NN^k networks for Content-Based Image Retrieval

This paper describes a novel interaction technique to support content-based image search in large image collections. The idea is to represent each image as a vertex in a directed graph. Given a set of image features, an arc is established between two images if there exists at least one combination of features for which one image is retrieved as the nearest neighbour of the other. Each arc is weighted by the proportion of feature combinations for which the nearest neighbour relationship holds. By thus integrating the retrieval results over all possible feature combinations, the resulting network helps expose the semantic richness of images and thus provides an elegant solution to the problem of feature weighting in content-based image retrieval.We give details of the method used for network generation and describe the ways a user can interact with the structure. We also provide an analysis of the network’s topology and provide quantitative evidence for the usefulness of the technique

An analysis of Il Progresso Italo-Americo.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston Universit

Hadronic and electromagnetic probes of hot and dense matter in a Boltzmann+Hydrodynamics model of relativistic nuclear collisions

We present recent results on bulk observables and electromagnetic probes obtained using a hybrid approach based on the Ultrarelativistic Quantum Molecular Dynamics transport model with an intermediate hydrodynamic stage for the description of heavy-ion collisions at AGS, SPS and RHIC energies. After briefly reviewing the main results for particle multiplicities, elliptic flow, transverse momentum and rapidity spectra, we focus on photon and dilepton emission from hot and dense hadronic matter.Comment: To appear in the proceedings of WISH 2010: International Workshop on Interplay between Soft and Hard interactions in particle production at ultrarelativistic energies, Catania, Italy, 8-10 September 201

An innovative solid liquid extraction technology: use of the naviglio extractor for the production of lemon liquor.

This document is a review on solid-liquid extractive techniques and describes an innovative solid-liquid extraction technology using the Naviglio Extractor®. Also explained is an application for the production of alcoholic extract from lemon peel. The alcoholic extract, mixed with a sugar and water solution in the right proportions is used to make a well known Italian lemon liquor commonly named "limoncello". Lemon liquor is obtained utilizing the Naviglio Extractor®; the procedure used is fast and efficient and uses about half the weight of lemon peel per volume of ethyl alcohol used for the extraction of the odorous and taste responsible compounds, compared to the commonly used extraction procedures. To test the consumer’s preference and compare the taste of the liquor obtained with that obtained by peel maceration from the same lot of lemons and obtained using the traditional recipe, a consumer test has been carried out. One hundred people, chosen from among frequent consumers of limoncello, tasted the two lemon liquors, and evaluated intensity of aroma, colour, alcohol taste and sweetness. In about 81% of the preferences, the liquor obtained using the Naviglio Extractor® was preferred. The extraction process used allows the ethanol from used up lemon peel to be totally recovered so that these can be disposed of as non toxic waste or used in agriculture or as cattle feed

NMR Detection of Temperature-Dependent Magnetic Inhomogeneities in URu2Si2

We present 29Si-NMR relaxation and spectral data in URu2Si2. Our echo-decay experiments detect slowly fluctuating magnetic field gradients. In addition, we find that the echo-decay shape (time dependence) varies with temperature T and its rate behaves critically near the Neel temperature TN, indicating a correlation between the gradient fluctuations and the transition to small-moment order. T-dependent broadening contributions become visible below 100 Kelvin and saturate somewhat above TN, remaining saturated at lower temperatures. Together, the line width and shift suggest partial lattice distortions below TN. We propose an intrinsic minority phase below $T_{\rm N}$ and compare our results with one of the current theoretical models.Comment: 2 pages RevTeX, 1 figure, SCES 99-Japan, to appear in Physica

Crop Management Practices in Indiana Soybean Production Systems?

To meet the current and future needs of today\u27s soybean producer it is vital that agricultural researchers and Extension specialists clearly understand the production concerns of our clientele. The objective of this research was to characterize the current management practices of Indiana soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) growers, to identify specific educational needs, and to provide a framework for directing applied soybean research efforts. This assessment was conducted through a direct-mail survey. The results of this survey define distinct similarities and differences among growers of different farm operation size. Large acreage growers (\u3e1000 acres) were more likely to plant soybeans in rows spaced 11 to 20 inches, reduce seeding rates, plant earlier, and have higher yields. Large acreage growers were also more likely to own a yield monitor, conduct on-farm research, use a computer, and routinely use the Internet. Our research also identified different research and educational needs based on farm operation size. By specifically targeting these needs, agricultural researchers and Extension specialists may improve the economic and environmental sustainability of each clientele group

Bott--Kitaev periodic table and index theory

We consider topological insulators and superconductors with discrete symmetries and clarify the relevant index theory behind the periodic table proposed by Kitaev. An effective Hamiltonian determines the analytical index, which can be computed by a topological index. We focus on the spatial dimensions one, two and three, and only consider the bulk theory. In two dimensions, the $\mathbb{Z}$-valued invariants are given by the first Chern number. Meanwhile, $\mathbb{Z}_2$-valued invariants can be computed by the odd topological index and its variations. The Bott-Kitaev periodic table is well-known in the physics literature, we organize the topological invariants in the framework of KR-theory.Comment: 37 page

Esophageal Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation: When Esophagus Gives a Help to Cardiologists

Atrial fibrillation is a common clinical disease especially in the elderly and in patients with organic heart disease. Electrical cardioversion is the first choice therapeutic approach for patients in which sinus rhythm could improve the quality of life and where the maintenance of sinus rhythm is considered likely. There are different techniques to perform an electrical cardioversion, each with specific indications, advantages, and limitations. The method most frequently used to restore sinus rhythm is external direct current cardioversion; however, this technique has some disadvantages, since it requires a high energy and usually general anesthesia. Esophageal cardioversion is an alternative method to obtain restoration of sinus rhythm, warranting acute and long-term results absolutely comparable with those obtained by the conventional transthoracic technique, especially in obese and COPD patients with high thoracic impedance for whom the standard technique may be less effective

The PEP Survey: Infrared Properties of Radio-Selected AGN

By exploiting the VLA-COSMOS and the Herschel-PEP surveys, we investigate the Far Infrared (FIR) properties of radio-selected AGN. To this purpose, from VLA-COSMOS we considered the 1537, F[1.4 GHz]>0.06 mJy sources with a reliable redshift estimate, and sub-divided them into star-forming galaxies and AGN solely on the basis of their radio luminosity. The AGN sample is complete with respect to radio selection at all z<~3.5. 832 radio sources have a counterpart in the PEP catalogue. 175 are AGN. Their redshift distribution closely resembles that of the total radio-selected AGN population, and exhibits two marked peaks at z~0.9 and z~2.5. We find that the probability for a radio-selected AGN to be detected at FIR wavelengths is both a function of radio power and redshift, whereby powerful sources are more likely to be FIR emitters at earlier epochs. This is due to two distinct effects: 1) at all radio luminosities, FIR activity monotonically increases with look-back time and 2) radio activity of AGN origin is increasingly less effective at inhibiting FIR emission. Radio-selected AGN with FIR emission are preferentially located in galaxies which are smaller than those hosting FIR-inactive sources. Furthermore, at all z<~2, there seems to be a preferential (stellar) mass scale M ~[10^{10}-10^{11}] Msun which maximizes the chances for FIR emission. We find such FIR (and MIR) emission to be due to processes indistinguishable from those which power star-forming galaxies. It follows that radio emission in at least 35% of the entire AGN population is the sum of two contributions: AGN accretion and star-forming processes within the host galaxy.Comment: 13 pages, 14 figures, to appear in MNRA