Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Document Image Binarization Techniques, Developments and Related Issues: A Review

Image binarization is still a relevant research area due to its wide range of applications in the field of document analysis and recognition. Accuracy of binarization methods affected by many factors such as shadows non-uniform illumination, low contrast, large signal-dependent noise etc. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of major binarization techniques. We also emphasis on the problems being encountered and the related issues in the research area of document image binarization. In addition, some important issues affecting the performance of image binarization methods are also discussed. This literature review suggests that designing a suitable document image binarization method is a prerequisite for a successful document image analysis and recognition.
Mixing semantic networks and conceptual vectors: the case hyperonymy

In this paper, we focus on lexical semantics, a key issue in natural language processing (NLP) that tends to converge with conceptual knowledge representation (KR) and ontologies. When ontological representation is needed, hyperonymy, the closest approximation to the is-a relation, is at stake. In this paper we describe the principles of our vector model (CVM: conceptual vector model), and show how to account for hyperonymy within the vector-based frame for semantics. We show how hyperonymy diverges from is-a and what measures are more accurate for hyperonymy representation. Our demonstration results in initiating a "cooperation" process between semantic networks and conceptual vectors. Text automatic rewriting or enhancing, ontology mapping with natural language expressions, are examples of applications that can be derived from the function we define in this paper.
Lack of reciprocity, narcissism, anger, and instigated workplace incivility: A moderated mediation model

The goal of the present research was to examine antecedents of uncivil behaviour towards coworkers and supervisors. Based on Spector's model (e.g., Spector & Fox, 2005a), we investigated the role of work characteristics (lack of reciprocity in the relationship with one's organization), personality (narcissism), and work-related anger simultaneously. We predicted that anger mediates the relationship between lack of reciprocity and incivility, and that this mediation is particularly strong among narcissistic employees (moderated mediation). As predicted, in our sample of 197 employees, anger—at least partially—mediated the relationship between lack of reciprocity and incivility. Moreover, this indirect effect was stronger among narcissists. Results further showed that narcissism moderated the first part (lack of reciprocity → anger) but not the second part (anger → incivility) of the mediation chain. Examining both mediation and moderation in a unified framework shed light on the issue of where in the process moderation occurs, thus deepening our understanding of the interplay between work characteristics and personality. In addition to anger, our results suggest mediating processes that do not require strong affect may be characteristic especially for uncivil behaviour as compared to more intense forms of counterproductive behaviour.
Glenohumeral Joint Stability: Selective Cutting Studies on the Static Capsular Restraints

The glenohumeral joint relies on static and dynamic contributions of the local soft tissues to maintain joint stability. Dynamic stabilizers consist of the local musculature (the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles), whereas static stabilizers include the glenoid labrum and associated capsuloligamentous components. The functional interaction of static and dynamic components is complex and not completely understood. Selective cutting studies have been done to define the effect of sectioning various static components on resultant glenohumeral translation. These studies have played a pivotal role in the understanding of static factors controlling shoulder stability: the anatomic variability in capsuloligamentous anatomy has been recognized, and the complex interaction among various regions of the shoulder capsule and their labral attachment sites has been shown. Additionally, it has been recognized that the function of the capsuloligamentous restraints is highly dependent on arm position.
Monadic datalog and the expressive power of languages for web information extraction

Research on information extraction from Web pages (wrapping) has seen much activity in recent times (particularly systems implementations), but little work has been done on formally studying the expressiveness of the formalisms proposed or on the theoretical foundations of wrapping.In this paper, we first study monadic datalog as a wrapping language (over ranked or unranked tree structures). Using previous work by Neven and Schwentick, we show that this simple language is equivalent to full monadic second order logic (MSO) in its ability to specify wrappers. We believe that MSO has the right expressiveness required for Web information extraction and thus propose MSO as a yardstick for evaluating and comparing wrappers.Using the above result, we study the kernel fragment Elog- of the Elog wrapping language used in the Lixto system (a visual wrapper generator). The striking fact here is that Elog- exactly captures MSO, yet is easier to use. Indeed, programs in this language can be entirely visually specified. We also formally compare Elog to other wrapping languages proposed in the literature.
On the Software Virtual Machine for the Real Hardware Stack Machine

