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Symmetry, Volume 9, Issue 5 (May 2017) – 19 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): European Robins show a right eye/left brain hemisphere superiority for magnetic compass orientation. As a result, robins are tuned properly to fly to their breeding grounds both binocularly and with the right eye, but fail with their left. This lateralization develops during the first winter and can be temporarily removed in spring by covering the right eye. Very likely, asymmetry of magnetic compass perception depends on lateralized interhemispheric interactions that can be changed in young birds. Photograph: Ulmus Media/www.shutterstock.com. View the paper
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5279 KiB  
Article
A Study on Immersion and VR Sickness in Walking Interaction for Immersive Virtual Reality Applications
by Jiwon Lee, Mingyu Kim and Jinmo Kim
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050078 - 22 May 2017
Cited by 73 | Viewed by 14167
Abstract
This study analyzes walking interaction to enhance the immersion and minimize virtual reality (VR) sickness of users by conducting experiments. In this study, the walking interaction is composed of three steps using input devices with a simple structure that can be easily used [...] Read more.
This study analyzes walking interaction to enhance the immersion and minimize virtual reality (VR) sickness of users by conducting experiments. In this study, the walking interaction is composed of three steps using input devices with a simple structure that can be easily used by anyone. The first step consists of a gamepad control method, which is the most popular but has low presence. The second step consists of a hand-based walking control interface, which is mainly used for interaction in VR applications. The last step consists of a march-in-place detection simulator that interacts with the legs—the key body parts for walking. Four experiments were conducted to determine the degree of direct expression of intention by users in the course of walking interactions that can improve immersion, presence, and prevent VR sickness in VR applications. With regard to the experiments in this study, survey experiments were conducted for general users using the Wilcoxon test, a presence questionnaire, and simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ). In addition, the technical performance of the VR scenes used in the experiment was analyzed. The experimental results showed that higher immersion was achieved when interactions that felt closer to real walking were provided in VR. Furthermore, it was found that even control methods with a simple structure could be used for walking interactions with minimal VR sickness. Finally, a satisfactory presence was found in VR if the user was able interact using his or her own legs. Full article
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818 KiB  
Article
Lateralization of the Avian Magnetic Compass: Analysis of Its Early Plasticity
by Dennis Gehring, Onur Güntürkün, Wolfgang Wiltschko and Roswitha Wiltschko
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050077 - 19 May 2017
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5806
Abstract
In European Robins, Erithacus rubecula, the magnetic compass is lateralized in favor of the right eye/left hemisphere of the brain. This lateralization develops during the first winter and initially shows a great plasticity. During the first spring migration, it can be temporarily [...] Read more.
In European Robins, Erithacus rubecula, the magnetic compass is lateralized in favor of the right eye/left hemisphere of the brain. This lateralization develops during the first winter and initially shows a great plasticity. During the first spring migration, it can be temporarily removed by covering the right eye. In the present paper, we used the migratory orientation of robins to analyze the circumstances under which the lateralization can be undone. Already a period of 1½ h being monocularly left-eyed before tests began proved sufficient to restore the ability to use the left eye for orientation, but this effect was rather short-lived, as lateralization recurred again within the next 1½ h. Interpretable magnetic information mediated by the left eye was necessary for removing the lateralization. In addition, monocularly, the left eye seeing robins could adjust to magnetic intensities outside the normal functional window, but this ability was not transferred to the “right-eye system”. Our results make it clear that asymmetry of magnetic compass perception is amenable to short-term changes, depending on lateralized stimulation. This could mean that the left hemispheric dominance for the analysis of magnetic compass information depends on lateralized interhemispheric interactions that in young birds can swiftly be altered by environmental effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Asymmetry of Structure and/or Function)
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1715 KiB  
Article
Asymmetry for Symmetry: Right-Hemispheric Superiority in Bi-Dimensional Symmetry Perception
by Giulia Prete, Mara Fabri, Nicoletta Foschi and Luca Tommasi
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050076 - 18 May 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5136
Abstract
A right-hemispheric superiority has been shown for spatial symmetry perception with mono-dimensional stimuli (e.g., bisected lines). Nevertheless, the cerebral imbalance for bi-dimensional stimuli is still controversial, and the aim of the present study is to investigate this issue. Healthy participants and a split-brain [...] Read more.
