Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ontology based viso-semantic similarity for image retrieval

In this paper we present COMPASS/web, a distributed image retrieval system that provides novel solutions to the problem of efficient and effective content-based browsing and retrieval over large multimedia databases. The system aims to exploit the synergy between visual and textual information introducing a viso-semantic distance based on a visual and a semantic similarity measure. The visual similarity is computed using low level features describing the image content while the semantic similarity is computed over graphs representing ontologies. Interactivity is achieved using relevance feedback mechanisms to adapt the similarity measures to the current task exploiting successive hints from the user. Preliminary results and future work directions are presented.
Primer Notes

*Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Osaka City University, Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558Ð8585, Japan, Department of Zoology, National Science Museum, 3Ð23Ð1 Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169Ð0073, Japan, àDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, 6Ð10Ð1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812Ð8581, Japan, ¤Department of Zoology, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawaoiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606Ð8502, Japan
Dealing with cost and time in the Portuguese construction industry

Most construction projects in Portugal do not fully achieve the main management functions, namely cost and time. Accordingly, the competitiveness of the Portuguese construction industry has been ranked fairly low. A survey was conducted among the main construction stakeholders to help clarify the reasons for this problem. The inquiry used for the survey focused on the characteristics of major projects concluded in the last years and on specific data on the attainment of cost and schedule objectives. Research revealed that clients and contractors agree that major causes for cost overruns were due to design errors, direct changes ordered by the client and different site conditions due to geological and geotechnical obstacles. Client liability, design problems and the project specifics were the main causes indicated by clients and contractors for project delays. However, clients also specified main responsibilities for project delays to inadequate construction management.
Psychographic Segmentation of the Zagreb Apple Market

The objective of this article is to identify market segments based on psychological traits of consumers in the area of Croatia's capital, Zagreb. In February 2006, a face-to-face survey was conducted on a sample of 426 apple buyers in three Zagreb supermarkets. Buying behaviour, attitudes toward apples, the importance of apple attributes, and the importance of information in buying apples were examined. Data obtained from the survey were analyzed with univariate analyses, Chi-square test, ANOVA, cluster and factor analyses. In the Zagreb market for apples, three market segments were identified: heavy consumers, practical consumers, and indifferent consumers. These segments are different in their buying behaviour, importance of apple attributes, and sociodemographic characteristics. Marketing recommendations are given taking into account the specifics of each segment. Segments of heavy and practical consumers should be the target of marketing activities since they are the consumer groups with the biggest potential for further growth of consumption.
Development of Genetic-based Machine Learning for Network Intrusion Detection (GBML-NID)

Society has grown to rely on Internet services, and the number of Internet users increases every day. As more and more users become connected to the network, the window of opportunity for malicious users to do their damage becomes very great and lucrative. The objective of this paper is to incorporate different techniques into classier system to detect and classify intrusion from normal network packet. Among several techniques, Steady State Genetic-based Machine Leaning Algorithm (SSGBML) will be used to detect intrusions. Where Steady State Genetic Algorithm (SSGA), Simple Genetic Algorithm (SGA), Modified Genetic Algorithm and Zeroth Level Classifier system are investigated in this research. SSGA is used as a discovery mechanism instead of SGA. SGA replaces all old rules with new produced rule preventing old good rules from participating in the next rule generation. Zeroth Level Classifier System is used to play the role of detector by matching incoming environment message with classifiers to determine whether the current message is normal or intrusion and receiving feedback from environment. Finally, in order to attain the best results, Modified SSGA will enhance our discovery engine by using Fuzzy Logic to optimize crossover and mutation probability. The experiments and evaluations of the proposed method were performed with the KDD 99 intrusion detection dataset. Keywords—MSSGBML, Network Intrusion Detection, SGA, SSGA.
ℓ∞-gain controller order reduction for discrete-time systems

