Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An approach to edge detection in images of skin lesions by Chan-Vese model

Nowadays there is a great interest in the application of computational systems for the analysis of skin lesions. These systems allow the dermatologist to prevent the development of malignant lesions. The development of the systems has occurred due to the increase of skin cancer cases. In the characterization of skin lesions it is necessary to segment the images accurately. Thus the features and edges information of the lesion can be extracted and used by a classifier or by a dermatologist for a better classification. When images are acquired in a non-systematic and non-controlled way there may be a segmentation problem. In this case the skin lesion of images can have different sizes and various type of noises, such as the hair. These factors can affect the detection of the lesion edges and complicate its characterization. One solution would be to apply a smoothing filter to reduce noise before the segmentation step. Segmentation techniques adapted to each type of image can be used to solve the problem of diversified images, such as images with different sizes lesions, reflexions and light intensities. In this paper is proposed a computational method to assist the dermatologists in the diagnosis of skin lesions by digital images. It was used the anisotropic diffusion technique for the preprocessing of the images in order to remove the noises. The Chan-Vese model was used to segment the lesions. The next step consists of the application of morphological filters to eliminate outside and inside noises from the object, that remained in the segmented images, and also to smooth their edges. This approach allowed to minimize noise problems and edge detection to different cases of skin lesions images, such as melanoma, melanocytic nevi and seborrheic keratosis. The segmentation achieved 94.36% of accuracy for the three types of skin lesions. Keywords—Skin Lesions; Anisotropic Diffusion Filter; ChanVese Model; Morphological Filters .
Modeling and calculation of scenarios reliability in component-based software systems

System scenarios that derived from system design specification play an important role in the reliability engineering of component-based software systems. A great deal of research effort has been devoted to predict the reliability of a system at the design-time, only few papers address the challenges of modeling and calculation of scenarios reliability. This paper identifies various challenges related to scenario modeling at the early design stages based on software architecture specification. It discusses the truncation and modeling methods of scenarios, the related computation cost, and their effect on the approach scalability, which has been missed by most of the current approaches. The paper proposes a modeling and calculation approach that, pragmatically, models and divides scenarios by a scenario specification language and finite state machine. It utilizes mathematical formulas for the calculations. The proposed work can be used as part of the reliability prediction approach to model and calculate the reliability of scenarios. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach by modeling and calculating scenarios reliability of an automated railcar system.
An Evaluation Method of Operational Capability Based on T-A-S

It is necessary to evaluate the operational capability of the weapon equipment based on combat-simulation, however, the simulation data is so isomerous that it is difficult to make evaluation model. Pointing to this problem, a comprehensive method based on the TOPSIS, AHP and SIMULATION method (T-A-S) is built to evaluate the operational capability of weapon equipment. An example about the operational capability on armored equipment based on the T-A-S method is given, and the evaluation results can help to analyze the weapon combating performance. The results show the comprehensive method very feasible.
Performance verification of MIMO concepts using multi-dimensional channel sounding

The advances in multi-dimensional channel-sounding techniques make it possible to evaluate performances of radio multiple access and signal processing schemes under realistic propagation conditions. This paper focuses on the methodology how recorded impulse response data gathered through multidimensional channel sounding field measurements can be used to evaluate link- and system-level performances of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radio access schemes. The method relies on offline simulations. It can be classified in between the performance evaluation using some predefined channel models and the evaluation in field experiments using a set of prototype hardware. New aspects for the simulation setup are discussed, which are frequently ignored when using simpler model-based evaluations. Example simulations are provided for an iterative (“turbo”) MIMO equalizer concept.
Toward a NNLO calculation of the B̄ → X s γ decay rate with a cut on photon energy : II . Two-loop result for the jet function

The complete two-loop expression for the jet function J(p 2 , µ) of soft-collinear effective theory is presented, including non-logarithmic terms. Combined with our previous calculation of the soft function S (ω, µ), this result provides the basis for a calculation of the effect of a photon-energy cut in the measurement of the ¯ B → X s γ decay rate at next-to-next-to-leading order in renormalization-group improved perturbation theory. The jet function is also relevant to the resummation of Sudakov logarithms in other hard QCD processes.
Interior Point Methods With Decomposition For Linear Programs

This paper deals with an algorithm which incorporates the interior point method into the Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition technique for solving large-scale linear programming problems. At each iteration, the algorithm performs one step of Newton's method to solve a subproblem, obtaining an approximate solution, which is then used to compute an approximate Newton direction to nd a new vector of the Lagrange multipliers. We show that the algorithm is globally linearly convergent and has the polynomial-time complexity.
On some reliability estimation problems in random and partition testing

