erotically or negatively reactive (Bem, 2003). Also, that an overall (negative and erotic) effect would be shown. The results were not significantly above chance expectation for any of the hypotheses (50.0%; 47.2%, p = .149; 50.8%, p = .279).

Babyschema är ett fysionomiskt fenomen som innefattar infantila särdrag såsom stor ögon- och huvudform i kombination med liten näsa och haka. Utseendet kan ses hos digitala karaktärer i moderna spel och filmer vilket kan ha en psykologisk effekt hos betraktaren då exponering bevisats influera preferenser. Studien ämnar att utreda uppfattningen av ansikten med babyschema och om visuell exponering kan påverka dessa uppfattningar. Undersökningen utfördes på 70 testdeltagare, där ansikten med varierande grader av babyschema presenterades före och efter exponering innehållande karaktärer med babyschema eller realistiska proportioner. Resultaten indikerar att exponering för babyschema i viss utsträckning resulterar i en positiv förskjutning hos deltagarnas uppfattningar däremot hade exponering ingen positiv inverkan på deltagarnas respons till extrem babyschema. Framtida arbeten skulle kunna undersöka babyschema applicerat på manliga och kvinnliga karaktärer i en spelmiljö. I en förlängning kan studier inom ämnet syfta till att upplysa kreatörer om karaktärsdesign och dess möjliga påverkan på samhället.

In this PhD thesis, two projects both aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying virus-induced tumour formation and progression in the skin were included. Specifically, two models of skin cancer were used: i) beta Human Papillomavirus (B-HPV) infection and keratinocyte carcinoma (KC); and ii) Merkel Cell Polyomavirus infection and Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). Many evidences suggest a carcinogenic role of B-HPV in KC, especially in the immunosuppressed setting. HPV-associated cutaneous KC occurs mainly in sun-exposed areas of the body, and therefore these viruses are thought to cooperate with UV rays to induce cancer. Here, we used a new mouse model of immunosuppression, obtained by crossing the B-HPV8 transgenic mice with Rag2 deficient mice, to show a functional link between cutaneous PV VIIEIISIUm rerse so 0066 2010 1000 infection, immunosuppression, UVB exposure, and KC development. Our findings clearly demonstrate the concerted contribution of these factors in the accelerated development of skin cancer in an immunosuppressed setting. Within Polyomaviruses, MCPUV is the only family member proven to induce cancer, as it has been associated with the development of MCC. Recently, many studies have highlighted the contribution of tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression suggesting the tumor-promoting role of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in many cancer types, but data describing CAFs and their molecular function in MCC are still missing. To define the role of CAFs in MCC cancerization, we have isolated CAFs from MCC patients and performed a set of in vivo experiments by injecting patient-derived CAFs along with the MCPVV positive MCC cell line MKL-1 in SCID mice. The results obtained with xenografts indicate a pivotal role for the TME, particularly CAFs in tumour development and metastasis formation

The artificial grammar learning (AGL) paradigm has been intensively researched since the 60-s. In general, these investigations attempt to study the implicit acquisition of structural regularities. Among other things, it has been suggested that the AGL paradigm can serve as a model for the process of acquiring a natural language. Thus it can serve as a well-controlled laboratory task that might be used to understand certain aspects of the process of language acquisition. For example the AGL paradigm has been used in an attempt to isolate the acquisition of syntactic aspects of language. Several experimental studies show that the participants acquire knowledge of the underlying rule system since they are able to differentiate grammatical strings from non-grammatical ones. It has been argued that the traditionally conducted AGL paradigm with grammaticality instructions might make the task explicit, at least during the test phase. In order to imitate the language learning process as close as possible, to rule out the possibility of an explicit component during the testing phase (i.e., keeping the retrieval process implicit) and to rule out explicit rule conformity or rule following, we modified the classical AGL paradigm. In a behavioural study we combined the AGL paradigm with an altered mere exposure paradigm in an attempt to better model aspects of language acquisition. We were able to show that subjects, classifying under mere exposure instructions, categorize grammatical and non-grammatical strings just as well as those solving the classification task with the grammaticality instructions. This indicates that the mere exposure version might serve as a more appropriate model for language acquisition.

