Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nouvelle distance d'édition pour la reconnaissance d'images par chaînes de sacs de mots visuels

La reconnaissance automatique d'images ou de classes d'images intervient dans de multiples problemes, notamment lorsqu'il s'agit de classer ou de rechercher automatiquement des images par leur contenu. Depuis quelques annees, la representation d'images par sacs de mots visuels s'est imposee comme un modele de reference pour ce type probleme. L'un des inconvenients de ce modele est de ne pas prendre en compte la repartition spatiale des mots dans les images. Dans cet article, nous proposons d'une part de representer les images a partir de chaines d'histogrammes de mots visuels issues d'un decoupage regulier de l'image et d'autre part une nouvelle distance d'edition qui permet d'aligner deux chaines en prenant en compte des operations de fusions entre les histogrammes. Nous presentons l'algorithme de calcul de cette nouvelle distance et nous etudions ses performances pour la classification d'images
Multiobjective Optimal Algorithm for Automatic Calibration of Daily Streamflow Forecasting Model

Single-objection function cannot describe the characteristics of the complicated hydrologic system. Consequently, it stands to reason that multiobjective functions are needed for calibration of hydrologic model. The multiobjective algorithms based on the theory of nondominate are employed to solve this multiobjective optimal problem. In this paper, a novel multiobjective optimization method based on differential evolution with adaptive Cauchy mutation and Chaos searching (MODE-CMCS) is proposed to optimize the daily streamflow forecasting model. Besides, to enhance the diversity performance of Pareto solutions, a more precise crowd distance assigner is presented in this paper. Furthermore, the traditional generalized spread metric (SP) is sensitive with the size of Pareto set. A novel diversity performance metric, which is independent of Pareto set size, is put forward in this research. The efficacy of the new algorithm MODE-CMCS is compared with the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) on a daily streamflow forecasting model based on support vector machine (SVM). The results verify that the performance of MODE-CMCS is superior to the NSGA-II for automatic calibration of hydrologic model.
An intelligent mechanism for increasing the bandwidth utilization of Qos applications in ad hoc wireless networks

The increasing use of ad hoc networks for transferring multimedia applications such as voice, video, and data, leads to the need to provide QoS support. The provision of QoS relies on resource reservation. Precise estimation of remaining bandwidth is an essential part of resource reservation. However, it is difficult even if the ad hoc networks are static. This is because that the remaining bandwidth of each node is relative to the scheduling policy of the adopted MAC layer protocol and may be a probability distribution. In this paper, we first propose an estimation method of remaining bandwidth when the adopted MAC layer protocol is carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA). Since CSMA/CA is a contention-based MAC protocol, arbitrary transmission sequence (schedule) of flows is possible and the bandwidth utilization is inefficient. We propose an intelligent mechanism, called priority number, to avoid some inefficient schedules of CSMA/CA. By the aid of priority number, the remaining bandwidth of each node may be increasing and the bandwidth utilization can be improved.
Computerized colony classification of induced pluripotent stem cells using Gaussian naive Bayes model on phase contrast images

This study aims to develop a computerized software tool that automatically separates the colony contour region of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and classifies the health conditions of the colonies using the Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB) model. The occluded colony regions were automatically segmented based on the phase contrast images using image processing techniques to obtain quantitative morphological features for classification. The sequential forward selection method was utilized to extract optimized features for the identification of colony conditions. The GNB model was adapted to validate the individual colony features and their combinations using a five-fold cross validation method for classification. Furthermore, the classification performance of GNB was compared with that of the knearest neighbor (k-NN) method. The classification performance of the combination of features using the GNB approach presented the highest sensitivity (91.4%), specificity (88.2%), and accuracy (90.8%) for the classification of the colonies of iPSCs. Furthermore, compared with the k-NN classifier (14.3%), GNB showed lower misclassification rate (9.2%) in classification. Based on experimental results, we concluded that the proposed automated colony region segmentation and classification based on the combination of features using GNB model is precise and cost-effective for the classification of health conditions of iPSC colonies.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ENHANCED AODV PROTOCOL FOR ROUTE DISCOVERY IN MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORK

Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol is the one of the most popular routing protocol for mobile ad-hoc networks. This work optimizes AODV protocol by minimizing the sum of load and delay. Enhancements include developing an improved version of AODV protocol which uses load and delay parameters to select a path with minimum weight. This is a weight based algorithm where weight is calculated in terms of load (i.e. Number of packets received at a node) and delay (End-to-End delay). Recently, we have proposed this multipath based routing scheme on MANETs. It is an appealing scheme which outperforms AODV [1] and TAODV [2] in terms of End-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio in different simulation scenarios. In this paper we evaluate performance of the proposed scheme based on different performance metrics like Load balancing efficiency, jitter, End-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio, etc. and compare it with some of the recent techniques proposed in [3], [4], [5], [6] and [7] considering more parameters like jitter and load balancing efficiency in the network. The simulation is done using NS3.13 simulator. The results show that the proposed enhancement outperforms many of the existing algorithms and it is expected to achieve efficient resource utilization.
Contrasting levels of genetic diversity between the common, self-compatible Liparis kumokiri and rare, self-incompatible Liparis makinoana (Orchidaceae) in South Korea

Levels of allozyme variation and intrapopulation spatial genetic structure of the two terrestrial clonal orchids Liparis kumokiri , a self-compatible relatively common species, and L. makinoana , a self-incompatible rare species, were examined for 17 ( N = 1875) and four ( N = 425) populations, respectively, in South Korea. Populations of L. makinoana harboured high levels of genetic variation ( H e = 0.319) across 15 loci. In contrast, L. kumokiri exhibited a complete lack of allozyme variation ( H e = 0.000). Considering the lack of genetic variability, it is suggested that current populations of L. kumokiri in South Korea originated from a genetically depauperate ancestral population. For L. makinoana , a significant deficit of heterozygosity (mean F IS = 0.198) was found in population samples excluding clonal ramets, suggesting that pollen dispersal is localized, generating biparental inbreeding. The significant fine-scale genetic structuring ( ≤ 2 m) found in a previous study, in addition to the moderate levels of population differentiation ( F ST = 0.107) and the significant relationship between genetic and geographical distances ( r = 0.680) found here, suggests a leptokurtic distribution of seed dispersal for L. makinoana . Although populations of L. makinoana harbour high levels of genetic variation, they are affected by a recent genetic bottleneck. This information suggests that genetic drift and limited gene flow could be the main evolutionary forces for speciation of a species-rich genus such as Liparis . © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 41‐48.
A Study on the Association between Operating Leverage and Risk: The Case of the Airline Industry

In this study we investigated the hypothesis that both the overall risk (volatility) of a firm and the systematic risk of common stock of a firm in an industry are positively associated with the degree of operating leverage, or negatively associated with firm’s level of variable costs. We focused on the airline industry. The profits of the airline industry depend on business cycle. The operating leverage amplifies the rate of change of profits and thus Earings per Share. The airline industry holds high operating leverage due to its industry structure. The test results show that the empirical results are consistent with the hypotheses that the average variable cost component is negatively associated with both the overall and systematic risk measures for the airline industry. Therefore for a manager in the industry it is very important to manage the level of operating leverage.
β-Spline Estimation in a Semiparametric Regression Model with Nonlinear Time Series Errors

We study the estimation problems for a partly linear regression model with a nonlinear time series error structure. The model consists of a parametric linear component for the regression coefficients and a nonparametric nonlinear component. The random errors are unobservable and modeled by a first-order Markov bilinear process. Based on a B-spline series approximation of the nonlinear component function, we propose a semiparametric ordinary least squares estimator and a semiparametric generalized least squares estimator of the regression coefficients, a least squares estimator of the autoregression parameter for the errors, and a B-spline series estimator of the nonparametric component function. The asymptotic properties of these estimators are investigated and their asymptotic distributions are derived. We also provide a consistent estimator for the asymptotic covariance matrix of the semiparametric generalized least squares estimator of the regression coefficients. Our results can be used to make asymptotically efficient statistical inferences. In addition, a small simulation is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed estimators, which shows that the semiparametric generalized least squares estimator of the regression coefficients is more efficient than the semiparametric ordinary least squares estimator.
The Effect of Abnormal Operating Cash Flows on Unconditional Conservatism

This study attempts to find out the relationship between unconditional accounting conservatism and abnormal operating cash flows in Iranian firms. In this paper, unconditional conservatism is measured by Givoly and Hayen (2002), and abnormal operating cash flows is measured by Dechew and Tang model (2008). The statistical population studied at this research includes firms accepted in Tehran Stock Exchange, and the period of research is the years since 2006 to 2011. The systematic omission method has been used in this research in order to achieve the sample and 858 observations were chosen as the sample for research. Results show a negative relationship between unconditional accounting conservatism and abnormal operating cash flows. The results suggest that firms with upper levels of unconditional accounting conservatism appear to have lower abnormal operating cash flows.
Employment rights disputes: what is the role of HR professionals?

