Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Adjustable Error Measure for Image Segmentation Evaluation

Due to the subjective nature of the segmentation process, quantitative evaluation of image segmentation methods is still a difficult task. Humans perceive image objects in different ways. Consequently, human segmentations may come in different levels of refinement, ie, under- and over-segmentations. Popular segmentation error measures in the literature (Arbelaez and OCE) are supervised methods (also called empirical discrepancy methods), in which error is computed by comparing objects in segmentations with a reference (ground-truth) image produced by humans. Since reference images can be many, the key issue for a segmentation error measure is to be consistent in the presence of both under- and over-segmentation. In general, the term consistency refers to the ability of the error measure to be low, when comparing similar segmentations, or high, when faced with different segmentations, while capturing under-or over-segmentations. In this paper we propose a new object-based empirical discrepancy error measure, called Adjustable Object-based Measure (AOM). We introduce a penalty parameter which gives the method the ability to be more (or less) responsive in the presence of over-segmentation. Hence, we extend the notion of consistency so as to include the application's need in the process. Some applications require segmentation to be extremely accurate, hence under-or over-segmentation should be well penalised. Others, do not. By changing the penalty parameter, AOM can deliver more consistent results not only in reference to the under-or over-segmentation issue alone, but also according to the nature of the application. We compare our method with Arbelaez (used as standard measure in the benchmark of Berkeley Segmentation Image Dataset) and OCE. Our results show that AOM not only is more consistent in the presence of over-segmentation, but is also faster to compute. Unlike Arbelaez and OCE, AOM also satisfies the metric axiom of symmetry.
The relevance of international financial reporting standards to Kazakhstan: perception of auditors

This paper discusses the relevance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to emerging economies in general and Kazakhstan in particular. It uses evidence from interviews conducted with senior auditors from two Big Four accountancy firms in Kazakhstan and prior studies exploring IFRS implementation in emerging economies to shed light on how complex institutional and cultural factors influence accounting. The findings suggest that accounting practices in Kazakhstan are dominated by the historically inherited institutionalised accounting system of the Soviet Union era, when corporate reporting was primarily geared towards meeting the needs of government agencies such as Statistics Committee and tax authorities. The main problems of implementing IFRS in Kazakhstan were pressures to comply with tax codes and the early stage of development of the accounting profession with the consequent lack of IFRS expertise and deficient IFRS enforcement mechanisms.
Ventral striatal plasticity and spatial memory

Spatial memory formation is a dynamic process requiring a series of cellular and molecular steps, such as gene expression and protein translation, leading to morphological changes that have been envisaged as the structural bases for the engram. Despite the role suggested for medial temporal lobe plasticity in spatial memory, recent behavioral observations implicate specific components of the striatal complex in spatial information processing. However, the potential occurrence of neural plasticity within this structure after spatial learning has never been investigated. In this study we demonstrate that blockade of cAMP response element binding protein–induced transcription or inhibition of protein synthesis or extracellular proteolytic activity in the ventral striatum impairs long-term spatial memory. These findings demonstrate that, in the ventral striatum, similarly to what happens in the hippocampus, several key molecular events crucial for the expression of neural plasticity are required in the early stages of spatial memory formation.
Overview of Power Integrity Solutions on Package and PCB: Decoupling and EBG Isolation

Mitigating power distribution network (PDN) noise is one of the main efforts for power integrity (PI) design in high-speed or mixed-signal circuits. Possible solutions, which are based on decoupling or isolation concept, for suppressing PDN noise on package or printed circuit board (PCB) levels are reviewed in this paper. Keeping the PDN impedance very low in a wide frequency range, except at dc, by employing a shunt capacitors, which can be in-chip, package, or PCB levels, is the first priority way for PI design. The decoupling techniques including the planes structure, surface-mounted technology decoupling capacitors, and embedded capacitors will be discussed. The isolation approach that keeps part of the PDN at high impedance is another way to reduce the PDN noise propagation. Besides the typical isolation approaches such as the etched slots and filter, the new isolation concept using electromagnetic bandgap structures will also be discussed.
FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) regulates development pathways throughout the life cycle of Arabidopsis

FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) has a key role in the timing of the initiation of flowering in Arabidopsis. FLC binds and represses two genes that promote flowering, FT and SOC1. We show that FLC binds to many other genes, indicating that it has regulatory roles other than the repression of flowering. We identified 505 FLC binding sites, mostly located in the promoter regions of genes and containing at least one CArG box, the motif known to be associated with MADS-box proteins such as FLC. We examined 40 of the target genes, and 20 showed increased transcript levels in an flc mutant compared with the wild type. Five genes showed decreased expression in the mutant, indicating that FLC binding can result in either transcriptional repression or activation. The genes we identified as FLC targets are involved in developmental pathways throughout the life history of the plant, many of which are associated with reproductive development. FLC is also involved in vegetative development, as evidenced by its binding to SPL15, delaying the progression from juvenile to adult phase. Some of the FLC target genes are also bound by two other MADS-box proteins, AP1 and SEP3, suggesting that MADS-box genes may operate in a network of control at different stages of the life cycle, many ultimately contributing to the development of the reproductive phase of the plant.
Adam Smith in a warmer world: climate change, multilateral trade and national food security

Market efficiency is essential in a world of scarce resources, but it is a secondary concern if human survival depends on a market that can provide reliable agricultural supply. For example, the projected increase in the frequency, magnitude and severity of extreme weather events (as increasing CO2 emissions make the world warmer) has profound implications for the reliability of the multilateral agricultural market. Market reliability is assumed to be embedded in supply and demand price transmission, although this assumption may not hold in a changing climate. This paper examines these concerns and makes recommendations to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to leaders of national governments about rethinking the balance between interdependence on a multilateral agricultural market and national independence (not self-sufficiency) based on development of multiple food delivery systems to protect against periodic agricultural price shocks. Once established, via the WTO Doha round, a non-distorted multilateral agriculture market will become the primary global food security system, but national governments may also wish to examine a range of secondary food security systems.
Household Allocation of Time and Church Attendance

This paper presents the first systematic attempt by economists to analyze the determinants of individuals' participation in religious activities. A multiperiod utility-maximizing model of household behavior is developed which includes among its implications the shape of a household's life-cycle religious-participation profile and the division of religious participation between husband and wife. The theory is empirically tested using statewide church-membership data and survey data on individuals' frequency of church attendance. The paper concludes by discussing several extensions of the model which lead to additional potentially testable hypotheses.
The 2006 Federal Budget: A Gender Analysis of the Superannuation Taxation Concessions

Gender analyses of Australia’s retirement incomes policy have consistently pointed to large inequalities in the benefits received by men and women. These findings are in accordance with feminist theory, which generally identifies how gender impacts on policy measures can arise from the fact that men and women systematically occupy different economic and social positions. This paper provides new information on the gender impacts of Australia’s retirement incomes policy by examining the distributional changes in superannuation tax concessions announced in the 2006 federal budget. This information indicates that the budgetary changes provided substantial taxpayer-funded benefits to individuals who occupy the economic and social positions typically associated with men, whilst they pose additional risks to the retirement incomes of many women.
Self-adaptive firefly algorithm with neural network for design modelling and optimization of boiler plants

Recently, the introduction of advanced approach for designing boiler become mandatory. The main challenges in designing the boiler is considered to be the energy saving and reduction of emission. Thus the need of optimization algorithms in this field is high to overcome this. The efficient boiler design has been accomplished by diverse researchers as reported in the literature. Further, the neural network has been utilized for designing boiler, which is the non-linear system. This paper proposes a self-adaptive scheme for firefly (FF) algorithm and combines with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) called as Self-Adaptive firefly-Neural Model (SAFF-NM) to design an effective boiler. Further, the analysis of the Type I and II error functions with conventional methods validate the performance of the proposed method. The Type I and II error functions are determined for several parameters like steam flow, temperature outlet, electrical power, steam pressure, feed water flow, steam pressure in drum, spray water flow, steam pressure in throttle, water level in drum and steam temperature. This analysis described the superiority of the SAFF-NM against the conventional methods like Neural Model (NM) and Firefly-Neural Model (FF-NM).
Structure, conduct and performance: a simultaneous equations investigation for the Brazilian manufacturing industry

The article investigated structure–conduct–performance (SCP) relationships in the context of the Brazilian manufacturing industry in 1996. For that purpose, it considered a system with four equations pertaining concentration, advertising, R&D and profitability that was estimated with simultaneous equation models. In addition to the usual explanatory variables proxying barriers to entry and demand conditions, the article considered organizational practices and incentive schemes variables. The evidence indicated an important role for variables related to barriers to entry in affecting market structure, an important and nonlinear effect of concentration on advertising, a relevant impact of firm-size on the propensity to exert R&D effort and finally a significant positive impact of concentration on profitability, and were similar to the previous evidence for developed countries. Additionally, no important roles were detected for organizational practices and incentive schemes on the SCP relationships.
PROFITABILITY AND MARKET STRUCTURE: A CROSS-SECTION COMPARISON OF CANADIAN AND AMERICAN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY*

