Learning Surrogate Models of Document Image Quality Metrics for Automated Document Image Processing

Computation of document image quality metrics often depends upon the availability of a ground truth image corresponding to the document. This limits the applicability of quality metrics in applications such as hyperparameter optimization of image processing algorithms that operate on-the-fly on unseen documents. This work proposes the use of surrogate models to learn the behavior of a given document quality metric on existing datasets where ground truth images are available. The trained surrogate model can later be used to predict the metric value on previously unseen document images without requiring access to ground truth images. The surrogate model is empirically evaluated on the Document Image Binarization Competition (DIBCO) and the Handwritten Document Image Binarization Competition (H-DIBCO) datasets

A Signal Distribution Network for Sequential Quantum-dot Cellular Automata Systems

The authors describe a signal distribution network for sequential systems constructed using the Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) computing paradigm. This network promises to enable the construction of arbitrarily complex QCA sequential systems in which all wire crossings are performed using nearest neighbor interactions, which will improve the thermal behavior of QCA systems as well as their resistance to stray charge and fabrication imperfections. The new sequential signal distribution network is demonstrated by the complete design and simulation of a two-bit counter, a three-bit counter, and a pattern detection circuit

Tau Decays at BABAR

Recent results of tau lepton decay studies based on luminosities between 350 fb −1 and 469 fb −1 collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e + e − collider at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory are presented. The analyses reported here are Charged Current Lepton Universality and measurements of |Vus | using τ − → e − νeντ, μ − νμντ, π − ντ,andK − ντ decays, as well as searches for Second Class Currents in τ − → ωπ − ντ decays, studies of Lepton Flavor Violations, and a tau mass measurement and CPT-Test. If not explicitly mentioned, charge conjugate decay modes are also implied

On-the-fly Historical Handwritten Text Annotation

The performance of information retrieval algorithms depends upon the availability of ground truth labels annotated by experts. This is an important prerequisite, and difficulties arise when the annotated ground truth labels are incorrect or incomplete due to high levels of degradation. To address this problem, this paper presents a simple method to perform on-the-fly annotation of degraded historical handwritten text in ancient manuscripts. The proposed method aims at quick generation of ground truth and correction of inaccurate annotations such that the bounding box perfectly encapsulates the word, and contains no added noise from the background or surroundings. This method will potentially be of help to historians and researchers in generating and correcting word labels in a document dynamically. The effectiveness of the annotation method is empirically evaluated on an archival manuscript collection from well-known publicly available datasets

Developing commonsense theories of motion: the emergence of misconceptions

How developmental psychology underpins our understanding of knowledge formation and conceptual change in early science education has been of concern for some time now, fostering a strong partnership between the two disciplines. In particular, there has long been interest in the development of knowledge that stands in conflict with accepted scientific views, often posing challenges for educational instruction. To explore this, the work presented here is a review of past and current studies I have conducted in the field of early understanding of rudimentary scientific concepts relating to the everyday world. Specific focus is placed on the construction of so-called commonsense theories of motion and the role played by object and motion dimension properties in contributing to this early conceptualization. Further, consideration is given to some of the nonverbal underpinnings of such constructions by addressing recent work into tacit knowledge and the role of relative object weight in preschool search tasks. Potential implications for educational practice are discussed, as well as relevant directions for future research

Understanding the beliefs informing children’s commonsense theories of motion: The role of everyday object variables in dynamic event predictions.

**Background** Children are not blank slates when they begin school; they bring prior conceptions about the everyday world with them. These conceptions usually do not comply with accepted scientific views and have to be changed within the process of education. However, to do this effectively more needs to be known about the relationship between the everyday world and children’s knowledge of scientific principles. **Purpose** This study sought answers to the question of which object variables children use when reasoning, and how these variables are associated with outcomes. The reported study addresses these issues in relation to object motion. **Sample, design and methods** UK primary school children (n = 144) aged 5–11 years were assessed on their predictions of motion along a horizontal, in fall and down an incline using a range of everyday objects by responding to questions where they needed to compare potential motion patterns of the objects. **Results** Round shape and smooth texture of objects were consistently associated with faster motion across age groups as well as across motion dimensions. However, faster horizontal motion was associated with lighter and smaller objects across all ages, whereas faster fall was associated with heavier objects. While younger children predicted faster incline motion for lighter and smaller objects, there was a shift in conceptions with age, with older children predicting faster motion for heavier and bigger objects. **Conclusions** The overall findings are used to support the development of commonsense theories of motion previously identified, and suggestions for educational practice are made. Specifically, it is suggested that these findings may need to be taken into consideration in the development of teacher training programmes