Several technologies for Java [1] program execution have been reported, e.g., Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, pre-compilation engine, etc., to improve its running speed. Bytecode engine is another approach by taking advantage of the hardware acceleration. This paper is concerned with the brief introduction to the picoJava-II core technology and its implementation at Fujitsu. Then, we will present our software mapping approach onto the hardware stack machine, focusing on Fujitsu's picoJava-II implementation, MB86799. Finally, we will report some benchmark results of Java virtual machine execution on the real stack machine and discuss yet unresolved problems.
Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Borate-Treated Oriental Beech Wood

This study was designed to determine some physical properties such as surface roughness and oven dry density, and some mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) of borate-treated wood specimens. Wood specimens were prepared from Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.). Ammonium pentaborate octahydrate (APBO), ammonium tetrafl uoroborate (ATFB), and sodium tetrafl uoroborate (STFB) were used as borates. Before tests, wood specimens were impregnated with 0.25, 0.50, 1.50, and 3.00 percent aqueous solutions of borates. The results showed that borate treatment caused increases in oven dry density and surface roughness, while it decreased MOE values of Oriental beech.
Tracking control for networked control systems

A solution to the approximate tracking problem for networked control systems (NCSs) with uncertain, time-varying sampling intervals and network delays is presented. The uncertain, time-varying sampling and delays cause inexact feedforward, which induces a perturbation on the tracking error dynamics. Two alternative modeling approaches are used: a discrete-time model and a model in terms of delay impulsive differential equations. Sufficient conditions for the input-to-state stability (ISS) of the tracking error dynamics with respect to this perturbation are given. These ISS results provide bounds on the steady-state tracking error as a function of the plant properties, the controller parameters, and the network properties. The results are illustrated on a mechanical motion control example.
Semi-automated assessment of annotation trustworthiness

Cultural heritage institutions and multimedia archives often delegate the task of annotating their collections of artifacts to Web users. The use of crowdsourced annotations from the Web gives rise to trust issues. We propose an algorithm that, by making use of a combination of subjective logic, semantic relatedness measures and clustering, automates the process of evaluation for annotations represented by means of the Open Annotation ontology. The algorithm is evaluated over two different datasets coming from the cultural heritage domain.
Polarization-independent broadband absorption enhancement of thin-film InGaAs photodetector

The trade-off between the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and reduced light absorption in thin-film photodetectors is the main issue for improving device performance. Nanoscale patterning of metal/dielectric interface can couple incident light into surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) modes, leading to the enhanced absorption. However, due to the nature of resonant excitation of SPPs, it is difficult to realize broadband absorption enhancement. In this study, we propose a novel device structure to achieve absorption enhancement over the whole spectral response range of the thin-film In0.53Ga0. 47As photodetector. Numerical simulation shows that both the preferential forward scattering of InP cylinder and grating coupled waveguide modes contribute to the broadband absorption enhancement.
Expressed Emotion and Health Outcomes Among Mexican-Americans With Schizophrenia and Their Caregiving Relatives

Past studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between expressed emotion (EE) and relapse for individuals with schizophrenia. However, little attention has been directed toward exploring whether EE may have negative health consequences for caregivers as well. We recruited 60 Mexican-American family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia and examined whether EE predicted the health of caregivers and ill relatives approximately 13 months later. For caregiving relatives, the EE indices of emotional over-involvement and warmth were predictive of worse mental health among caregivers at follow-up. There was no association between EE and health outcome among individuals with schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that, among Mexican-Americans, family factors may be associated with health outcomes among individuals with schizophrenia and their caregiving relatives.
Changes of Curvature with Regain of Set Wool and Hair Fibers

1. Bellaniy, L. J., “The Infra-Red Spectra of Coniples AIolecules,” 2nd ed., New York, \Viley, 195s. 2. The British H a t and Allied Feltmakers Research Association, AIanchester, England, 13th Annual Report, August 1962, p. 4. 3. Frohlich, H. G. , Sclmciz. T’er. Fiirbcreifncldcrrf. 17, 917 (1962). 4. FrGliIicli, 11. G. , J. TexfiZc I m l . 51, 1’1237 (1961.)). \ 5. Frohlich, H. G. and Hillc, E. , %. Gcs. 7’c.rfi[. [,,d
Localized Surface Plasmons Enhanced Light Transmission into c-Silicon Solar Cells