Most quantitative tests of the structure-performance model basic to industrial organization analysis have been based on U.S. data. Although similar studies for other economies are becoming more common,' in terms of completeness they still lag somewhat behind the U.S. efforts. This is unfortunate, as it is of some interest whether the same structure-performance model is as appropriate to other economies as it seems to be for the U.S.2 That is, since different structural features between countries presumably lead to differences in performance, the pertinent question is are these differences in performance merely matters of degree or more fundamental matters of kind. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to answer this question on the basis of comparisons between Canada and the U.S. of the same structural variables and their effect on the same performance variable. Both countries are reasonably well suited for the comparisons because, although there are substantial differences (the Canadian economy is much smaller and there is a greater reliance on foreign trade) they are similar in many respects (technology, techniques, cultural patterns, etc.). In addition, the industry data are probably as compatible as we are ever likely to get between any two countries. The conclusion from the analysis below is that although some of the same structural variables give rise to differences in performance between the two countries (particularly foreign competition) in general the same basic structure-performance model seems appropriate to both economies. This paper is divided into three parts: I, the outline of the model; II, the empirical results; III, conclusions and public policy inferences. Two appendices outlining data sources and computational problems are added.
Three- vs four-drug antiretroviral regimens for the initial treatment of HIV-1 infection: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Three-drug antiretroviral regimens are standard of care for initial treatment of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection, but a 4-drug regimen could improve antiretroviral activity and be more effective than a 3-drug regimen. OBJECTIVE To compare the safety/efficacy of 3-drug vs 4-drug regimens for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection. DESIGN The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5095 study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with enrollment and follow-up conducted from March 22, 2001, to March 1, 2005, and enrolling treatment-naive, HIV-1-infected patients with HIV-1 RNA levels of 400 copies/mL or greater from US clinical trials units of the ACTG. INTERVENTIONS Zidovudine/lamivudine plus efavirenz (3-drug regimen) vs zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir plus efavirenz (4-drug regimen). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time to virologic failure (defined as time to first of 2 successive HIV-1 RNA levels > or =200 copies/mL at or after week 16), CD4 cell count changes, and grade 3 or 4 adverse events. HIV-1 RNA data were intent-to-treat, regardless of treatment changes. RESULTS Seven hundred sixty-five patients with a baseline mean HIV-1 RNA level of 4.86 log10 (72,444) copies/mL and CD4 cell count of 240 cells/mm3 were randomized. After a median 3-year follow-up, 99 (26%) of 382 and 94 (25%) of 383 patients receiving the 3-drug and 4-drug regimens, respectively, reached protocol-defined virologic failure; time to virologic failure was not significantly different (hazard ratio, 0.95; 97.5% confidence interval, 0.69-1.33; P = .73). In planned subgroup analyses, increased risk for virologic failure was seen in non-Hispanic black patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.34; P = .003). At 3 years, the HIV-1 RNA level was less than 200 copies/mL in 152 (90%) of 169 and 143 (92%) of 156 patients receiving the 3-drug and 4-drug regimens, respectively (P = .59), and less than 50 copies/mL in 144 (85%) of 169 and 137 (88%) of 156 patients (P = .39). CD4 cell count increases and grade 3 or 4 adverse events were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS In treatment-naive patients, there were no significant differences between the 3-drug and 4-drug antiretroviral regimens; overall, at least approximately 80% of patients had HIV-1 RNA levels less than 50 copies/mL through 3 years. These results support current guidelines recommending 2 nucleosides plus efavirenz for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection; adding abacavir as a fourth drug provided no additional benefit. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00013520.
Advances in quantum reinforcement learning

In recent times, there has been much interest in quantum enhancements of machine learning, specifically in the context of data mining and analysis. Reinforcement learning, an interactive form of learning, is, in turn, vital in artificial intelligence-type applications. Also in this case, quantum mechanics was shown to be useful, in certain instances. Here, we elucidate these results, and show that quantum enhancements can be achieved in a new setting: the setting of learning models which learn how to improve themselves — that is, those that metalearn. While not all learning models meta-learn, all non-trivial models have the potential of being "lifted", enhanced, to meta-learning models. Our results show that also such models can be quantum-enhanced to make even better learners. In parallel, we address one of the bottlenecks of current quantum reinforcement learning approaches: the need for so-called oracularized variants of task environments. Here we elaborate on a method which realizes these variants, with minimal changes in the setting, and with no corruption of the operative specification of the environments. This result may be important in near-term experimental demonstrations of quantum reinforcement learning.
Subjective changes in nasal patency after chewing a menthol-containing gum in patients with olfactory loss