A right-hemispheric superiority has been shown for spatial symmetry perception with mono-dimensional stimuli (e.g., bisected lines). Nevertheless, the cerebral imbalance for bi-dimensional stimuli is still controversial, and the aim of the present study is to investigate this issue. Healthy participants and a split-brain patient (D.D.C.) were tested in a divided visual field paradigm, in which a square shape was presented either in the left or right visual field and they were asked to judge whether a dot was placed exactly in the center of the square or off-center, by using the left/right hand in two separate sessions. The performance of healthy participants was better when the stimuli presented in the left visual field (LVF) were on-center rather than off-center. The performance of D.D.C. was higher than chance only when on-center stimuli were presented in the LVF in the left hand session. Only in this condition did his accuracy not differ with respect to that of the control group, whereas in all of the other conditions, it was lower than the controls’ accuracy. We conclude that the right-hemispheric advantage already shown for mono-dimensional stimuli can be extended also to bi-dimensional configurations, confirming the right-hemispheric superiority for spatial symmetry perception. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Asymmetry of Structure and/or Function)
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803 KiB  
Article
Neural Networks for Radar Waveform Recognition
by Ming Zhang, Ming Diao, Lipeng Gao and Lutao Liu
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050075 - 17 May 2017
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 7356
Abstract
For passive radar detection system, radar waveform recognition is an important research area. In this paper, we explore an automatic radar waveform recognition system to detect, track and locate the low probability of intercept (LPI) radars. The system can classify (but not identify) [...] Read more.
For passive radar detection system, radar waveform recognition is an important research area. In this paper, we explore an automatic radar waveform recognition system to detect, track and locate the low probability of intercept (LPI) radars. The system can classify (but not identify) 12 kinds of signals, including binary phase shift keying (BPSK) (barker codes modulated), linear frequency modulation (LFM), Costas codes, Frank code, P1-P4 codesand T1-T4 codeswith a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It is one of the most extensive classification systems in the open articles. A hybrid classifier is proposed, which includes two relatively independent subsidiary networks, convolutional neural network (CNN) and Elman neural network (ENN). We determine the parameters of the architecture to make networks more effectively. Specifically, we focus on how the networks are designed, what the best set of features for classification is and what the best classified strategy is. Especially, we propose several key features for the classifier based on Choi–Williams time-frequency distribution (CWD). Finally, the recognition system is simulated by experimental data. The experiments show the overall successful recognition ratio of 94.5% at an SNR of −2 dB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Complex Networks II)
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3222 KiB  
Review
Coupling Form and Function: How the Oligomerisation Symmetry of the SAS-6 Protein Contributes to the Architecture of Centriole Organelles
by Jodie E. Ford, Phillip J. Stansfeld and Ioannis Vakonakis
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050074 - 16 May 2017
Viewed by 4227
Abstract
Centrioles make up the centrosome and basal bodies in animals and as such play important roles in cell division, signalling and motility. They possess characteristic 9-fold radial symmetry strongly influenced by the protein SAS-6. SAS-6 is essential for canonical centriole assembly as it [...] Read more.
