Active regions for colour texture segmentation integrating region and boundary information

In this paper a colour texture segmentation method, which unifies region and boundary information, is proposed. The algorithm uses a coarse detection of the perceptual (colour and texture) edges of the image to adequately place and initialise a set of active regions. Colour texture of regions is modelled by the conjunction of non-parametric techniques of kernel density estimation (which allow to estimate the colour behaviour) and classical co-occurrence matrix based texture features. Therefore, region information is defined and accurate boundary information can be extracted to guide the segmentation process. Regions concurrently compete for the image pixels in order to segment the whole image taking both information sources into account. Furthermore, experimental results are shown which prove the performance of the proposed method

Unsupervised active regions for multiresolution image segmentation

An unsupervised approach to image segmentation which fuses region and boundary information is presented. The proposed approach takes advantage of the combined use of 3 different strategies: the guidance of seed placement, the control of decision criterion, and the boundary refinement. The new algorithm uses the boundary information to initialize a set of active regions which compete for the pixels in order to segment the whole image. The method is implemented on a multiresolution representation which ensures noise robustness as well as computation efficiency. The accuracy of the segmentation results has been proven through an objective comparative evaluation of the method

Does social capital reinforce technological inputs in the creation of knowledge? Evidence from the Spanish regions

In this paper we seek to verify the hypothesis that trust and cooperation between individuals, and between them and public institutions, can encourage technological innovation and the adoption of knowledge. Additionally, we test the extent to which the interaction of social capital with human capital and R&D expenditures improve their effect on a region’s ability to innovate. Our empirical evidence is taken from the Spanish regions and employs a knowledge production function and longitudinal count data models. Our results suggest that social capital correlates positively with innovation. Further, our analysis reveals a powerful interaction between human and social capital in the production of knowledge, whilst the complementarity with R&D efforts would seem less clear.

Panel Data Stochastic Convergence Analysis of the Mexican Regions

The stochastic convergence amongst Mexican Federal entities is analyzed in panel data framework. The joint consideration of cross-section dependence and multiple structural breaks is required to ensure that the statistical inference is based on statistics with good statistical properties. Once these features are accounted for, evidence in favour of stochastic convergence is found. Since stochastic convergence is a necessary, yet insufficient condition for convergence as predicted by economic growth models, the paper also investigates whether-convergence process has taken place. We found that the Mexican states have followed either heterogeneous convergence patterns or divergence process throughout the analyzed period.

Avantatges i inconvenients de la metodologia INE per a elaborar indicadors de la producció industrial per a les regions espanyoles

Conèixer l'evolució conjuntural del sector industrial, tant a nivell nacional com regional, és de gran importància. En aquest sentit, el retard en la publicació de les xifres de les Comptabilitats Nacionals/Regionals, fa necessària l'elaboració d'indicadors que permetin dur a terme un seguiment a curt termini de l'activitat industrial. Així, l'INE elabora un IPI mensual obtingut pel mètode directe pel conjunt de l'Estat. D'altra banda, al llarg dels darrers anys, a algunes comunitats autònomes espanyoles, s'han engegat projectes centrats en l'elaboració d'indicadors de l'activitat industrial regional, tot i que a partir de metodologies no homogènies. Per corregir aquesta situació, d'un temps ençà, a diferents fòrums s'ha proposat emprar la metodologia emprada per l'IDESCAT per elaborar l'indicador de la comunitat catalana com a alternativa per construir indicadors de l'activitat industrial regional, atès el seu bon comportament per Catalunya. Així, l'INE recentment ha publicat uns IPIs per les CA espanyoles d'acord amb dita metodologia. A aquest treball s'estudia la idoneïtat d'estendre l'esmentada metodologia a totes les regions espanyoles. Per això, es duu a terme una anàlisi comparativa centrada en (tres de) les quatre regions que disposen d'un IPI elaborat pel mètode directe: Andalusia, Astúries i el País Basc.

Local human capital and productivity: An analysis for Spanish regions

In this paper, we examine the relationship between the stock of human capital and productivity in the Spanish regions (NUTS III), and assess whether the transmission channel involves external economies. The empirical evidence points to a positive relationship between the two variables, although it cannot be explained in terms of the impact of exogenous local human capital external economies, but rather in terms of other demand factors.

Evaluation of sample processing methods for the polar contaminant analysis of sewage sludge using liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC/MS)

Monitoring of sewage sludge has proved the presence of many polar anthropogenic pollutants since LC/MS techniques came into routine use. While advanced techniques may improve characterizations, flawed sample processing procedures, however, may disturb or disguise the presence and fate of many target compounds present in this type of complex matrix before analytical process starts. Freeze-drying or oven-drying, in combination with centrifugation or filtration as sample processing techniques were performed followed by visual pattern recognition of target compounds for assessment of pretreatment processes. The results shown that oven-drying affected the sludge characterization, while freeze-drying led to less analytical misinterpretations.

