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Risenshine! Here is digest of signals harvested on 2026-07-15.
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Markets
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International - 07/15 |
+0.3881% -1.0755% MoM | +0.4684% -1.5519% MoM | -0.1079% +0.2164% MoM | +0.2646% +1.2525% MoM |
+0.2646% +1.2525% MoM | +0.526% +1.6295% MoM | +0.5515% -3.7111% MoM | +1.5998% -3.6368% MoM |
+0.4584% -2.952% MoM | +0.6849% -1.7302% MoM | +1.2434% -0.7268% MoM | +0.9868% -3.8166% MoM |
+1.2619% -0.1807% MoM | -0.123% -1.0759% MoM | 0% -4.2211% MoM | +1.7371% -0.9145% MoM |
+0.6363% +9.3707% MoM | +1.537% -6.5429% MoM | +2.1455% +1.1888% MoM | -0.5659% -4.1807% MoM |
+0.5222% -2.7778% MoM | +0.3007% -3.7817% MoM | +1.839% -5.1614% MoM | +0.2893% -3.4079% MoM |
+1.2911% -7.2043% MoM |
Commodities - 07/15 |
+1.3674% -6.1531% MoM | +1.9363% -16.2281% MoM | +2.0205% -0.858% MoM | +1.7906% -7.9701% MoM |
-0.3247% +4.7384% MoM | +0.6544% +1.3174% MoM | +1.5814% -2.7995% MoM | +1.4465% -7.9615% MoM |
-0.3419% +3.7367% MoM | +1.0566% +6.0781% MoM | +2.0383% -13.5456% MoM | +1.9077% -14.8668% MoM |
Favorites - 07/15 |
-4.2626% +6.9878% MoM | +2.5712% +0.159% MoM | -1.5499% -3.7097% MoM | +4.0633% -0.306% MoM |
-2.7368% -33.586% MoM | +0.042% +23.4765% MoM | +0.0728% +0.5975% MoM | -0.0267% -0.2044% MoM |
-0.1385% +0.5579% MoM | -5.9601% -31.8458% MoM | +4.4996% -15.7203% MoM | +4.9221% -9.6389% MoM |
-3.196% -19.3424% MoM | +2.2572% -27.985% MoM | -0.7721% +6.2209% MoM | -0.0096% -5.6815% MoM |
Sectors - 07/15 |
+0.3551% -0.3974% MoM | -1.933% +3.532% MoM | +0.1962% +4.8917% MoM | -0.4922% -1.1336% MoM |
+2.5849% -9.6316% MoM | +0.0936% -0.8972% MoM | -0.0611% +1.3895% MoM | -0.0785% -1.8411% MoM |
+0.0368% +4.1395% MoM | +2.4827% -13.5705% MoM |
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Gainers
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Market closed! Happy holidays! |
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Losers
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Market closed! Happy holidays! |
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Business
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Impact of Bangladesh’s Nuclear Power Project on South Asian Energy Security Strategy |
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🗺 Background:- Bangladesh began construction of its first nuclear power plant, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, in 2016 with significant Russian technical and financial support.
- South Asia faces rising energy demands, making regional energy security a critical strategic priority.
- Nuclear energy offers Bangladesh diversification from conventional coal and gas sources, aiming to supply 2,400 MW to the national grid.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission oversees the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.
- Russia's state-owned Rosatom is the primary technology and engineering partner for this initiative.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency monitors compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Bangladesh Power Development Board integrates nuclear output into the national energy planning.
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➡ Potential consequences:- In the near-term, successful commissioning will enhance Bangladesh's energy security by adding 1,200 MW in its first phase by early 2027.
- The presence of Russian technology may increase regional dependency on external supply chains for fuel and maintenance.
- In the medium-term, nuclear development in Bangladesh could motivate neighboring countries like India and Pakistan to review or expand their nuclear strategies.
- Environmental and operational safety concerns could become prominent as the plant transitions to full operation.
