A mass-transportation approach to a one dimensional fluid mechanics model with nonlocal velocity

We consider a one dimensional transport model with nonlocal velocity given by the Hilbert transform and develop a global well-posedness theory of probability measure solutions. Both the viscous and non-viscous cases are analyzed. Both in original and in self-similar variables, we express the corresponding equations as gradient flows with respect to a free energy functional including a singular logarithmic interaction potential. Existence, uniqueness, self-similar asymptotic behavior and inviscid limit of solutions are obtained in the space $\mathcal{P}_{2}(\mathbb{R})$ of probability measures with finite second moments, without any smallness condition. Our results are based on the abstract gradient flow theory developed in \cite{Ambrosio}. An important byproduct of our results is that there is a unique, up to invariance and translations, global in time self-similar solution with initial data in $\mathcal{P}_{2}(\mathbb{R})$, which was already obtained in \textrm{\cite{Deslippe,Biler-Karch}} by different methods. Moreover, this self-similar solution attracts all the dynamics in self-similar variables. The crucial monotonicity property of the transport between measures in one dimension allows to show that the singular logarithmic potential energy is displacement convex. We also extend the results to gradient flow equations with negative power-law locally integrable interaction potentials

Statistical region based active contour using a fractional entropy descriptor: Application to nuclei cell segmentation in confocal microscopy images

We propose an unsupervised statistical region based active contour approach integrating an original fractional entropy measure for image segmentation with a particular application to single channel actin tagged fluorescence confocal microscopy image segmentation. Following description of statistical based active contour segmentation and the mathematical definition of the proposed fractional entropy descriptor, we demonstrate comparative segmentation results between the proposed approach and standard Shannon’s entropy on synthetic and natural images. We also show that the proposed unsupervised statistical based approach, integrating the fractional entropy measure, leads to very satisfactory segmentation of the cell nuclei from which shape characterization can be calculated

Computer-Assisted Segmentation of Videocapsule Images Using Alpha-Divergence-Based Active Contour in the Framework of Intestinal Pathologies Detection

Visualization of the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract through natural orifices is a challenge for endoscopists. Videoendoscopy is currently the “gold standard” technique for diagnosis of different pathologies of the intestinal tract. Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) has been developed in the 1990's as an alternative to videoendoscopy to allow direct examination of the gastrointestinal tract without any need for sedation. Nevertheless, the systematic post-examination by the specialist of the 50,000 (for the small bowel) to 150,000 images (for the colon) of a complete acquisition using WCE remains time-consuming and challenging due to the poor quality of WCE images. In this article, a semiautomatic segmentation for analysis of WCE images is proposed. Based on active contour segmentation, the proposed method introduces alpha-divergences, a flexible statistical similarity measure that gives a real flexibility to different types of gastrointestinal pathologies. Results of segmentation using the proposed approach are shown on different types of real-case examinations, from (multi-) polyp(s) segmentation, to radiation enteritis delineation

Entorno arqueológico de La Camareta (Hellín, Albacete)

In this article a description is given of the archeological exploration of the Prehistoric and Roman settlement in the environs of the hermitage of La Camareta, which help understand the reasons of the localization in this area and its survival after the disappearance of the Roman occupation and its role in the Late Antiquity context.En este artículo se describe la exploración arqueológica del asentamiento prehistórico y romano en el entorno del eremitorio de La Camareta, cosa que ayudará a comprender las razones de la localización en esta área y su supervivencia tras la desaparición de la ocupación romana y su papel en el contexto de la Antigüedad Tardía

Robust Real-Time Segmentation of Images and Videos Using a Smooth-Spline Snake-Based Algorithm

International audienc

DigiArt: towards a virtualization of Cultural Heritage

DigiArt is a Europe-wide project aimed at providing a new, cost efficient solution to the capture, processing and display of cultural artefacts. The project will change the ways in which the public interact with cultural objects and spaces in a dramatic way. This project is unique in its collaborative approach: cultural heritage professionals working directly with electrical, mechanical, optical and software engineers to develop a solution to current issues faced by the museum sector. The innovations created by the engineers are driven by the demand of the cultural heritage sector. The diversity of the objects and spaces of the three test museums are challenging the engineers to provide a tool useful for a broad variety of indoor and outdoor museums in the future. This goes from using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs or drones) to fly and record large sites, to using scanners to record fine jewellery. As a case study, we present here the use-case of Scladina Cave. At the end of the project, the Scladina Cave Archaeological Centre will offer two different visitor experiences. The first uses virtual reality, which will be available anytime, anywhere, to anyone with an internet connected device. The second will use augmented reality technologies within the cave site. The augmented reality visit of the cave will enhance the tour of Scladina by offering visits that would not be possible where it not for the augmented reality, where 3D objects and animations will contribute to offer a new 3D-immersive experience

Patterns of adherence to and compliance with the Portuguese smoke-free law in the leisure-hospitality sector

CIEC – Research Centre on Child Studies, UM (FCT R&D 317)Background: In 2008, the Portuguese smoke-free law came into effect including partial bans in the leisure-hospitality (LH) sector. The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of smoking control policies (total ban, smoking permission and designated smoking areas) adopted by the LH sector in Portugal. The levels of noncompliance with each policy are investigated as well as the main factors associated with smoking permission and noncompliance with the law. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between January 2010 and May 2011. A random sample of venues was selected from the Portuguese LH sector database, proportionally stratified according to type, size and geographical area. All venues were assessed in loco by an observer. The independent effects of venues’ characteristics on smoking permission and the level of noncompliance with the law were explored using logistic regression. Results: Overall, 1.412 venues were included. Total ban policy was adopted by 75.9% of venues, while 8.4% had designated smoking areas. Smoking ban was more prevalent in restaurants (85.9%). Only 29.7% of discos/bars/pubs opted for complete ban. Full or partial smoking permission was higher in discos/bar/pubs (OR = 7.37; 95%CI 4.87 to 11.17). Noncompliance with the law was higher in venues allowing smoking and lower in places with complete ban (33.6% and 7.6% respectively, p, 0.001). Discos/bars/pubs with full smoking permission had the highest level of noncompliance (OR = 3.31; 95%CI 1.40 to 7.83). Conclusions: Our findings show a high adherence to smoking ban policy by the Portuguese LH sector. Nonetheless, one quarter of the venues is fully or partially permissive towards smoking, with the discos/bars/pubs considerably contributing to this situation. Venues with smoking permission policies were less compliant with the legislation. The implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free law, without any exceptions, is essential to effectively protect people from the second hand smoke.The work is part of a large Epidemiological Study on the Portuguese Tobacco Control Policy, developed by the Instituto de Medicina Preventiva da Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa and supported, in its preliminary part, by the Direccao Geral da Saude (DGS) and, in the second part, by the national funding institution Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript