Improving object segmentation by using EEG signals and rapid serial visual presentation

This paper extends our previous work on the potential of EEG-based brain computer interfaces to segment salient objects in images. The proposed system analyzes the Event Related Potentials (ERP) generated by the rapid serial visual presentation of windows on the image. The detection of the P300 signal allows estimating a saliency map of the image, which is used to seed a semi-supervised object segmentation algorithm. Thanks to the new contributions presented in this work, the average Jaccard index was improved from $0.47$ to $0.66$ when processed in our publicly available dataset of images, object masks and captured EEG signals. This work also studies alternative architectures to the original one, the impact of object occupation in each image window, and a more robust evaluation based on statistical analysis and a weighted F-score

The QCD transition temperature: results with physical masses in the continuum limit II.

We extend our previous study [Phys. Lett. B643 (2006) 46] of the cross-over temperatures (T_c) of QCD. We improve our zero temperature analysis by using physical quark masses and finer lattices. In addition to the kaon decay constant used for scale setting we determine four quantities (masses of the \Omega baryon, K^*(892) and \phi(1020) mesons and the pion decay constant) which are found to agree with experiment. This implies that --independently of which of these quantities is used to set the overall scale-- the same results are obtained within a few percent. At finite temperature we use finer lattices down to a <= 0.1 fm (N_t=12 and N_t=16 at one point). Our new results confirm completely our previous findings. We compare the results with those of the 'hotQCD' collaboration.Comment: 19 pages, 8 figures, 3 table

2017 update of the WSES guidelines for emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias

Emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias may be associated with worsen outcome and a significant rate of postoperative complications. There is no consensus on management of complicated abdominal hernias. The main matter of debate is about the use of mesh in case of intestinal resection and the type of mesh to be used. Wound infection is the most common complication encountered and represents an immense burden especially in the presence of a mesh. The recurrence rate is an important topic that influences the final outcome. A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference was held in Bergamo in July 2013 with the aim to define recommendations for emergency repair of abdominal wall hernias in adults. This document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference approved by a WSES expert panel. In 2016, the guidelines have been revised and updated according to the most recent available literature.Peer reviewe

WSES guidelines for emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias

Peer reviewe

Kinetic study of propane oxidative dehydrogenation over a Ni-Co molybdate catalyst

In the field of selective oxidation, the utilization of the alkanes as raw materials instead of the alkenes for the production of many chemicals (alkenes, aldehydes, nitriles and acids) is a recent and cheaper way. Unfortunately, nowadays only two transformations of the alkanes into more valuable products led to an industrial implementation. A kinetic study of the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) over a Ni-Co molybdate catalyst was carried out under steady-state and transient conditions. The influence of four variables (the partial pressures of propane and oxygen, the propane space-time and the temperature) over the propylene selectivity was derived. A consecutive reaction network was proposed in which propylene is obtained by the oxidehydrogenation of propane, while carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are consequently produced by the propylene oxidation. The discrimination among 11 plausible models has revealed that two models type surface oxido-reduction are the most adequate for the ODHP. The results of transient step-response method confirmed a surface oxido-reduction mechanism and the competition between propane and propylene for the same adsorption sites.Doctorat en sciences appliquées (FSA 3)--UCL, 200