This paper addresses the problem of controller order reduction for linear discrete-time systems. The proposed approach considers the minimization of an upper bound on the ℓ∞-gain of the error between the system with the full controller and the system with the reduced controller. This upper bound is defined using the so-called star norm performance. The method considers explicitly time-domain performance as a reduction criterion, and thus making this approach suitable for the order reduction of the generally large order ℓ1-optimal controllers. A sufficient solvability condition is provided in terms of LMIs with an extra equality constraint, which generally leads to a non-convex feasibility problem. An iterative algorithm with local convergence is used to overcome this problem. A numerical example is provided to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed controller reduction scheme.
Shaping ability of .04 and .06 taper ProFile rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the shaping ability of ProFile . 04 and . 06 taper rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated canals. METHODOLOGY A total of 40 simulated root canals made up of four different shapes in terms of angle and position of curvature were prepared using the 'crowndown' approach recommended by the manufacturer. Pre-operative pictures of each canal were recorded on optical discs using an image analysis package. The simulated canals were prepared and postoperative pictures superimposed on the original images. RESULTS No instrument fractures occurred and none deformed; none of the canals became blocked with debris. Change in working distance was, on average, 0.063 mm with 33 canals retaining the correct length. Overall, five zips (12.5%) were created and 24 (60%) canals demonstrated a widened area on the outer aspect of the canal between the end-point and the curve. Two danger zones (5%) were created and two perforations but no ledges were found. Between canal shapes there were highly significant differences (P < 0.0001) for the incidence of zips and elbows but not for the other aberrations. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.0001) for the total width of the canals between the various canal shapes at the apex of the curve, the beginning of the curve and half way to the orifice, and a significant difference (P < 0.05) at the end-point. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.0001) for the amount of resin removed from the outer aspect of the curve at the end-point and at the beginning of the curve, and significant differences (P < 0.05) at the apex of the curve and half way to the orifice. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.0001) for the amount of resin removed from the inner aspect of the curve at the beginning of the curve and half way to the orifice. Overall, transportation was towards the outer aspect of the canal except at the beginning of the curve. CONCLUSIONS Under the conditions of this study the combined use of . 04 and . 06 taper ProFile instruments was rapid, effective and produced good canal shapes except in those specimens with short curves that began near the end-point.
A Nonslotted Random-Access Channel with Higher Utilization

The paper considers a nonslotted random-access radio channel with users divided into a few classes. Assuming that capture exists between these classes of users and that users allotted to different classes use packets of different lengths, packet and data throughput are obtained. A set of packet lengths is found for which these throughputs exceed throughputs in the case when all users use equal-length packets. Finally, the sets of packet lengths and class traffics are obtained to give the global maximum channel utilization.
Investigation of Transformer Winding Architectures for High-Voltage (2.5 kV) Capacitor Charging and Discharging Applications

Transformer parasitics such as leakage inductance and self-capacitance are rarely calculated in advance during the design phase, because of the complexity and huge analytical error margins caused by practical winding implementation issues. Thus, choosing one transformer architecture over another for a given design is usually based on experience or a trial and error approach. This paper presents analytical expressions for calculating leakage inductance, self-capacitance, and ac resistance in transformer winding architectures (TWAs), ranging from the common noninterleaved primary/secondary winding architecture, to an interleaved, sectionalized, and bank winded architecture. The calculated results are evaluated experimentally, and through finite-element simulations, for an RM8 transformer with a turns ratio of 10. The four TWAs such as, noninterleaved and nonsectioned, noninterleaved and sectioned, interleaved and nonsectioned, and interleaved and sectioned, for an EF25 transformer with a turns ratio of 20, are investigated and practically implemented. The best TWA for an RM8 transformer in a high-voltage bidirectional flyback converter, used to drive an electro active polymer based incremental actuator, is identified based on the losses caused by the transformer parasitics. For an EF25 transformer, the best TWA is chosen according to whether electromagnetic interference due to the transformer interwinding capacitance, is a major problem or not.
Expression of nodule‐specific uricase in soybean callus tissue is regulated by oxygen

In soybean root nodules the enzyme uricase is expressed concomitantly with nodule development. The initial expression of this protein does not depend on active nitrogen fixation, as demonstrated by analysis of uricase activity in effective and ineffective root nodules. However, the maximal level of uricase activity is determined by the infecting Rhizobium japonicum strain. Sterile root cultures and callus tissue, devoid of the microsymbiont, were incubated at varying oxygen concentrations and analyzed for uricase activity. The specific activity of uricase was increased by lowering the oxygen concentration, with the highest activity obtained around 4−5% oxygen. The increase in uricase activity was due to increased uricase synthesis, as demonstrated by in vivo labelling of callus culture followed by immunoprecipitation with antibodies raised against highly purified nodule uricase.
Synergistic effect of intrastriatal co‐administration of L‐NAME and quinolinic acid

CHRONIC dialytic intrastriatal co-administration of quinolinic acid (QUIN) and four concentrations of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NGnitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) produced variable results. Low concentrations of L-NAME (1 μM and 50 μM) co-administered with 15 mM QUIN produced lesions not significantly different from those produced by 15 mM QUIN alone. In contrast, higher concentrations of L-NAME (1 mM and 100 mM) co-administered with 15 mM QUIN produced striatal lesions significantly larger than those produced by 15 mM QUIN alone. Administered by itself, 100 mM L-NAME produced little striatal damage. These findings suggest that low levels of NOS inhibition have little or no effect on NMDA neurotoxicity in the striatum, whereas high levels of NOS inhibition increase NMDA-induced striatal lesion volume.
Reduced control of motor output in a human hand muscle of elderly subjects during submaximal contractions.

