Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Visual-based Intent Classification for Diverse Social Image Retrieval

In the 2017 MediaEval Retrieving Diverse Social Images task, we (TUD-MMC team) propose a novel method, namely an intent-based approach, for social image search result diversification. The underlying assumption is that the visual appearance of social images is impacted by the underlying photographic act, i.e., why the images were taken. Better understanding the rationale behind the photographic act could potentially benefit social image search result diversification. To investigate this idea, we employ a manual content analysis approach to create a taxonomy of intent classes. Our experiments show that a CNN-based neural network classifier is able to capture the visual difference between the classes in the intent taxonomy. We cluster images of the Flickr baseline based on predicted intent class and generate a re-ranked list by alternating images from different clusters. Our results reveal that, compared to conventional diversification strategies, intent-based search result diversification is able to bring a considerable improvement in terms of cluster recall with several extra benefits.
Fluid-phase endocytosis by intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells isolated from normal rat liver.

Although recent data from our laboratory have established the occurrence of receptor-mediated endocytosis in intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (IBDEC) isolated from normal rat liver, no studies have assessed the role of isolated IBDEC in fluid-phase endocytosis. Therefore, to determine if IBDEC participate in fluid-phase endocytosis, we incubated morphologically polar doublets of IBDEC isolated from normal rat liver with horseradish peroxidase (HRP, 5 mg/ml), a protein internalized by fluid-phase endocytosis, and determined its intracellular distribution by electron microscopic cytochemistry. Pulse-chase studies using quantitative morphometry were also performed to assess the fate of HRP after internalization. After incubation at 37 degrees C, IBDEC internalized HRP exclusively at the apical (i.e., luminal) domain of their plasma membrane; internalization was completely blocked at 4 degrees C. After internalization, HRP was seen in acid phosphatase-negative vesicles and in acid phosphatase-positive multivesicular bodies (i.e., secondary lysosomes). Small acid phosphatase-negative vesicles containing HRP moved progressively from the apical to the basal domain of IBDEC. Pulse-chase studies showed that HRP was then discharged by exocytosis at the basolateral cell surface. These results demonstrate that IBDEC prepared from normal rat liver participate in fluid-phase endocytosis. After internalization, HRP either is routed to secondary lysosomes or undergoes exocytosis after transcytosis from the luminal to the basolateral cell surface. Our results suggest that IBDEC modify the composition of bile by internalizing both biliary proteins and fluid via endocytic mechanisms.
IMPACT OF GLOBAL FINANCIAL SHOCK TO INTERNATIONAL BANK LENDING IN INDONESIA

This study intends to determine whether a shock that occurred in developed countries, the source of funding, was transmitted to Indonesia through international bank lending both directly and indirectly. The methods used estimated the determinants of international bank lending. International bank lending is one form of capital flows that have the potential for rapid reversal and that can lead to a financial crisis as it has in the past. Understanding the determinants of bank lending is important as it can be used to mitigate the impact of a financial crisis in the future. The empirical results showed that international bank lending, either directly or indirectly, contributed to the Indonesian crisis. During the shock, Indonesia saw global banking contract financing. It was also found that credit activities by foreign affiliates in Indonesia saw a contraction in the country of the parent bank during the shock. However, it was found that the bank lending by foreign affiliates, as joint ventureswere more stable compared to the branch offices of a foreign bank. In aggregate, international bank lending is affected by push and pulls factors such as economic growth (in developed countries and Indonesia), risk factors, and liquidity conditions, both in Indonesia and globally. As for micro-banking models, other than the push and pull factors, the bank balance sheet and other portfolio assets also affected bank lending activities to Indonesia. Keywords: Global Financial Shocks, Foreign Affiliates, International Bank Lending, transmission path,dynamic panel. JEL Classification: C33, E51, G15
Supply Chain Benefits Expectation Management Framework