The paper investigates the light incoupling into c-Si solar cells due to the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances in periodic metallic nanoparticles by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. A significant enhancement of AM1.5G solar radiation transmission has been demonstrated by depositing nanoparticles of various metals on the upper surface of a semi-infinite Si substrate. Plasmonic nanostructures located close to the cell surface can scatter incident light efficiently into the cell. Al nanoparticles were found to be superior to Ag, Cu, and Au nanoparticles due to the improved transmission of light over almost the entire solar spectrum and, thus, can be a potential low-cost plasmonic metal for large-scale implementation of solar cells.
LTE offloading: When 3GPP policies are just enough

We investigate the effectiveness of the 3GPP offloading policy framework, called Access Network Discovery Selection Function (ANDSF). We consider geographical areas where both LTE and WiFi are available and present a model describing multi-RAT networks as visible by the operator, as well as the offloading policy rules that apply to them. Our model captures user behavior and allows us to express any 3GPP policy in a compact and convenient way. We use the model to develop a dynamic offloading scheme, which is fully compatible with 3GPP specifications and dynamically adapts to changing traffic patterns. We analyse it in a typical two-tier 3GPP scenario, comparing its performance to those of three alternate offloading strategies. We also investigate the effectiveness for data offloading of the current and proposed features of 3GPP ANDSF.
Sealing Ability of Alkaline Endodontic Cements versus Resin Cements

Penetration of oral bacteria through root fillings leads to their long term failure. Dimensionally stable alkaline cements have been developed. A saliva challenge model was used to compare resistance to bacterial penetration of these alkaline cements to conventional root fillings that combine gutta percha (GP) with epoxy resin sealers. A sample of 140 human roots with single straight canals prepared to standard length and canal size were obturated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Nex MTA or MTAmix), with an alkaline calcium hydroxide hard setting cement (Supercal), or with GP and a resin cement (either AH-Plus or Zirmix). Negative control roots were sealed with wax, while positive controls were left open. The test assemblies were gamma sterilised, then the coronal root face was exposed daily to fresh stimulated human saliva diluted in broth. Bacterial penetration was determined by assessing growth in sterile brain-heart infusion (BHI) medium in contact with the root apex. Using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, in order of performance from highest to lowest: Negative control, Supercal, Nex MTA, Zirmix, MTAmix, GP + AH-Plus, and the positive control. In addition, statistically significant differences were noted between Supercal and AH-Plus, and between the two MTA cements. It can be concluded that alkaline cements, particularly Supercal, can show considerable resistance to bacterial penetration from constant saliva challenge, and provide superior sealing ability in comparison to resin cements. While this property is due mostly to dimensional stability, the release of hydroxide ions could be a contributing factor to impaired bacterial survival, and this aspect should be explored further.
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and subtypes in autopsy‐confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies

The purpose of this study was to determine whether dementia with Lewy bodies with and without probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder differ clinically or pathologically. Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior sleep disorder (n = 71) were compared with those without it (n = 19) on demographics, clinical variables (core features of dementia with Lewy bodies, dementia duration, rate of cognitive/motor changes), and pathologic indices (Lewy body distribution, neuritic plaque score, Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage). Individuals with probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder were predominantly male (82% vs 47%) and had a shorter duration of dementia (mean, 8 vs 10 years), earlier onset of parkinsonism (mean, 2 vs 5 years), and earlier onset of visual hallucinations (mean, 3 vs 6 years). These patients also had a lower Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage (stage IV vs stage VI) and lower neuritic plaque scores (18% vs 85% frequency), but no difference in Lewy body distribution. When probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder developed early (at or before dementia onset), the onset of parkinsonism and hallucinations was earlier and Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage was lower compared with those who developed the sleep disorder after dementia onset. Women with autopsy‐confirmed DLB without a history of dream enactment behavior during sleep had a later onset of hallucinations and parkinsonism and a higher Braak NFT stage. Probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is associated with distinct clinical and pathologic characteristics of dementia with Lewy bodies. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Newton's Method approach for Security Constrained OPF using TCSC

This paper presents Newton's Method approach for Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF) problem including TCSC. Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem is implemented using Newton's method aggregating all equality and inequality constraints. It is validated for two cases-base case and contingency case. In base case the objective is minimization of fuel cost and in contingency case line overloads are minimized. Contingency case involves single line outage which can lead to line overloads. To avoid overloads Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) is inserted in overloaded line. The optimal location of TCSC is determined by Severity Index (SI) of line. TCSC improves the security of system by reducing the overload on a line. Details of test results are presented to show the performance of SCOPF on IEEE 30-bus systems.
Goodput improvement for multipath TCP by congestion window adaptation in multi-radio devices

