The Syntax-IS interface : on the functional discrepancies between Clitic Left Dislocation and ‘Bare Left Dislocation’ in modern Greek

Only in CLLD does the dislocated DP perform the discourse function [Topic] partitioning the utterance into [Topic] + [Comment]; cliticless non-focal dislocated DPs are solely fronted [Ground] information that partition the utterance into [Ground] + [New]. In other words, the two constructions correspond to two different information packaging strategies and grammaticalise two distinct Information Structure interface rules

High-speed multi-dimensional relative navigation for uncooperative space objects

This work proposes a high-speed Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) based navigation architecture that is appropriate for uncooperative relative space navigation applications. In contrast to current solutions that exploit 3D LIDAR data, our architecture transforms the odometry problem from the 3D space into multiple 2.5D ones and completes the odometry problem by utilizing a recursive filtering scheme. Trials evaluate several current state-of-the-art 2D keypoint detection and local feature description methods as well as recursive filtering techniques on a number of simulated but credible scenarios that involve a satellite model developed by Thales Alenia Space (France). Most appealing performance is attained by the 2D keypoint detector Good Features to Track (GFFT) combined with the feature descriptor KAZE, that are further combined with either the H∞ or the Kalman recursive filter. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to current algorithms, the GFTT/KAZE combination is highly appealing affording one order of magnitude more accurate odometry and a very low processing burden, which depending on the competitor method, may exceed one order of magnitude faster computation

Binary morphological shape-based interpolation applied to 3-D tooth reconstruction

In this paper we propose an interpolation algorithm using a mathematical morphology morphing approach. The aim of this algorithm is to reconstruct the $n$-dimensional object from a group of (n-1)-dimensional sets representing sections of that object. The morphing transformation modifies pairs of consecutive sets such that they approach in shape and size. The interpolated set is achieved when the two consecutive sets are made idempotent by the morphing transformation. We prove the convergence of the morphological morphing. The entire object is modeled by successively interpolating a certain number of intermediary sets between each two consecutive given sets. We apply the interpolation algorithm for 3-D tooth reconstruction

Regulating word order in modern Greek: verb initial and non-verb initial orders & the conceptual-intentional interface

I introduce the notions ‘configurational’, ‘discourse-configurational’, and the basics of the minimalist syntax, on the one hand, and notions relevant to information packaging, on the other hand (Chapter 1), in the following thee chapters I proceed to a detailed examination of the syntactic properties of verb-initial and non-verb initial orders, insisting on certain debated aspects. In particular, in Chapter 2, I compare the syntax of VSO and that of the ‘problematic’ VOS order; I show that what differentiates the two constructions is that the latter order is due to a flexible strategy in the narrow syntax that allows the object to pied-pipe alongside the verb to the TP domain. In Chapter 3, I discuss clitic doubling for which I put forward an alternative account involving feature copying that allows the same DP to occur in two positions in the structure at the same time. In this light, I further argue that clitic doubling is a parameterized version of A-movement. In Chapter 4, I deal with the properties of a range of constructions targeting the preverbal domain. I argue that the peculiar behaviour of CLLD is due to that it is the result of two operations, namely, A-movement in the form of clitic doubling and A-bar movement. I also show that non-focal LD is more productive than previously thought and that the construction involves mere A-bar movement. In the remaining two chapters I shift attention to issues related to the discourse-configurational nature of the language and information structure. After I discuss various models of integrating information structure into the minimalist grammar (Chapter 5), I argue that Information Structure can refer either to pragmatic articulations or more abstract logico-semantic strategies or both. Regarding the latter one, I show that Greek formally realizes via its word order two such strategies: a predicative and a non-predicative, the former surfacing as non-Verb initial orders and the latter one surfacing as verb-initial orders. In the second half of Chapter 6, I deal with the interpretive effects of doubling. In particular, I argue that doubling in Greek invariably marks a DP as a topic. I also show that non-focal left dislocated DPs in Greek are fronted ground material that serves as an anchor for the introduction of new information into the discourse. Chapter 7 summarizes the major contributions of the current thesis

Evaluating 3D local descriptors for future LIDAR missiles with automatic target recognition capabilities

