A comparative evaluation of two algorithms of detection of masses on mammograms

In this paper, we implement and carry out the comparison of two methods of computer-aided-detection of masses on mammograms. The two algorithms basically consist of 3 steps each: segmentation, binarization and noise suppression using different techniques for each step. A database of 60 images was used to compare the performance of the two algorithms in terms of general detection efficiency, conservation of size and shape of detected masses.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, Vol.3, No.1, February 2012,pp19-27; Signal & Image Processing : An International Journal (SIPIJ),201

String and Membrane Gaussian Processes

In this paper we introduce a novel framework for making exact nonparametric Bayesian inference on latent functions, that is particularly suitable for Big Data tasks. Firstly, we introduce a class of stochastic processes we refer to as string Gaussian processes (string GPs), which are not to be mistaken for Gaussian processes operating on text. We construct string GPs so that their finite-dimensional marginals exhibit suitable local conditional independence structures, which allow for scalable, distributed, and flexible nonparametric Bayesian inference, without resorting to approximations, and while ensuring some mild global regularity constraints. Furthermore, string GP priors naturally cope with heterogeneous input data, and the gradient of the learned latent function is readily available for explanatory analysis. Secondly, we provide some theoretical results relating our approach to the standard GP paradigm. In particular, we prove that some string GPs are Gaussian processes, which provides a complementary global perspective on our framework. Finally, we derive a scalable and distributed MCMC scheme for supervised learning tasks under string GP priors. The proposed MCMC scheme has computational time complexity $\mathcal{O}(N)$ and memory requirement $\mathcal{O}(dN)$, where $N$ is the data size and $d$ the dimension of the input space. We illustrate the efficacy of the proposed approach on several synthetic and real-world datasets, including a dataset with $6$ millions input points and $8$ attributes.Comment: To appear in the Journal of Machine Learning Research (JMLR), Volume 1

Managing Reputation in Event Planning Companies

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature, and a content analysis, on how event planning companies could manage their corporate reputation to gain a competitive edge. One issue that needs to be recognized is that this paper adopted Fombrun's (1996) four drivers, which helps companies build strong and favorable reputations, as an underpinning model of this literature review. Results of the content analysis indicate that event planning companies not only need to build a strong relationship with their customers, but also with their suppliers, employees, and communities as well. Finally, some important possibilities for the implementation of reputation management by these companies are discussed

Littératures nationales et instances de légitimation : l'exemple du Cameroun

Quels critères employer pour définir ce qui constitue la spécificité littéraire d'un pays en particulier? La critique africaine s'en est plutôt tenue à retracer les conditions d'émergence d'une littérature locale. De plus, le concept de littérature nationale pose problème en Afrique. La littérature camerounaise, au-delà d'une spécificité certaine, est exemplaire de plusieurs régions du continent. On y perçoit deux pôles de légitimation : l'un interne, l'autre externe. Le second reste privilégié, assurant la reconnaissance la plus souhaitée par les écrivains. Sur le plan interne, l'État a eu tendance à s'emparer de plus en plus du pouvoir de légitimation, en recourant à ses propres instances : ministère de la Culture, presse officielle, système d'enseignement, gênant la mise en place d'institutions littéraires autonomes.What criteria should one use to define the specificity of a particular country's literature? African criticism has tended in the main to deal with the conditions underlying the emergence of local literature. The concept of a national literature, moreover, is fraught with difficulty in Africa. Apart from its obvious specificity, the plight of literature in Cameroons can be taken as typical of that of various regions of the Continent. Cameroonian literature lays claim to two types of legitimacy: the one internal, the other external. Because it is more likely to bring recognition, the latter continues to be favoured by writers. At the same time, the State has increasingly appropriated to itself the powers of legitimating literature by resorting to institutions of its own, such as the Ministry of Culture, the official press, and the education system. The effect of its action has been to impede the emergence of autonomous literary institutions

Course and content analysis for the convention and meeting/event planning minor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout

Includes bibliographical references

Understanding Crisis Vulnerability of the MICE Sector: A Case Study of Thailand

MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions), has generated high foreign exchange revenue for the economy worldwide. In Thailand, MICE tourists are recognized as 'quality' visitors, mainly because of their high-spending potential. Having said that, Thailand's MICE sector has been influenced by a number of crises in the past since September 11, 2001. While a number of researchers have discussed the crisis vulnerability of other tourism sectors such as restaurant and hotel, less effort has focused particularly on the MICE sector. The objective of this research is therefore to examine the crisis vulnerability of MICE and to provide recommendation for future research