A shortest-path based clustering algorithm for joint human-machine analysis of complex datasets

Clustering is a technique for the analysis of datasets obtained by empirical studies in several disciplines with a major application for biomedical research. Essentially, clustering algorithms are executed by machines aiming at finding groups of related points in a dataset. However, the result of grouping depends on both metrics for point-to-point similarity and rules for point-to-group association. Indeed, non-appropriate metrics and rules can lead to undesirable clustering artifacts. This is especially relevant for datasets, where groups with heterogeneous structures co-exist. In this work, we propose an algorithm that achieves clustering by exploring the paths between points. This allows both, to evaluate the properties of the path (such as gaps, density variations, etc.), and expressing the preference for certain paths. Moreover, our algorithm supports the integration of existing knowledge about admissible and non-admissible clusters by training a path classifier. We demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method on challenging datasets including points from synthetic shapes in publicly available benchmarks and microscopy data

Punitive Damages and the Intoxicated Driver: An Approach to Taylor v. Superior Court

This Note examines the applicability of punitive damages to California cases involving intoxicated drivers. Particular attention is paid to the concept of malice as required for the allowance of punitive awards under California Civil Code section 3294, and the adoption of an alternative standard for defining malice under the statute is suggested. The Note concludes that as a matter of public policy, and as a means of deterring intoxicated drivers, punitive damages should be allowed when the facts of a case demonstrate a conscious disregard on the part of the defendant for the safety of others

Electrolytic Nickel Impregnation of Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide Films Using AC Voltage as Solar Selective Absorber

AbstractAnodized aluminum oxide films on aluminum substrates 1050 (99.5% Al) was impregnated with nickel by electrodeposition technique. In these paper, we report the synthesis of Ni using the galvanostat mode, and also some experimental modification in the frequency and voltage values, in order to optimize the amount content of Ni on aluminum substrate The data values of the total reflectance were analyzed in the visible solar spectrum and near infrared as a function of voltage, frequency and time of the impregnation process. Several experiments were performed in order to correlate these parameters with the nickel content in the bottom of the pores of the film and its reflectance properties. By morphological analysis found that samples with average nickel content of 10% of the total pore volume not exhibit good properties of a selective absorber, however the samples containing 60% of the total pore volume, present in the reflectance spectrum visible solar 5% and 90% in the infrared solar spectrum so it can be considered a good selective absorber films makes these coatings are prospects for implementation in solar collectors

“Incidencia politica de organizaciones sociales autogestivas.” Un analisis sobre el entramado de cooperativas y el movimiento cartonero

Anais das IV Jornadas Internacionais de Problemas Latino-Americanos: Lutas, Experiências e Debates na América Latina - ISBN 978-950-793-223-6 - Orgs. Paulo Renato da Silva ; Mario Ayala ; Fabricio Pereira da Silva ; Fernando José MartinsPresentamos un avance de la investigación enmarcada en el proyecto UBACyT sobre Estudio comparativo de la acción cultural de los movimientos populares urbanos en el AMBA. Somos universitarios y pertenecemos a una organización social de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, que hace aproximadamente cinco años viene desarrollando diferentes proyectos de investiga- cion/acción participativa con cooperativas de cartoneros. Uno de los objetivos específicos de este investigación es estudiar las formas de incidencia política y cultural generadas por las organizaciones y el incipiente movimiento cartonero. Miles de personas excluidas pasaron de realizar una tarea individual y competitiva, a ser parte de or- ganizaciones sociales autogestivas. La propuesta es reflexionar sobre las vinculaciones entre estas organizaciones, el Estado y un sector tradicional del sindicalismo argentino (la Asociación de Trabajadores del Estado- ATE). La importancia de observar la interacción entre estas múltiples dimensiones y actores radica en que son constitutivos de las acciones colectivas que conforman los cimientos de este germinal movimiento cartonero. La estrategia para llevar adelante este proyecto se basó en el análisis, análisis de docu- mentos y entrevistas a referentes políticos de las tres cooperativas más importantes. Seleccio- namos estas cooperativas por la cantidad de miembros, por la incidencia en la agenda del mo- vimiento cartonero y en las políticas públicas que el Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires iene hacia el sector. Nos referimos al Amanecer de los Cartoneros-MTE, Las Madreselvas y Recuperadores Urbanos del Oeste. En estas organizaciones, el trabajo fue, y es, el eje organizador de este nuevo movimiento social que llegó para quedarse.PPG – IELA – UNIL

