Methodology for Interactive Labeling of Patched Asphalt Pavement Images Based on U-Net Convolutional Neural Network

Image recognition based on deep learning generally demands a huge sample size for training, for which the image labeling becomes inevitably laborious and time-consuming. In the case of evaluating the pavement quality condition, many pavement distress patching images would need manual screening and labeling, meanwhile the subjectivity of the labeling personnel would greatly affect the accuracy of image labeling. In this study, in order for an accurate and efficient recognition of the pavement patching images, an interactive labeling method is proposed based on the U-Net convolutional neural network, using active learning combined with reverse and correction labeling. According to the calculation results in this paper, the sample size required by the interactive labeling is about half of the traditional labeling method for the same recognition precision. Meanwhile, the accuracy of interactive labeling method based on the mean intersection over union (mean_IOU) index is 6% higher than that of the traditional method using the same sample size and training epochs. In addition, the accuracy analysis of the noise and boundary of the prediction results shows that this method eliminates 92% of the noise in the predictions (the proportion of noise is reduced from 13.85% to 1.06%), and the image definition is improved by 14.1% in terms of the boundary gray area ratio. The interactive labeling is considered as a significantly valuable approach, as it reduces the sample size in each epoch of active learning, greatly alleviates the demand for manpower, and improves learning efficiency and accuracy.

Interaction between Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Protein C Anticoagulant Pathway: A Narrative Review

Thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a condition in which thrombosis in venous, arterial, and/or small vessels is ascribed to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Among the various proposed pathogenic theories to explain thrombotic APS, those involving the interaction between aPL and the protein C system have gained much consensus. Indeed, robust data show an acquired activated protein C resistance (APC-R) in these patients. The role of aPL in this impairment is clear, but the mechanism of action is uncertain, as the type of aPL and to what extent aPL are involved remains a gray area. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is often associated with APC-R, but antibodies generating LA comprise those directed to β2-glycoprotein I and antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin. Moreover, the induction of APC-R by aPL requires the presence of phospholipids and is suppressed by the presence of an excess of phospholipids. How phospholipids exposed on the cell membranes work in the system in vivo is unknown. Interestingly, acquired APC-R due to aPL might explain the clinical phenotypes of thrombotic APS. Indeed, the literature reports cases of both venous and arterial thromboembolism as well as skin necrosis, the latter observed in the severe form of protein C deficiency and in catastrophic APS.

The gray area between operational tolerance and overt rejection in kidney transplantation

Operational tolerance in kidney transplantation is characterized by stable serum creatinine < 1.7 mg/dL and proteinuria < 1 g/day in the absence of immunosuppression or immunodeficiency for over one year. However, simultaneous donor specific antibodies are common and serum creatinine is a poor surrogate of early lesions. Consequently, subclinical rejections will meet operational tolerance criteria if serum creatinine remains stable. We report a patient with operational tolerance criteria followed by biopsy-proven chronic active antibody mediated rejection, discussing the intricate challenges of immunosuppression management.

The autonomy of informal STEM and benefits of andragogy with gifted children

Purpose In distinguishing the education of adults from the education of children, a gray area lies on where to classify gifted and honors students. The purpose of this study was to determine if the attitudes of students at an honors STEM summer camp paralleled the educational needs of adults, namely self-directed learning.Design/methodology/approach Researchers analyzed survey responses through an exploratory factor analysis and five t tests.Findings The interpretation of the effect sizes showed that after engaging in a self-directed learning experience, students expressed more positive self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, experienced reduced extrinsic motivation and anxiety, and were less task-completion oriented.Originality/value The results suggest that gifted and honors students may have a propensity to learn that is more similar to that of adults rather than their same-age peers.

American Torture from the Philippines to Iraq

What accounts for the United States’ recurring turn to torture in wars against insurgents and terrorists over the past hundred-plus years? After all, torture is an abhorrent and risky interrogation method. Drawing on archival and bibliographic research, the book argues that the antitorture norm has two features that can lead to torture. First, the antitorture norm can, paradoxically, encourage torture by attracting those who believe unscrupulous methods confer advantages on those who use them. Second, because it is difficult to separate torture from milder acts, the norm lacks specificity. This gray area allows practitioners to portray their behavior as something short of torture and redefine torture to exclude their behavior. The two explanations interact as well: torture occurs because actors believe that it is harsh enough to work, and the definition of torture is blurry enough that actors believe they can sell their methods as legitimate. The book confirms these patterns in three comparable but disparate settings from the history of U.S. foreign policy: the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), the early Cold War up to the Vietnam War, and the post-2001 war on terror. In one extension of the argument, the book shows how the pervasive belief that autocrats have an edge over rule-bound democracies has tempted certain elected officials to chip away at their own liberal-democratic institutions.