Centrioles make up the centrosome and basal bodies in animals and as such play important roles in cell division, signalling and motility. They possess characteristic 9-fold radial symmetry strongly influenced by the protein SAS-6. SAS-6 is essential for canonical centriole assembly as it forms the central core of the organelle, which is then surrounded by microtubules. SAS-6 self-assembles into an oligomer with elongated spokes that emanate towards the outer microtubule wall; in this manner, the symmetry of the SAS-6 oligomer influences centriole architecture and symmetry. Here, we summarise the form and symmetry of SAS-6 oligomers inferred from crystal structures and directly observed in vitro. We discuss how the strict 9-fold symmetry of centrioles may emerge, and how different forms of SAS-6 oligomers may be accommodated in the organelle architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Structural Biology)
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1773 KiB  
Article
Fair Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Using Modified Game Theory for Resource-Constrained Cognitive Wireless Sensor Networks
by Sang-Seon Byun and Joon-Min Gil
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050073 - 16 May 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4057
Abstract
This paper considers the deployment of a cognitive radio scheme in wireless sensor networks to achieve (1) fair spectrum allocation, (2) maximum spectrum utilization, and (3) priority-based sensor transmissions, while (4) avoiding unnecessary spectrum handover (or handoff). This problem is modelled as a [...] Read more.
This paper considers the deployment of a cognitive radio scheme in wireless sensor networks to achieve (1) fair spectrum allocation, (2) maximum spectrum utilization, and (3) priority-based sensor transmissions, while (4) avoiding unnecessary spectrum handover (or handoff). This problem is modelled as a bi-objective optimization problem. We apply modified game theory and a cooperative approach to identify an approximate optimal solution in reasonable time. We perform a series of numerical experiments to show that our scheme achieves fair spectrum allocation (in terms of proportional fairness) while observing transmission priorities and minimizing unnecessary spectrum handover. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scientific Programming in Practical Symmetric Big Data)
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254 KiB  
Article
Androgen Levels and Body Size Are Associated with Directional as Well as Fluctuating Asymmetry Patterns in Adult !Kung San and Kavango Males from Northern Namibia
by Sylvia Kirchengast and Kerrin Christiansen
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050072 - 15 May 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4673
Abstract
Fluctuating asymmetry is mainly interpreted as an indicator of developmental instability, while directional asymmetry of the upper limbs is associated with handedness. The association patterns between adult androgen levels and fluctuating as well directional asymmetry patterns are still unclear. In the present study, [...] Read more.
Fluctuating asymmetry is mainly interpreted as an indicator of developmental instability, while directional asymmetry of the upper limbs is associated with handedness. The association patterns between adult androgen levels and fluctuating as well directional asymmetry patterns are still unclear. In the present study, the association between adult androgen levels, body size and directional as well as fluctuating asymmetry pattern was tested among !Kung San and Kavango males from northern Namibia. Serum concentrations of testosterone (Tser) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as salivary testosterone (Tsal) concentrations were obtained from 114 !Kung San and 136 Kavango men aged 18–40 years. Fluctuating and directional asymmetry were determined from eight paired traits. Signed and unsigned asymmetry, composite fluctuating and directional asymmetry were calculated. !Kung San males surpassed their Kavango counterparts in the directional asymmetry but also in composite directional asymmetry (CDA) significantly. Among !Kung San males, DHT correlated significantly negatively with parameters of fluctuating asymmetry as well as with parameters of directional asymmetry. Free testosterone of the saliva correlated significantly negatively with asymmetry of hand length. Among Kavango males, DHT is negatively associated with foot breadth asymmetry, but positively associated with wrist asymmetry. Although the correlations between asymmetry patterns and androgen levels are weak, it can be concluded that among !Kung San males adult androgen levels are negatively associated with a high quality phenotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Human Evolutionary Biology)
975 KiB  
Review
Lateralized Functions in the Dog Brain
by Marcello Siniscalchi, Serenella D’Ingeo and Angelo Quaranta
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050071 - 13 May 2017
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 15571
Abstract
Understanding the complementary specialisation of the canine brain has been the subject of increasing scientific study over the last 10 years, chiefly due to the impact of cerebral lateralization on dog behaviour. In particular, behavioural asymmetries, which directly reflect different activation of the [...] Read more.
