This article proposes offline language-free writer identification based on speeded-up robust features (SURF), goes through training, enrollment, and identification stages. In all stages, an isotropic Box filter is first used to segment the handwritten text image into word regions (WRs). Then, the SURF descriptors (SUDs) of word region and the corresponding scales and orientations (SOs) are extr...

A total of 349 human serum samples were examined for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies by the Murex Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS) qualitative screening test, indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Concordant results with SUDS and IHA were obtained for 91.9% of serum samples; 8.9% were SUDS+ and IHA-; none were SUDS- and IHA+. Comparison of the SUDS as...

How can we make sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) smart? SUDS help us to manage surface water runoff from urban environments but they are capable of delivering much more. This paper looks beyond the water quantity and quality improvement functions of SUDS and investigates the multiple benefits that can be gained by implementing smart SUDS solutions. This work provides a new perspective,...

There are many obstacles to the implementation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in England and Wales as a viable alternative to conventional pipe systems. However, in Scotland these obstacles have been largely overcome and many SuDS schemes have been successfully implemented over the past decade. This paper will review SuDS in Scotland and compare the structure of the water companies nort...

A total of 349 human serum samples were examined for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies by the Murex Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS) qualitative screening test, indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Concordant results with SUDS and IHA were obtained for 91.9% of serum samples; 8.9% were SUDS+ and IHA-; none were SUDSand IHA+. Comparison of the SUDS assa...

t A s h v v T he link between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and alcohol or drug abuse or dependence in adolescents and adults has been an area of increasing clinical, research, and public health interest. ADHD continues to be among the most common neurobehavioral disorders presenting for diagnosis and treatment in children. ADHD occurs in early childhood and affects 6% to 9% o...

BACKGROUND Few studies of the natural history of DSM-IV inhalant substance use disorders (I-SUDs) have been conducted. This investigation examined the prevalence, timing, and predictors of transitions from inhalant use to formal I-SUDs among inhalant users within a nationally representative sample. METHODS Participants were 664 U.S. residents participating in the 2000-2001 National Epidemiolo...

BACKGROUND The past several decades have seen dramatic growth in empirically supported treatments for adolescent substance use disorders (SUDs), yet even the most well-established approaches struggle to produce large or long-lasting improvements. These difficulties may stem, in part, from the high rates of comorbidity between SUDs and other psychiatric disorders. METHOD We critically reviewed...

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often conceptualized from a fear conditioning perspective given individuals with PTSD demonstrate a reduced ability to inhibit fear even under safe conditions as compared to those without PTSD. The self-medication hypothesis suggests that individuals with PTSD often develop substance use disorders (SUDs) as an attempt to mitigate trauma-related distressin...

OBJECTIVES To determine whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence is related to substance use disorders (SUDs) in adulthood and whether conduct disorder (CD) mediates this relationship. DESIGN A prospective design incorporating 5 assessments in participants spanning the mean ages of 14 to 37 years. Two baseline assessments were taken at ages 14 and 16 years, and 3...