Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Automatic Image Annotation Method using Association Rules Mining and Clustering

Effective and fast retrieval of images from image datasets is not an easy task, especially with the continuous and fast growth of digital images added everyday by used to the web. Automatic image annotation is an approach that has been proposed to facilitate the retrieval of images semantically related to a query image. A multimodal image annotation method is proposed in this paper. The goal is to benefit from the visual features extracted from images and their associated user tags. The proposed method relies on clustering to regroup the text and visual features into clusters and on association rules mining to generate the rules that associate text clusters to visual clusters. In the experimental evaluation, two datasets of the photo annotation tasks are considered; ImageCLEF 2011 and ImageCLEF 2012. Results achieved by the proposed method are better than all the multimodal methods of participants in ImageCLEF 2011 photo annotation task and state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, the MiAP of the proposed method is better than the MiAP of 7 participants out of 11 when using ImageCLEF 2012 in the evaluation.
Experimental and theoretical techniques for quantum-enhanced metrology and optical quantum information processing

Over the last few decades, quantised excitations of the electromagnetic field have proven to be an ideal system with which to investigate and harness quantum optical phenomena. The techniques developed have enabled fundamental tests of quantum mechanics as well as practical applications in quantum metrology and quantum information processing. Advancing to larger-scale entangled quantum systems will open up new regimes of quantum many-body physics, allowing us to probe the limits of quantum mechanics and enabling truly quantum-enhanced technologies. However, moving towards this goal will require further experimental and theoretical innovations. The work described in this thesis focuses on several different aspects of optical quantum information, but are ultimately all linked by this long-term aim. The first part of this thesis describes a novel method for strain-based active control of quantum optical circuits and a new method for the characterisation of high efficiency detectors. Building on this, I discuss in detail two different fields of quantum optics that stand to benefit from these techniques. I initially consider quantum-enhanced metrology, including work aimed towards demonstrating a truly better-than-classical phase measurement, and a theoretical exploration of multiple-phase estimation. Finally, I focus on linear-optical quantum information processing, exploring in detail the use of time-frequency encodings for quantum computing.
Microvalve bioprinting of cellular droplets with high resolution and consistency

Cellular printing via bioprinting approaches holds tremendous potential in fabrication of tissues/organs. One of the attractive traits of bioprinting systems include precise control over the spatial deposition of multiple types of cells. Notably, cell sedimentation during printing process poses a huge challenge and the ability to maintain printing consistency over time is required to realize potential scale-up of bioprinting processes. To achieve successful controlled cellular deposition, it is ideal to ensure an improved printing output consistency and high dispensing efficiency at high printing resolution over time. In this work, we demonstrated that the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone 360KDa (PVP360) polymer in printing solution enhances the printing resolution and output consistency over a period of 30 minutes. We also determined the minimum cellular density required to achieve a high dispensing efficiency of > 95%.
Non Linear Contracting and Endogenous Buyer Power between Manufacturers and Retailers: Empirical Evidence on Food Retailing in France

We present the first empirical estimation of a structural model taking into account explicitly the endogenous buyer power of downstream players facing two part tariffs contracts offered by the upstream level. We consider vertical contracts between manufacturers and retailers where resale price maintenance may be used with two part tariffs and allow retailers to have some endogenous buyer power from the horizontal competition of manufacturers. Our contribution allows to recover price-cost margins at the upstream and downstream levels in these different structural models using the industry structure and estimates of demand parameters. We apply it to the market of bottled water in France, estimating a mixed logit demand model on individual level data. Empirical evidence shows that two part tariffs contracts are used with no resale price maintenance and that the buyer power of supermarket chains is endogenous to the structure of manufacturers competition.
Determinants of Multilateral Official Development Assistance: Evidence from a Panel Study of Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are some of the poorest and least developed in the world, with deplorable health and education levels. One way intended to promote better living standards in this region has been through development aid. This study examines the determinants of multilateral aid inflows to sub-Saharan Africa to determine whether it is directed to the least developed countries. I use panel data about 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa from the 1995-2004 period to estimate a regression model in which I treat multilateral aid inflows as a proportion of GDP as the dependent variable, and proxies for health levels, education and institutional quality as explanatory variables. My analysis yields some evidence, especially in panel regressions with time-fixed effects, in support of the hypothesis that countries with poorer health and education levels receive more multilateral aid as a proportion of their gross domestic products. The corruption level, as measured by the International Country Risk Guide, however, appears to be an unimportant factor in the allocation of multilateral ODA.
The impact of FDI on Poverty Reduction in North Africa

