Recursive analysis and estimation for the discrete Boolean random set model

Random sets provide a powerful class of models for images containing randomly placed objects of random shapes and orientation. Those pixels within the foreground are members of a random set realization. The discrete Boolean model is the simplest general random set model in which a Bernoulli point process (called a germ process) is coupled with an independent shape or grain process. A typical realization consists of many overlapping shapes. Estimation in these models is difficult owing to the fact that many outcomes of the process obscure other outcomes. The directional one-dimensional (ID) model, in which random- length line segments emanate to the right from germs on the line, is analyzed via recursive expressions to provide a complete characterization of these discrete models in terms of the distributions of their black and white runlengths. An analytic representation is given for the optimal windowed filter for the signalunion- noise process, where both signal and noise are Boolean models. Several of these results are extended to the nondirectional case where segments can emanate to the left and right. Sufficient conditions are presented for a two-dimensional (2D) discrete Boolean model to induce a one dimensional Boolean model on an intersecting line. When inducement holds, the likelihood of runlength observations of the two-dimensional model is used to provide maximum-likelihood estimation of parameters of the 2D model. The ID directional discrete Boolean model is equivalent to the discrete-time infinite-server queue. Analysis for the Boolean model is extended to provide densities for many random variables of interest in queueing theory

Sculpture for All Competition & Exhibition

Sculpture for All Competition and Exhibition held at Stephen F. Austin State University. Catalo

Microbiome of Commercial Broilers through Evisceration and Immersion Chilling

The United States poultry industry generated 38.6 billion pounds (17,500 metric ton) of meat in 2014 which averaged to 121 pounds (55 kg) per individual of the U.S that same year. Of that meat generated by the poultry industry, an estimated 1 million cases of Salmonellosis will occur. Out of the 1 million cases approximately 40, 000 to 50,000 will be confirmed cases by the CDC. Recently, the USDA has requested changes in the inspection process and are currently allowing processors more freedom to utilize innovation to drive the increase in safer and more desirable foods. The new standards set forth by the USDA and the willingness to be more flexible with processors will create an atmosphere conducive for the development of new technologies, process design, and antimicrobial intervention strategies that are synergistic with the rate at which large scale production occurs. In this review, the production process will be explored in conjunction with the regulatory statutes that govern poultry slaughter. Additionally, the mechanism in which antimicrobials interact with bacteria and the employment of Next Generation Sequencing to gain better insight of how the intervention strategies decontaminate raw meat

Sleep Baby Sleep Waltz

Woman sitting on bench holding baby with house in backgroundhttps://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/cht-sheet-music/11299/thumbnail.jp

Mixed Data and Classification of Transit Stops

An analysis of the characteristics and behavior of individual bus stops can reveal clusters of similar stops, which can be of use in making routing and scheduling decisions, as well as determining what facilities to provide at each stop. This paper provides an exploratory analysis, including several possible clustering results, of a dataset provided by the Regional Transit Service of Rochester, NY. The dataset describes ridership on public buses, recording the time, location, and number of entering and exiting passengers each time a bus stops. A description of the overall behavior of bus ridership is followed by a stop-level analysis. We compare multiple measures of stop similarity, based on location, route information, and ridership volume over time

A survey of the coverage, use and application of ancient woodland indicator lists in the UK

This report presents the results of a survey into the current use of ancient woodland indicator species lists in the UK. The idea of using species particularly vascular plants as indicators of ancient woodlands can be dated back to the 1970s and the work of Peterken. Since then a wide number of lists of Ancient Woodland Indicators (AWIs)have been produced, some based on expert opinions, some utilising field surveys, others adapted from existing lists. Recently developed lists, e.g. the lists for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been based on either robust reviews of existing lists, and/or expert opinion and/or field surveys and statistical analysis. Concerns however have been expressed regarding the use of lists and these concerns appear to be supported by the uncritical use of indicator species in recent planning inquiries, e.g. not recognising that indicators are indicators and considering them to be the key value of a woodland. A survey was undertaken of relevant individuals working in biological record centres, local authorities and key agencies across the UK. The survey sought to identify what lists of Ancient Woodland Indicators are currently in use, where possible to determine the methods used in developing these lists. The survey also sought to assess the awareness of ancient woodland indicator lists and review the ways in which these were used. A total of 419 questionnaires were sent out; a response rate of 11% was obtained. Follow up phone conversations were held with key individuals involved in developing ancient woodland indicator lists. Responses were received from all counties excluding: Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, Essex, Huntingdonshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. In addition, the Lancashire respondent stated there was no AWI list for Lancashire. The key findings of the survey were: • There is a wide variety of lists of Ancient Woodland Indicators lists available covering most of the UK. • Most individuals using indicator lists are unaware of the methods used to produce the lists and therefore of their robustness. Some key stakeholders are unaware of the existence of indicator lists in their area. • Attitudes to ancient woodland indicator lists are variable, as is their use. • Few lists use species thresholds or weightings in determining whether a site is ancient, several lists are currently under review. • There are over 200 species listed on the various Ancient Woodland Indicators lists, few species are common to more than a quarter of the lists

Death awareness and personal change

Fear of death is cited by some psychotherapists as a major factor inhibiting the process of personal change. At the same time there is evidence from many different sources that awareness of one's mortality can lead to positive changes in attitude and behaviour. In the current study eight subjects who have come close to death are interviewed and a detailed examination is made of their life-threatening experience (LTE) and their prior and subsequent attitudes towards life and death in an attempt to understand the factors involved in the personal change resulting from their experience. All the subjects describe significant changes in their attitudes following their LTE. Some report both positive and negative changes, whereas others see the changes as predominantly or wholely positive. The main finding is that the one factor which all these subjects have in common is the integration into their perception of themselves and of their world of an awareness of their personal mortality. Some implications of the results are discussed and directions for future research are outlined