1. The effect of age on the motor output of the first dorsal interosseous muscle of 22 (6 female, 16 male) human subjects was investigated. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of age on the control of muscle force and the associated changes in the discharge behavior and mechanical properties of single motor units. 2. Each subject performed three tasks requiring isometric abduction of the left index finger: a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), a constant-force task, and a threshold task. The ability to control force was assessed during the constant-force task by quantifying the variation in isometric force about four submaximal target forces (5, 20, 35, and 50% MVC). The threshold task involved sustaining the discharge of the isolated motor unit at a low, steady rate for approximately 3 min. 3. The discharge behavior and the mechanical properties of single motor units were determined during the threshold task by measuring the interimpulse intervals and the peak amplitude and time to peak of the spike-triggered average force. 4. The data indicated that age had an effect on the variation of force about submaximal target forces (range: 5-50% MVC), and that these force variations, when calculated relative to the target force, were greater at lower force levels in the elderly subjects. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Use of Trial 1 of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) as a Screening Measure of Effort: Suggested Discontinuation Rules

Trial 1 of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) has been suggested as a screening tool, with several possible cut-off scores proposed. The purpose of the present study was to replicate the utility of previously suggested cut-off scores and to characterize neuropsychological profiles of persons who “pass” the TOMM but obtain Trial 1 scores <45 and of persons with cognitive disorders. A total of 229 veterans were administered the TOMM as part of a neuropsychological evaluation. Trial 1 scores ≥41 and ≤25 showed good utility as discontinuation scores for adequate and poor effort, respectively, beyond which administration of additional trials were unnecessary. Findings suggest better Trial 1 performance is significantly related to better speeded mental flexibility and memory.
A 27% active and 85% standby power reduction in dual-power-supply SRAM using BL power calculator and digitally controllable retention circuit

This paper presents a dual-power-supply SRAM that reduces active and standby power from room temperature (RT) to high temperature (HT) using a BL power calculator (BLPC) and a digitally controllable retention circuit (DCRC). A test-chip is fabricated in a 28nm CMOS technology with a 0. 120μm2 6T-SRAM cell. With these schemes, active and standby power consumptions at 25°C are reduced by 27% and 85%, respectively.
Footprints of Corporate Governance on BSE Companies

Despite the fact that corporate governance is considered to be the seed of corporate excellence and long term survival, it is still not engrossed in the roots of Indian Inc. It has been over two decades since the first Adrian’s code of corporate governance were announced, however the complete synthesis of those codes in the corporate is yet to be seen. Perhaps there is a need to ascertain the evidence of corporate governance codes on the performance of companies, to analyze the lag in the desired framework. The present study attempts to unearth the impact of imbibing the codes and principles of corporate governance, empirically. The utmost intrinsic variables presumed as the independent variables have been regressed with the financial stability as dependent variable to scan the footprints of corporate governance in the BSE thirty companies comprising sensex.
Best Practices in Measuring and Managing Market Risks after 2008 Crisis

This paper discusses assumptions behind market risk measures and models. Using a sample period that includes the 2008 international financial crisis, we run a case study with four market risk models: Riskmetics(TM), Historical Simulation, Mixture of Normal with Monte Carlo Simulation and an approach based on Extreme Value Theory. We argue that the trend in the industry is for more sophisticated models, but the necessary degree of complexity is not so clear. We also conclude that the appropriate approach is not to rely only in a single model or measure for market risk management. In fact, as market participants know all the assumptions behind market risk models and measures, the challenge is to build a risk management strategy that takes into account a framework more complex than relying on a single number.
Lack of Glucagon Response to Hypoglycemia in Diabetes: Evidence for an Intrinsic Pancreatic Alpha Cell Defect

Despite excessive glucagon responses to infusion of arginine, plasma glucagon did not rise in six juvenile-type diabetics during severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia, whereas glucagon in the controls rose significantly. Thus in diabetics pancreatic alpha cells are insensitive to glucose even in the presence of large amounts of circulating insulin. An intrinsic defect common to both alpha and beta pancreatic cells—failure to recognize (or respond to) plasma glucose fluctuations—may be operative in juvenile diabetes.
Spread of Influence on Information Propagation: Target Viral Marketing through Influential Nodes in Social Network