The aim of this paper is to study the impact of FDI on poverty in the case of the North African country during the period from 1985 to 2005. The sample used in this paper consists of 6 countries of North Africa during the period from 1985 to 2005. So we can use the cointegration test. For the cointegration test, we have certified the existence of a cointegration relationship between the different series studied in our paper. Indeed, the result of the null hypothesis test of no cointegration was rejected at the 5% threshold, which explains the presence of a cointegration relationship. Also, to test the effect of FDI on poverty in the countries of North Africa, we will perform a FMOLS estimate. Thus, for the short-term dynamics, we noticed that FDI have a positive and significant impact on a threshold of 1% on the GINI index for the case of the countries of North Africa and a significant negative a threshold of 1% for the other two indicators of poverty; LPOV1_91 $ and LPOV3_1 $. Then we found that is statistically significant and positive at a 1% level. The LIDE variable measuring foreign direct investment has a negative impact on the Gini index to a threshold of 5%. For the Granger causality test; we notice that there is a unidirectional relationship between the consumption of energy and poverty Granger. Only the GINI index can cause Granger consumption of energy.
An Evaluation of Using Behavioral Skills Training to Increase Instructional Pacing in the Implementation of Discrete Trial Training

Research has indicated that there may be considerable variability in the participants’ outcomes after receiving IBI treatment. It is possible that factors related to the quality of treatment, such as instructional pacing, may contribute to this variability. This study examined the effect of Behavior Skills Training (BST) on the instructional pacing of three instructor therapists during DTT. In addition, the study evaluated the instructor therapist’s accuracy implementing the components of DTT by reviewing a sample of teaching trials implemented during each session. It also examined whether changes in the rate of learning opportunities presented by the instructor participants had a differential effect on the rate correct responding and the occurrences of maladaptive behaviors demonstrated by three client participants in each dyad. Results showed that the introduction of the BST package was associated with an increase in the rate of learning opportunities for two of the instructor participants, and an increase in the accuracy of implementing DTT for two of the instructor participants. The results also demonstrated that the rate of correct responding by the client participants corresponded to the rate of learning opportunities presented to them, while the effect on the occurrence of maladaptive behaviors were minimal across the conditions.
Perception of Entrepreneurial training beyond the domain of undergraduate programme in Estate Management and Valuation

Undergraduates at the Federal Polytechnic Idah in Nigeria are trained in vocations outside their domain programmes in connection with the entrepreneurship development course as pre-requisite for their graduation. This study assessed students' perception of entrepreneurship training in vocations beyond those taught within the core estate management and valuation curriculum. Unit of analysis was the 2014/2015 HND II estate management and valuation class. Questionnaires were administered to a stratified random sample of 40 students drawn from a sample frame of 70 students. Data harnessed from administered questionnaire were analyzed using percentiles, mean score of ordinal responses, one-way ANOVA and the chi-square test of goodness of fit. A consensus among the students towards combining a vocational trade with a career in estate management and valuation was affirmed from the chi-square test of hypothesis. Contrary to generic skills like product/services marketing, self-confidence, and motivation, the study found that vocational skills tutors place little emphasis on the teaching of problem solving, and teamwork and collaboration. These vocational skills tutors were urged to accord more importance to the teaching of these generic skills in order to provide emerging entrepreneurs with value-added transferrable skills. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Estate management and valuation, Generic skills, Undergraduate, Vocational skill
Personalized Indirect Calorimeter for Energy Expenditure (EE) Measurement

Background and aims: A personal indirect calorimeter allows everyone to assess resting and non-resting energy expenditure, thus enabling accurate determination of a person’s total calorie need for weight management and fitness. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of a new personal metabolic rate tracker based on indirect calorimetry, Breezing ® , with the Douglas bag method,
Reproduction of the sea urchin Loxechinus albus across a bathymetric gradient in the Chilean Inland Sea

La distribucion batimetrica reportada para erizos de interes comercial va desde el intermareal hasta cientos de metros, aunque estudios reportados a profundidades mayores que 25 m son escasos. Se espera que erizos que habitan sitios someros tengan acceso a mas alimento y desplegar un mayor desarrollo gonadico que aquellos erizos de habitat mas profundos. Los erizos en habitat profundo pueden jugar un rol importante para mejorar la resiliencia de las poblaciones explotadas ubicadas en habitat someros. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la existencia de parches del erizo Loxechinus albus reproductivamente activos en un gradiente batimetrico desde 0 a 100 m de profundidad en dos areas de pesca del mar interior chileno. Para esto se evaluo el indice gonadico (IG) y el desove inducido con KCl en ejemplares adultos de L. albus recolectados entre la superficie y los 100 m de profundidad entre septiembre de 2008 y marzo de 2009. Los erizos fueron relativamente abundantes hasta 15 m de profundidad, escasos hasta 60 m de profundidad y solo un parche de erizos fue encontrado entre 60 y 100 m de profundidad. Se observo una asincronia en el IG y el desove inducido entre estratos y areas de muestreo, lo que sugiere que los erizos ubicados entre 30 y 100 m podrian estar reproductivamente activos y desovar en distintos periodos, aunque se desconoce su potencial aporte en la dinamica poblacional de L. albus. Futuros estudios deberian enfocarse en estudiar el rol de las escasas agregaciones profundas de L. albus sobre la dinamica de la poblacion de este recurso, particularmente en areas donde la presion de pesca es intensa.
Ontologia para o Gerenciamento de Objetos de Aprendizagem