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Causes Behind High Refined Fuel Prices Amid Declining Global Oil Demand |
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🗺 Background:- Global oil demand has shown a downward trend in 2024 due to slower economic growth in large consuming regions such as China and Europe.
- Despite falling crude prices, refined fuel prices—especially gasoline and diesel—have remained high in many markets.
- Factors such as refinery capacity constraints, seasonal maintenance, and new environmental regulations have influenced refinery output costs.
- Disruptions in international shipping and geopolitical tensions further impact refined product logistics and pricing.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- Major oil companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP control a significant share of global refining capacity.
- National governments and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Energy Agency (IEA), set fuel standards and track market trends.
- OPEC+ has continued to influence crude oil supply decisions despite lower demand forecasts.
- Consumer groups and transportation industries are directly affected by sustained high refined fuel prices.
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💡 News facts:- On July 15, 2026, Reuters reported that U.S. gasoline futures remained at $2.45/gallon despite crude oil dropping below $74/barrel, citing refinery bottlenecks and summer travel demand as factors https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/gasoline-prices-defy-oil-slump-2026-07-15/.
- Bloomberg, published July 15, 2026, highlighted that European diesel prices rose 6% week-over-week due to unplanned outages at several Rotterdam-area refineries, intensifying regional supply tightness https://www.bloomberg.com/europe-diesel-upward-spike-refinery-outages-2026-07-15.
- Financial Times noted on July 15, 2026, that China’s refined fuel exports fell to their lowest monthly level since 2022 because of new emissions restrictions on refineries, tightening Asian markets https://www.ft.com/content/china-refined-fuel-exports-drop-2026-07-15.
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➡ Potential consequences:- Persistent high refined fuel costs may lead to increased transportation and goods prices in the near term, worsening inflationary pressures in major economies.
- Medium-term, investment in refinery capacity upgrades and alternative energy sources could accelerate if high margins persist.
- International tensions could rise if fuel-exporting countries implement further export restrictions or if import-dependent nations seek subsidies.
- Retail consumers and businesses may accelerate fuel efficiency initiatives or switch to electric alternatives to mitigate costs.
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Geopolitical Risks Surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Consequences for Global Trade |
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🗺 Background:- The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes.
- Tensions have historically escalated in the region due to military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Gulf states.
- The strait is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, making it vulnerable to blockade and disruption.
- Recent years have seen increased naval activity and strategic deployments around the Strait of Hormuz, notably since the 2019 incidents involving tanker attacks.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- Iran, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are primary state actors involved in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Major oil companies affected include Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, and BP.
- The International Maritime Organization and OPEC monitor trade and maritime security in the region.
- Key commanders include IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri and US Central Command leader General Michael Erik Kurilla.
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➡ Potential consequences:- Near-term, global oil prices could spike by 5–10% if shipping disruptions persist, affecting energy markets worldwide.
- Major disruptions could cause supply chain delays for oil-dependent industries, including manufacturing and aviation, especially in Europe and Asia.
- Medium-term, increased insurance premiums for tanker routes and permanent shifts to alternative channels may reshape trade flows.
- Long-term, sustained instability could accelerate investment in energy diversification and regional security alliances.
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Challenges Facing German Carmakers in the Chinese Market During Q2 of 2026 |
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🗺 Background:- German carmakers have historically dominated the Chinese market, building success on combustion engine heritage.
- In Q2 2026, China experienced a protracted economic slowdown and property sector downturn, weakening consumer sentiment and demand for vehicles.
- Intensified competition from domestic Chinese EV makers and a years-long fierce price war have eroded the appeal and market share of legacy German brands.
- German brands are attempting rapid adaptation with tailored EV offerings to regain lost ground.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- Key companies: Volkswagen (VW), BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BYD (Chinese market leader).
- Influential executives: Marco Schubert (Volkswagen sales executive), Chris Liu (Omdia), Stephen Dyer (AlixPartners).
- Industry institutions: China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), Advisory firm Madox Square.
- Expert analyst: Lei Xing, independent auto analyst.