Investigating Diversity in the Banking Sector in Europe: The Performance and Role of Savings Banks. CEPS Paperbacks. June 2009

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the foundations of modern and innovative financial systems developed over decades have suffered serious damage. This has triggered massive state interventions and has led authorities to revamp the regulatory structures and frameworks. While many voices have called for a return to more traditional approaches to banking and finance, no one has argued the merits of diversity. This book investigates the merits of a diverse banking system with a special focus on the performance and role of savings banks in selected European countries where they are still prominent (Austria, Germany and Spain) and where they have progressively disappeared (Belgium and Italy). The theoretical and empirical arguments that are developed in this book tend to support the view that it is economically and socially beneficial to have ‘dual bottom-line’ institutions, such as savings banks. For those who accept this premise, it would suggest that policy-makers should not take or support actions that could jeopardise this valuable element of the financial system in various countries in Europe and of the emerging integrated European financial system

Radio observations of evaporating objects in the Cygnus OB2 region

We present observations of the Cygnus OB2 region obtained with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at frequencies of 325 and 610 MHz. In this contribution we focus on the study of proplyd-like objects (also known as free-floating evaporating gas globules or frEGGs) that typically show an extended cometary morphology. We identify eight objects previously studied at other wavelengths and derive their physical properties by obtaining their optical depth at radio-wavelengths. Using their geometry and the photoionization rate needed to produce their radio-continuum emission, we find that these sources are possibly ionized by a contribution of the stars Cyg OB2 #9 and Cyg OB2 #22. Spectral index maps of the eight frEGGs were constructed, showing a flat spectrum in radio frequencies in general. We interpret these as produced by optically thin ionized gas, although it is possible that a combination of thermal emission, not necessarily optically thin, produced by a diffuse gas component and the instrument response (which detects more diffuse emission at low frequencies) can artificially generate negative spectral indices. In particular, for the case of the Tadpole we suggest that the observed emission is not of non-thermal origin despite the presence of regions with negative spectral indices in our maps.Fil: Isequilla, Natacha Laura. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez Lopez, Manuel. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía; ArgentinaFil: Benaglia, Paula. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía; ArgentinaFil: Ishwara Chandra, C. H.. National Center For Radio Astrophysics; IndiaFil: del Palacio, Santiago. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomía; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; Argentin

Sell the oil deposits!: A financial proposal to keep the oil underground in the Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

The Yasuni National Park is a protected area located in the Amazon region of Ecuador and is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. In recent years the park has received much attention due to the media exposure of the Yasuni-ITT Initiative. This Initiative proposed a moratorium on oil activities in the Ishpingo-Timbococha-Tiputini (ITT) blocks within the Yasuni National Park, in exchange for US$3.6 billion in compensation over ten years, to be paid by the international community. In this paper we first conduct a feasibility analysis of the ITT Initiative and show that it was severely flawed from its inception. Second, we develop a financial approach for a 'New ITT Initiative'. We propose the sale or leasing of the rights of extraction of the oil deposits in the Park as a feasible strategy to keep the oil underground and consequently to protect the Yasuni National Park's ecosystem services. Our proposal is much more simplified and transparent than the original ITT Initiative and could be easily implemented through existing financial mechanisms

Blend it like Beckham: Trying to read the ball in the WTO negotiations on industrial tariffs

The current WTO negotiations on industrial tariffs have focused largely on a formula approach to cutting tariffs, but the process of trying to find a compromise that would satisfy all sides has led to a number of propositions that entail blending various elements of formulae, sectoral elimination, exceptions for sensitive products, capping to reduce tariff peaks, provisions for developing and least-developed countries, provisions for recently acceded countries, and extending binding coverage at rates that could be determined in different ways. This blend of approaches is so complex that determing what a country may have to do and what it might expect from others is rather like trying to read one of David Beckham's curved balls. Yet, for many countries the outcome will determine for them whether the Doha Ministerial Declaration of the WTO delivers on its development promises. This paper looks at the various proposals and tries to assess how they measure up against the objectives of the negotiations