Random testing is receiving increasing attention in recent years. Aside from its relative simplicity and low cost, studies have shown that random testing is an effective testing strategy. An advantage of random testing is that the reliability of the program can be estimated from the test outcomes. The authors extend the Thayer-Lipow-Nelson reliability model to account for the cost of errors. They also compare random with partition testing by looking at upper confidence bounds for the cost weighted performance of the two strategies. <<ETX>>
Multiple description lattice vector quantization using multiple A4 quantizers

This paper presents a new Multiple Description Lattice Vector Quantization (MDLVQ) based on A4 lattice quantizers for multiple description coding abbreviated as MDLVQ-A4. The Coinciding similar A4 sublattices are used to quantize the input stream for multiple description coding system. The use of multiple coinciding quantizers eliminates the labeling function of the traditional schemes. Experimental results of MDLVQ-A4 scheme for image coding show a higher performance in terms of PSNR of the side decoders as compared to the renowned techniques of image coding for several test images.
MICROTUBULES AND MICROFIBRILS IN MORPHOGENESIS OF THE SCALE CELLS OF EPHESTIA KÜHNIELLA

The development of scale cells in insects has been studied from the appearance of the first cytoplasmic projection which forms the scale rudiment. This rudiment contains numerous longitudinally oriented microtubules throughout. Immediately under its outer surface lie a series of adjacent but distinct bundles of longitudinally oriented circa 60-A fibrils with a circa 120-A center-to-center spacing. As the rudiment broadens, the microtubules become distributed near the surface. The rudiment finally becomes extremely broad and flattened. Fibril bundles are now widely separated and equally spaced. They still lie immediately below the cell surface. Then the cytoplasm protrudes midway between each fibril bundle to form longitudinal ridges and the major shape changes of the scale have been achieved. The final pattern can thus be related to the cytoplasmic organization of the rudiment. The main cytoplasmic elements which seem important in scale morphogenesis, on the basis of frequency, orientation and grouping, are 60-A fibrils and microtubules.
A Growing Rift in Values? Income and Educational Inequality and Their Impact on Mass Attitude Polarization

Objectives Competing theoretical models from economics and social psychology would suggest either a negative or positive association between income inequality and attitude polarization. In order to address the conflicting nature of the predictions made by these theoretical accounts, this analysis tests whether inequality indeed impacts polarization in Leftâ€ Right ideological selfâ€ placement for a diverse sample of democracies. Methods I use World Values Surveysâ€”European Values Surveys 1981â€“2008 combined data for obtaining a large timeâ€ series crossâ€ sectional data set of indicators of attitude polarization. I rely on mixedâ€ effects models to test whether there is any connection between income inequality and polarization, after controlling for additional relevant factors, such as educational inequality. Results Findings point to no effect of income inequality on any measure of attitude polarization once educational inequality is controlled for. The latter type of inequality, on the other hand, has a consistent effect on two indicators of inequality, spread and bimodality, in the expected direction. Conclusions In spite of a highly plausible posited connection between income inequality and Leftâ€ Right attitude polarization, this analysis has failed to find any connection between the two. Instead, educational inequality appears to exert a consistent effect on attitude polarization. The findings point to the need for a more nuanced view of connections between economic inequality and political attitudes and behaviors, and to the possibility that shifts in inequality of the magnitude observed in OECD countries might not lead to social tensions.
Anaerobic oxidation of ferrous iron by purple bacteria, a new type of phototrophic metabolism

