Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-label learning by Image-to-Class distance for scene classification and image annotation

In multi-label learning, an image containing multiple objects can be assigned to multiple labels, which makes it more challenging than traditional multi-class classification task where an image is assigned to only one label. In this paper, we propose a multi-label learning framework based on Image-to-Class (I2C) distance, which is recently shown useful for image classification. We adjust this I2C distance to cater for the multi-label problem by learning a weight attached to each local feature patch and formulating it into a large margin optimization problem. For each image, we constrain its weighted I2C distance to the relevant class to be much less than its distance to other irrelevant class, by the use of a margin in the optimization problem. Label ranks are generated under this learned I2C distance framework for a query image. Thereafter, we employ the label correlation information to split the label rank for predicting the label(s) of this query image. The proposed method is evaluated in the applications of scene classification and automatic image annotation using both the natural scene dataset and Microsoft Research Cambridge (MSRC) dataset. Experiment results show better performance of our method compared to previous multi-label learning algorithms.
THE FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSUMERS’ BEHAVIOUR ON WINE CONSUMPTION IN THE MOLDOVAN WINE MARKET

With an area of over 148000 ha allotted to vine culture, the Republic of Moldova has a well-developed traditional wine industry, recognized on international markets. Although the largest part of wine-making products is designed for export, we must not neglect the domestic market, which assures the stability and constancy of consumption. The district Cahul, the region in which the research was carried out, represents one of the most important areas of production of red wines, sweet and semi-sweet wines. The study tried to highlight the main features of Moldavian consumer of table wines, factors of influence in the consumption and acquisition of wines, the degree of satisfaction regarding the products that exist on the market. The results of research can be useful to both producers and traders of local and import wines.
Can Feature Points Be Used with Low Resolution Disparate Images? - Application to Postcard Data Set for 4D City Modeling

We propose an experimental design for the comparison of state-of-the art feature detector-descriptor combination. Our aim is to rank potential detector-descriptor that best performs in our project. We deal with disparate images that represent building evolution of the city of Rheims over the time. We obtained promising results for matching buildings that evolve temporally.
Validation Of The Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) In Treatment-Seeking Substance Abusers Using Cue Reactivity Methodology

ix INTRODUCTION . 1 Past Typologies for Classifuing Substance Abusers . 1 Personality and Substance Use: Substance Use Risk Profile Scale . 3 Cue Reactivity, Ambivalence Model of Craving, and Substace Use . 7 The Current Study and Hypotheses . 10 METHODS . 12 Participants . 12 Materials . 12 Equipment . 12 Slides . 12 Substance Cue Reactivity Ratings . 13 Individual Difference Measures . 13 Personality and Symptom Questionnaires . 14 Substance Use History and Demographics . 15 Drinking and Drug Use Motive Questionnaires . 15 Procedure . 16 Data Analysis . 17 RESULTS . 19 Participants . 19 Factor Structure of the SURPS.19 Internal Consistency and Validity of the SURPS . 22 SURPS and Alcohol/Drug Related Problems . 23 SURPS and Frequency of Substance Use . 23 SURPS and Approach Reactivity for Psychoactive Substances.27 SURPS and Drinking/Drug Use Motives . 31 Drinking Motives . 31 Smoking Motives . 34
Valentine Kabanets Lecture 4 : An application of Electrical Networks to USTCON September 16 , 2004 Scribe : Ladan Mahabadi 1 Electrical Networks

Kirchoff’s Laws [Current Law]: The sum of currents flowing into a junction equals the sum of currents flowing out of the junction (e.g i3 = i1 + i2 in the above figure). In other words, no current gets lost, and injected current is equal to the collected current. [Voltage Law]: The sum of voltages around a closed circuit is zero (e.g. 15 = v1 + v3 where v1 and v3 are the voltage drops across R1 and R3 respectively). Ohm’s Law V = IR where V represents the voltage drop across resister R and I is the current passing through R. (e.g. voltage drop across R1 = v1 = i1R1 = 5) Given these two laws the other unknown values (e.g in the above figure) can be determined.
Chicago's False Foundation: Wealth Transfers (Not Just Efficiency) Should Guide Antitrust

My role today will be comparable to the small child's in the classic story of the Emperor's new clothes; I too have a simple truth to tell. The sole goal of antitrust is not to enhance economic efficiency. Increased economic efficiency is not even the primary goal of the antitrust laws. The main purpose of the antitrust laws is to prevent firms from acquiring and using market power to force consumers to pay more for their goods and services. Congress was primarily concerned that corporations would use market power "unfairly" to extract wealth from consumers. These wealth transfers were of much more concern to Congress than economic efficiency.1
A Dependability Model to Enhance Security of Cloud Environment Using System-Level Virtualization Techniques