Understanding the complementary specialisation of the canine brain has been the subject of increasing scientific study over the last 10 years, chiefly due to the impact of cerebral lateralization on dog behaviour. In particular, behavioural asymmetries, which directly reflect different activation of the two sides of the dog brain, have been reported at different functional levels, including motor and sensory. The goal of this review is not only to provide a clear scenario of the experiments carried out over the last decade but also to highlight the relationships between dogs’ lateralization, cognitive style and behavioural reactivity, which represent crucial aspect relevant for canine welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Asymmetry of Structure and/or Function)
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7163 KiB  
Article
Urban Traffic Congestion Evaluation Based on Kernel the Semi-Supervised Extreme Learning Machine
by Qing Shen, Xiaojuan Ban and Chong Guo
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050070 - 10 May 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4519
Abstract
There is always an asymmetric phenomenon between traffic data quantity and unit information content. Labeled data is more effective but scarce, while unlabeled data is large but weaker in sample information. In an urban transportation assessment system, semi-supervised extreme learning machine (SSELM) can [...] Read more.
There is always an asymmetric phenomenon between traffic data quantity and unit information content. Labeled data is more effective but scarce, while unlabeled data is large but weaker in sample information. In an urban transportation assessment system, semi-supervised extreme learning machine (SSELM) can unite manual observed data and extensively collected data cooperatively to build connection between congestion condition and road information. In our method, semi-supervised learning can integrate both small-scale labeled data and large-scale unlabeled data, so that they can play their respective advantages, while the ELM can process large scale data at high speed. Optimized by kernel function, Kernel-SSELM can achieve higher classification accuracy and robustness than original SSELM. Both the experiment and the real-time application show that the evaluation system can precisely reflect the traffic condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Cooperative Applications II)
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967 KiB  
Article
Improvement of DS Evidence Theory for Multi-Sensor Conflicting Information
by Fang Ye, Jie Chen and Yibing Li
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050069 - 09 May 2017
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 6247
Abstract
A new DS (Dempster-Shafer) combination method is presented in this paper. As data detected by a single sensor are characterized by not only fuzziness, but also partial reliability, the development of multi-sensor information fusion becomes extremely indispensable. The DS evidence theory is an [...] Read more.
A new DS (Dempster-Shafer) combination method is presented in this paper. As data detected by a single sensor are characterized by not only fuzziness, but also partial reliability, the development of multi-sensor information fusion becomes extremely indispensable. The DS evidence theory is an effective means of information fusion, which can not only deal with the uncertainty and inconsistency of multi-sensor data, but also handle the inevitably ambiguity and instability under noise or possible interference. However, the application of DS evidence theory has some limitations when multi-sensor data are conflicting. To address this issue, the DS evidence theory is modified in this paper. Adopting the idea of cluster analysis, we firstly introduce the Lance distance function and spectral angle cosine function to revise original evidence separately before the combination of evidence. Then, based on the modifications of original evidence, an improved conflict redistribution strategy is ulteriorly raised to fuse multi-sensor information. Finally, the numerical simulation analyses demonstrate that the improvement of the DS evidence theory available in this paper overcomes the limitations of conventional DS evidence theory, and realizes more reliable fusion with multi-sensor conflicting information compared to the existing methods. Full article
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1120 KiB  
Article
Analysis of a Similarity Measure for Non-Overlapped Data
by Sanghyuk Lee, Jaehoon Cha, Nipon Theera-Umpon and Kyeong Soo Kim
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050068 - 09 May 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4584
Abstract
A similarity measure is a measure evaluating the degree of similarity between two fuzzy data sets and has become an essential tool in many applications including data mining, pattern recognition, and clustering. In this paper, we propose a similarity measure capable of handling [...] Read more.
