Multilayer Complex Network Descriptors for Color-Texture Characterization

A new method based on complex networks is proposed for color-texture analysis. The proposal consists on modeling the image as a multilayer complex network where each color channel is a layer, and each pixel (in each color channel) is represented as a network vertex. The network dynamic evolution is accessed using a set of modeling parameters (radii and thresholds), and new characterization techniques are introduced to capt information regarding within and between color channel spatial interaction. An automatic and adaptive approach for threshold selection is also proposed. We conduct classification experiments on 5 well-known datasets: Vistex, Usptex, Outex13, CURet and MBT. Results among various literature methods are compared, including deep convolutional neural networks with pre-trained architectures. The proposed method presented the highest overall performance over the 5 datasets, with 97.7 of mean accuracy against 97.0 achieved by the ResNet convolutional neural network with 50 layers.Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures and 4 table

Transport on weighted Networks: when correlations are independent of degree

Most real-world networks are weighted graphs with the weight of the edges reflecting the relative importance of the connections. In this work, we study non degree dependent correlations between edge weights, generalizing thus the correlations beyond the degree dependent case. We propose a simple method to introduce weight-weight correlations in topologically uncorrelated graphs. This allows us to test different measures to discriminate between the different correlation types and to quantify their intensity. We also discuss here the effect of weight correlations on the transport properties of the networks, showing that positive correlations dramatically improve transport. Finally, we give two examples of real-world networks (social and transport graphs) in which weight-weight correlations are present.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure

Salvage Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for a Failed Achilles Repair: Endoscopic Technique

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer is a well-established treatment option in failed Achilles tendon (AT) repair and has been routinely performed as an open procedure. We detail the surgical steps needed to perform an arthroscopic transfer of the FHL for a chronic AT rupture. The FHL tendon is harvested as it enters in its tunnel beneath the sustentaculum tali; a tunnel is then drilled in the calcaneus as near to the AT footprint as possible. By use of a suture-passing device, the free end of the FHL is advanced to the plantar aspect of the foot. After adequate tension is applied to the construct, the tendon is fixed in place with an interference screw in an inside-out fashion. This minimally invasive approach is a safe and valid alternative to classic open procedures with the obvious advantages of preserving the soft-tissue envelope and using a biologically intact tendon

Ab-initio study of the relation between electric polarization and electric field gradients in ferroelectrics

The hyperfine interaction between the quadrupole moment of atomic nuclei and the electric field gradient (EFG) provides information on the electronic charge distribution close to a given atomic site. In ferroelectric materials, the loss of inversion symmetry of the electronic charge distribution is necessary for the appearance of the electric polarization. We present first-principles density functional theory calculations of ferroelectrics such as BaTiO3, KNbO3, PbTiO3 and other oxides with perovskite structures, by focusing on both EFG tensors and polarization. We analyze the EFG tensor properties such as orientation and correlation between components and their link with electric polarization. This work supports previous studies of ferroelectric materials where a relation between EFG tensors and polarization was observed, which may be exploited to study ferroelectric order when standard techniques to measure polarization are not easily applied.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, 5 tables, corrected typos, as published in Phys. Rev.

Discrete approximations for strict convex continuous time problems and duality

We propose a discrete approximation scheme to a class of Linear Quadratic Continuous Time Problems. It is shown, under positiveness of the matrix in the integral cost, that optimal solutions of the discrete problems provide a sequence of bounded variation functions which converges almost everywhere to the unique optimal solution. Furthermore, the method of discretization allows us to derive a number of interesting results based on finite dimensional optimization theory, namely, Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions of optimality and weak and strong duality. A number of examples are provided to illustrate the theory.8110

Neuropathic pain after breast cancer treatment and its impact on sleep quality one year after cancer diagnosis

