240 research outputs found
Colour image segmentation by the vector-valued Allen-Cahn phase-field model: a multigrid solution
We propose a new method for the numerical solution of a PDE-driven model for
colour image segmentation and give numerical examples of the results. The
method combines the vector-valued Allen-Cahn phase field equation with initial
data fitting terms. This method is known to be closely related to the
Mumford-Shah problem and the level set segmentation by Chan and Vese. Our
numerical solution is performed using a multigrid splitting of a finite element
space, thereby producing an efficient and robust method for the segmentation of
large images.Comment: 17 pages, 9 figure
Code generator matrices as RNG conditioners
We quantify precisely the distribution of the output of a binary random
number generator (RNG) after conditioning with a binary linear code generator
matrix by showing the connection between the Walsh spectrum of the resulting
random variable and the weight distribution of the code. Previously known
bounds on the performance of linear binary codes as entropy extractors can be
derived by considering generator matrices as a selector of a subset of that
spectrum. We also extend this framework to the case of non-binary codes
Turbulence underneath the big calm? Exploring the micro-evidence behind the flat trend of manufacturing productivity in Italy
Italy ranked last in terms of manufacturing productivity growth according to OECD estimates over the last decade with a flat, if not declining, trend. In this work we investigate the underlying firm-level dynamics of enterprises on the grounds of a database developed by the Italian Statistical Office (ISTAT) covering the period 1989-2004 and containing information on more than 100,000 firms. Over the period not only the indicators of central tendency of the distribution of labour productivities have not significantly changed, but also the whole sectoral distributions have remained relatively stable over time, with their support at least not shrinking or even possibly widening over time. This is even more surprising if one takes into consideration the 'Euro' shock that occurred during the period of investigation. On the contrary we observe that inter-decile differences in productivity have been increasing. Further, heterogeneous firms' characteristics (i.e. export activity and innovativeness) appear to have contributed to boost such intra-industry differences. Given such wide heterogeneities we resort to quantile regressions to identify the impact of a set of regressors at different levels of the conditional distribution of labor productivity. One phenomenon that we observe is what we call a tendency toward 'neo-dualism' involving the co-existence of a small group of dynamic firms with a bigger ensemble of much less technologically progressive ones.productivity; firm dynamics; market selection; trade; euro shock; quantile regressions
An Endless Cycle: Borges and the Reciprocal Nature of Artistic Inspiration and Expression
This project will focus on an analysis of Jorge Luis Borges\u27 ideas regarding artistic creation, expression, inspiration and thought through several of his writings- specifically \u27Pierre Menard, autor del Quijote\u27, \u27Kafka y sus precursores\u27 and \u27Las ruinas circulares\u27. Using a framework constructed by this analysis, the paper will then delve into works that have heavily influenced Borges himself and then close with works that in turn were inspired by Borges. Among his inspirations are the works of Dante Alighieri and Franz Kafka, and some that were inspired by him include those of Umberto Eco and Julio Cortázar. Thus, the paper will essentially be a comprehensive look at the theoretical implications of Borges’ work, under an analytical lens founded in his own philosophy regarding artistic creation
Medical treatment of early stage and rare histological variants of epithelial ovarian cancer
Epithelial ovarian cancer is often considered a single pathological entity, but increasing evidence suggests that it is rather a group of different
neoplasms, each with unique pathological characteristics, molecular features, and clinical behaviours. This heterogeneity accounts for the
different sensitivity to antineoplastic drugs and makes the treatment of ovarian tumours a challenge.
For early-stage disease, as well as for heavily pre-treated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, the benefit of chemotherapy remains
uncertain.
Clear-cell, mucinous, low-grade serous, and endometrioid carcinomas show different molecular characteristics, which require different
therapeutic approaches. In the era of personalised cancer medicine, understanding the pathogenesis and the genetic background of each
subtype of epithelial ovarian tumour may lead to a tailored therapy, maximising the benefits of specific treatments and possibly reducing
the side effects. Furthermore, personal factors, such as the patient’s performance status, should be taken into account in the management
of ovarian cancer, with the aim of safeguarding the patients’ quality of life
Adaptation of an i-voting scheme to Italian Elections for Citizens Abroad
We adapt the Ara´ujo-Traor´e protocol to Italian elections,
with emphasis on anti-coercion measures. In this short paper we focus
on a new method for managing anti-coercion credentials for each voter
Two-tier blockchain timestamped notarization with incremental security
Digital notarization is one of the most promising services offered by modern
blockchain-based solutions. We present a digital notary design with incremental
security and cost reduced with respect to current solutions. A client of the
service receives evidence in three steps. In the first step, evidence is
received almost immediately, but a lot of trust is required. In the second
step, less trust is required, but evidence is received seconds later. Finally,
in the third step evidence is received within minutes via a public blockchain.Comment: Accepted for presentation at the 2nd Distributed Ledger Technology
Workshop (DLT 2019), Pis
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