MENILAI KESEHATAN KEUANGAN MITRA DALAM ANALISIS KELAYAKAN PEMBERIAN MODAL MENGGUNAKAN METODE Z-SCORE

ABSTRAKTujuan penelitian ini adalah menilai kesehatan keuangan mitra menggunakan metode Z-Score untuk memprediksi kesehatan keuangan mitra atau calon debitur. Subjek penelitian ini di tiga mitra atau nasabah dari PT Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura dari sektor manufaktur dan perdagangan. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Metode analisis data menggunakan model Altman Z-Score dengan menganalisis laporan keuangan nasabah PT Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura dari tiga periode atau lebih. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang dilakukan, Data Mitra A dikategorikan sehat dengan Z-Score 3,80, Data Mitra B dikatakan tidak sehat dengan nilai 0,52 dan Data Mitra C dikatakan Grey Area karena memiliki angka di bawah 2,60, yaitu 2,33. Hasil penelitian ini mengimplikasikan bahwa Keterkaitan antara Metode Z-Score dengan hasil keputusan tingkat kesehatan keuangan cukup membantu dalam menganalisis laporan keuangan dan dapat menghasilkan keputusan yang tepat dalam menilai kesehatan keuangan mitra. ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to assess the financial health of partners using the Z-Score method to predict the financial health of partners or prospective debtors. The subjects of this study were three partners of PT Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura from the manufacturing and trading sectors. This research is a descriptive qualitative research. The data analysis method uses the Altman Z-Score model by analyzing the financial statements of PT Mitra Bisnis Keluarga Ventura customers from three or more periods. Based on the results of the research conducted, Partner A's data is categorized as healthy with a Z-Score of 3.80, Mitra B's data is said to be unhealthy with a value of 0.52 and Partner C's data is said to be gray area because it has a number below 2.60, which is 2.33. The results of this study imply that the relationship between the Z-Score method and the results of financial soundness decisions is quite helpful in analyzing financial statements and can produce the right decisions in assessing the financial health of partners.

Apakah PT Rekayasa Industri Merekayasa Laporan Keuangan? Sebuah Analisis Menggunakan Beneish M-Score

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah laporan keuangan PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind) tahun 2018 terindikasi dimanipulasi atau tidak. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif dengan menggunakan data sekunder. Laporan keuangan komparatif Rekind tahun 2018 yang tersedia di website Rekind menjadi objek penelitian ini. Rekind mengalami kesulitan keuangan akibat perselisihan dengan PT Amara Panca Utama terkait proyek Banggai Ammonia Plant (BAP). Model Beneish M-Score digunakan untuk mengukur potensi manipulasi pada laporan keuangan. Dugaan penelitian ini adalah PT Rekayasa Industri terindikasi memanipulasi laporan keuangan tahun 2018 mengingat kesulitan keuangan yang dialami. Hasil analisis menyimpulkan bahwa berdasarkan model Beneish M-Score laporan keuangan Rekind tahun 2018 terindikasi telah dimanipulasi. Kesimpulan ini diambil berdasarkan nilai Beneish M-Score laporan keuangan Rekind tahun 2018 sebesar -1,49, lebih besar daripada nilai patokan, -2,22. Temuan ini sejalan dengan temuan Y. A. Nugroho (2017) bahwa perusahaan melakukan manipulasi laporan keuangan sebagai salah satu cara untuk memperbaiki kondisi perusahaan yang buruk akibat mengalami kesulitan keuangan dan Haq et al (2017) bahwa financial distress berpengaruh negatif terhadap integritas laporan keuangan. Terdapat dua rasio yang mengindikasikan telah dimanipulasi yaitu GMI dan TATA; tiga rasio yang mengindikasikan tidak dimanipulasi yaitu DSRI, AQI, dan SGAI; dan tiga rasio yang berada pada “grey area” yaitu SGI, DEPI, dan LVGI. This study aims to test whether there is an indication of manipulation in the financial statements of PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind) in 2018 or not. This research is descriptive using secondary data. The object of this research is the 2018 Rekind comparative financial Report available on the Record website. Rekind has experienced financial difficulties due to disputes with PT Amara Panca Utama regarding the Project of the Banggai Ammonia Plant. The method used to measure manipulation potential is the Beneish M-Score model. Rekind allegedly conducted manipulation to "improve" financial statements in 2018 as a way out of financial difficulties that hit. The results of the analysis concluded that the account was indicated to carry out manipulation for the financial statements of 2018. This conclusion was taken based on the value of the Beneish M-score of the 2018 financial statement of -1.49, greater than the benchmark value, -222. This finding is in line with the research before which concludes that the company conducts financial statements manipulation as one way to cover the condition of a bad company due to experiencing financial difficulties and that financial distress influencing the integrity of financial statements negatively. There are two indexes that are indicated to be manipulated, namely GMI and TATA; three indexes indicated that are not manipulated, namely DSRI, AQI, and SGAI; and three indexes that are on gray area, SGI, DEPI, and LVGI.