A similarity measure is a measure evaluating the degree of similarity between two fuzzy data sets and has become an essential tool in many applications including data mining, pattern recognition, and clustering. In this paper, we propose a similarity measure capable of handling non-overlapped data as well as overlapped data and analyze its characteristics on data distributions. We first design the similarity measure based on a distance measure and apply it to overlapped data distributions. From the calculations for example data distributions, we find that, though the similarity calculation is effective, the designed similarity measure cannot distinguish two non-overlapped data distributions, thus resulting in the same value for both data sets. To obtain discriminative similarity values for non-overlapped data, we consider two approaches. The first one is to use a conventional similarity measure after preprocessing non-overlapped data. The second one is to take into account neighbor data information in designing the similarity measure, where we consider the relation to specific data and residual data information. Two artificial patterns of non-overlapped data are analyzed in an illustrative example. The calculation results demonstrate that the proposed similarity measures can discriminate non-overlapped data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scientific Programming in Practical Symmetric Big Data)
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1732 KiB  
Article
Redundant Symmetry Influences Perceptual Grouping (as Measured by Rotational Linkage)
by Barbara Gillam
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050067 - 09 May 2017
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4093
Abstract
Symmetry detection has long been a major focus of perception research. However, although symmetry is often cited as a “grouping principle”, the effect of symmetry on grouping, an important form of perceptual organization, has been little measured. In past research, we found little [...] Read more.
Symmetry detection has long been a major focus of perception research. However, although symmetry is often cited as a “grouping principle”, the effect of symmetry on grouping, an important form of perceptual organization, has been little measured. In past research, we found little spatio-temporal grouping for oblique lines symmetric around a horizontal axis during ambiguous rotary motion in depth. Grouping was measured by the degree to which the ambiguous motion direction was resolved for two elements in common (rotational linkage). We hypothesized that symmetry-based grouping would be stronger if symmetry was redundant i.e., carried by elements of greater complexity. Using the rotational linkage measure, we compared grouping for horizontally symmetric simple oblique lines and for lines composed of multiple conjoined orientations and found greater grouping for the more complex symmetric lines. A control experiment ruled out possible confounding factors and also showed a grouping effect of vertically aligned endpoints. We attribute the stronger grouping effect of redundant symmetry to the fact that it has a lower probability than does simple symmetry of arising from an accidental environmental arrangement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Vision)
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653 KiB  
Article
The Genetics of Asymmetry: Whole Exome Sequencing in a Consanguineous Turkish Family with an Overrepresentation of Left-Handedness
by Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ceren Barutçuoğlu, Adile Öniz Özgören, Murat Özgören, Esra Erdal, Dirk Moser, Judith Schmitz, Robert Kumsta and Onur Güntürkün
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050066 - 01 May 2017
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 10598
Abstract
Handedness is the most pronounced behavioral asymmetry in humans. Genome-wide association studies have largely failed to identify genetic loci associated with phenotypic variance in handedness, supporting the idea that the trait is determined by a multitude of small, possibly interacting genetic and non-genetic [...] Read more.
Handedness is the most pronounced behavioral asymmetry in humans. Genome-wide association studies have largely failed to identify genetic loci associated with phenotypic variance in handedness, supporting the idea that the trait is determined by a multitude of small, possibly interacting genetic and non-genetic influences. However, these studies typically are not capable of detecting influences of rare mutations on handedness. Here, we used whole exome sequencing in a Turkish family with history of consanguinity and overrepresentation of left-handedness and performed quantitative trait analysis with handedness lateralization quotient as a phenotype. While rare variants on different loci showed significant association with the phenotype, none was functionally relevant for handedness. This finding was further confirmed by gene ontology group analysis. Taken together, our results add further evidence to the suggestion that there is no major gene or mutation that causes left-handedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Asymmetry of Structure and/or Function)
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6363 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Job Load Balancing Scheme on Mobile Cloud Computing with Collaborative Architecture
by Byoungwook Kim, Hwirim Byun, Yoon-A Heo and Young-Sik Jeong
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050065 - 29 Apr 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6174
Abstract
The adaptive mobile resource offloading (AMRO) proposed in this paper is a load balancing scheme for processing large-scale jobs using mobile resources without a cloud server. AMRO is applied in a mobile cloud computing environment based on collaborative architecture. A load balancing scheme [...] Read more.