Anoxic iron-rich sediment samples that had been stored in the light showed development of brown, rusty patches. Subcultures in defined mineral media with ferrous iron (10 mmol/liter, mostly precipitated as FeCO3) yielded enrichments of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria which used ferrous iron as the sole electron donor for photosynthesis. Two different types of purple bacteria, represented by strains L7 and SW2, were isolated which oxidized colorless ferrous iron under anoxic conditions in the light to brown ferric iron. Strain L7 had rod-shaped, nonmotile cells (1.3 by 2 to 3 microns) which frequently formed gas vesicles. In addition to ferrous iron, strain L7 used H2 + CO2, acetate, pyruvate, and glucose as substrate for phototrophic growth. Strain SW2 had small rod-shaped, nonmotile cells (0.5 by 1 to 1.5 microns). Besides ferrous iron, strain SW2 utilized H2 + CO2, monocarboxylic acids, glucose, and fructose. Neither strain utilized free sulfide; however, both strains grew on black ferrous sulfide (FeS) which was converted to ferric iron and sulfate. Strains L7 and SW2 grown photoheterotrophically without ferrous iron were purple to brownish red and yellowish brown, respectively; absorption spectra revealed peaks characteristic of bacteriochlorophyll a. The closest phototrophic relatives of strains L7 and SW2 so far examined on the basis of 16S rRNA sequences were species of the genera Chromatium (gamma subclass of proteobacteria) and Rhodobacter (alpha subclass), respectively. In mineral medium, the new isolates formed 7.6 g of cell dry mass per mol of Fe(II) oxidized, which is in good agreement with a photoautotrophic utilization of ferrous iron as electron donor for CO2 fixation. Dependence of ferrous iron oxidation on light and CO2 was also demonstrated in dense cell suspensions. In media containing both ferrous iron and an organic substrate (e.g., acetate, glucose), strain L7 utilized ferrous iron and the organic compound simultaneously; in contrast, strain SW2 started to oxidize ferrous iron only after consumption of the organic electron donor. Ferrous iron oxidation by anoxygenic phototrophs is understandable in terms of energetics. In contrast to the Fe3+/Fe2+ pair (E0 = +0.77 V) existing in acidic solutions, the relevant redox pair at pH 7 in bicarbonate-containing environments, Fe(OH)3 + HCO3-/FeCO3, has an E0' of +0.2 V. Ferrous iron at pH 7 can therefore donate electrons to the photosystem of anoxygenic phototrophs, which in purple bacteria has a midpoint potential around +0.45 V. The existence of ferrous iron-oxidizing anoxygenic phototrophs may offer an explanation for the deposition of early banded-iron formations in an assumed anoxic biosphere in Archean times.
RIM-ONE: An open retinal image database for optic nerve evaluation

Automated diagnosis of glaucoma disease has been studied for years. A great amount of research work in this field has been focused on the analysis of retinal fundus images to localize, detect and evaluate the optic disc. An open fundus image database with accurate gold standards of the optic nerve head has been implemented. A variability measurement by zones of the optic disc is also proposed. The relevance of this work is to provide accurate ONH segmentations and a segmentation assessment procedure to allow the design of computerized methods for glaucoma detection.
A framework for mobility models generation and its application to inter-vehicular networks

In this paper, we propose a novel concept map for mobility models and use it in a short survey of existing proposals. We then review necessary requirements, and define key components for the generation of mobility models adapted to vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Based on this, we first adapt our concept map to vehicular motion, then present a framework for the generation of vehicular mobility models that include all parameters vehicles experience while moving, and finally propose two derived mobility models at the stage of research.
Software process evaluation: A machine learning approach

Software process evaluation is essential to improve software development and the quality of software products in an organization. Conventional approaches based on manual qualitative evaluations (e.g., artifacts inspection) are deficient in the sense that (i) they are time-consuming, (ii) they suffer from the authority constraints, and (iii) they are often subjective. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents a novel semi-automated approach to software process evaluation using machine learning techniques. In particular, we formulate the problem as a sequence classification task, which is solved by applying machine learning algorithms. Based on the framework, we define a new quantitative indicator to objectively evaluate the quality and performance of a software process. To validate the efficacy of our approach, we apply it to evaluate the defect management process performed in four real industrial software projects. Our empirical results show that our approach is effective and promising in providing an objective and quantitative measurement for software process evaluation.
Compression/decompression strategies for large-volume medical imagery

We present a scheme for compressed domain interactive rendering of large volume data sets over distributed environments. The scheme exploits the distortion scalability and multi-resolution properties offered by JPEG2000 to provide a unified framework for interactive rendering over low bandwidth networks. The interactive client is provided breadth in terms of scalability in resolution, position and progressive improvement by quality. The server exploits the spatial locality offered by the DWT and packet indexing information to transmit, in so far as possible, compressed volume data relevant to the clients query. Once the client identifies its volume of interest (VOI), the volume is refined progressively within the VOI. Contextual background information can also be made available having quality fading away from the VOI. The scheme is ideally suited for client-server setups with low bandwidth constraints, with the server maintaining the compressed volume data, to be browsed by a client with low processing power and/or memory. Rendering can be performed at a stage when the client feels that the desired quality threshold has been attained. We investigate the effects of code-block size on compression ratio, PSNR, decoding times and data transmission to arrive at an optimal code-block size for typical VOI decoding scenarios.
A particle filter for freeway traffic estimation