Zwischenfach: Paradox or Paradigm?

<p>Singers within the operatic world are expected to conform to the strict limits and dictates of the Fachsystem. Casting directors and opera companies prefer to be informed of which particular ‘Fach-box’ you tick when auditioning and it is becoming increasingly important for career advancement and name recognition to remain within that box. Yet what happens when your voice does not operate strictly within the predetermined requirements of a particular box? Or if the vocal category you supposedly assume is already ambiguous and contentious? Jennifer Allen’s DMA thesis, An Analysis and Discussion of Zwischenfach Voices, provides invaluable critical insight surrounding this enigmatic concept of voice categorisation. Allen argues that despite advances within vocal pedagogy, there remains a ‘gray area’ within the discussion. This elusiveness, to which Allen refers, pertains directly to the Zwischenfach voice type. Translated literally from German, the word Zwischen means ‘between’ and ‘Fach’ refers specifically to vocal specialisation as a way of categorising singers according to the weight, range and colour of their voices. Thus, in its most basic form, a Zwischenfach voice denotes a voice that lies between the vocal categories of soprano and mezzo-soprano. However, whilst Dr Rudolf Kloiber’s Handbuch der Oper (a staple for the operatic world) provides a definitive guide to vocal categorisation and continues to influence casting throughout Germany and Europe, the corresponding American Boldrey Guide acknowledges Zwischenfach as a voice that cannot be classified precisely in one particular Fach or another. This lack of uniform approach highlights not only the potential flexibility of this voice, but also the paradoxical nature of attempting to define a voice that defies standard classification. Indeed, as a young singer currently singing high mezzo-soprano repertoire, I have found the Zwischenfach labelling to be a paradox, for the upper extension of my voice also enables me potentially to sing some soprano roles. Therefore, is it conceivable to postulate that this term is a misnomer and merely highlights the issues associated with being constrained within the Fachsystem? In order to come to terms with these issues, then, my analysis of Zwischenfach labelling requires a separation of voice categorisation and the Fachsystem and an ongoing critique of these systems throughout my exegesis. In an attempt to determine its practicalities, the limits that it can impose, and how its boundaries have not always functioned so neatly, my critique focuses on elements such as convenience, marketability and professional development and life. An exploration of the relevance of aspects such as range, tessitura, passaggi, timbre, agility, physical characteristics, pitch of the speaking voice, and scientific tests is also necessary. Once a definition of Zwischenfach is established, I consider the “in between” nature of this vocal category as I investigate roles that develop out of this into the realm of the heavier, more dramatic voice. Finally, I explore the implications of switching between Fächer and divulge how I incorporate the contradictions within this category with the successful management of the label. The piecing together of existing scholarship surrounding this field of research and the practical application to my own expanding repertoire is invaluable in facilitating the expansion of my knowledge in regard to my own progression through Zwischenfach repertoire and roles.</p>

Zwischenfach: Paradox or Paradigm?