Security of cloud computing is one of the challenges to be addressed before the novel pas-as-you-go business model is widely applied, and dependability is one of the most important means to improve security of current heterogeneous cloud platforms. Previous research on dependability in computing systems only uses qualitative approaches and there are few systematic works on dependability in cloud systems. In this paper, the definition of dependability in cloud systems is given and a series of quantitative indicators are presented to evaluate the dependability. A novel cloud dependability model CDSV is established to enhance the security of heterogeneous cloud environments. System-level virtualization techniques are used to enhance the dependability of cloud environments. Systematic analysis shows that this model can enhance the system dependability and security. Experimental results show that the dependability model CDSV can efficiently and safely construct dependability relationship in heterogeneous cloud environments.
Interactive Geometric Modeling Using Freehand Sketches

CAD software and similar modeling systems can show 3D object models created by designers, but these advanced 3D systems demand precise data about the 3D object, especially in the steps of inputting data and making freeform surfaces. Although it has become common to use CAD/CAM systems to increase the efficiency of the industrial design process, traditional sketching is often more efficient in the early stages of concept design. Since it is difficult to design a CAD system which can create 3D objects from a concept sketch directly due to ambiguous information, recently sketch systems have been introduced to bridge the gap between concept design and computer-based modeling programs, combining some of the features of a pencil-and-paper sketch. This survey paper deals with a freehand sketch based geometric modeling for constructing complex 3D objects. In addition, many useful sketch systems and methods are classified. The following sketch systems are shown: (1) A sketchbased modeling system based on descriptive geometry is proposed to generate a model from a variety of 3D solid objects and surface objects. (2) The contour line method to propose a sketch interpreter system for designing 3D freeform objects. (3) A method using a template topology library as an essential tool to reconstruct and modify 3D objects with sketch lines.
On graphs and codes associated to the sporadic simple groups HS and M22

We provide a new construction of the strongly regular graphs associated with the two sporadic simple groups M22 and HS. Further, we give some new constructions of other known strongly regular graphs by taking the orbits of a certain subgroup of M22 on the planes of the Hermitian variety H(5, 4). These geometric constructions can be used to produce cap codes with large parameters and automorphism groups containing M22 as a subgroup.
Optimization of echo state networks for drought prediction based on remote sensing data

In this paper, we used echo state networks - a class of recurrent neural networks - for prediction of drought based on remote sensing data. To this end, the drought index was obtained for a number of stations in different clime zones of Iran. For each station, we also extracted the corresponding vegetation indices based on satellite imagery. Our model takes the satellitebased features as input and outputs the severity of drought. One of the major challenges of echo state networks is optimization of the reservoir parameters. Here we used a method based on Kronecker product in order to substantially reduce the parameter space to be optimized. We then used various optimization techniques including genetic algorithms, simulated annealing and differential evolution. Our results show that the method based on differential evolution results in the best performance as compared to others.
DNA immunization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resuscitation-promoting factor B elicits polyfunctional CD8+ T cell responses

Purpose T cell-mediated immune responses, and particularly activation of polyfunctional T cells that simultaneously produce multiple cytokines, are necessary for the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the present study, we examined if DNA immunization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resuscitation-promoting factor B (RpfB) elicits polyfunctional T cell responses in mice. Materials and Methods C57BL/6 mice were immunized intramuscularly three times, at 3-week intervals, with RpfB-expressing plasmid DNA. For comparison, protein immunization was performed with recombinant RpfB in control mice. After immunization, RpfB-specific T cell responses were assessed by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), and T cell polyfunctionality was assessed from the ICS data. Results RpfB DNA immunization induced not only humoral immune responses, but also CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses. Immunodominant T-cell epitopes were identified within RpfB by assays with overlapping peptides. RpfB DNA immunization elicited a polyfunctional CD8+ T cell response that was dominated by a functional phenotype of IFN-γ+/TNF-α+/IL-2-/CD107a+. Conclusion RpfB DNA immunization elicits polyfunctional CD8+ T cell responses, suggesting that RpfB DNA immunization might induce protective immunity against tuberculosis.
Cost Stickiness and Cost Inertia: A Two-Driver Model of Asymmetric Cost Behavior