Multipath Transport Control Protocol (MPTCP) has been standardized by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to support simultaneous delivery of transport control protocol (TCP) packets over multiple interfaces of multi-radio mobile devices. Although MPTCP provides an efficient solution to aggregate the available bandwidth of multiple paths, the goodput of MPTCP is usually far lower than the aggregate throughput due to out-of-order received packets. One key reason for the out-of-order issue is the large variation of end-to-end delay for multiple paths over wireless channels. In this paper, we propose a congestion window adaption algorithm for the MPTCP source (referred to as CWA-MPTCP), which dynamically adjusts the congestion window for each TCP subflow so as to mitigate the variation of end-to-end path delay. We consider typical multipath transmission scenarios over wireless links, as well as a cooperative multi-hop wireless network with multiple relays. For wired paths with stable end-to-end delay, we further develop a proactive scheduling algorithm to determine the packet sending sequence to each path. This algorithm effectively reduces the out-of-order packets by predicting the receiving sequence. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the goodput performance of the two enhancements to MPTCP. Significant performance gain is achieved in terms of goodput, while the receive buffer requirement is minimized.
Maximizing the stability radius of a set of systems under real-time scheduling constraints

We address the problem of synthesising real-time embedded controllers taking into account constraints deriving from the implementation platform, thus exploring the relation between the processor's time (or "attention") devoted to different control tasks and the overall robustness of the resulting design. Assuming a time-triggered model of computation for tasks controlling a set of independent systems and a real-time preemptive scheduling policy managing a single CPU processor board, we deal with two problems: 1) deciding whether a performance specification can be attained on a candidate platform, 2) optimising performance on a platform. The considered performance metric is the minimum stability radius attained over the different feedback loops.
Mining Textual Data in Croatian Bojana

Business intelligence systems find textual data a very useful source of information. Text processing algorithms and systems in English and other world languages are well developed, which is not the case with Croatian language. This paper explores the applicability of existing systems and examines optimal parameters for Croatian. The quality of input data strongly influences clustering and classification results. Experiments are significantly better run after reducing noise. The impact of input learning set size and dimensionality are also considered. Special preprocessing for Croatian language consists of morphological normalisation, a useful step towards better results. Non-croatian specialised text mining tools are also applicable.
Optical polarization grating in semiconductors induced by exciton polaritons

A scattering-state approach is proposed to study the propagation of extremely short optical pulses through semiconductor heterostructures. The formalism is applied to the propagation of exciton polaritons: Our simulated experiments predict the formation of an exciton-induced polarization grating when the light pulse is resonant with the excitonic transition, and suggest proper physical conditions for its experimental detection. Moreover, our analysis of the polariton transport in thick semiconductor layers reveals a decrease of the average polariton group velocity as a function of time, which we ascribe to a re-emission\char22{}reabsorption of light by excitons.
Simulation of Tracking Time Delay Algorithm using Mathcad Package

This paper deals with tracking and estimating time delay between two signals. The simulation of this algorithm accomplished by using Mathcad package is carried out. the delay, so as to minimize the mean square of this error. Thus the algorithm in this case has task not only of seeking the minimum point of error but also of tracking the change of position, leading to a significant improving of performance. The flowchart of the algorithm is presented as well as several tests of different cases are carried out.
Adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine versus chemotherapy at relapse in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer submitted to radical cystectomy: an Italian, multicenter, randomized phase III trial.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to evaluate the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) versus surgery alone in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and ninety-four patients with pT2G3, pT3-4, N0-2 transitional cell bladder carcinoma were randomly allocated to control (92 patients) or to four courses of AC (102 patients). These latter patients were further randomly assigned to receive gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) days 1, 8 and 15 and cisplatin 70 mg/m(2) day 2 or gemcitabine as above plus cisplatin 70 mg/m(2) day 15, every 28 days. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 35 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 48.5%, with no difference between the two arms [P = 0.24, hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-1.99]. Mortality hazard was significantly correlated with Nodes (N) and Tumor (T) stage. The control and AC arms had comparable disease-free survival (42.3% and 37.2%, respectively; P = 0.70, HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.73-1.59). Only 62% of patients received the planned cycles. A significant higher incidence of thrombocytopenia was observed in patients receiving cisplatin on day 2 (P = 0.006). A similar global quality of life was observed in the two arms. CONCLUSION The study was underpowered to demonstrate that AC with cisplatin and gemcitabine improves OS and disease-free survival in patients with MIBC.