<p>Singers within the operatic world are expected to conform to the strict limits and dictates of the Fachsystem. Casting directors and opera companies prefer to be informed of which particular ‘Fach-box’ you tick when auditioning and it is becoming increasingly important for career advancement and name recognition to remain within that box. Yet what happens when your voice does not operate strictly within the predetermined requirements of a particular box? Or if the vocal category you supposedly assume is already ambiguous and contentious? Jennifer Allen’s DMA thesis, An Analysis and Discussion of Zwischenfach Voices, provides invaluable critical insight surrounding this enigmatic concept of voice categorisation. Allen argues that despite advances within vocal pedagogy, there remains a ‘gray area’ within the discussion. This elusiveness, to which Allen refers, pertains directly to the Zwischenfach voice type. Translated literally from German, the word Zwischen means ‘between’ and ‘Fach’ refers specifically to vocal specialisation as a way of categorising singers according to the weight, range and colour of their voices. Thus, in its most basic form, a Zwischenfach voice denotes a voice that lies between the vocal categories of soprano and mezzo-soprano. However, whilst Dr Rudolf Kloiber’s Handbuch der Oper (a staple for the operatic world) provides a definitive guide to vocal categorisation and continues to influence casting throughout Germany and Europe, the corresponding American Boldrey Guide acknowledges Zwischenfach as a voice that cannot be classified precisely in one particular Fach or another. This lack of uniform approach highlights not only the potential flexibility of this voice, but also the paradoxical nature of attempting to define a voice that defies standard classification. Indeed, as a young singer currently singing high mezzo-soprano repertoire, I have found the Zwischenfach labelling to be a paradox, for the upper extension of my voice also enables me potentially to sing some soprano roles. Therefore, is it conceivable to postulate that this term is a misnomer and merely highlights the issues associated with being constrained within the Fachsystem? In order to come to terms with these issues, then, my analysis of Zwischenfach labelling requires a separation of voice categorisation and the Fachsystem and an ongoing critique of these systems throughout my exegesis. In an attempt to determine its practicalities, the limits that it can impose, and how its boundaries have not always functioned so neatly, my critique focuses on elements such as convenience, marketability and professional development and life. An exploration of the relevance of aspects such as range, tessitura, passaggi, timbre, agility, physical characteristics, pitch of the speaking voice, and scientific tests is also necessary. Once a definition of Zwischenfach is established, I consider the “in between” nature of this vocal category as I investigate roles that develop out of this into the realm of the heavier, more dramatic voice. Finally, I explore the implications of switching between Fächer and divulge how I incorporate the contradictions within this category with the successful management of the label. The piecing together of existing scholarship surrounding this field of research and the practical application to my own expanding repertoire is invaluable in facilitating the expansion of my knowledge in regard to my own progression through Zwischenfach repertoire and roles.</p>

Activation of Npas1-neurons in the Ventral Pallidum Mediates Stress Susceptibility

Background: Altered activity of the ventral pallidum (VP) underlies disrupted motivation after stress exposure. The VP is a very heterogeneous structure comprised of many different neuron types with distinct electrophysiological properties and projections. Neuronal PAS 1-positive (Npas1+) VP neurons are thought to send projections to brain regions critical for stress response. In this study, we evaluated how activity of VP Npas1+ neurons affect emotional behaviors and responses to social stress. Methods: We used a chemogenetic approach to manipulate VP Npas1+ neurons during social defeat stress (SDS) and behavioral tasks related to anxiety and motivation in Npas1-Cre mice. We employed a similar approach in females using the chronic witness defeat stress (CWDS). Finally, to characterize VP Npas1+ neuron circuitry and molecular identity we evaluated the projection targets of the VP Npas1+ neurons and performed RNA-seq on ribosome-associated mRNA from VP Npas1+ neurons. Results: Chemogenetic activation of VP Npas1+ neurons increased susceptibility to a subthreshold (S)SDS and anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and open field. Inhibition of VP Npas1+ neurons enhanced resilience to chronic (C)SDS and CWDS. We identified VP Npas1+ projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), medial and lateral habenula (LHb), lateral hypothalamus (LH), thalamus, medial and lateral septum, and periaqueductal gray area. VP Npas1+ neurons displayed distinct transcriptomes representing distinct biological processes. Conclusions: Activity, of VP Npas1+ neurons, modulates susceptibility to social stressors and anxiety-like behavior. These outcomes could be related to their projections to brain regions that modulate reward and aversion.