In the asymmetric cost behavior model, managers play an active role in determining cost behavior by adding or removing resources as activity changes. Cost stickiness occurs when managers deliberately retain slack resources resulting from a decline in sales activity between periods. Because both sales and long-term capital investments change between periods, we estimate a model of cost behavior that includes two cost drivers: revenue as a volume of activity driver and property, plant and equipment (PP&E) as an assets-in-place driver. We associate cost inertia with slack resources retained when assets-in-place are reduced. We find that changes in SG&A costs separate between the two cost drivers, and that the explanatory power of an asymmetric cost behavior model including PP&E as a second driver is significantly greater than the explanatory power of the single-driver cost behavior model. Similar insights are obtained when we replace SG&A costs with employee headcount or employee costs as the cost measure of interest. In all cases, we find that the cost inertia term is significantly negative and relatively large in magnitude. We estimate an expanded model that conditions analysis of current year cost behavior on the direction of sales change in the previous period and find that the pattern of cost changes is consistent with both cost stickiness and cost inertia.
A Four-Layers Hierarchical Clustering Topology Architecture with Sleep Mode in a Wireless Sensor Network

In this paper, our proposed architecture involve new four-layer clustering topology architecture based on LEACH architecture. We propose four-layer clustering topology architecture: the Random Cluster Head and Maximum Energy Sub-cluster Head with Relay node and Sleep mode (RCHMESHR-S) architecture, the aim is to improve energy efficiency and extend the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. The RCHMESHR-S architecture considers the residual energy of wireless sensor nodes when selecting the sub-cluster head and relay node, in order to increase the energy efficiency of a wireless sensor network. Furthermore, the RCHMESHR-S architecture uses correlations among sensor data within wireless sensor nodes to develop a sleep mode that can effectively reduce energy consumption. Simulation results show that the performances of our proposed RCHMESHR-S architecture is better than that of the LEACH architecture in terms of initial node death and the number of nodes alive.
Investigate and Explain the Relationship Between Human Resource Competency Dimensions with Organizational Performance

Human resource has been exposed to many challenges and developments in recent decades. These challenges and changes. Has affected all aspects of human resource functions, including custodians, units and human resources systems. Custodians of human resources in the era of newly emerging are responsible new roles. Such roles that the custodians of human resources to effectively perform the tasks and activities have to do, are include strategic partner, functional export, Employee Advocate, human capital developer, This roles is to indicate what activities and actions must be performed. For playing efficient of roles, which requires new competencies of the human resources custodians in that field should be capable, the current research with studding aspects of competence in human resources, tried to investigate the efficient of this aspects on the organizational performance in Organizations case study. (Afsharfar Firooz. Investigate and Explain the Relationship Between Human Resource Competency Dimensions with Organizational Performance. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):673-678) (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 104
Neuropsychological Consequences of Chronic Drug Use: Relevance to Treatment Approaches

Heavy use of drugs impacts of the daily activities of individuals in these activities. Several groups of investigators have indeed documented changes in cognitive performance by individuals who have a long history of chronic drug use. In the case of marijuana, a wealth of information suggests that heavy long-term use of the drug may have neurobehavioral consequences in some individuals. In humans, heavy cocaine use is accompanied by neuropathological changes that might serve as substrates for cognitive dysfunctions. Similarly, methamphetamine users suffer from cognitive abnormalities that may be consequent to alterations in structures and functions. Here, we detail the evidence for these neuropsychological consequences. The review suggests that improving the care of our patients will necessarily depend on the better characterization of drug-induced cognitive phenotypes because they might inform the development of better pharmacological and behavioral interventions, with the goal of improving cognitive functions in these subsets of drug users.
Learning distributed leadership: part 2

Purpose – The second paper in a two‐paper series, this article seeks to consider how the ideas of cultural historical activity theory were used in a learning programme for managers to examine and apply leadership as a collective phenomenon usually referred to as distributed leadership.Design/methodology/approach – The main elements of the programme are presented along with examples of application by learners.Findings – A key learning point that stood out is the identification of the social, historical and cultural context of leadership, rather than being focused on an individual. As learners move from actions of individuals to the activity system as a whole, distributed leadership is considered as the exertion of influence that can be inspired, distorted, subverted or ignored.Practical implications – Activity systems are understood to be multi‐voiced and multi‐layered, subject to disturbances and flux that result in tension, contradiction and paradox which need to be understood and utilised to find ways o.
Development of an intelligent maximum power point tracker using an advanced PV system test platform

The performance of photovoltaic systems is often reduced by the presence of partial shadows. The system efficiency and availability can be improved by a maximum power point tracking algorithm that is able to detect partial shading conditions and to optimize the power output. This work proposes an intelligent maximum power point tracking method that monitors the maximum power point voltage and triggers a current-voltage sweep only when a partial shadow is detected, therefore minimizing power loss due to repeated current-voltage sweeps. The proposed system is validated on an advanced, flexible photovoltaic inverter system test platform that is able to reproduce realistic partial shadow conditions, both in simulation and on hardware test system.
A selection/concatenation text-to-speech synthesis system: databases development, system design, comparative evaluation

This paper describes the development of a new text-tospeech synthesis system in French. The system is based on selection and concatenation of natural speech segments, taken in large annotated speech data bases. In a first part the databases design, content and annotation procedures are presented. It appeared that about 1 hour speech databasesare large enough for a building a TTS system. In a second part, the system architecture is described. A key feature of the present system is that only 4 simple and efficient selection criteria are proposed. A formal comparative evaluation procedure is described in the third part. The experiments show that the new system is preferred along all the evaluation categories to the previous system, which is based on diphone concatenation and synthesis by rules of the prosody. The most significant improvements brought by the new system seems to be for voice pleasantness and overall impression.
p22phox in the macula densa regulates single nephron GFR during angiotensin II infusion in rats.