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💡 News facts:- Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche all reported China sales drops of 30-41% in Q2 2026, with Volkswagen's year-on-year decline reaching 36.6% (published July 11, 2026) [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/german-automakers-hit-by-sharp-sales-declines-in-china-in-q2-2026/].
- For the first half of 2026, German automakers each saw over 20% year-on-year drop in China sales, squeezing profits and prompting VW to cut its model lineup by up to half (published July 11, 2026) [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/german-automakers-hit-by-sharp-sales-declines-in-china-in-q2-2026/].
- BMW slashed its 2026 guidance due to the sharp China sales drop and lowered profit outlook, prompting increased cost controls (published July 13, 2026) [https://dailycarblog.com/2026/07/german-carmakers-hit-by-china-slowdown-and-superior-ev-competition/].
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➡ Potential consequences:- Near-term: German automakers may continue reducing model lineups and accelerate EV investments to adapt to shifting demand in China.
- Near-term: Profit margins could remain under pressure, leading to potential restructuring, strategic job cuts, or factory closures in Europe.
- Medium-term: Intensified competition from Chinese brands like BYD in both domestic and European markets could threaten German automakers' global leadership.
- Medium-term: Weak Chinese demand and slower EV adaptation may drive German brands to focus resources on more profitable regions or alternative powertrain technologies.
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Effects of Short Electric Vehicle Lifespan in China on Environmental Policy and Consumer Behavior |
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🗺 Background:- China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, with over 9 million EVs sold in 2023.
- The average lifespan of EVs in China is notably short, often less than eight years due to battery degradation and rapid model turnover.
- Short EV lifespans increase waste and challenge recycling systems, raising concerns for environmental policy makers.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment regulates vehicle recycling and battery disposal standards.
- Major EV manufacturers such as BYD and NIO play critical roles in defining battery durability and aftersales support.
- Consumer groups and environmental NGOs are vocally advocating for stricter recycling policies and longer-lasting EVs.
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➡ Potential consequences:- Near-term policy changes may enforce longer battery warranties, potentially raising costs for manufacturers and altering consumer purchasing choices.
- Medium-term impacts could include increased investment in battery recycling infrastructure, greater scrutiny of EV lifecycle management, and heightened cross-sector collaboration.
- Short EV lifespans may undermine China’s carbon reduction targets, prompting additional environmental regulations.
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Science News
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Venture capital strategies for biotech innovation post-pandemic: Examining how firms like Yosemite are driving new drug development and responding to market shifts. |
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🗺 Background:- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated biotech innovation, especially in drug development and VC investment.
- Venture capital firms adapted strategies to address supply chain disruptions and regulatory shifts post-2020.
- Yosemite VC and similar firms have prioritized funding startups focusing on mRNA, precision medicine and AI-driven drug discovery.
- Biotech IPO activity and M&A have seen volatility, requiring new approaches to portfolio management.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- Yosemite VC has emerged as a leader in post-pandemic biotech investment.
- Other major stakeholders include 5AM Ventures, Flagship Pioneering, and the National Institutes of Health.
- Key figures include investors like Alexis Borisy (Flagship), and biotech CEOs such as Ugur Sahin (BioNTech).
- Partnerships between venture funds and biotech accelerators are shaping early-stage drug innovation.
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➡ Potential consequences:- In the near-term, increased capital inflows will expedite clinical trials for novel drugs.
- Medium-term, strategic collaborations may enable biotech startups to withstand market downturns.
- Heightened focus on AI and advanced therapeutics could reshape the competitive landscape of drug development.
- Continued investment in pandemic preparedness may foster a stronger, more resilient biotech ecosystem.
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Productivity-focused wearable tech: Analyzing the market for smart glasses without cameras and their adoption in global business environments. |
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🗺 Background:- Smart glasses without cameras focus on productivity enhancement by integrating heads-up displays and voice assistants.
- The global market for non-camera smart glasses is growing, driven by privacy concerns and business applications since 2022.