This paper presents a proposal for ontology for learning object management, with the purpose of promoting the increase of efficiency in the process of discipline planning, by defining a common vocabulary among the actors and generating knowledge about how Tools and pedagogical theories applied within the context of research. A methodology conceived for the conception of methodology of planning of disciplines in consolidated pedagogical theories and object model of learning, whose central elements are like pedagogical tools content Map and dependency Map. Resumo. Este artigo apresenta a proposta de uma ontologia para o gerenciamento de objeto de aprendizagem, com o intuito de promover aumento da eficiência no processo de planejamento de disciplina, por meio da definição de um vocabulário comum entre os atores e da geração de conhecimento sobres as ferramentas e teorias pedagógicas aplicadas dentro do contexto da investigação. A ontologia proposta foi especificada e conceitualizada a partir dos conhecimentos extraídos da metodologia de planejamento de disciplina baseada em teorias pedagógicas consolidadas e do modelo de objeto de aprendizagem, cujos elementos centrais são as ferramentas pedagógicas Mapa de conteúdos e Mapa de Dependências. 1. Introdução Destaca-se que a ontologia proposta aborda prioritariamente os conceitos, relações e instâncias que podem ser identificados e obtidos nos documentos sobre a metodologia de planejamento de disciplina (LIMA, 2009), e sobre o modelo de objeto de aprendizagem (SILVA, 2013). A implementação da ontologia foi feita no editor Protégé (2017) com a utilização da linguagem OWL (OWL-2, 2017), que permite a realização de inferências que podem verificar a consistência e a corretude da ontologia e se as questões de competência foram respondidas pela ontologia, demonstrando a relevância da ontologia na explicitação do conhecimento do modelo de objeto de aprendizagem, sobretudo para apoiar o planejamento de disciplina e prover um entendimento comum a cerca do domínio, além de auxiliar na validação da ontologia, que foi feita de forma teórica por utilizar cenários hipotéticos de uma disciplina. DOI: 10.5753/cbie.sbie. 2017.1796 1796 Anais do XXVIII Simpósio Brasileiro de Informática na Educação (SBIE 2017) VI Congresso Brasileiro de Informática na Educação (CBIE 2017)
WATERSHED SPATIAL DISCRETIZATION FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LAND USE CHANGE IN COASTAL REGIONS

In this study, we present a methodology to discretize a non-assessed basin based on terrain analysis using the SRTM digital elevation model (DEM) and a high resolution surface model (DSM) with a drainage network semi-automatic extraction process. The Juqueriquere River Basin was used for the case study, which has the most representative non-urbanized plains of the northern coastline of Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The low-lying region is featured by elevations close to the sea level, mild slopes, and shallow water tables. It is also influenced by tidal variation and orographic rains. Therefore, frequent flooding occurs, even in vegetated areas. Two conflicting land use scenarios, proposed by the City Master Plan (CMP) of Caraguatatuba and the Ecological-Economical Zoning (EEZ), were compared to analyze the flood vulnerability increase and geotechnical risk caused by the urbanization process. The drainage extraction techniques showed better results on high resolution DSM for low-lying regions than the SRTM DEM and determined with accuracy the locations of flood potentiality in the plains. The watershed spatial discretization allowed us to show the effects of the two different land use approaches, considering the flood vulnerability and geotechnical risk of each sub-basin.
Impact of Partitioning and Transmutation in Radioactive Waste Management

Nuclear energy provides a significant contribution to the overall energy supply in Europe. With 148 reactors in 13 of the 25 Member States producing a total power of 125 GWe, the resulting energy generation of 850 TWh per year provides 35% of the total electrical energy requirements in the European Union. Worldwide, 441 commercial reactors operate in 31 countries and provide 17% of the electrical requirements. Currently 32 nuclear reactors are being built worldwide mostly in India, China and in neighbouring countries. The used fuel discharged from nuclear power plants constitutes the main contribution to nuclear waste in countries which do not undertake reprocessing. As such, its disposal requires isolation from the biosphere in stable deep geological formations for long periods of time (some hundred thousand years) until its radioactivity decreases through the process of radioactive decay. Ways for significantly reducing the volumes and radiotoxicities of the waste and to shorten the very long times for which the waste must be stored safely are being investigated. This is the motivation behind the partitioning and transmutation (P&T) activities worldwide. Most of the hazard from the spent fuel stems from only a few chemical elements, namely plutonium, neptunium, americium, curium, and some long-lived fission products such as iodine, caesium and technetium. At present approximately 2500 t of spent fuel are produced annually in the EU, containing about 25 t of plutonium, and 3.5 t of the ‘minor actinides’ neptunium, americium and curium, and about 3 t of long-lived fission products. These radioactive by-products, although present in relatively low concentrations in the used fuel, are a hazard to life forms when released into the environment. This paper addresses the potential impact of P&T on the long-term disposal of nuclear waste. In particular, it evaluates how realistic P&T scenarios can lead to a reduction in the time required for the waste to be stored safely.
Genetic redundancy among durum wheat accessions as assessed with SSRs and endosperm proteins

