A deep residual architecture for skin lesion segmentation

In this paper, we propose an automatic approach to skin lesion region segmentation based on a deep learning architecture with multi-scale residual connections. The architecture of the proposed model is based on UNet [22] with residual connections to maximise the learning capability and performance of the network. The information lost in the encoder stages due to the max-pooling layer at each level is preserved through the multi-scale residual connections. To corroborate the efficacy of the proposed model, extensive experiments are conducted on the ISIC 2017 challenge dataset without using any external dermatologic image set. An extensive comparative analysis is presented with contemporary methodologies to highlight the promising performance of the proposed methodology

An Analysis of Tax Incentives in the FDI Decision Process from Organisational Structural Perspectives: Evidence from UK Multinationals

This paper investigates the role of tax incentives in the FDI decision making process in a sample of UK multinational companies. The paper considers the relative importance of stages and determinants in the FDI decision making process. The determining factors in FDI decision process are examined from the organisational structure perspectives –FDI ownership form and market entry mode. The paper specifically identifies the role of tax in the strategic decisions of FDI organisational structure, as well as the stages of FDI decision making process. Relatively few prior empirical studies have examined the interface between tax strategy and corporate strategy in the context of FDI organisational structure and decision making process. This paper therefore attempts to examine the tax incentives for FDI decision process from the perspectives of the organisational structure

Silent Transitions in Automata with Storage

We consider the computational power of silent transitions in one-way automata with storage. Specifically, we ask which storage mechanisms admit a transformation of a given automaton into one that accepts the same language and reads at least one input symbol in each step. We study this question using the model of valence automata. Here, a finite automaton is equipped with a storage mechanism that is given by a monoid. This work presents generalizations of known results on silent transitions. For two classes of monoids, it provides characterizations of those monoids that allow the removal of \lambda-transitions. Both classes are defined by graph products of copies of the bicyclic monoid and the group of integers. The first class contains pushdown storages as well as the blind counters while the second class contains the blind and the partially blind counters.Comment: 32 pages, submitte

Processes Underlying MNE Subsidiary Absorptive Capacity: Evidence from Emerging Markets

We explore the determinants of absorptive capacity by examining how managers of MNE subsidiaries operating in emerging markets recognize, assimilate and apply external knowledge. From analysis of the subsidiaries of 12 MNEs with data from a total of 62 informants from China, India, Brazil and Kenya, six constructs emerged: prior knowledge significance, unlearning, explorative scanning, transformative learning, exploitative application and organization context. Through the iteration of data and theory, we develop a model, which presents a process framework that suggests the dynamic relationships among the emergent concepts underlying absorptive capacity. By identifying and explicating key actions and practices that have previously been largely treated as implicit in the absorptive capacity literature, the study enriches understanding of the micro-processes of absorptive capacity

Familiarization, Reliability, and Evaluation of a Multiple Sprint Running Test Using Self-Selected Recovery Periods

The aims of the present study were to investigate the process of self-selected recovery in a multiple sprint test with a view to using self-selected recovery time as a means of reliably quantifying an individual's ability to resist fatigue in this type of exercise. Twenty physically active exercise science students (means ± SD for age, height, body mass, body fat, and V̇O2max of the subjects were 21 ± 2 yr, 1.79 ± 0.09 m, 83.7 ± 10.8 kg, 16.6 ± 3.9%, and 52.7 ± 7.2 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively) completed 4 trials of a 12 × 30 m multiple sprint running test under the instruction that they should allow sufficient recovery time between sprints to enable maximal sprint performance to be maintained throughout each trial. Mean recovery times across the 4 trials were 73.9 ± 24.7, 82.3 ± 23.8, 77.6 ± 19.1, and 77.5 ± 13.9 seconds, respectively, with variability across the first 3 trials considered evidence of learning effects. Test-retest reliability across trials 3 to 4 revealed a good level of reliability as evidenced by a coefficient of variation of 11.1% (95% likely range: 8.0-18.1%) and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.76 (95% likely range: 0.40-0.91). Despite no change in sprint performance throughout the trials, ratings of perceived exertion increased progressively and significantly (p < 0.001) from a value of 10 ± 2 after sprint 3 to 14 ± 2 after sprint 12. The correlation between relative V̇O2max and mean recovery time was 0.14 (95% likely range: −0.37-0.58). The results of the present study show that after the completion of 2 familiarization trials, the ability to maintain sprinting performance in a series of repeated sprints can be self-regulated by an athlete to a high degree of accuracy without the need for external timepieces

F/A-18 1/9th scale model tail buffet measurements

Wind tunnel tests were carried out on a 1/9th scale model of the F/A-18 at high angles of attack to investigate the characteristics of tail buffet due to bursting of the wing leading edge extension (LEX) vortices. The tests were carried out at the Aeronautical Research Laboratory low-speed wind tunnel facility and form part of a collaborative activity with NASA Ames Research Center, organized by The Technical Cooperative Program (TTCP). Information from the program will be used in the planning of similar collaborative tests, to be carried out at NASA Ames, on a full-scale aircraft. The program covered the measurement of unsteady pressures and fin vibration for cases with and without the wing LEX fences fitted. Fourier transform methods were used to analyze the unsteady data, and information on the spatial and temporal content of the vortex burst pressure field was obtained. Flow visualization of the vortex behavior was carried out using smoke and a laser light sheet technique

Strength and conditioning practices in rowing

There is limited published research on the practices of strength and conditioning (S &C) coaches in Great Britain. Information about training program design would be useful in developing models of good practice and ecologically valid intervention studies. The aim of this research was to quantify the training practices of coaches responsible for the S&C of rowing athletes. A questionnaire was developed that consisted of 6 sections: (a) personal details, (b) physical testing, (c) strength and power development, (d) flexibility development, (e) unique aspects of the program, and (f) any further relevant comments regarding the athletes prescribed training program. Twenty-two rowing and 10 S&C coaches with an average of 10.5 ± 7.2 years' experience agreed to complete the questionnaire. Approximately, 34% coached rowers of Olympic standard, 34% coached national standard, 3% coached regional standard, 19% coached club standard, and 10% coached university standard rowers. All coaches agreed that strength training enhanced rowing performance and the majority (74%) indicated that athletes' strength trained 2-3 times a week. Almost all coaches (94%) reported their rowers performed strength training, with 81% using Olympic lifting, and 91% employing a periodized training model. The clean (63%) and squat (27%) were rated the most important prescribed exercises. Approximately 50% of coaches used plyometrics such as depth jumps, box drills, and standing jumps. Ninety-four percent indicated they conducted physical testing on their rowers, typically assessing cardiovascular endurance (80%), muscular power (70%), muscular strength (70%), and anaerobic capacity (57%). This research represents the only published survey to date on the S&C practices in rowing within Great Britain