The adaptive mobile resource offloading (AMRO) proposed in this paper is a load balancing scheme for processing large-scale jobs using mobile resources without a cloud server. AMRO is applied in a mobile cloud computing environment based on collaborative architecture. A load balancing scheme with efficient job division and optimized job allocation is needed because the resources for mobile devices will not always be provided consistently in this environment. Therefore, a job load balancing scheme is proposed that considers personal usage patterns and the dynamic resource state of the mobile devices. The delay time for computer job processing is minimized through dynamic job reallocation and adaptive job allocation in the disability state that occurs due to unexpected problems and to excessive job allocations by the mobile devices providing the resources for the mobile cloud computing. In order to validate the proposed load balancing scheme, an adaptive mobile resource management without cloud server (AMRM) protocol was designed and implemented, and the improved processing speed was verified in comparison with the existing offloading method. The improved job processing speed in the mobile cloud environment is demonstrated through job allocation based on AMRM and by taking into consideration the idle resources of the mobile devices. Furthermore, the resource waste of the mobile devices is minimized through adaptive offloading and consideration of both insufficient and idle resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Systems Design and Analysis)
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3837 KiB  
Article
Binocular 3D Object Recovery Using a Symmetry Prior
by Aaron Michaux, Vikrant Kumar, Vijai Jayadevan, Edward Delp and Zygmunt Pizlo
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050064 - 28 Apr 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4962
Abstract
We present a new algorithm for 3D shape reconstruction from stereo image pairs that uses mirror symmetry as a biologically inspired prior. 3D reconstruction requires some form of prior because it is an ill-posed inverse problem. Psychophysical research shows that mirror-symmetry is a [...] Read more.
We present a new algorithm for 3D shape reconstruction from stereo image pairs that uses mirror symmetry as a biologically inspired prior. 3D reconstruction requires some form of prior because it is an ill-posed inverse problem. Psychophysical research shows that mirror-symmetry is a key prior for 3D shape perception in humans, suggesting that a general purpose solution to this problem will have many applications. An approach is developed for finding objects that fit a given shape definition. The algorithm is developed for shapes with two orthogonal planes of symmetry, thus allowing for straightforward recovery of occluded portions of the objects. Two simulations were run to test: (1) the accuracy of 3D recovery, and (2) the ability of the algorithm to find the object in the presence of noise. We then tested the algorithm on the Children’s Furniture Corpus, a corpus of stereo image pairs of mirror symmetric furniture objects. Runtimes and 3D reconstruction errors are reported and failure modes described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Vision)
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378 KiB  
Article
On the Charge Density Refinement of Odd-Order Multipoles Invariant under Crystal Point Group Symmetry
by Pietro Roversi and Riccardo Destro
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050063 - 26 Apr 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3504
Abstract
Charge density studies utilise a multipolar expansion of the atomic density (and the associated atomic scattering factor) in order to model asphericity. Contributions of the individual multipoles to the atomic density are then refined as multipole population coefficients. Refinement of these coefficients pertaining [...] Read more.
Charge density studies utilise a multipolar expansion of the atomic density (and the associated atomic scattering factor) in order to model asphericity. Contributions of the individual multipoles to the atomic density are then refined as multipole population coefficients. Refinement of these coefficients pertaining to odd-order multipoles that are invariant under the crystal point-group symmetry is often problematic, with ill-defined values and correlations plaguing the convergence to a good model. These difficulties have been discussed in generic terms in the literature, but never explicitly analysed in detail. In this communication, we show that the charge density multipolar atomic scattering factor can be partitioned in three contributions that differ in their behaviour under the point group symmetry of the crystal. This partitioning rationalises and predicts the conditions that give rise to ill-conditioning of the charge density refinement of these multipoles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Structural Biology)
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Article
Analysis of Clustering Evaluation Considering Features of Item Response Data Using Data Mining Technique for Setting Cut-Off Scores
by Byoungwook Kim, JaMee Kim and Gangman Yi
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050062 - 25 Apr 2017
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6485
Abstract
The setting of standards is a critical process in educational evaluation, but it is time-consuming and expensive because it is generally conducted by an education experts group. The purpose of this paper is to find a suitable cluster validity index that considers the [...] Read more.