Reducing duplication in ex-situ collections is complicated and requires good quality genetic markers. This study was conducted to assess the value of endosperm proteins and SSRs for validation of potential duplicates and monitoring intra-accession variability. Fifty durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) accessions grouped in 23 potential duplicates, and previously characterised for 30 agro-morphological traits, were analysed for gliadin and high molecular weight glutenin (HMWG) subunit alleles, total protein, and 24 SSRs, covering a wide genome area. Similarity and dissimilarity matrices were generated based on protein and SSRs alleles. For heterogeneous accessions at gliadins the percent pattern homology (PH) between gliadin patterns and the Nei’s coefficient of genetic identity (I) were computed. Eighteen duplicates identical for proteins showed none or less than 3 unshared SSRs alleles. For heterogeneous accessions PH and I values lower than 80 identified clearly off-types with more than 3 SSRs unshared. Only those biotypes differing in no more than one protein-coding locus were confirmed with SSRs. A good concordance among proteins, morphological traits, and SSR were detected. However, the discrepancy in similarity detected in some cases showed that it is advisable to evaluate redundancy through distinct approaches. The analysis in proteins together with SSRs data are very useful to identify duplicates, biotypes, close related genotypes, and contaminations
Spontaneous triplet pregnancy with twin fetuses papyraeci: a rare case report and review of the literature

A fetal death in a multiple pregnancy with one or more normally surviving fetus is unusual. Fetus papyraceous (FP) is a rare obstetric complication in multiple gestations. It is defined as retention of a mummified parchment like remains of a dead fetus in multiple pregnancy associated with a viable twin. It is important to reassure the patient of the normal outcome expected in most of the cases. Herein, we report a rare case of twin FP in a spontaneous triplet pregnancy with a literature review of maternal and neonatal outcomes and management of
Gait and muscle strength characteristics in total knee arthroplasty patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome before and six months after surgery

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gait and muscle strength characteristics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) before and six months after surgery. Eight patients (4 men and 4 women) aged 58–77 years with PFPS following unilateral TKA who had primary degenerative knee OA participated in the study before and six months after reoperation. In patients was registered the active range of motion (AROM) of knee extension and flexion, hip abduction and adduction. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC) force of knee flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors was measured and gait kinematic characteristics and kinetic characteristics of knee joint were recorded. Knee flexion AROM in the involved leg was significantly lower (p<0.05) as compared to the uninvolved leg pre- and post-surgery. The patients had greater (p<0.05) hip abduction AROM and significant increase (31%, p<0.05) of IMVC force of the involved legʼs hip abductors postoperatively as compared before surgery. Six months after surgery
Transitioning to a New Hris: The Reshaping of Human Resources and Information Technology Talent

The management of talent is increasingly recognised as critical to organisational performance, particularly during periods of change. This is evident in large scale change projects that are technologically based and where major changes to processes typically require shifts in skills and capability requirements. Based on a single in-depth case study, this paper presents a comprehensive exploration of an organisation‟s decision to transition from their proprietary stand-alone HRIS system to an integrated vendor system. The study shows how this transition ultimately led to the reshaping of the organisation‟s understanding of the talent requirements in both the Human Resources (HR) and information technology (IT) functions and resulted in a new approach to the management of talent. By applying a social construction of technology based approach (SCOT), we argue that it is important for those involved in the study and practice of transitioning technology to be mindful of the potential consequences for talent and talent management.
Integral cost-benefit analysis of Maglev technology under market imperfections

The aim of this article is to assess a proposed new mode of guided high speed ground transportation, the magnetic levitation rail system (Maglev), and to compare the results of a partial cost-benefit analysis with those of an integral CBA. We deal with an urbanconglomeration as well as a core-periphery Maglev project and also try to explain why the older German Maglev proposal to connect two large, but distant cities (Hamburg and Berlin) was rejected. The empirical outcomes of our study provide policy information on the interregional redistribution of working population and labor demand and whether these projects are worthwhile in terms of national welfare. They also show that the additional economic benefits due to market imperfections vary from –1% to +38% of the direct transport benefits, depending on the type of regions connected and the general condition of the economy. Hence, a uniform ‘additional to direct benefit’ ratio does not exist.