This thesis proposes an object localization and image retrieval framework, which trains a discriminative feature set for each object class. For this purpose, a hierarchical learning architecture, together with a Neighborhood Tree is introduced for object labeling. Initially, a large variety of features are extracted from the regions of the pre-segmented images. These features are, then, fed to the training module, which selects the &quot / best set of representative features&quot / , suppressing relatively less important ones for each class. During this study, we attack various problems of the current image retrieval and classification systems, including feature space design, normalization and curse of dimensionality. Above all, we elaborate the semantic gap problem in comparison to human visual system. The proposed system emulates the eye-brain channel in two layers. The first layer combines relatively simple classifiers with low level, low dimensional features. Then, the second layer implements Adaptive Resonance Theory, which extracts higher level information from the first layer. This two-layer architecture reduces the curse of dimensionality and diminishes the normalization problem. The concept of Neighborhood Tree is introduced for identifying the whole object from the over-segmented image regions. The Neighborhood Tree consists of the nodes corresponding to the neighboring regions as its children and merges the regions through a search algorithm. Experiments are performed on a set of images from Corel database, using MPEG-7, Haar and Gabor features in order to observe the power and the weakness of the proposed system. The &quot / Best Representative Features&quot / are found in the training phase using Fuzzy ARTMAP [1], Feature-based AdaBoost [2], Descriptor-based AdaBoost, Best Representative Descriptor [3], majority voting and the proposed hierarchical learning architecture. During the experiments, it is observed that the proposed hierarchical learning architecture yields better retrieval rates than the existing algorithms available in the literature.

Con la reciente explosión cuantitativa de bibliotecas y colecciones de música en formatodigital, la descripción del contenido desempeña un papel fundamental para una gestión ybúsqueda eficientes de archivos de audio. La presente tesis doctoral pretende hacer unanálisis automático de la estructura de piezas musicales a partir del análisis de unagrabación, es decir, extraer una descripción estructural a partir de señales musicalespolifónicas. En la medida en que la repetición y transformación de la estructura de lamúsica genera una identificación única de una obra musical, extraer automáticamenteesta información puede vincular entre sí descripciones de bajo y alto nivel de una señalmusical y puede proporcionar al usuario una manera más efectiva de interactuar con uncontenido de audio. Para algunas aplicaciones basadas en contenido, encontrar los límitesde determinados segmentos de una grabación resulta indispensable. Así pues, también seinvestiga la segmentación temporal de audio a nivel semántico, al igual que laidentificación de extractos representativos de una señal musical que pueda servir comoresumen de la misma. Para ello se emplea una técnica de análisis a un nivel deabstracción más elevado que permite obtener una mejor división en segmentos. Tantodesde el punto de vista teórico como práctico, esta investigación no sólo ayuda aincrementar nuestro conocimiento respecto a la estructura musical, sino que tambiénproporciona una ayuda al examen y a la valoración musical. / With the recent explosion in the quantity of digital audio libraries and databases, contentdescriptions play an important role in efficiently managing and retrieving audio files.This doctoral research aims to discover and extract structural description frompolyphonic music signals. As repetition and transformations of music structure creates aunique identity of music itself, extracting such information can link low-level and higherleveldescriptions of music signal and provide better quality access plus powerful way ofinteracting with audio content. Finding appropriate boundary truncations is indispensablein certain content-based applications. Thus, temporal audio segmentation at the semanticlevel and the identification of representative excerpts from music audio signal are alsoinvestigated. We make use of higher-level analysis technique for better segmenttruncation. From both theoretical and practical points of view, this research not onlyhelps in increasing our knowledge of music structure but also facilitates in time-savingbrowsing and assessing of music.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 401-410).

Thesis (MScEng (Mathematical Sciences. Applied Mathematics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / When considering flow through porous media, different flow regimes may be identified. At very small Reynolds numbers the relation between the pressure gradient and the velocity of the fluid is linear. This flow regime ...

This project explored the period immediately following the NLRB certification of the representation election wherein a Certification of Representative was actually issued. The intent was to examine the ultimate effects of the collective bargaining process after a labor organization was recognized as the official bargaining agent for a bargaining unit. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the collective bargaining process between two established dates: (1) the date the union was certified the collective bargaining agent, and (2) the date a collective bargaining agreement, if any, was obtained. Study data and findings were organized and presented by four research hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 (once a collective bargaining agent is certified as the collective bargaining representative by the NLRB, it will negotiate a collective bargaining agreement) was not supported by total elections for both fiscal years combined; however, responses received percentages resulted in a collective bargaining achievement. Hypothesis 2 (there will be no difference in the amount of time required to negotiate and ratify a collective bargaining agreement following a consent election as compared with stipulated consent or directed elections) was not supported by the research responses received. Hypothesis 3 (once a collective bargaining agreement is negotiated and ratified, it will be renewed at its expiration date) was supported, the majority of elections to account for in all three situations resulted in subsequent contracts negotiated. Hypothesis 4 (there will be no real difference in basic items negotiated in the collective bargaining agreements) was also supported, the categories mentioned would be most important to the union, and center around three main issues: wages, union security and grievance arbitration procedures.