A framework was developed called the Extended Hedonomic Hierarchy (EHH) that provides a basis for evaluating pleasurable human-system experience. Results from a number of experiments within this framework that evaluated specific dimensions of the framework are reported. The 'Exposure' component of the EHH framework and hedonics of the system were investigated to see how changes would affect other dimensions, such as the occurrence of flow, the mode of interaction, and the needs of the user. Simulations and video games were used to investigate how repeated exposure affects flow, interaction mode, and the user needs. The Kansei Engineering method was used to measure user needs and investigate the effect of different hedonic properties of the system on user needs and flow. Findings reveal that: (a) pleasurable human-system experience increases linearly with repeated exposure to the technology of interest; (b) an habituation effect of flow mediated by day; (c) motivation to satisfy human need for technology is hierarchically structured and contributes to pleasurable human-system experience; (d) interactivity is hierarchically structured and seamless mode of interaction is a behavioral outcome of pleasurable human-system experience; (e) there are individual differences among users that affect the likelihood of experiencing pleasurable human-system interaction; (f) performance is positively correlated to flow and (g) the method of kansei engineering provides data from which informed decisions about design can be made and empirical research can be conducted. Suggestions for (a) making Hedonomics a reality in industry, the workplace, and in the field of Human Factors, (b) future research directions for Hedonomics, and (c) principles and guidelines for the practice of Hedonomics are discussed.
Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Arts and Sciences
Psychology

This study examined the exposure of the Nextel brand name in major U.S. newspapers 1 year before and after Nextel became the primary sponsor of the North American Stock Car Association of Racing. A content analysis of 576 newspaper articles was performed. The hypotheses tested the quantity and quality of Nextel's coverage, as well where the stories were appearing and where the brand was being used in the stories. The study found the number of Nextel mentions in year two was almost 4 times as many as year one. The data reveal a dramatic increase in cases found in sports stories. In regard to value, Nextel's NASCAR sponsorship resulted in less negative and considerably more neutral media coverage. However, Nextel's mentions also became less positive. Nextel mentions associated with NASCAR increased in year two, from none in year one to 62.5% of all cases in year two.

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The broader objective of this study undertaking can briefly be articulated in particulate aims as follows: to measure the attitudes of consumers regarding the brand displayed by this strategy as well as to highlight recall, recognition and purchase intentions generated by product placement on consumers. In addition, check the differences and similarities between the behavior of Brazilian and American consumers caused by the influence of product placements. The study was undertaken targeting consumer audience in Brazil and the U.S. A rang3 modeling set ups were performed in order to realign study instruments and hypothesis towards the research objectives. This study gave focus on the following hypothesized models. H1: Consumers / Participants who viewed the brands / products in the movie have a higher brand / product recall compared to the consumers / participants who did not view the brands / products in the movie. H2: US Consumers / Participants are able to recognize and recall brands / products which appear in the background of the movie than Brazil. H3: Consumers / participants from USA are more accepting of product placements compared to their counterparts in Brazil. H4: There are discernible similarities in consumer / participant brand attitudes and purchase intentions in consumers / participants from USA and Brazil in spite of the fact that their country of origin is different. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient ensured the reliability of survey instruments. The study involved the use of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for the hypothesis testing. This study used the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to assess both the convergent and discriminant validities instead of using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) or the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This reinforced for the use of the regression Chi Square and T statistical tests in further. Only hypothesis H3 was rejected, the rest were not. T test provided insight findings on specific subgroup significant differences. In the SEM testing, the error variance for product placement attitudes was negative for both the groups. On this The Heywood Case came in handy to fix negative values. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative approach where closed ended questionnaires and interviews respectively were used to collect primary data. The results were additionally provided with tabulations. It can be concluded that, product placement varies markedly in the U.S. from Brazil based on the influence a range of factors provided in the study. However, there are elements of convergence probably driven by the convergence in technology. In order, product placement to become more competitive in the promotional marketing, there will be the need for researchers to extend focus from the traditional variables and add knowledge on the conventional marketplace factors that is the sell-ability of the product placement technologies and strategies.