Organizations invest heavily in Supply Chain Management Systems expecting the benefits promised by the software vendors and the implementation partners. However, both academic and industry reports suggest that there is growing dissatisfaction among client organizations due to an increasing gap in benefits purported by the software vendors and benefits realised by the client. In order to better manage expectations of the client organization, this study proposes a Benefit Expectation Management Framework for Supply Chain Management Systems, based on Expectation-Confirmation Theory. This study derives 60 expected benefits of Supply Chain Management Systems through 41 vendor-reported customer stories and academic papers. Through comparing those benefits with the received benefits by a case organization that has implemented SAP Supply Chain Management Systems for seven years, two salient factors – long timetable and multiple stakeholders – have been identified as the controlling factors affecting the confirmation level of Supply Chain Management System expectations and further impacting the satisfaction of a client organization. The case study also highlights the likely causes for realized benefits and enduring issues in relation to the Supply Chain Management Systems.
Identification of Clb2 Residues Required for Swe1 Regulation of Clb2-Cdc28 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Wee1 kinases regulate the cell cycle through inhibitory phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Eukaryotic cells express multiple CDKs, each having a kinase subunit (Cdk) and a regulatory “cyclin” subunit that function at different stages of the cell cycle to regulate distinct processes. The cyclin imparts specificity to CDK–substrate interactions and also determines whether a particular CDK is subject to Wee1 regulation. Saccharomyces Wee1 (Swe1) inhibits Cdc28 (Cdk1) associated with the mitotic cyclin, Clb2, but not with the G1 (Cln1, -2, and -3) or the S-phase (Clb5 and -6) cyclins. Here, we show that this specificity depends on two amino acids associated with a conserved “hydrophobic patch” (HP) motif on the cyclin surface, which mediates specificity of CDK–substrate interactions. Mutation of Clb2 residues N260 and K270 largely abrogates Clb2-Cdc28 regulation by Swe1, and reciprocal mutation of the corresponding residues in Clb5 can subject Clb5-Cdc28 to regulation by Swe1. Swe1 phosphorylation by Clb2-Cdc28, which is thought to activate Swe1 kinase, depends on N260 and K270, suggesting that specific regulation of Clb2-Cdc28 by Swe1 derives from the specific ability of Clb2 to target Swe1 for activating phosphorylation. The stable association of Swe1 with Clb2-Cdc28 also depends on these residues, suggesting that Swe1 may competitively inhibit Clb2-Cdc28 interactions with substrates, in addition to its well-known function as a regulator of CDK activity through tyrosine phosphorylation.
Anxiety disorders in adults treated by hemodialysis: a single-center study.

BACKGROUND Anxiety is a complicating comorbid diagnosis in many patients with medical illnesses. In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), anxiety disorders often are perceived to represent symptoms of depression rather than independent conditions and therefore have been relatively understudied in this medical population. STUDY DESIGN To evaluate the psychosocial impact of anxiety disorders on patients with ESRD, we sought to identify the rates of these disorders in a sample of patients receiving hemodialysis at a single center by using a structured clinical interview. We also compared a commonly used screening measure, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with these clinical diagnoses to determine the measure's criterion validity or ability to predict a psychiatric diagnosis in ESRD populations. Finally, we examined the relationship between anxiety diagnosis and perceptions of quality of life (QOL) and health status. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS A sample of 70 randomly selected hemodialysis patients from an urban metropolitan center. PREDICTOR Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) Axis I Diagnosis (SCID-I). OUTCOMES HADS and Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form. RESULTS Using the SCID, 71% of the sample received a DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis, with 45.7% of subjects meeting criteria for an anxiety disorder and 40% meeting criteria for a mood disorder. The concordance between DSM-IV anxiety disorders and anxiety scores acquired by using the HADS was not significant. Thus, although the HADS may provide an acceptable measure of overall "psychic distress" compared against the SCID-I, it has poor predictive power for anxiety diagnoses in patients with ESRD. Additionally, the presence of an anxiety disorder was associated with an overall perceived lower QOL (t = 2.4; P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS Single-center study and a population not representative of US demographics. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of participating patients met criteria for an anxiety disorder. The utility of the HADS as a screening tool for anxiety in patients with ESRD should be questioned. The finding that anxiety disorders negatively impact on QOL and are not merely manifestations of depression in patients with ESRD emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Strategic options are necessary to improve the diagnosis of anxiety disorders, potentially enhancing QOL and medical outcome in patients with ESRD.
Currying Favor with Top Venture Capital Firms: The Role of IPO Underpricing and All-Star Coverage