This paper considers the traffic flow estimation problem for the purposes of on-line traffic prediction, mode detection and ramp-metering control. The solution to the estimation problem is given within the Bayesian recursive framework. A particle filter (PF) is developed based on a freeway traffic model with aggregated states and an observation model with aggregated variables. The freeway is considered as a network of components, each component representing a different section of the traffic network. The freeway traffic is modeled as a stochastic hybrid system, i.e. each traffic section possesses continuous and discrete states, interacting with states of neighbor sections. The state update step in the recursive Bayesian estimator is performed through sending and receiving functions describing propagation of perturbations from upstream to downstream, and from downstream to upstream sections. Measurements are received only on boundaries between some sections and averaged within regular or irregular time intervals. A particle filter is developed with measurement updates each time when a new measurement becomes available, and with possibly many state updates in between consecutive measurement updates. It provides an approximate but scalable solution to the difficult state estimation and prediction problem with limited, noisy observations. The filter performance is validated and evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation.
Shear Stress-Induced Alteration of Epithelial Organization in Human Renal Tubular Cells

Tubular epithelial cells in the kidney are continuously exposed to urinary fluid shear stress (FSS) generated by urine movement and recent in vitro studies suggest that changes of FSS could contribute to kidney injury. However it is unclear whether FSS alters the epithelial characteristics of the renal tubule. Here, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo the influence of FSS on epithelial characteristics of renal proximal tubular cells taking the organization of junctional complexes and the presence of the primary cilium as markers of epithelial phenotype. Human tubular cells (HK-2) were subjected to FSS (0.5 Pa) for 48h. Control cells were maintained under static conditions. Markers of tight junctions (Claudin-2, ZO-1), Par polarity complex (Pard6), adherens junctions (E-Cadherin, β-Catenin) and the primary cilium (α-acetylated Tubulin) were analysed by quantitative PCR, Western blot or immunocytochemistry. In response to FSS, Claudin-2 disappeared and ZO-1 displayed punctuated and discontinuous staining in the plasma membrane. Expression of Pard6 was also decreased. Moreover, E-Cadherin abundance was decreased, while its major repressors Snail1 and Snail2 were overexpressed, and β-Catenin staining was disrupted along the cell periphery. Finally, FSS subjected-cells exhibited disappeared primary cilium. Results were confirmed in vivo in a uninephrectomy (8 months) mouse model where increased FSS induced by adaptive hyperfiltration in remnant kidney was accompanied by both decreased epithelial gene expression including ZO-1, E-cadherin and β-Catenin and disappearance of tubular cilia. In conclusion, these results show that proximal tubular cells lose an important number of their epithelial characteristics after long term exposure to FSS both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the changes in urinary FSS associated with nephropathies should be considered as potential insults for tubular cells leading to disorganization of the tubular epithelium.
Memory Efficient Nonuniform Quantization for Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Convolutional neural network (CNN) is one of the most famous algorithms for deep learning. It has been applied in various applications due to its remarkable performance. The real-time hardware implement of CNN is highly demanded due to its excellent performance in computer vision. However, the cost of memory of a deep CNN is very huge which increases the area of hardware implementation. In this paper, we apply several methods in the quantization of CNN and use about 5 bits for convolutional layers. The accuracy lost is less than $2\%$ without fine tuning. Our experiment is depending on the VGG-16 net and Alex net. In VGG-16 net, the total memory needed after uniform quantization is 16.85 MB per image and the total memory needed after our quantization is only about 8.42 MB. Our quantization method has saved $50.0\%$ of the memory needed in VGG-16 and Alex net compared with the state-of-art quantization method.
Noncommutative geometry and reality

We introduce the notion of real structure in our spectral geometry. This notion is motivated by Atiyah’s KR‐theory and by Tomita’s involution J. It allows us to remove two unpleasant features of the ‘‘Connes–Lott’’ description of the standard model, namely, the use of bivector potentials and the asymmetry in the Poincare duality and in the unimodularity condition.
Homological stability for classical groups

We prove a slope 1 stability range for the homology of the symplectic, orthogonal, and unitary groups with respect to the hyperbolic form, over any fields other than F 2 \mathbb {F}_2 , improving the known range by a factor 2 in the case of finite fields. Our result more generally applies to the automorphism groups of vector spaces equipped with a possibly degenerate form (in the sense of Bak, Tits, and Wall). For finite fields of odd characteristic, and more generally fields in which − 1 -1 is a sum of two squares, we deduce a stability range for the orthogonal groups with respect to the Euclidean form, and a corresponding result for the unitary groups. In addition, we include an exposition of Quillen’s unpublished slope 1 stability argument for the general linear groups over fields other than F 2 \mathbb {F}_2 , and use it to recover also the improved range of Galatius–Kupers–Randal-Williams in the case of finite fields, at the characteristic.