Purpose: To investigate how attitudes of hockey supporters change towards a sponsoring company depending on fan type and team commitment. Background: Sponsorship has become a widely accepted and used as a communication tool. In Sweden, sponsoring is a large part of all advertising conducted in the country. Previous studies within the subject of sponsorship show that generally sponsorship is a good affair for companies that engage in it. When it comes to sports sponsorship, hockey is the most developed sport in Sweden. Sports sponsorship is also an area where negative effects could occur due to sponsoring and the fact that many people are very passionate when it comes to sports and their favorite teams. Considering the massive amounts that companies invest in sponsoring it is of great interest to further investigate the effects of such activities. There is quite little research conducted within sports sponsoring in Sweden and therefore it is of interest both from businesses as well as the academic world to investigate the effects of sponsorship in a Swedish context. The main focus of this study is to investigate possible positive and negative attitudes towards sponsoring companies that sponsor different teams as well as effects on brand recall based on fan commitment. Method: In order to answer the purpose of this thesis a deductive approach was applied by collecting quantitative data from an experiment, control group and a follow-up study. Theories and previous research in the subject area was used in order to establish hypothesis that later has been tested.  The data retrieved through the research was processed and analyzed using SPSS. Conclusion: The results show that attitudes towards the sponsor are positive when associated with the supported team and negative when associated with the rival team. Fans viewer frequency did not have a significant impact on positive attitudes towards the supported team while fan commitment had a strong impact on negative attitudes towards the sponsor of the rival team. Brand recall was higher with highly committed fans and is correlated with fan commitment. It is concluded that negative attitudes are easily invoked by fan commitment while it is not as easy to build positive attitude with repeated viewings.

Diese Dissertation untersucht die Ausbildung motorischer Verarbeitungsflüssigkeit bei verbalen Stimuli, welche als Ursache für die Entstehung des Mere-Exposure Effekts angesehen wird. Ziel war es herauszufinden, ob eine Bewegung der Zunge, die external mittels Elektrostimulation verursacht wurde, Einfluss auf den Mere-Exposure Effekt ausübt. Des Weiteren wurde untersucht, ob der Effekt unter Elektrostimulation und gleichzeitiger Störung der Afferenz mittels Lokalanästhesie auftritt. Ergebnis dieser Studie war, dass der Mere-Exposure Effekt in der Gesamtstichprobe mit N = 68 Probanden nachzuweisen war. Eine bloße Motorinterferenz der Zunge ist demnach nicht der entscheidende Faktor für die Ausbildung von Fluency. Auch eine Ausschaltung der Afferenz mittels Anästhesie bei N = 37 Probanden konnte den Effekt nicht eliminieren und scheint somit keinen maßgeblichen Einfluss auf Fluency für verbale Stimuli zu haben
This thesis investigates the occurrence of motor processing fluency in verbal stimuli, which is considered to be responsible for the development of the mere exposure effect. The target was to find out, if a movement of the tongue muscles, caused externally by electrostimulation, has an impact on the mere exposure effect. Furthermore, it was investigated whether the effect occurs during electrostimulation and concomitant interference of the afference by means of local anesthesia. The result of this study was that the mere exposure effect was to be detected in the total sample with N = 68 subjects. Thus, mere movement of the tongue muscles is not the deciding factor in the formation of fluency. Moreover, it was shown that the elimination of the afference by anesthesia in N = 37 subjects could not obliterate the effect and therefore does not seem to have a significant influence on fluency

The mere exposure effect, positive affect elicited by exposure to a previously unfamiliar stimulus, is considered one of the most well established findings in the psychological literature. Yet its mechanism remains unknown. In Experiments 1 - 5, memory encoding was examined to determine whether the mere exposure effect was a form of conceptual or perceptual implicit priming, and, if not either, whether cardiovascular psychophysiology could reveal its nature. Experiment 1 examined the effects of study phase level of processing on recognition, the mere exposure effect, and word identification implicit priming. Deep relative to shallow processing improved recognition, but did not influence the mere exposure effect or word identification implicit priming. Experiments 2 and 3 examined the effect of study-test changes in font and orientation, respectively, on the mere exposure effect and word identification implicit priming. Different study-test font and orientation reduced word identification implicit priming, but had no influence on the mere exposure effect. The combined results from Experiments 1-3 suggested that conceptual and perceptual processing do not drive the mere exposure effect. Experiments 4 and 5 developed and used, respectively, an innovative cardiovascular psychophysiological implicit priming paradigm to examine whether stimulus-specific cardiovascular reactivity at study predicted the mere exposure effect at test. At encoding, stimulus-specific peripheral vasodilatation had predictive value for the mere exposure effect, but not for word identification implicit priming. Experiments 6 and 7 examined whether sustained or transitory anxiety (i.e., trait or state, respectively) would influence the mere exposure effect. Greater trait and state anxiety reduced the mere exposure effect. Together, the findings from these experiments (N = 362) identify a novel affective mechanism of implicit priming that is influenced by cardiovascular psychophysiology and variations in trait and state anxiety.