A Discrete Model for Histogram Shaping

The aim of this article is to present a discrete model for histogram shaping. This is an important image transformation with several practical applications. The model that is proposed is based on a generalization of the inferior part function. Finally, an algorithm based on this model is developed

Learning to use the Internet as a study tool: a review of available resources and exploration of students' priorities

Background: The Internet is a valuable information tool, but users often struggle to locate good quality information from within the vast amount of information available. Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify the online information resources available to assist students develop Internet searching skills, and to explore the students' priorities in online guides. Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted with two phases. The first was a structured search of available online study skills resources. The second comprised 10 group interviews with a total of 60 students at all stages of five undergraduate health and social care related courses at a UK university. Results: The study found that there were good online guides available, but that, perversely, the better guides tended to require the best searching skills to locate them. A few students were enthusiastic about using online support, however the majority felt that if they had the skills to locate such resources they wouldn't use a study guide to improve these skills, and if they did not have the skills they would not think of using an online guide to develop them. Conclusions: Students wanted assistance when they had problems or questions, rather than sites that offered structured learning experiences. Personal support rather than virtual support was also considered to be most important to the students in this study

James Barron Hope : Virginia\u27s Poet-Laureate

Previous to the Civil War comparatively little literary work had been done in the south. Of course if we take into consideration all kinds of composition, such as narratives of adventure, diaries, histories, speeches, sermons and the like, we are forced to admit that the total amount was very large. But when we speak of literature in the higher and more restricted sense, we mean that which stimulates the imagination, awakens thought and aims to please as well as to instruct. And, using the word in this narrow and more restricted sense, it is quite evident that there had been quite a scarcity of literature in the south. In the realm of southern poetry, unquestionably the three greatest names since 1865 are Sidney Lanier of Georgia, Paul Hamilton Hayne of South Carolina, and James Barron Hope of Virginia. The last-named of this illustrious trio is selected as the subject of this paper

Frame synchronization performance and analysis

The analysis used to generate the theoretical models showing the performance of the frame synchronizer is described for various frame lengths and marker lengths at various signal to noise ratios and bit error tolerances

Mountain World in Danger: Climate Change in the Forests and Mountains of Europe

The changing climate, the warming of the world and acid rain are among the greatest problems facing us at the end of the twentieth century. This book describes, for the first time, the effects of these phenomena on the high mountains and forests of Europe. Mountains and the frozen regions (the cyrosphere) not only pay a major part in our climatic system, but are also central to our water supplies. Yet our glaciers are shrinking, our lakes and soils are becoming acidified, our forests are damaged and the whole fragile ecosystem of ranges like the Alps and Caucasus are threatened. The authors explain the evidence and assess the probable effects of these changes on mountain society, tourism, water, flora and fauna; they also examine the uncertainties. Above all they examine the best possible strategies in response to what is happening and what the next steps should be

Review of the ACT Government's harm minimisation measures

This report outlines research on the effects of three harm minimisation measures introduced between 1993 and 2002 in the ACT: • a $10 maximum bet on EGMs (electronic gaming machines, or ‘poker’ machines); • a mandatory three-hour shutdown of gaming machines each day; • restriction on cash payment of winnings. The Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulations require that winnings above$1,000 must be paid by non-cash means such as a cheque or electronic transfer. ¶ The report also provides a summary of the ACT gambling and regulatory environment and a policy chronology, with particular focus on the history and objectives of the ACT harm minimisation measures under review.This report was commisioned by ACT GAmbling and Racing Commissio

Influence of Building Characteristics and Building Lifespan on Condominium Operating Expenses

This paper is an exploration of building lifespan, building characteristics, and operating expenses. The main objectives are to identify the building component lifespan, including architectural components and engineering components, to determine the pattern of building component replacement life cycle and to examine the relationship between building characteristics and facility operating expenses. The investigation was undertaken through a study of thirty-nine residential condominiums located in Bangkok. The expense data were collected through document searches and surveys with key juristic persons of each condominium. The building service life document was collected from international references and standards. The data were examined using cross-case analysis to identify the lifespan of the buildings and to identify the relationships between the condominium operating expenses and the characteristics of the buildings. It was found that the typical building replacements occur on a broad 60-year cycle that can be subdivided into several phases. Further findings indicate that a significant pattern of building component replacement shifts every two decades through the building lifespan. It was also found that the condominium operating expenses vary according to the building age and building characteristics. Direct variation, inverse variation, and joint variation from the characteristics of the condominium building can be identified. The findings add to the understanding of condominium operating expenses based on building characteristics. The study can provide a reference for consideration of building selection criteria and replacement plans, and for building budget planning based on age and building characteristics