This thesis in the first part deals with the work of sales representatives. In the second part is presented the company UniCredit Leasing CZ, in which it analyzedis by work management control of sales representatives - employees and the representatives of the self-employed. The thesis compares two models rank sales representative, and external and internal management sales representative. The conclusion is evaluated the situation researched the company and suggasted recommendations to improve the management of business performance data and also to determine whether the position of sales representative, which is controlled by externally, has the potential and prospects in the future.

O estudo numérico do comportamento estrutural de materiais compostos apresenta-se, desde os últimos anos, como um campo muito fértil de pesquisas, o que justifica o crescimento exponencial de trabalhos científicos nesta área. Atualmente é possível desenhar as propriedades físicas do material adequando-os ao uso que se queira dar a eles. Especificamente quanto às propriedades mecânicas vinculadas a função estrutural que o material em estudo possa ter, estas podem, na atualidade, ser quantificadas, modificadas e otimizadas. No presente trabalho, explora-se um material composto formado por uma matriz polimérica e uma segunda fase particulada com distribuição aleatória. Para realizar esse estudo foi utilizado o método dos elementos discretos e o método dos elementos finitos. No primeiro caso é apresentado um estudo onde se realizam tentativas de determinar o elemento de volume representativo considerando o comportamento do material como não-linear. No segundo caso, aplicando o método dos elementos finitos, realiza-se um estudo considerando a matriz e a fase particulada com comportamento elástico linear, determinando o elemento de volume representativo e comparando os resultados, em termos de constantes elásticas homogeneizadas, com propostas teóricas fornecidas pela micromecânica clássica. Um estudo da convergência da malha e exercícios de otimização foram realizados sobre o composto simulado. Finalmente, realiza-se um estudo não-linear através do método dos elementos finitos, onde a matriz é elástica e a fase particulada hiperelástica, onde se determina o elemento de volume representativo e se faz aplicações para verificação da eficácia dos resultados. / The numerical study of the composite material mechanical behavior has shown lately a fertile field of research, which justifies the exponential growing of scientific works in this area. Nowadays it is possible to design the material properties adapting them to the usage that we want to give them. Specifically, regarding to the mechanical properties, there are methods that allow us to modify them in a rational way to reach different objectives. In the present work, different aspects are analyzed of a composite material built with a polymeric matrix and a second particulate phase with random distribution. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) were used to carry out the present work. Firstly, an application of DEM, a study of different alternatives is shown to determine the volume representative element (RVE) considering the non-linear behavior of the studied material. Secondly, an application of FEM, a study considering the matrix and particulate phase, both, with linear elastic behavior. This application consists on computing the RVE and comparing these results with analytical proposals available in the Micromechanics classical bibliography. A mesh convergence study of the FEM models used and simple applications of optimization are also presented. Finally, another application of FEM is presented. In this case a non linear study is shown, where the matrix is considered linear elastic, and the particulate phase is hyperelastic. In this case the RVE was determined and some applications to verify the consistency of the results obtained are presented.

This thesis deals with the influence of the discharges of the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant ("Dukovany NPP") and the assessment of impacts on the population and the vicinity of the power plant. The thesis summarizes the issues of tritium 3H discharges into waterways and partially deals with the 14C discharges. Attention is paid especially to the radioisotope of hydrogen 3H, due to its chemical and physical form and its presence in the cooling medium (light water) used by that type of nuclear power reactor. The thesis also contains a description of the current state of the Dukovany NPP, especially the existing discharges of the radioactive substances to the surroundings of the nuclear power plant, both to the air and into the waterway. Also was discussed the issue of the new planned blocks of the Dukovany NPP and impacts of the projected discharges on the population during the simultaneous operation of the existing blocks and the planned blocks, again in relation to the 3H discharged into the waterway. The application ESTE AI was used for the determination of individual groups of inhabitants who are most exposed to the radioactive discharges (also called representative person). Based on the current discharges of the Dukovany NPP and the planned blocks discharges were determined the annual effective doses for a representative person. The doses were compared with the legislation on the conditions for the peaceful use of nuclear energy requirements and then with the water management legislation. In order to avoid exceeding these limits were set up recommendations how to dispose of radioactive substances optimally. The thesis answer to the research question: What impacts on the population will have discharges of the Dukovany NPP after the construction of a new nuclear source, especially in relation to the discharges of the 3H into the waterway and which measures will must be applied on the optimization of the inhabitants doses.