We explore the central role that top venture capitalists play in the IPO underwriting market. We argue that underwriters curry favor with Top VCs, not necessarily issuing firms, because Top VCs have the ability to direct the most business in a repeated game sense to banks that treat them well. The relationship between VC firms and investment banks extends through time and therefore incentives extend beyond the current IPO. Consistent with this view, we find that Top VC-backed IPOs are more likely to get all-star coverage regardless of analyst bank affiliation. In turn, banks providing all-star coverage are more likely to be chosen to lead the next VC-backed deal. We find a positive relationship between underpricing and all-star coverage for Top VCs, but not non-Top VCs. Top VCs tolerate higher levels of underpricing because the information momentum generated by underpricing allows them to cash out at higher prices when the lockup expires.
Initial Evaluation of ZigLoc: Anchor-Free Sensor Localization System using WiFi Fingerprints

Sensor network plays an important role to retrieve environmental information for IoT (Internet of Things). To minimize deployment cost of large scale indoor sensor networks, we are developing ZigLoc, a sensor localization system that requires no anchor deployment. In ZigLoc, sensor location is estimated using WiFi fingerprints, which are collected for a WiFi localization system. This paper briefly describes concepts of ZigLoc as well as our previous works for ZigLoc, and reports an initial experimental result.
Analysis of oscillators with external feedback loop for improved locking range and noise reduction

A simple scheme for enhancing the locking/capture range and phase-noise performance of FET-based voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO's) is presented using a low-pass feedback loop from the oscillator output to the varactor tuning port. The nonlinearity of the FET provides for mixer or phase detector behavior (a self-oscillating mixer). The resulting feedback oscillator advantageously combines the principles of a conventional injection-locked oscillator (ILO) and phase-locked loop (PLL), which we refer to as an injection-locked phase-locked loop (ILPLL). The analysis suggests that the ILPLL can be designed for superior near-carrier phase-noise performance compared with conventional ILO or PLL circuits. A 10-GHz prototype was fabricated, which demonstrated a locking range more than double that of the isolated VCO injection-locking range over the same range of injected signal power.
Design and analysis of a smart market for industrial procurement

E ach year the Manufacturing and Service Operations Management (MSOM) Society of INFORMS conducts a student paper competition. In Volume 2, Issue 2 of MS Yehuda Bassok, University of Southern California; and Michael Pinedo, New York University. The first-prize winner received $400, while second prize received $200. Prizes were awarded at the INFORMS meeting in San Antonio, Texas in November 2000. All finalists received a $50.00 discount coupon redeemable at an ‘‘e-tailer. ’’ The winners and their faculty mentors were:
Puerto Ricans in the USA: A comparative approach

Abstract This article discusses Puerto Rican migration within the broader context of Caribbean migration to the USA. The first part discusses the theoretical framework. The labour market incorporation of migrants is conceptualised as a result of the sociopolitical modes of incorporation which among other dimensions include the US foreign policy/geo‐politics in the region; public opinion/perception of the migrants within the host society; the presence or absence of a migrant community as well as the class/racial composition of the migrants and the the sending country's core‐periphery relationships. The historical origins of Caribbean migration to the USA are examined next, whereupon the article moves on to discuss the class origin of the post‐1960s Caribbean migrants. Modes of incorporation to the host society are then explored, as is the foundational myth that forms part of US narratives about the nation and the way this affected the mode of incorporation for Puerto Ricans. Finally, the article discusses .
c‐Abl kinase regulates the protein binding activity of c‐Crk.