Future light detection and ranging seeker missiles incorporating 3D automatic target recognition (ATR) capabilities can improve the missile’s effectiveness in complex battlefield environments. Considering the progress of local 3D descriptors in the computer vision domain, this paper evaluates a number of these on highly credible simulated air-to-ground missile engagement scenarios. The latter take into account numerous parameters that have not been investigated yet by the literature including variable missile – target range, 6-degrees-of-freedom missile motion and atmospheric disturbances. Additionally, the evaluation process utilizes our suggested 3D ATR architecture that compared to current pipelines involves more post-processing layers aiming at further enhancing 3D ATR performance. Our trials reveal that computer vision algorithms are appealing for missile-oriented 3D ATR

Giant Intradural Mucocele in a Patient with Adult Onset Seizures

A rare case of mucopyocele in a patient who presented with epileptic seizures is reported. The computed tomography scan (CT) and the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an intradural extension of a giant fronto-ethmoidal mucopyocele, eroding the cribriform plate and compressing both frontal lobes. The lesion was removed by craniotomy with elimination of the mass effect and reconstruction of the anterior skull base. An intracranial-intradural mucopyocele is an extremely rare cause of generalized convulsion as a presenting symptom, with only 6 cases reported in the literature. The total removal of the lesion associated with anterior fossa reconstruction is the treatment of choice

Performance evaluation of single and cross-dimensional feature detection and description

Three-dimensional (3D) local feature detection and description techniques are widely used for object registration and recognition applications. Although several evaluations of 3D local feature detection and description methods have already been published, these are constrained in a single dimensional scheme, i.e. either 3D or 2D methods that are applied onto multiple projections of the 3D data. However, cross-dimensional (mixed 2D and 3D) feature detection and description are yet to be investigated. Here, the authors evaluated the performance of both single and cross-dimensional feature detection and description methods on several 3D data sets and demonstrated the superiority of cross-dimensional over single-dimensional schemes

Swarm intelligence algorithms for optimising sliding wear of nanocomposites

This paper presents simulation results obtained by a set of modern algorithms adhering to swarm intelligence for minimising wear rate in the case of A356/Al2O3 nanocomposites produced using a compocasting process. Grey wolf optimisation (GWO) algorithm, moth-flame optimisation (MFO) algorithm, dragonfly algorithm (DA) and whale optimisation algorithm (WOA) were the algorithms under examination. A full quadratic regression equation that predicts wear rate, as the optimisation objective by considering reinforcement content, sliding speed, normal load and reinforcement size as the independent process parameters, was utilised as the objective function. Simulation results obtained by the selected algorithms were quite promising in terms of fast convergence and global optimum result arrival, thus prompting to further investigation of applying swarm intelligence to general problem-solving aspects related to tribology

Collagen proportionate area is an independent predictor of long-term outcome in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Collagen proportionate area (CPA) measurement is a technique that quantifies fibrous tissue in liver biopsies by measuring the amount of collagen deposition as a proportion of the total biopsy area. CPA predicts clinical outcomes in patients with HCV and can sub-classify cirrhosis. Aim: To test the ability of CPA to quantify fibrosis and predict clinical outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Methods: We assessed consecutive patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD from three European centres. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline and at the time of the last clinical follow-up or death. CPA was performed at two different objective magnifications, whole biopsy macro and 74 objective magnification, named standard (SM) and high (HM) magnification respectively. The correlation between CPA and liver stiffness was assessed in a sub-group of patients. Results: Of 437 patients, 32 (7.3%) decompensated and/or died from liver-related causes during a median follow-up of 103 months. CPA correlated with liver stiffness and liver fibrosis stage across the whole spectrum of fibrosis. HM CPA was significantly higher than SM CPA in stages F0-F3 but similar in cirrhosis, reflecting a higher ability to capture pericellular/perisinusoidal fibrosis at early stages. Age at baseline (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), HM CPA (HR: 1.04 per 1% increase, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08) and presence of advanced fibrosis (HR: 15.4, 95% CI: 5.02-47.84) were independent predictors of liver-related clinical outcomes at standard and competing risk multivariate Cox-regression analysis. Conclusions: CPA accurately measures fibrosis and is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in NAFLD; hence it merits further evaluation as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials