. Object recognition is demonstrated as an example application. The simplicity of the algorithm makes it possible to construct an inexpensive hardware search engine which can be 100 times faster than its software equivalent. A C++ implementation of our algorithm is available upon request to search@cs.columbia.edu/CAVE/.

What exactly is karst? Karst is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks including limestone, dolomite and gypsum. It is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems (Fig. 1). Nearly all surface karst features are formed by internal drainage, subsidence

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Traditionally, the primary purpose of cave maps (surveys) was to characterize and compare caves in terms of their dimensions, shapes and patterns. From cave survey data, maps are compiled to assist the

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spent preparing the maps and the possible absence of pre-existing data generating a margin of inaccuracy. The use of an index to prioritize conservation of Brazilian karst systems began with the creation of the ‘Importance Value for Cave Conservation ’ (Borges et al., 2012). This index is composed

Tapagem Cave is one of the most famous and most visited show caves in Brazil and is known for its scenic beauty and the size of its speleothems. It is the 24th longest and the 15th deepest cave in Brazil (out of 5,875

The cave environment influencing the lipid profile and hepatic lipogenesis of the fish Ancistrus cryptophthalmus

Caves are the most attractive natural features of geotourism (Cigna & Forti, 2013) and speleotourism. Some caves receive up to 1,000,000 annual visitors,

2011). Under such conditions the oligotrophic nature of cave environments is expected to change through organic inputs that alter both the food web, and the abundance and distribution of cave organisms (Hoyos et al., 1998; Fernández-Cortés et al., 2006; Saiz-Jimenez et al., 2011; Saiz-Jimenez, 2012