Multi-view Feature Augmentation with Adaptive Class Activation Mapping

We propose an end-to-end-trainable feature augmentation module built for image classification that extracts and exploits multi-view local features to boost model performance. Different from using global average pooling (GAP) to extract vectorized features from only the global view, we propose to sample and ensemble diverse multi-view local features to improve model robustness. To sample class-representative local features, we incorporate a simple auxiliary classifier head (comprising only one 1x1 convolutional layer) which efficiently and adaptively attends to class-discriminative local regions of feature maps via our proposed AdaCAM (Adaptive Class Activation Mapping). Extensive experiments demonstrate consistent and noticeable performance gains achieved by our multi-view feature augmentation module.

Leveraging Ed-tech in the Co-curricular Space: Reflections on Design and Development Aspects of the Class Representative Induction Programme at the University of Cape Town

Every year, class representatives are elected at the University of Cape Town to represent students on academic matters in relation to a specific academic course. A vital element of this representative role is to advocate for an enabling learning environment that promotes learning excellence. In preparing class representatives for their leadership roles, the Department of Student Affairs, in partnership with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Faculty Councils, host and facilitate a class representative induction programme. The induction typically utilised face-to-face synchronous teaching methods. However, since the advent of Covid-19, adaptions to the induction programme had to be made in order to reflect the new normal imposed by the pandemic. Against this backdrop, this article addresses various design-related choices encountered from an online education technology perspective. Key areas of reflection include working with the SRC Undergraduate Academic Co-ordinator and Faculty Councils as a design team in transitioning a, hitherto, synchronous programme catering for approximately 420 class representatives, from a face-to-face mode of delivery to an online mode of delivery. Particular attention is paid to the social constructivist design elements of the programme development process and how these elements were managed with regards to the enablements and constraints encountered in the virtual space by exploring the technological affordances of various ed-tech options available to student affairs practitioners. This article contributes to the practitioner literature by demonstrating how ed-tech can be leveraged to aid in the preservation of existing practices as blended learning approaches continue to shape and augment the future of co-curricular programme delivery in higher education.

Chronic stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

The article discusses the influence of stress on the development of nervous tissue, in particular, on the synthesis of neurotrophins (by the example of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as the most studied class representative). The biological functions of BDNF are discussed as well as its influence on neuroplasticity and the mechanisms by which the protection of neurons is carried out. The article covers the relationship of the stress-implementing system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and its main active agent (cortisol) with the BDNF synthesis system at its various levels: from the inhibition of mRNA formation to the mechanisms of postsynaptic signal transmission. Information is also provided on changes of BDNF levels due to the maternal deprivation. Epigenetic changes under the influence of glucocorticoids are also reported. However, it is not only glucocorticoids that alter the functioning of the neurotrophin system. The article provides examples of the reverse effect, enabling to consider neurotrophins as a substance with an anti-stress function. In conclusion, the authors give examples of activities that, according to research, can stimulate the synthesis of neurotrophic factor in the brain.

Germanic Nominations of British Titles and Their Functioning in the 19th Century Fiction Texts

The article concerns identification of semantic potential of lexical units with a Germanic origin joined into thematic group "English titles of nobility", and actualization of their meanings in the literary texts of the 19 th century. The sources of language material were the works of early Victorian period writers. The undertaken semantic and functional analysis of lexemes earl, knight, lord / lady enabled the author to conclude that when they indicate social status of the character depicted in the work of art or are used as an etiquette form of address, they implement direct meaning. It has been noted that alongside with lord / lady, the French loanwords sir / madame are used as forms of polite address in dialogues between the characters. The lexemes-titles can function in figurative meaning, i.e. knight maybe used to indicate valour as one of the main qualities of a noble person of high social status, Lord is used to denote the Creator, lady – to speak about any woman, as well as a wife, a mistress. The analysis of the data obtained resulted in deduction that in literary texts of the 19 th century the meanings of lexemes-titles, comprising thematic group English Nobility Titles, can express the following: the noble origin in the name of a person, a polite form of address in communication, nomination of a social status as well as some commonly shared character traits inherent to an aristocratic class representative; nomination of people in accordance with a family status or gender.

