Distance to second cluster as a measure of classification confidence

Most image classification algorithms rely on computing the distance between the unique spectral signature of a given pixel and a set of possible clusters within an n-dimensional feature space that represents discrete land cover categories. Each scrutinized pixel will ultimately be closest to one of the predefined clusters; different classification algorithms differ in the details of which cluster is considered as closest or most likely, but in general the selected algorithm will label each pixel with the label of the closest cluster. However, pixels expressing virtually identical distances to two or more clusters identify a limitation of this typical classification approach. Conditions for limitations to distance based classification algorithms include when distances are long and the pixel may not clearly belong to any single category, may represent mixed land cover, or can be easily confused spectrally between two or more categories. We propose that retention of the distance to the second closest cluster can shed light on the confidence with which label assignment proceeds and present several examples of how such additional information might enhance accuracy assessments and improve classification confidence. The method was developed with simplicity as a goal, assuming the classification has already been performed, and standard clustering reports are available. Over a test site in central British Columbia, Canada, we illustrate the described technique using classified image data from a nation-wide land cover mapping project. Calculation of multi-spectral Euclidean distances to cluster centroids, standardized by cluster variance, allows comparison of all potential class assignments within a unified framework. The variable distances provide a measure of relative confidence in the actual classification at the level of individual pixels.     

Interactions of some liquid chemicals with polyolefins

Polyolefins are known to be highly resistant towards chemicals. It is shown, however, that both chemical and physical interactions take place between them which lead to changes in the initial advantageous properties. The interactions are rather slight in the case of HCl and NH₄OH solutions. At the same time several limitations must be considered in the storage of high purity organic liquid chemicals. Apart from electronic grade, however, the organic reagents used in this study except from Freon TF may be stored in vessels made of polyolefins.     

The role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of thyroid neoplasms

This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the role of genetic factors in the development of thyroid neoplasms. The introduction of the methods and concepts of molecular genetics (as, e.g. recombinant DNA technology) have elucidated etiopathogenesis of the majority of thyroid tumours and, in the future, can make the diagnosis easier. Mutations of genes involved in the control of cellular growth and/or differentiation (ras, c-myc, RET, met) affect the development of thyroid neoplasms. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) may suggest the presence of tumor suppressor genes and has been reported in thyroid follicular carcinomas. Activation of tyrosine kinase, whether by specific oncogene amplification or by rearrangement, appears to be highly specific for the transformation of thyroid follicular cells into papillary tumours. Cytogenetic studies have shown frequent clonal abnormalities in thyroid follicular adenomas and carcinomas.     

GPC calibration for poly(methyl acrylate)

Summary Electrophylic vinyl reagents can be reacted with a protonated tertiary amine supported by a polymeric chain. We determined the mechanism of this addition in the case of vinyl methyl ketone and poly (4 vinyl pyridinium bromide). The first step is the addition of the vinyl compound on the tertiary amine, then protonation of the intermediate species occurs. The velocity constant at 268 K is 0.087 1. mole^–1. mn^–1 and the activation energy is 10 kcal.mole^–1.     

Cyclopentadienylation of allyl-chlorine enriched PVC and degradation thereof

Summary Pendant cyclopentadienyl groups (Cp) have been introduced by treatment with Me₂CpAl into poly(vinyl chlorides) the allyl chlorine contents of which was augmented by mild chemical dehydrochlorination [PVC(A)]. Heating the cyclopentadienylated products [PVC(A)-Cp] led to gels, most likely by Diels-Alder addition, because the networks could be broken by strong dieno-philes, e.g., maleic anhydride. The thermal stability of PVC(A)'s was improved upon Me₂CpAl treatment due to the substitution of thermally unstable allylic chlorines by Cp groups. The thermooxidative stability of PVC(A)-Cp was reduced relative to that of PVC(A) on account of the high oxidizability of Cp groups in the resin.     

Morphological analysis of linear low density polyethylene films by atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy has been used to investigate the morphology of hexene linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blown film in the undrawn and drawn states. The morphology of the undrawn film, which is biaxially oriented due to the nature of the extrusion process, is composed of crystallites, which consist of aggregates of lamellae. Elongation of the film caused these crystallites to undergo deformation, resulting in the gradual formation of a fibrillar structure in the draw direction. The transformation of these crystallites into fibrils corresponded with an initial increase in the surface roughness, until 250% elongation. Further extension of the film to 450% caused the surface roughness to reach a plateau. The changes observed in the surface roughness and morphology indicate that drawing of the film caused the crystallites to tilt and slip, rupturing crystalline blocks, which then develop into a fibrillar structure. Further extension of these initial fibrillar structures resulted in a more oriented fibrillar morphology. Wide‐angle x‐ray scattering clearly showed the orientation of the crystals with respect to the draw direction throughout the film. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 777–784, 2002     

FINEMET-type thin films deposited by HiPIMS: Influence of growth and annealing conditions on the magnetic behaviour

Results concerning the influence of deposition conditions (effective power, P_eff, pulse length, τ, and working gas pressure, p) as well as of thermal treatments on the properties of Fe_73.5Cu₁Nb₃Si_15.5B₇ thin films, deposited by high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technique, are presented. The P_eff, τ and p values were varied in the range of 30–90 W, 4–20 μs and 8–60 mTorr respectively. According to the XRD analysis, in as-deposited state, all the prepared samples are amorphous. For P_eff constant the coercive magnetic field, H_c, increases whit τ, while for τ constant H_c decreases when P_eff increases. The lowest H_c values have been obtained after the samples were annealed at temperatures between 450 °C and 480 °C, when the average size of the α-Fe(Si) grains and the crystalline volume fraction increase about 45% and 20% respectively.