c‐Crk is a proto‐oncogene product composed largely of Src homology (SH) 2 and 3 domains. We have identified a kinase activity, which binds to the first Crk SH3 domain and phosphorylates c‐Crk on tyrosine 221 (Y221), as c‐Abl. c‐Abl has a strong preference for c‐Crk, when compared with common tyrosine kinase substrates. The phosphorylation of c‐Crk Y221 creates a binding site for the Crk SH2 domain. Bacterially expressed c‐Crk protein lacks phosphorylation on Y221 and can bind specifically to several proteins, while mammalian c‐Crk, which is phosphorylated on tyrosine, remains uncomplexed. The protein binding activity of c‐Crk is therefore likely regulated by a mechanism similar to that of the Src family kinases. v‐Crk is truncated before c‐Crk Y221 and forms constitutive complexes with c‐Abl and other proteins. Our results suggest that c‐Abl regulates c‐Crk function and that it could be involved in v‐Crk transformation.
Beyond 100-Gb/s Transmission Over 80-km SMF Using Direct-Detection SSB-DMT at C-Band

For short-reach links, direct detection offers the advantages of low cost and low complexity. Discrete multitone (DMT) is a promising format due to its high spectral efficiency, flexibility and tolerance to chromatic dispersion (CD). In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a beyond 100-Gb/s DMT transmission over 80-km single mode fiber (SMF) without CD compensation. Using dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator-assisted single-sideband modulation, CD-induced power fading is eliminated after direct detection. Trellis coder modulation (TCM) is used to increase the Euclidean distance of the constellation points and nonlinearity equalization (NLE) is employed to mitigate system nonlinearities. Both TCM and NLE algorithms have contributions to improve the system performance. The experimental results show that high capacities up to 122, 110 and 105 Gb/s are achieved with bit error rate at 4.5 × 10-3 for back to back, 40- and 80-km SMF transmissions, respectively. The required OSNR after 80-km SMF transmission is 34.2 dB. To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the lowest required OSNR and highest capacity for C-band direct-detection transmission over 80-km SMF.
New interaction modes for rich panoramic live video experiences

The possibilities of panoramic video are based on the capabilities of high-resolution digital video streams and higher bandwidth's opportunities to broadcast, stream and transfer large content across platforms. With these opportunities also come challenges such as how to focus on sub-parts of the video stream and interact with the content shown on a large screen. In this paper, we present studies of two different interaction modes with a large-scale panoramic video for live experiences; we focus on interactional challenges and explore if it is (1) possible to develop new interactional methods/ways of approaching this type of high-resolution content and (2) feasible for users to interact with the content in these new ways. We developed prototypes for two different interaction modes: an individual system on a mobile device, either a tablet or a mobile phone, for interacting with the content on the same and a non-touch gesture-based system for the home or small group interaction. We present pilot studies where we explore the possibilities and challenges with these two interaction modes for panoramic content.
Effect of trolox and quercetin on sulfur mustard-induced cytotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Objective: To evaluate the protective activity of antioxidants, viz. trolox and quercetin, against sulfur mustard (SM)-induced cytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity of various concentrations (20-640 µM) of SM, in the presence or absence of 10 µM trolox or quercetin (-0.5, 0, or +0.5 h) was determined in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after 6-h exposure. Cell viability was measured by Trypan blue dye exclusion (TBDE). Further, a cytotoxic concentration of SM (80 µM) was challenged by the two antidotes (-0.5 h) and cell viability was measured by TBDE and leakage of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Mitochondrial integrity and peroxide levels were measured by 3-4,5-dimethyl thiazol- Z -yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and 2',7'-dichlorofluoroscin diacetate assay, respectively. Morphological changes of cells exposed to 320 µM SM (with or without antidotes) were also visualized under light microscope. Results: On the basis of TBDE , SM caused cell death of approximately 50% at 80 µM and 100% at 640 µM, respectively. Pretreatment of trolox conferred significant protection compared with quercetin. Also, pretreatment of trolox significantly reduced cell death and LDH leakage caused by 80 µM SM but did not prevent the loss of mitochondrial integrity. Trolox significantly reduced the levels of peroxides generated by SM. The better protection offered by trolox was evidenced in cell morphology studies too. Conclusion: Pretreatment (-0.5 h) of trolox afforded significant protection against SM-induced cytotoxicity in human lymphocytes. The protection was related to the antioxidant property of trolox, a water soluble analog of a-tocopherol.
A Model-Based Approach to Cartesian Manipulation Contact Sensing