Part VI The Legal Process, 23 Collective Proceedings

This chapter studies the requirements for certification of a collective action. As from 2015, new opt-out and opt-in collective proceedings can be brought for the award of aggregate damages. These require certification by a collective proceeding order (CPO) application to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) before they can proceed to trial. The requirements for a CPO are set out in the Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules 2015 (CAT Rules) and CAT Guide to Proceedings 2015 (CAT Guide). A collective action must be brought in the name of an appropriate representative, which can be an individual or a body which need not be a member of the proposed class. The CAT will consider the suitability of the representative as part of the certification process. The class representative must show that the action is suitable for the award of aggregate damages and that the members of the class have a sufficient common interest. Lawyers for the class representative will play the major role in managing the claim, making funding arrangements, and communicating with class members.

e-CALF (Electronic Version of Contextual Attractive Logical Fun) Game as Self-Directed Learning Media for Students in the Digital Era

The study aimed at developing a prototype digital game e-CALF (electronic version of Contextual Attractive Logical and Fun) as self-directed learning media for elementary school students. The research was conducted in SD Lab Singaraja in which the subjects of the study were one class representative in each grade of the students. The design of this research was adapted from ADDIE Model. The data was gained by using interview guide, observation sheet, questionnaire and expert judgment rubric. Since it was found that almost 90% of students in SD Lab Undiksha have their own smartphone, it is a need to design digital media which can facilitate them doing self-directed learning at home. As the result, e-CALF is designed, developed, and revised and at the end of this study, the e-CALF can be categorized as an excellent media. The score of the material given by the first, second, and third judges are 110, 110.5, and 111. Those scores are in a range of X ≥ 103.5 which is categorized as an excellent content. From media expert, the accumulation score gained is 148. The score is in a range of X ≥ 139.5 which is also categorized as an excellent media.

FORMATION OF THE PERCEPTIONAL PORTRAIT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS

Goal. The purpose of this article is to analyze the peculiarities of forming middle class representatives in the Metropolitan Macroregion. Methodology. The methodological basis of the research is the theoretical basis of the functioning of the sociosystem. The main methods of research are: system-structural, synthesis, statistical, ballroom, literary. Results. Approaches to the assessment of the middle class in Ukraine are revealed. The main criteria for determining the middle class are highlighted. Distribution of respondents by their own identification was revealed. The perceptual portrait of the middle class representative of the Metropolitan Macro Region of Ukraine is described. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty consists in the analysis of the peculiarities of the formation of a representative of the middle class in the Metropolitan area of Ukraine. Practical significance. The research is an important part of the organization of perceptual analysis of the middle class in Ukraine. It is aimed at identifying territorial differences in the formation of the middle class, taking into account the system of indicators. Key words: middle class, character of the middle class assessment, self-identification of the middle class, problems of formation of the middle class, perceptual portrait of the middle class.

The Year of 1905 and Zemsky Sobor

The article is devoted to the discussion of the plans for convening the Zemsky Sobor (representative body of the Estates of the Empire) in the first half of 1905 in Russia. Despite the fact that for the beginning of the twentieth century, this form of class representative body was deeply archaic, there were heated debates in the society and among the top leaders about the possibility of returning to the Zemsky Sobor to solve many acute problems, and above all, – whether to pursue the war against Japan. However, after intensive discussions by the summer of 1905 the autocracy rejected the idea of the Sobor, preferring the State Duma to it. It seems that as regards to the Sobor, the imperial power, not accepting the uncompromising position of the ultra-right, did not have the chance to gain the support and sympathy of the liberals in the case of the convening of the Zemsky Sobor.