Semiparametric Preference Learning

Unlike traditional supervised learning problems,preference learning learns from data available in the form of pairwise preference relations between instances.Existing preference learning methods are either parametric or nonparametric in nature.We propose in this paper a semiparametric preference learning model,abbreviated as SPPL,with the aim of combining the strengths of the parametric and nonparametric approaches.SPPL uses multiple Gaussian processes which are linearly coupled to determine the preference relations between instances.SPPL is more powerful than previous models while keeping the computational complexity low （linear in the number of distinct instances）.We devise an efficient algorithm for model learning.Empirical studies have been conducted on two real-world data sets showing that SPPL outperforms related preference learning methods.     

A multiple intelligent agent system for credit risk prediction via an optimization of localized generalization error with diversity

Company bankruptcies cost billions of dollars in losses to banks each year. Thus credit risk prediction is a critical part of a bank＇s loan approval decision process. Traditional financial models for credit risk prediction are no longer adequate for describing today＇s complex relationship between the financial health and potential bankruptcy of a company. In this work, a multiple classifier system （embedded in a multiple intelligent agent system） is proposed to predict the financial health of a company. In our model, each individual agent （classifier） makes a prediction on the likelihood of credit risk based on only partial information of the company. Each of the agents is an expert, but has limited knowledge （represented by features） about the company. The decisions of all agents are combined together to form a final credit risk prediction. Experiments show that our model out-performs other existing methods using the benchmarking Compustat American Corporations dataset.     

MATHEMATICAL MEASURES OF SHAPE CONFORMITY

This paper has developed a single mathematical measure for the evaluation of the shape conformity of the curved garment objects such as moulded brassiere cups. The measurements are based on the sectional analysis of the fringe pattern generated by means of moire topography. They include the area ratio, shape ratio and root mean square (RMS) of the height deviation of the moulded cup from the standard shape profile. Ultimately, the RMS was found to be a satisfactory method of assessing the shape conformity and a guideline for determining a good fit from the RMS value was then derived.     

Ultrastructural correlation of water reabsorption in isolated rat cauda epididymidis

Summary Electron microscopic study was made on the water reabsorption of the epithelial cells of the rat cauda epididymidis. It was shown that when the epididymal duct was reabsorbing water at a maximal rate, widely dilated intercellular spaces were seen. It is suggested that the standing gradient model of water reabsorption first proposed for the gall bladder may also operate in the cauda epididymidis.This work was supported in part by the World Health Organization and grant number 158/254 of Hong Kong University.     

Evaluation of Woven Fabrics for Comfort Properties in Children’s Summer Wear

This paper evaluates the comfort properties of eightkinds of woven fabric commonly used for children'ssummer wear in Hong Kong,China.Due to the expan-sion of children's wear market and the quality require-ment for parents,objective and subjective measurementsare the main methods used to evaluate the chosen fabricsfor garment deslgners and consumers as reference. Objective measurement was carried out through ex-periments by means of the Kawabata Evaluation Systemfor Fabrics(KES-F).Experimental tests on fabrics in-clude compression,surface,bending,air permeability,thermal and tensile.Subjective measurement was con-ducted by a market research on consumers' opinions onfabrics for children's summer wear in the form of ques-tionnaire survey.These two ways of measurement onfabrics were analyzed and compared. It was found that Fabric Sample 6 which is com-posed of polyester and cotton fibre has the best perfor-mance in terms of its comfort properties.Besides,Sam-ple 4 composes of rayon and cotton fibre also ha     

Viscosity behavior of magnetic suspensions in fluid-assisted finishing

Magnetic fluid-assisted finishing has been verified both theoretically and experimentally as an effective fabrication technology for optical mirrors and lenses. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel design of polishing tool and demonstrate the possible applications of this technology. The work includes studying the viscosity of the magnetic suspensions of micrometer-sized Carbonyl iron particles under the influence of a magnetic field. Both the cases of magnetizable suspension with and without abrasive cerium oxide particles are studied for their ensuing polishing effectiveness. Determination of material removal function is conducted using a Wyko Nat1100 interferometer. Experiments to reduce surface roughness with the proposed tool are also performed using a K9 mirror as the work-piece. Results show that the surface accuracy is improved over three times to less than 0.5 nm after two cycles of polishing.     

Ultrastructural correlation of water reabsorption in isolated rat cauda epididymidis

Electron microscopic study was made on the water reabsorption of the epithelial cells of the rat cauda epididymidis. It was shown that when the epididymal duct was reabsorbing water at a maximal rate, widely dilated intercellular spaces were seen. It is suggested that the standing gradient model of water reabsorption first proposed for the gall bladder may also operate in the cauda epididymidis.     

低捻转杯纺纱实验与理论分析--提高低捻转杯纱强力探索

研究在转杯纺加捻区中加装阻扭件,然后选用相同的棉条纺制不同捻系数的转杯纱(加装阻扭件和不加装阻扭件)和环锭纱,并测试其成纱的强伸性能、表面形态和扭转性能.测试结果表明,加装阻扭件的转杯纱可以适当改善转杯纺的加捻效果,进而适当提高了转杯纱的成纱强力.     

Subjective and Objective Measurements to select Fabric for Child Patients' Garment

This paper studies on fabrics suitable for child patients'garment in the hospital environment in Hong Kong,China.Subjective measurement was carried out by questionnaire survey to consult medical staff on hospital requirement about fabric criteria for child patients' garment. On the other hand, objective measurement was conducted by performing laboratory tests on fabrics,which were sourced from commercial fabric market. Both measurements are evaluated according to the results on those fabric criteria in order to determine the most suitable kind of fabric for the end purpose. As a result of the comparison, it was found that T/C 1 scores the highest index. Therefore, it will be suggested for manufacturing child patients' garment to evaluate the fabric suitability to meet the wearers' requirement through hospital trial.