Improving GAN with neighbors embedding and gradient matching

We propose two new techniques for training Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Our objectives are to alleviate mode collapse in GAN and improve the quality of the generated samples. First, we propose neighbor embedding, a manifold learning-based regularization to explicitly retain local structures of latent samples in the generated samples. This prevents generator from producing nearly identical data samples from different latent samples, and reduces mode collapse. We propose an inverse t-SNE regularizer to achieve this. Second, we propose a new technique, gradient matching, to align the distributions of the generated samples and the real samples. As it is challenging to work with high-dimensional sample distributions, we propose to align these distributions through the scalar discriminator scores. We constrain the difference between the discriminator scores of the real samples and generated ones. We further constrain the difference between the gradients of these discriminator scores. We derive these constraints from Taylor approximations of the discriminator function. We perform experiments to demonstrate that our proposed techniques are computationally simple and easy to be incorporated in existing systems. When Gradient matching and Neighbour embedding are applied together, our GN-GAN achieves outstanding results on 1D/2D synthetic, CIFAR-10 and STL-10 datasets, e.g. FID score of $30.80$ for the STL-10 dataset. Our code is available at: https://github.com/tntrung/ganComment: Published as a conference paper at AAAI 201

A Simple Nickel Catalyst Enabling an E‐Selective Alkyne Semihydrogenation

Stereoselective alkyne semihydrogenations are attractive approaches to alkenes, which are key building blocks for synthesis. With regards to the most atom economic reducing agent dihydrogen (H 2 ), only few catalysts for the challenging E ‐selective alkyne semihydrogenation have been disclosed, each with a unique substrate scope profile. Here, we show that a commercially available nickel catalyst facilitates the E ‐selective alkyne semihydrogenation of a wide variety of substituted internal alkynes. This results in a simple and broadly applicable overall protocol to stereoselectively access E ‐alkenes employing H 2 which could serve as a general method for synthesis.DFG, 352364740, Diwasserstoff-vermittelte nachhaltige BindungsknüpfungsreaktionenTU Berlin, Open-Access-Mittel - 201

The dispersion of Rayleigh waves in orthotropic layered half-space using matrix method

In this paper, the secular equation of Rayleigh surface waves propagating in an orthotropic layered half-space is derived by the matrix method.  All the layers and the half-space are assumed to have identical principle axes. The explicit form of the matrizant for each layer is obtained by the Sylvester's theorem. The derived secular equation takes only real values and depends only on the dimensionless variables and dimensionless material parameters. Hence, it is convenient in numerical calculation

Consumer ethnocentrism, cosmopolitanism, product judgment, and foreign product purchase intention: An empirical study in Vietnam

This study aims to determine the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism, consumer cosmopolitanism, imported product judgment, and foreign product purchase intention in Vietnam. This paper tries to present its results empirically, which might be helpful in preparing a strategy for Vietnamese customers’ international purchasing behavior to increase competition at retail companies in Vietnam. It uses a questionnaire with a purposive random sampling of 311 customers in Vietnam. Analysis was conducted through a quantitative descriptive analysis, measurement of variable dimensions on the questionnaire using a seven-point Likert scale, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses. This study found that imported product judgment, consumer cosmopolitanism, social influence, and perceived behavioral control positively influence foreign product purchase intention, whereas customer ethnocentrism has a negative impact on that intention. The association between consumer cosmopolitanism and foreign product purchase intention is mediated by imported product evaluation and consumer ethnocentrism. At the same time, national identity does not affect consumer ethnocentrism and foreign product purchase intentions. Besides, this study offers some managerial implications for marketers in decisions linked to Vietnamese customers’ international purchasing behavior to increase competition in the domestic market. AcknowledgmentThe authors express a sincere gratitude to all the participants who generously took part in this research study

Environment and Other Problems in Construction Sector - Case of Vietnam Industrial Zones

The purpose of this paper is to address ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER PROBLEMS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR - CASE OF VIETNAM INDUSTRIAL ZONES. In this paper, we suggest that Vietnam cities should have policies to encourage and give priority support to production and business establishments that apply clean and environmentally friendly technologies such as gas technology instead of coal technology, firewood in ceramic production, and charcoal production. Bees make use of the residues of buckwheat. High technology is a progressive and inevitable trend to solve environmental pollution in craft villages and industrial zones