The setting of standards is a critical process in educational evaluation, but it is time-consuming and expensive because it is generally conducted by an education experts group. The purpose of this paper is to find a suitable cluster validity index that considers the futures of item response data for setting cut-off scores. In this study, nine representative cluster validity indexes were used to evaluate the clustering results. Cohen’s kappa coefficient is used to check the conformity between a set cut-off score using four clustering techniques and a cut-off score set by experts. We compared the cut-off scores by each cluster validity index and by a group of experts. The experimental results show that the entropy-based method considers the features of item response data, so it has a realistic possibility of applying a clustering evaluation method to the setting of standards in criterion referenced evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scientific Programming in Practical Symmetric Big Data)
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949 KiB  
Article
Reversible Data-Hiding Systems with Modified Fluctuation Functions and Reed-Solomon Codes for Encrypted Image Recovery
by Sunghwan Kim
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050061 - 25 Apr 2017
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4349
Abstract
In this paper, reversible data-hiding (RDH) systems with modified fluctuation functions and rate-matched Reed–Solomon (RS) codes are proposed to enhance the data recovery from encrypted images. The modified fluctuation functions are used for estimating embedded codeword bits from the correlation of pixels. Instead [...] Read more.
In this paper, reversible data-hiding (RDH) systems with modified fluctuation functions and rate-matched Reed–Solomon (RS) codes are proposed to enhance the data recovery from encrypted images. The modified fluctuation functions are used for estimating embedded codeword bits from the correlation of pixels. Instead of direct data-bit embedding, codeword bits of RS codes are embedded by a data-hider. With the help of the error-correcting capability of RS codes, the encrypted message can be recovered from the weak correlation of adjacent pixels in the image. In the experimental results, bit error rate (BER) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) performances of the proposed system are better than those of referenced data-hiding systems for three images. The proposed schemes based on the modified fluctuation function or rate-matched codes can be applied to various RDH systems with better data transmission and image recovery performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Secure Cyber World)
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2792 KiB  
Article
A Fault Feature Extraction Method for Motor Bearing and Transmission Analysis
by Wu Deng, Huimin Zhao, Xinhua Yang and Chang Dong
Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym9050060 - 25 Apr 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4078
Abstract
Roller bearings are the most widely used and easily damaged mechanical parts in rotating machinery. Their running state directly affects rotating machinery performance. Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) easily occurs illusive component and mode mixing problem. From the view of feature extraction, a new [...] Read more.
Roller bearings are the most widely used and easily damaged mechanical parts in rotating machinery. Their running state directly affects rotating machinery performance. Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) easily occurs illusive component and mode mixing problem. From the view of feature extraction, a new feature extraction method based on integrating ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), the correlation coefficient method, and Hilbert transform is proposed to extract fault features and identify fault states for motor bearings in this paper. In the proposed feature extraction method, the EEMD is used to decompose the vibration signal into a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with different frequency components. Then the correlation coefficient method is used to select the IMF components with the largest correlation coefficient, which are carried out with the Hilbert transform. The obtained corresponding envelope spectra are analyzed to extract the fault feature frequency and identify the fault state by comparing with the theoretical value. Finally, the fault signal transmission performance of vibration signals of the bearing inner ring and outer ring at the drive end and fan end are deeply studied. The experimental results show that the proposed feature extraction method can effectively eliminate the influence of the mode mixing and extract the fault feature frequency, and the energy of the vibration signal in the bearing outer ring at the fan end is lost during the transmission of the vibration signal. It is an effective method to extract the fault feature of the bearing from the noise with interference. Full article
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