This study explores the role of human resource specialists in the handling of employee grievances. Most studies of HRM devolution have drawn only on the perceptions of managers and have neglected the area of grievances. The research highlights the employee experience of grievances under different levels of HRM devolution. The progression of fourteen grievance cases was investigated, accessing the full set of parties to each one. Data were gathered using a triangulated method involving 70 interviews, direct observation and written submissions. The findings suggest grievance handling is not readily accommodated within devolved HR structures. The role of HR staff in grievance processes can beill-defined and shows wide variation, causing problems for both line managers and employees. This lack of definition can lead to negative outcomes and damage the credibility of the HR department. The insights from this study are intended to initiate debate concerning the potential roles of HR practitioners in grievance h.
Antiadherence and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans on Brackets and Wires Used for Orthodontic Treatments

White spot lesions (WSLs) are very frequent alterations during orthodontic treatments causing demineralization of the dental enamel. Various dental treatments have been developed to prevent WSLs; the prevalence and incidence of these lesions remain significantly high. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated good inhibitory effects against several microorganisms, more studies about antiadherence activity on different orthodontic appliance surfaces are necessary. To determine the inhibitory effect and antiadherence activity of AgNPs on the adhesion of S. mutans on surfaces of brackets and wires for orthodontic therapies, two sizes of AgNPs were prepared and characterized. The evaluation of S. mutans adhesion was performed with microbiological assays on surfaces of brackets and orthodontic modules in triplicate. Topographic characteristics of orthodontic brackets and wires were made by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies. All AgNP samples inhibited S. mutans adhesion; however, the smaller AgNPs had better inhibition than the larger ones. The presence of the module influenced the adhesion of S. mutans but not in the activity of AgNPs. The AgNPs used in this study showed to have good antimicrobial and antiadherence properties against S. mutans bacteria determining its high potential use for the control of WSLs in orthodontic treatments.
Wedge Anchorage System for Pre-stressed CFRP Reinforcement - A Literature Review

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) bars represent an excellent alternative to replace conventional steel reinforcement used in prestressed concrete. This is due to their outstanding properties such as corrosion resistant, relatively lightweight and high strength. However, the main obstacle against their wide use is the low transverse strength of the CFRP reinforcement that leads to premature failure at the anchorage zone. Consequently, it was a challenge for many researchers to modify the conventional wedge anchorage system to be used in prestressed or posttension CFRP reinforcement. This paper is a literature review that summarizes and states the main results and conclusions of previous studies conducted on the modification of wedge-type anchorage system. It gives a brief overview on the modification of the geometry of wedges and the optimum dimensions to overcome the premature failure issue. In addition, different materials used in the previous studies to get the best stress distribution at the anchorage zone are also summarized. Fatigue, short-term and long-term performance results of the modified wedge system are also presented from the literature. The overall results show a great potential to develop a wedge system that is reliable, durable and economic so that it can be used commercially. This will lead to utilize the excellent properties of CFRP in prestressed concrete industry.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms, Privatization Method and the Performance of Privatized Companies in Jordan

The present study analyzes the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on the performance of privatized companies in the Jordanian market. Internal and external corporate governance are mechanisms believed to lead to the success of the privatization program. Internal factors, including ownership structure (ownership concentration and type, board members and size) and external factors (audit quality), seemingly affect performance. Different from extant research, the present study analyzes the unique Jordanian market, where close supervision of the privatization program by the royal family is common. An agency perspective, coupled with political intervention, serves as the background for the present study. Privatization methods (for example, strategic partnership versus direct sale) chosen by the said authority are believed to affect the performance of privatized companies. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) and multivariate econometric methodology are used to examine a pool of data from listed companies in the Amman Stock Exchange from 1992 until 2001. The present study finds that the government’s refusal to relinquish control has resulted in the lack of success of the privatization program in Jordan. In contrast, factors demonstrating positive effects on the performance of privatized companies include private ownership concentration; foreign non-Arab ownership; small board size; and audit quality. The strategic partner chosen by the royal family and reduced government intervention positively affects the performance of companies.
Judgements of sexual offenders The influence of implicit theories and offender characteristics on judgements of sexual offenders : A moderated mediation analysis

The psychological factors underpinning responses to sexual offenders are beginning to receive increased empirical scrutiny. One such factor is offender representativeness, which refers to the extent to which a given offender example matches a stereotype of those who are typically labelled as ‘sexual offenders’. Using a sample of 252 community members, we examined the role of implicit theories about sexual offenders (i.e., whether sexual offending is seen as fixed or malleable) in mediating the relationship between affective responses to sexual offenders and policy outcome judgements. We found support for this mediating effect, although this was eliminated when participants were presented with a ‘non-representative’ offender vignette. We argue that the relationship between affective responses and policy judgements is contingent on the activation of a sexual offender stereotype, and that this link can be disrupted via the increased presentation of non-stereotypical case examples. Implications for public debate and professional practice are discussed.
The Color of Light in Forests and Its Implications