Abstract Conclusion: The subjective increase in nasal patency after oral menthol application depends on olfactory function. In patients with relatively low olfactory sensitivity, this effect is small or absent. It was hypothesized that this may also modulate the sensation of nasal blockage. Objective: Menthol stimulates the nasal trigeminal nerve, resulting in a subjectively increased nasal airflow and patency without objectively measurable changes. Patients suffering from olfactory impairment also express a reduced nasal trigeminal sensitivity. The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of menthol on nasal patency ratings in a group of patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction. Methods: A group of 92 patients with olfactory impairment was included in this study. Olfactory function was assessed using the ‘Sniffin’ Sticks. ’ Patients were instructed to chew a menthol-containing gum for 30 s, after which they rated the change in nasal patency on a categorical scale. Results: Patients who rated the change in nasal patency as pronounced scored higher on the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test compared to patients who experienced little or no change in nasal patency after chewing the menthol-containing gum. On average, similar changes could be observed for all etiologies of olfactory impairment included in this study.
Enclosing the global commons: the convention on biological diversity and green grabbing

‘Green grabs,’ or the expropriation of land or resources for environmental purposes, constitute an important component of the current global land grab explosion. We argue that international environmental institutions are increasingly cultivating the terrain for green grabbing. As sites that circulate and sanction forms of knowledge, establish regulatory devices and programmatic targets, and align and articulate actors with these mechanisms, they structure emergent green market opportunities and practices. Drawing on the idea of primitive accumulation as a continual process, we examine the 10th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity as one such institution.
Performance analysis of filter based airborne simultaneous localization and mapping methods

In this research simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem of unmanned systems which has emerged in last decade is identified by detecting SLAM algorithms particularly in air vehicle platforms and particle filter based SLAM implementation of aerial systems is first introduced as well. Regarding to survey consequences the variety of SLAM applications span from parametric filters such as Unscented Kalman Filter, Extended Kalman Filter to nonparametric such as Particle Filter and concerning diversity of vision based approaches that aims up level control and variety of sensors that unmanned vehicles carry a taxonomy is a requirement for better comprehension of SLAM performances. Although it is not aimed to compare performance of all SLAM methods for problem of Airborne-SLAM (A-SLAM) navigation in GNSS denied environment the scan of indexed papers suggests via providing brief background such as Kalman and particle filter based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) approach formulations or simulations that best SLAM algorithm can only be identified in reference to the scenario which differs in environment, platform, vehicle, sensor.etc. while key findings of Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Particle Filter (PF) Based A-SLAM structures give that Particle Filter (PF) Based A-SLAM may be superior to others in some scenarios principally depending on particle number.
Entrepreneur's Experience and Angels' Decision Process: A Longitudinal Analysis

To determine if and why entrepreneurs’ experience determines their propensity to be financed by angels, we conduct the first longitudinal analysis of the decision process of a business angel network. We code the rejection reasons recorded by the network in each file to estimate the preparedness and outcome of 636 applications. We score the entrepreneurs’ experience from their resumes. Non industry-experienced promoters have no chance of obtaining financing because of the weakness of their proposal, but are not rejected due to team weakness. We evidence several differences with the commonly accepted description of the selection process.
Attributes of two-dimensional magnetic self-assembly

Self-assembly is a phenomenon broadly observed in nature where a vast number of various molecules spontaneously synthesize complex structures. In this article, prompted by the need for the realization of highly autonomous self-assembly systems that employ magnetism as a driving force, we discuss fundamental issues associated with magnetically driven self-assembly systems. We first introduce some examples from our case studies, in which the models all subscribe to a distributed approach, and thus lack central control. Then we categorize them by their type of magnetic attachment. The issues discussed include several fundamental properties, such as the effect of morphology, stochasticity, the difference between two-dimensional models and three-dimensional models, emergence, allostericity, and parallelism. The conclusions obtained support our stance that the appropriate morphology lightens the control cost for the assembly, providing primal but engaging instances of magnetic self-assembly systems that warrant further study.