Social Networking sites are already widely used nowadays in different aspects most especially on communication, information dissemination, marketing and others. In Social Network Analysis, one of the most studied problems is the information dissemination, and is often related to target viral marketing. The aim of this study is to provide a framework that consolidates the use of NodeXL as a tool for analyzing various data, determining the key influential nodes using the different metrics and to simulate the diffusion process using the two models (ICM and LTM). We have to first gather data from a Facebook network, do some analysis using NodeXL after which we will measure the metrics of each node to determine the key influential node over the network and lastly we will simulate the diffusion process using Linear Threshold Modeling and Independent Cascade Modeling. The results shall be the basis of the effectiveness of the proposed framework on Target Viral Marketing and it will show that the network structure has a great impact on the diffusion process. (Abstract) Keywords—social media, influence propagation, information propagation, viral marketing, data mining (key words).
Early Gastric Neoplasia: Diagnosis and Implications

Early gastric neoplasia, which includes dysplasia and adenocarcinoma invading no more than the submucosa have been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. For example, different dysplastic phenotypes have been identified, in addition to the traditional adenomatous type, foveolar, pyloric, and tubule-neck dysplasia (associated with diffuse type carcinoma) have been recognized. Each subtype of dysplasia shows a different immunohistochemical profile, and may vary in their risk of progression to adenocarcinoma. With regard to early gastric cancer the emergence of better diagnostic techniques allowed the development of endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal resection that nowadays allow optimal nonsurgical management. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current concepts in gastric dysplasia and early gastric cancer as they relate to diagnosis and management.
Availability of psychotropic drugs and suicidal self‐poisoning mortality in Belgium from 1971–1984

ABSTRACT– Trends in completed suicide by solid or liquid substances in Belgium were investigated for the period 1971–1984 in relation with data about sales of psychotropic drugs. Mortality rose sharply between 1973 and 1980 (from 21.1 per million population of 15 years and older to 52.2 in males and from 26.7 to 61.7 in females) and decreased slightly thereafter. No apparent coincidence with the availability of psychotropic drugs was found, and the increasing risk of suicidal persons dying at home suggested an increase in the severity of the attempts until 1980. However, incidence changes could also have affected these trends. The evolution in accidental and in suicidal hospital rates suggested that emergency care had improved. Although barbiturate sales decreased continuously (from 46.7 packages per year per 100 population in 1974 to 28.5 in 1984), these drugs still account for a high proportion of fatal self‐poisonings (23%) in Belgium. Possible shortcomings that could affect the validity of our findings are discussed.
How KLM Gets CRM in the Air ─ CRM Excellence in Practice

This case article tells the story of the rebirth of CRM at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines since 2002 and its successful liftoff during 2003, for which KLM received Gartner’s 2004 CRM Excellence Award. The Award presents itself as a natural moment of reflection on past CRM achievements and future plans. The case works well, with technical as well as general management audiences, for generating a multifaceted class discussion on the challenge of making CRM into a business success. More specifically, it allows us to 1. dissect a CRM success story, that contrasts nicely with many of the CRM horror stories of the 1990s, and identify key success factors; 2. focus attention onto the viability of the planned approach KLM uses for implementing CRM; 3. introduce and show the importance of program management as a construct for structurally growing and governing enterprise wide investment in CRM; and 4. help reinforce lessons around CRM and business-ICT alignment.
Pensource - Evaluating Information Security in a Software Services Company

Abstract This teaching case focuses on the importance of a formal evaluation of information security practices using established frameworks. Such an evaluation is especially essential for organizations dealing with sensitive customer information. This case first presents the prevailing security practices of PenSource, a pension services company. A description of security practices of PenSource is provided using three approaches: a narrative description, a diagram of PenSource's network infrastructure, and answers to a questionnaire eliciting information on existing practices on many dimensions such as security organization, policies and standards, and logical access controls. A set of questions to facilitate a reader to analytically reflect on how to improve the current practices of information systems security of the focal organization is included.
Portfolio Choice and Menu Exposure

We study the impact of menu representation on portfolio choice and we show that investors choose assets as a function of the way they are represented in the menu available to them. We use the choices of mutual funds for retirement accounts of the Swedish population. We show that investors prefer the funds that belong to categories that are more represented in the menu. More numerous categories attract more investment than what portfolio theory would suggest. Moreover, an exogenous change in the menu changes investor demand. An increase in the representation of a category in the menu increases investment in the funds belonging to the same category, including the already existing ones. By using information on the performance of the funds that investors choose and the degree of concentration of the investor portfolio, we show that there is a consistent positive correlation between the investor's sensitivity to menu exposure and his degree of informativeness. This suggests that menu exposure represents a rational way of coping with limited (private) information that decreases as information improves. Our findings shed light on the home bias puzzle and insight on the determinants of style investing. They also have direct normative implications in terms of Social Security reform.