Angiotensin II (ANG II) infusion increases renal superoxide (O(2)(-)) and enhances renal vasoconstriction via macula densa (MD) regulation of tubuloglomerular feedback, but the mechanism is unclear. We targeted the p22(phox) subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) with small-interfering RNA (siRNA) to reduce NADPH oxidase activity and blood pressure response to ANG II in rats. We compared single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) in samples collected from the proximal tubule (PT), which interrupts delivery to the MD, and from the distal tubule (DT), which maintains delivery to the MD, to assess MD regulation of GFR. SNGFR was measured in control and ANG II-infused rats (200 ng.kg(-1). min(-1) for 7 days) 2 days after intravenous injection of vehicle or siRNA directed to p22(phox) to test the hypothesis that p22(phox) mediates MD regulation of SNGFR during ANG II. The regulation of SNGFR by MD, determined by PT SNGFR-DT SNGFR, was not altered by siRNA in control rats (control + vehicle, 13 +/- 1, n = 8; control + siRNA, 12 +/- 2 nl/min, n = 8; not significant) but was reduced by siRNA in ANG II-treated rats (ANG II + vehicle, 13 +/- 2, n = 7; ANG II + siRNA, 7 +/- 1 nl/min, n = 8; P < 0.05). We conclude that p22(phox) and NADPH oxidase regulate the SNGFR during ANG II infusion via MD-dependent mechanisms.
The Specter of ‘Politics’ and Ghosts of ‘Alternatives’ Past: Lebanese ‘Civil Society’ and the Antinomies of Contemporary Politics

The Lebanese scene has witnessed important developments since the onset of the garbage crisis, particularly in the translation of ‘civil society’ activism and political disaffection into ‘alternative’ realms of political mobilization and participation. The social movement scene witnessed for the first time on such a large scale the multiplication of campaigns denouncing the political order. However, groups’ contending strategic and ideological orientations raised tensions between tendencies hoping to focus singularly on the garbage crisis and others hoping to place the crisis within its larger structural context. The Hirak’s (movement) inability to affect change compelled several activists towards reformist agendas through the electoral process and logic of gradual ‘change from within. ’ The most prominent electoral initiative sought to reclaim the city and representative politics under the name (‘Beirut, My City’). The municipal electoral campaign, however, sidelined contentious political issues and structural inequalities vested in the city in favor of an accommodating developmental programe. Following months of deliberation, Beirut Madinati decided to ‘remain at the local level’, while some of its members joined force with other groups to form nationwide parliamentary electoral alliances, alongside a nascent ‘political party experiment,’ Sabaa (Seven). Exploring the recent developments in ‘alternative’ collective action in Lebanon, this research makes use of a content analysis of Facebook campaigning posts and interview data to study actors’ contending relations to ‘the political. ’ The research concludes that rather than reconcile citizens with political participation, nascent groups that claim to represent ‘alternatives’ to the ‘corrupt’ political parties and sectarian political order, instead advance a consensual understanding of politics and social change that is more techno-moral and less contentious.
Defect conformal field theory and locally localized gravity

Gravity may be ``locally localized'' over a wide range of length scales on a d-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS) brane living inside AdSd+1. In this paper we examine this phenomenon from the point of view of the holographic dual ``defect conformal field theory''. The mode expansion of bulk fields on the gravity side is shown to be precisely dual to the ``boundary operator product expansion'' of operators as they approach the defect. From the field theory point of view, the condition for localization is that a ``reduced operator'' appearing in this expansion acquires negative anomalous dimension. In particular, a very light localized graviton exists when a mode arising from the reduction of the ambient stress-energy tensor to the defect has conformal dimension ? ~ d? 1. The part of the stress tensor containing the defect dynamics has dimension ? = d? 1 in the free theory, but we argue that it acquires a positive anomalous dimension in the interacting theory, and does not participate in localization in the regime of small backreaction of the brane. We demonstrate that such an anomalous dimension is consistent with the conservation of the full stress-energy tensor. Finally, we analyze how to compute the anomalous dimensions of reduced operators from gravity at leading order in the interactions with the brane.