OBJECTIVES: Data regarding the impact of breast cancer treatment-related neuropathic pain (NP) on sleep quality are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of breast cancer treatment-related NP on patients' sleep quality, during the first year after cancer diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 501 breast cancer patients were followed prospectively. Incident NP was identified through systematic evaluations after treatments and one year after enrolment. NP severity was quantified using the Brief Pain Inventory severity subscale and sleep quality was evaluated through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), at baseline and after one year. Adjusted regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to quantify the relation between NP and the variation in the PSQI z-scores. RESULTS: The occurrence of NP was associated with a deterioration in sleep quality during the first year of follow-up, more pronounced among those with good sleep quality (PSQI≤5) than those with poor sleep quality at baseline (PSQI>5) (β = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.11 to 0.77 versus β = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.08 to 0.59). These differences were accentuated when only the cases of NP with greater severity were considered (β = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.37 to 1.35 versus β = 0.31, 95%CI: -0.08 to 0.64). Within the PSQI components, daytime dysfunction and sleep duration were the most impaired by NP. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of the promotion of sleep hygiene among breast cancer patients diagnosed with NP, especially among those with good sleep quality before treatments.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Numerical modelling code based on the finite volume method in unstructured grids

In this work, the implementation employed in the new modeling code is described. It is based on the FVM with on a SIMPLE type scheme suitable for unstructured meshes.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Evolução da vegetação de um campo natural (excluído e pastejado) e auto-ecologia de plantas indesejáveis.

A dinâmica da vegaetação campestre, assim como a auto-ecologia de cinco espécies indesejáveis (Eupatorium buniifolium - "chirca", Erianthus angustifolius - "macega", Baccharis coridifolia - "mio-mio", B. trimera - "carqueja", Eryngium horridum - caraguaté) foram estudadas durante 5 anos, visando obter informações sobre a evolução da vegetação e dados fenológicos das espécies indesejáveis.bitstream/item/110556/1/EVOLUCAO-DA-VEGETACAO.pd

Development of numerical tools to aid the design of complex geometry profile extrusion dies

The research team of this work is involved since the mid-nineties on the development of computational tools to aid the design of profile extrusion dies. Initially, the numerical code employed was based on structured meshes that limited its application to simple geometries. The work planned in this PhD programme comprises the development of a numerical modelling code able to deal with unstructured meshes and its application on the design of profile extrusion dies comprising complex cross sections. In its current state the numerical code under development is able to model de flow of generalized Newtonian fluids inside flow channels using unstructured meshes. This paper describes briefly the current state of the developed code and illustrates its application in a case study involving the design of a profile extrusion die comprising a complex cross section

Design of complex profile extrusion dies through numerical modeling

The achievement of a balanced flow is one of the major tasks encompassed in the design of profile extrusion dies [1]. For this purpose numerical modeling codes may be a very useful aid. The research team involved in this work has been working during the last decade on the development of numerical tools to aid the conception of extrusion dies [1,2]. The design code developed so far carries out the automatic search of a final geometry via an optimization routine coupled with geometry and mesh generators and a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code based on the finite volume method (FVM). This CFD code is able to model the flow of polymer melts in confined channels, but is inadequate to deal with complex geometries, since it is limited to structured meshes. This work describes the recent efforts made to enlarge the scope of the design procedures, that are currently focused on the development of a modeling code able to deal with unstructured meshes. This code solves the continuity and linear momentum conservation equations, with generalized Newtonian fluids, using a SIMPLE based approach. This paper describes the developed numerical modelling code and its employment in a case study that involves the design of a medical catheter extrusion die, focused on the search of a balanced flow distribution. The results obtained show that the developed numerical code is able to deal with complex geometrical problems, being thus a valuable tool to aid the design of extrusion dies to produce complex profiles.The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia through the PhD Grant SFRH/BD43632/2008 and FCT (COMPETE Program) under the Projects FCOMP-01-0124 - FEDER-010190 (Ref. PTDC/EME - MFE/102729/2008) and FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-015126 (Refa. FCT PTDC/EME-MFE/113988/2009), and FEDER, via FCT, under the PEst-C/CTM/LA0025/2011 (Strategic Project - LA 25 - 2011-2012)