Forests exhibit much variation in light environments, and this can affect communication among animals, communication between animals and plants, photosynthesis, and plant morphogenesis. Light environments are caused by, and can be predicted from, the geometry of the light paths, the weather conditions, and the time of day. The structure of forests leads to four major light habitats when the sun is not blocked by clouds: forest shade, woodland shade, small gaps, and large gaps. These are characterized by yellow—green, blue—gray, reddish, and "white" ambient light spectra, respectively. When the sun is blocked by clouds, the spectra of these four habitats converge on that of large gaps and open areas, so the single light environment during cloudy weather will be called open/cloudy. An additional light environment (early/late) is associated with low sun angles (near dawn or dusk); it is purplish. Each light environment is well defined and was found in forests of Trinidad, Panama, Costa Rica, Australia, California, and Florida. Scattered literature references suggest similar patterns elsewhere in North America, Europe, and Java. Perceived colors of animals, flowers, and fruits depend upon the interaction between ambient light color and the reflectance color of the animal or plant parts. As a result, an animal or plant may have a different appearance in each environment, i.e., a color pattern may be relatively cryptic in some light environments while relatively conspicuous in others. This has strong implications for the joint evolution of visual signals and vision, as well as microhabitat choice. Plant growth and form may also be affected by variation in the color of forest light.
Using the Natural Scenes’ Edges for Assessing Image Quality Blindly and Efficiently

Two real blind/no-reference (NR) image quality assessment (IQA) algorithms in the spatial domain are developed. To measure image quality, the introduced approach uses an unprecedented concept for gathering a set of novel features based on edges of natural scenes. The enhanced sensitivity of the human eye to the information carried by edge and contour of an image supports this claim. The effectiveness of the proposed technique in quantifying image quality has been studied. The gathered features are formed using both Weibull distribution statistics and two sharpness functions to devise two separate NR IQA algorithms. The presented algorithms do not need training on databases of human judgments or even prior knowledge about expected distortions, so they are real NR IQA algorithms. In contrast to the most general no-reference IQA, the model used for this study is generic and has been created in such a way that it is not specified to any particular distortion type. When testing the proposed algorithms on LIVE database, experiments show that they correlate well with subjective opinion scores. They also show that the introduced methods significantly outperform the popular full-reference peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and the structural similarity (SSIM) methods. Besides they outperform the recently developed NR natural image quality evaluator (NIQE) model.
Deep Chandra observations of NGC 7457, the X-ray point source populations of a low mass early-type galaxy

We present the X-ray point source population of NGC 7457 based on 124 ks of Chandra observations. Previous deep Chandra observations of low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) in early-type galaxies have typically targeted the large populations of massive galaxies. NGC 7457 is a nearby, early-type galaxy with a stellar luminosity of $1.7\times10^{10} L_{K\odot}$, allowing us to investigate the populations in a relatively low mass galaxy. We classify the detected X-ray sources into field LMXBs, globular cluster LMXBs, and background AGN based on identifying optical counterparts in new HST/ACS images. We detect 10 field LMXBs within the $r_{ext}$ ellipse of NGC 7457 (with semi-major axis $\sim$ 9.1 kpc, ellipticity = 0.55). The corresponding number of LMXBs with $L_{x}>2\times10^{37}erg/s$ per stellar luminosity is consistent with that observed in more massive galaxies, $\sim 7$ per $10^{10} L_{K\odot}$. We detect a small globular cluster population in these HST data and show that its colour distribution is likely bimodal and that its specific frequency is similar to that of other early type galaxies. However, no X-ray emission is detected from any of these clusters. Using published data for other galaxies, we show that this non-detection is consistent with the small stellar mass of these clusters. We estimate that 0.11 (and 0.03) LMXBs are expected per $10^{6}M_{\odot}$ in metal-rich (and metal-poor) globular clusters. This corresponds to 1100 (and 330) LMXBs per $10^{10} L_{K\odot}$, highlighting the enhanced formation efficiency of LMXBs in globular clusters. A nuclear X-ray source is detected with $L_{x}$ varying from $2.8-6.8\times10^{38}erg/s$. Combining this $L_{x}$ with a published dynamical mass estimate for the central SMBH in NGC 7457, we find that $L_{x}/L_{Edd}$ varies from $0.5-1.3\times10^{-6}$.