The present dissertation research has as the analysis of procedures for document preservation, such as the description, the scanning, and the availability of digital representative on the internet, of ciminal case of fonds Judicial District of Santa Maria (JDSM), corresponding to the period 1910-1946 . Currently, this documentary fonds is in the custody of the Municipal Historical Archive of the City of Santa Maria (AHMSM). The research aims to decrease the handling of original documents, thus contributing to the preservation of documentary heritage. Create a finding aid that allows quick access to contents of the fonds Judicial District of Santa Maria. The fonds framed in the classification scheme of the AHMSM and is considered closed, organized chronologically. The related documents are composed of 604 stored procedures in 70 standard file boxes totaling 77,000 images. This work proceeded research, creation and review of the descriptions of each process fonds. This work, necessary for the preparation and launch of data in the archival description ICA-AtoM software. The fonds scanning was performed, permeated with the standards and recommendations mainly the National Council on Archives of Brazil (CONARQ), which passed the feasibility study of equipment and the creation of digital documents representative of the fonds. The AHMSM today have digital representatives of the Judicial District of Santa Maria fonds available, with access via the Internet. The consolidation of JDSM, replicated in digital format, adds another responsibility to AHMSM, which is responsible for the maintenance and access the content on the other hand, the body receives a finding aid, the catalog, which reduces the handling of original documents, enabling fast access to content. / A presente dissertação teve como pesquisa a análise de procedimentos para a preservação documental, tais como: a descrição; a digitalização e; a disponibilização do representante digital na internet, dos processos crime do fundo Comarca de Santa Maria (FCSM), correspondentes ao período 1910-1946. Atualmente, este fundo documental está sob custódia do Arquivo Histórico Municipal da cidade de Santa Maria (AHMSM). A pesquisa tem como objetivo, diminuir o manuseio dos documentos originais, contribuindo assim, com a preservação do patrimônio documental. Criar um instrumento de pesquisa que permita acesso rápido ao conteúdo do fundo Comarca de Santa Maria. O fundo enquadrado, no quadro de arranjo do AHMSM e é considerado fechado, organizado cronologicamente. Os documentos correlatos são compostos de 604 processos guardados em 70 caixas arquivo padrão totalizando 77.000 imagens. Este trabalho procedeu pesquisa, criação e revisão sobre as descrições de cada processo do fundo. Trabalho este, necessário para a preparação e lançamento dos dados no software de descrição arquivística ICA-AtoM. A digitalização do fundo foi executada, permeada pelas normas e recomendações principalmente do Conselho Nacional de Arquivos -(Conarq), que passou pelo estudo de viabilidade de equipamentos e da criação do representante digital dos documentos do fundo. O AHMSM tem hoje, os representantes digitais do fundo Comarca de Santa Maria disponíveis, com acesso via internet. A consolidação do FCSM, replicado em formato digital, acrescenta mais uma responsabilidade ao AHMSM, que é, zelar pela manutenção e acesso do conteúdo, por outro lado, o órgão recebe um instrumento de pesquisa, o catálogo, que diminui o manuseio dos documentos originais, possibilitando acesso rápido ao conteúdo.

O estudo numérico do comportamento estrutural de materiais compostos apresenta-se, desde os últimos anos, como um campo muito fértil de pesquisas, o que justifica o crescimento exponencial de trabalhos científicos nesta área. Atualmente é possível desenhar as propriedades físicas do material adequando-os ao uso que se queira dar a eles. Especificamente quanto às propriedades mecânicas vinculadas a função estrutural que o material em estudo possa ter, estas podem, na atualidade, ser quantificadas, modificadas e otimizadas. No presente trabalho, explora-se um material composto formado por uma matriz polimérica e uma segunda fase particulada com distribuição aleatória. Para realizar esse estudo foi utilizado o método dos elementos discretos e o método dos elementos finitos. No primeiro caso é apresentado um estudo onde se realizam tentativas de determinar o elemento de volume representativo considerando o comportamento do material como não-linear. No segundo caso, aplicando o método dos elementos finitos, realiza-se um estudo considerando a matriz e a fase particulada com comportamento elástico linear, determinando o elemento de volume representativo e comparando os resultados, em termos de constantes elásticas homogeneizadas, com propostas teóricas fornecidas pela micromecânica clássica. Um estudo da convergência da malha e exercícios de otimização foram realizados sobre o composto simulado. Finalmente, realiza-se um estudo não-linear através do método dos elementos finitos, onde a matriz é elástica e a fase particulada hiperelástica, onde se determina o elemento de volume representativo e se faz aplicações para verificação da eficácia dos resultados. / The numerical study of the composite material mechanical behavior has shown lately a fertile field of research, which justifies the exponential growing of scientific works in this area. Nowadays it is possible to design the material properties adapting them to the usage that we want to give them. Specifically, regarding to the mechanical properties, there are methods that allow us to modify them in a rational way to reach different objectives. In the present work, different aspects are analyzed of a composite material built with a polymeric matrix and a second particulate phase with random distribution. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) were used to carry out the present work. Firstly, an application of DEM, a study of different alternatives is shown to determine the volume representative element (RVE) considering the non-linear behavior of the studied material. Secondly, an application of FEM, a study considering the matrix and particulate phase, both, with linear elastic behavior. This application consists on computing the RVE and comparing these results with analytical proposals available in the Micromechanics classical bibliography. A mesh convergence study of the FEM models used and simple applications of optimization are also presented. Finally, another application of FEM is presented. In this case a non linear study is shown, where the matrix is considered linear elastic, and the particulate phase is hyperelastic. In this case the RVE was determined and some applications to verify the consistency of the results obtained are presented.