Chemical composition of volatiles from male and female specimens of Baccharis trimera collected in two distant regions of southern brazil: a comparative study using chemometrics

GC/MS/FID analyses of volatile compounds from cladodes and inflorescences from male and female specimens of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. collected in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, Brazil, showed that carquejyl acetate was the primary volatile component (38% to 73%), while carquejol and ledol were identified in lower concentrations. Data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, which confirmed that the chemical compositions of all samples were similar. The results presented here highlight the occurrence of the same chemotype of B. trimera in three southern states of Brazil.

Variability in ribosomal DNA genic and spacer regions in Verticillium dahliae isolates from different hosts

Using PCR-based assays with specific primers for amplification of the ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer region (IGS) and a portion of the mitochondrial DNA small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (mtDNA SSU rRNA), the genetic variability among Verticillium dahliae isolates from olive (Olea europaea) and other host species from Argentina and Brazil was estimated. The derived UPGMA-generated phenograms based upon the restriction fingerprinting data of rDNA IGS products revealed genetic differences, correlating with the host of origin. Isolates infecting olive genetically distinct from those from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Digestion of mitochondrial DNA SSU rRNA PCR products revealed less variability, distinguishing only one isolate from sunflower. Ribosomal DNA ITS restriction patterns were identical for all isolates of V. dahliae, irrespective of host of origin. These preliminary results may have relevance for Verticillium wilt control practices, possibly reflecting a different evolutionary origin, or reproductive isolation of the pathogen in olive, distinct from populations of other hosts.

The figure of the earth, determined from observations made by order of the French King, at the polar circle: by Messrs de Maupertuis, Camus, Clairaut, Le Monnier, members of the Royal Academy of Sciences, the abbé Outhier, correspondent of the Academy, and Mr. Celsius, professor of astronomy at Upsal : translated from the French of M. de Maupertuis.

Digital reproduction, The National Library of Finland, Centre for Preservation and Digitisation, Mikkeli

Low-flow estimates in regions of extrapolation of the regionalization equations: a new concept

ABSTRACT Knowledge of natural water availability, which is characterized by low flows, is essential for planning and management of water resources. One of the most widely used hydrological techniques to determine streamflow is regionalization, but the extrapolation of regionalization equations beyond the limits of sample data is not recommended. This paper proposes a new method for reducing overestimation errors associated with the extrapolation of regionalization equations for low flows. The method is based on the use of a threshold value for the maximum specific low flow discharge estimated at the gauging sites that are used in the regionalization. When a specific low flow, which has been estimated using the regionalization equation, exceeds the threshold value, the low flow can be obtained by multiplying the drainage area by the threshold value. This restriction imposes a physical limit to the low flow, which reduces the error of overestimating flows in regions of extrapolation. A case study was done in the Urucuia river basin, in Brazil, and the results showed the regionalization equation to perform positively in reducing the risk of extrapolation.

Thermal efficiency of individual shelters for girolando calves in brazilian semi-arid regions

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal efficiency of roofs used on individual shelters during milk-feeding stage of Girolando calves. The research was conducted at a farm located in a dry region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 27 Holstein × Gir dairy crossbred calves housed in shelters with three roofing materials (fibre cement tile, recycled tile, and thatched roofs). The recycled tiles and thatched roofs provided reductions of 18.7 and 14.6% in radiant thermal load, respectively. Regardless the roofing material, all animals increased their respiratory rate to maintain thermal equilibrium.

Morfologia do primeiro corpúsculo polar e taxas de fertilização, clivagem e qualidade embrionária

OBJETIVO: determinar a relação entre a morfologia do primeiro corpúsculo polar (CP) de oócitos humanos e as taxas de fertilização e clivagem e a qualidade embrionária em procedimentos de Injeção Intracitoplasmática de Espermatozóide (ICSI). MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo de 582 ciclos consecutivos de ICSI no período de julho de 2003 a julho de 2005. A morfologia do primeiro CP foi avaliada com revisão de 3.177 oócitos em metáfase II, imediatamente antes da realização da ICSI, sempre pelo mesmo observador. O CP foi classificado nas seguintes categorias: CP intacto e de tamanho normal, CP fragmentado ou CP de tamanho aumentado. Avaliamos as taxas de fertilização e de clivagem, o número e a proporção de embriões de boa qualidade em cada um dos três grupos avaliados 48 horas após a ICSI (D2). Foram considerados de boa qualidade os embriões com quatro células, sem fragmentação e com blastômeros simétricos em D2. RESULTADOS: as taxas de fertilização, clivagem e de formação de embriões de boa qualidade resultantes da inseminação de oócitos com o CP aumentado (20,7, 18,7 e 5%, respectivamente) foram significativamente menores que as de oócitos com o CP intacto e de tamanho normal (70,8, 62,5 e 19%, respectivamente) ou CP fragmentado (69,7, 60,5 e 17,1%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: observamos que a presença do primeiro CP aumentado relaciona-se com piores taxas de fertilização, clivagem e de formação de embriões de má qualidade. Entretanto, a fragmentação no primeiro CP parece não interferir nos resultados da ICSI.