- Adoption in business environments includes logistics, remote collaboration, and workforce training.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- Key companies include Microsoft, Vuzix, and Lenovo, all offering productivity-centric smart glasses solutions.
- Business adopters such as DHL, Boeing, and Siemens are piloting no-camera smart glasses for industrial workflows.
- Industry institutions like IEEE and market analysts from Gartner are tracking smart glass adoption trends.
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➡ Potential consequences:- Near-term consequences include increased employee productivity in logistics and manufacturing sectors.
- Medium-term impacts may involve wider enterprise adoption for privacy-compliant augmented reality workspaces.
- Smart glasses without cameras could reduce regulatory hurdles associated with surveillance concerns.
- Competitive dynamics among wearable tech companies are likely to intensify as privacy-centric features become mainstream.
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AI integration in family and elder care: Investigating OpenAI's approach in developing ChatGPT experiences tailored for households with multi-generational needs. |
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🗺 Background:- AI integration in family and elder care focuses on leveraging conversational models like ChatGPT to assist multi-generational households.
- OpenAI launched tailored ChatGPT experiences for household use starting in early 2024, emphasizing accessibility and privacy.
- Families with varied age groups are increasingly seeking digital tools for routine support, wellness monitoring, and emotional companionship.
- Elder care applications include medication reminders, daily check-ins, and support for age-related cognitive decline.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- OpenAI is the primary AI developer advancing household-focused ChatGPT features.
- Major health tech companies, such as Philips and Medtronic, collaborate on AI adoption in elder care solutions.
- Academic partnership includes research centers like the Stanford Center on Longevity.
- Policy groups, including the World Health Organization (WHO), monitor ethical AI deployment in health and family settings.
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💡 News facts:- On July 14, 2026, OpenAI announced a pilot program partnering with community centers to test ChatGPT for intergenerational household support, as reported by TechNewsDaily (2026-07-14).
- A new study published by the Stanford Center on Longevity on July 14, 2026 found increased caregiver satisfaction when using ChatGPT-based apps for senior support, detailed at Stanford Research (2026-07-14).
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➡ Potential consequences:- Near-term effects include improved communication and daily coordination in multi-generational households using tailored ChatGPT tools.
- Medium-term consequences may involve broader adoption of AI in elder care, potentially reducing caregiver strain and institutional costs.
- Potential regulatory scrutiny may increase as privacy and bias issues surface during scaling of household AI solutions.
- Long-term implications include a shift in family dynamics and greater reliance on digital companions for emotional and cognitive support.
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Consumer electronics trends during urban heat events: Assessing the role and sales impact of home slushie machines during intense NYC heat waves. |
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🗺 Background:- NYC experienced an intense heat wave, with temperatures peaking above 95°F on July 14-15, 2026.
- Consumer demand for cooling home electronics, especially slushie machines, surged in urban areas during recent heat events.
- Home slushie machines are positioned as affordable, quick-cooling appliances targeting apartment residents.
- Urban heat waves are increasingly influencing the retail landscape, especially within consumer electronics sectors.
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🎩 Key stakeholders:- Major appliance retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart reported spikes in slushie machine sales.
- Local NYC government, including the Department of Consumer Affairs, is monitoring consumer needs during heat emergencies.
- Consumer electronics manufacturers like Nostalgia Electrics and Dash have expanded advertising targeting NYC residents.
- Apartment management firms are exploring bulk purchases of cooling appliances for tenants during extreme weather.
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➡ Potential consequences:- Near-term, continued heat wave alerts may drive further sales surges for cooling appliances in urban markets.
- Medium-term, increased adoption of home cooling electronics could shape manufacturer product development and urban infrastructure planning.
- Retailers and city agencies may collaborate to subsidize cooling appliances for vulnerable populations during climate emergencies.
- The slushie machine sales boost could inspire new smart appliance product lines specialized for heat mitigation.