This article describes a new statistical, model-based approach to building a contact-state observer for time-invariant con straints for a point in three dimensions. Three-dimensional constraint estimation and selection, and the application of these procedures to a planar, two-dimensional maze is described in detail. The observer uses measurements of the contact force and position, and prior information about the task encoded in a network, to determine the current location of the robot in the task-configuration space. Each node represents what the measurements will look like in a small region of configuration space by storing a predictive, statistical, measurement model. Construction of the task network requires a model of both the grasped part and the environment. The model makes the system robust to alignment errors, however, gross errors can occur if the topology of the modeled configuration space differs from the true topology. Arcs in the task network represent possible transitions between models. Beam search is used to match the measurement history against possible paths through the model network to estimate the most likely path for the robot. The re sulting approach provides a new decision process that can be used as an observer for event-driven manipulation program ming.
The Impact of South Asian Microfinance Institution's Corporate Governance Mechanisms on their Social and Financial Performance: An exploratory study

Through a bottom-up approach, microfinance gives ac cess to flexible, convenient and affordable financial services to the poor, which em power and equip them to make their own choice and build their way out of poverty. Microfin ance can be considered as a major tool in order to reach the “Millennium Development Goals” s et up by the United Nations. Indeed, microfinance has been shown to help reducing povert y, improving welfare and allowing poor people to protect, diversify and increase their sou rces of income. Despite the largely recognized social benefits of microfinance, the sec tor is still facing some deep challenges, such as the effective way to combine the social mis sion and the need for profit. In line with this, good corporate governance can be a way to rea ch social objectives while being profitable. The aim of this paper is to study the i nfluence of a set of governance mechanisms on some performance indicators of Microfinance Inst itutions (MFIs) located in South-Asia. By governance mechanisms, we mean the board size, i ts meetings frequency, the duality Chairman/CEO duality, the presence of a female CEO, the Board’s members’ education, as well as the CEO’s, the efficiency of the internal c ontrol, the MFI’s legal ownership structure, and the political and legal environment. Regarding the dual mission – social and financial – inherent to MFIs and considering previous empirical studies, five performance indicators were chosen. On the financial side, three financial ratios commonly used in the banking sector were selected: the Return On Assets (ROA), the Oper ational Self-Sufficiency (OSS) and the Operating Efficiency. On the social side, the numbe r of active borrowers enables to estimate the width of a MFI’s social impact (Schreiner, 2002 ). Further, based on the hypothesis that the lower the loan, the poorer the borrowers, the avera ge size of the loan seems to be an appropriate indicator of the depth of outreach of a MFI (Mueller and Uhde, 2008). The issue of corporate governance within MFIs seems interesting mainly for three reasons. Among the large literature on microfinance, only a few researchers (Hartarska, 2005; Hartarska and Nadolnyak, 2008; Labie, 2001, 2008; M ersland, 2008, 2009) have addressed this issue. This contrasts with the importance give n to corporate governance in the microfinance practitioners’ and policy makers’ comm unity, where weak governance structures are considered to be the second most imp ortant risk factor in this industry. Therefore, as an industry facing specific challenge s and operating environments, the field of microfinance needs studies dedicated to the analysi s of its governance mechanisms and their impact on performance. 1 Paper accepted at the RENT XXIII Conference Research in Entrepreneurship and Small Business. The conference will be held at Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary), on November 19-20, 2009.