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Culture
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Gu Kaizhi "Painting is to capture the spirit, not merely to copy shapes..." Gu Kaizhi (c. 344–406) was a Chinese painter during the Eastern Jin dynasty, known for his figure paintings and narrative scrolls that have influenced Chinese art for centuries. He is considered one of the earliest and most celebrated painters in Chinese history.... | Cai Yong "A gentleman regards the loss of honor as worse than the loss of life..." Cai Yong (132–192) was a prominent Chinese scholar, calligrapher, and writer during the Eastern Han dynasty, known for his literary works and contributions to Chinese calligraphy. He was also an official and played a significant role in preserving ancient texts.... |
Zhang Heng "Heaven and earth are not humane; they regard all things as straw dogs..." Zhang Heng (78–139) was a Chinese polymath of the Eastern Han dynasty who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and engineering, including inventing the first seismometer. He was also an accomplished poet and statesman.... | Emperor Ling of Han "The empire is vast and the people many; the ruler must be just and wise..." Emperor Ling of Han (156–189) was the 12th emperor of the Eastern Han dynasty, whose reign was marked by corruption, eunuch dominance, and the weakening of imperial authority leading to the dynasty's decline. His rule set the stage for the eventual fragmentation of China into the Three Kingdoms peri... |
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NASA
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Red Sprites in the Tatacoa Desert (2026-07-15) Credits: Mario Vargas
Text:
Keighley Rockcliffe
(NASA
GSFC,
UMBC CSST,
CRESST II) |
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Github
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Trading tools |
JPMorgan-Chase-virtual-internship-Quantitative-Research 23 stars #160 JP morgan virtual internship Quantitative Research... | quant-super-system 22 stars #161 A Multi-Strategy Quantitative Trading System using the TastyTrade API and Kalshi... |
Algorithmic-Trading-and-Quantitative-Analysis 22 stars #162 A comprehensive guide to building an automated trading bot using Python, covering everything from data extraction to strategy backtesting and API integration for real-time trading.... | QuantTraderDL 22 stars #163 QuantTraderDL combines quantitative finance and AI, using TFT models to forecast major indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq, IBEX 35, Dow Jones, EURO STOXX 50) and optimize portfolios. A DRL t... |
Sea Vessels |
bumper-boats 0 stars #160 Sandbox for experimenting with sensor simulation, track generation and association... | wave-sense-project 0 stars #161 Wave Sense - Smart Marine Boat Tracking & Assistance System mini project... |
lokaferi 0 stars #162 Tracking Indonesia passanger ferry boat from their latest position GPS... | Boat-Motor-break-in 0 stars #163 App to track break-in period... |
Air Vessels |
Plane-Tracking-System-Simulation- 1 stars #160 | Plane-Estimation-And-Tracking 1 stars #161 |
window_tracking-planet_saving 1 stars #162 Working out optimal window ventilation for heat saving versus carbon dioxide concentrations... | APO-Minor-Planet-Tracking 1 stars #163 A tool for generating a TCS command to track a specified minor planet.... |
Imagery |
augmentations_medical_images 14 stars #160 | Hyperspec-WGAN 14 stars #161 Synthetic Data Augmentation using a Generative Adversarial Network for Improved Hyperspectral Image Classification... |
CNN_system 14 stars #162 Keywords: CNN, Fully connect neural network, SFEW dataset, Image Preprocessing, Data Augmentation, Leakey ReLU, k-fold cross validation, Casper. In this project, I build my own CNN... | SuperpixelGridMasks 14 stars #163 SuperpixelGridMasks is an approach for sensor-based data augmentation towards image classification tasks and so on.... |
Video |
RefAlign 383 stars #160 [ECCV 2026] Official PyTorch implementation of RefAlign: Representation Alignment for Reference-to-Video Generation... | Nexior 379 stars #161 Consumer AI app for chat, image generation, video generation, and music creation powered by Ace Data Cloud APIs.... |
SpecVQGAN 372 stars #162 Source code for "Taming Visually Guided Sound Generation" (Oral at the BMVC 2021)... | Vidu4D 371 stars #163 [TPAMI 2025, NeurIPS 2024] Video4DGen: Enhancing Video and 4D Generation through Mutual Optimization... |