Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scene Text Detection via Holistic, Multi-Channel Prediction

Recently, scene text detection has become an active research topic in computer vision and document analysis, because of its great importance and significant challenge. However, vast majority of the existing methods detect text within local regions, typically through extracting character, word or line level candidates followed by candidate aggregation and false positive elimination, which potentially exclude the effect of wide-scope and long-range contextual cues in the scene. To take full advantage of the rich information available in the whole natural image, we propose to localize text in a holistic manner, by casting scene text detection as a semantic segmentation problem. The proposed algorithm directly runs on full images and produces global, pixel-wise prediction maps, in which detections are subsequently formed. To better make use of the properties of text, three types of information regarding text region, individual characters and their relationship are estimated, with a single Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) model. With such predictions of text properties, the proposed algorithm can simultaneously handle horizontal, multi-oriented and curved text in real-world natural images. The experiments on standard benchmarks, including ICDAR 2013, ICDAR 2015 and MSRA-TD500, demonstrate that the proposed algorithm substantially outperforms previous state-of-the-art approaches. Moreover, we report the first baseline result on the recently-released, large-scale dataset COCO-Text.
The minimum shift design problem and its relation to the minimum edge-cost flow problem

A bootstrap inverter is cascaded with a bootstrapping push-pull amplifier through a MOSFET, interconnecting particularly the output mode of the inverter with one input node of the push-pull amplifier, the output nodes of both amplifiers swing between ground and Vg, the input node of the push-pull stage swings between near ground and a voltage larger than Vg. The MOSFETs in the amplifiers have capacitive source-to-gate coupling for bootstrap action and conduction at below saturation current levels in the steady state. Two such buffer circuits can be combined to establish a two phase, buffered clock.
Zoonoses in the Bedroom

In most industrialized countries, pets are becoming an integral part of households, sharing human lifestyles, bedrooms, and beds. The estimated percentage of pet owners who allow dogs and cats on their beds is 14%-62%. However, public health risks, including increased emergence of zoonoses, may be associated with such practices.
New oral H1 antihistamines in children: facts and unmeet needs

Background: Second‐generation antihistamines differ from first‐generation ones because of their elevated specificity and affinity for peripheral H1‐receptors and because of their lower penetration to the central nervous system, having fewer sedative effects as a result. Over the last few years, new compounds with different pharmacokinetic properties have been synthesized. More recent improvements of the molecules, generally in the form of active metabolites, led to the synthesis of new‐generation antihistamines.
Liquid water content measurements using the Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel

The performance of a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) based icing probe suitable for use in icing tunnels and airborne applications is assessed. The instrument is shown to accurately and repeatably measure liquid water content (LWC) to within better than 20 percent of the nominal expected value in the NASA Lewis IRT. This was seen to be true over a wide range of tunnel operating conditions. The principles used by the PDPA for MVD and LWC determination are discussed. Calibration curves for the IRT median volume diameter are also determined and compared to the existing calibration determined via the PMS instruments. As has been shown in previous work, the PDPA is quite repeatable. The results are typically 3 to 5 microns smaller than the existing calibrations for a given run condition. Reasons for these differences are also discussed.
The physical and physiological demands of basketball training and competition.

PURPOSE To characterize the physical and physiological responses during different basketball practice drills and games. METHODS Male basketball players (n=11; 19.1+/-2.1 y, 1.91+/-0.09 m, 87.9+/-15.1 kg; mean+/-SD) completed offensive and defensive practice drills, half court 5on5 scrimmage play, and competitive games. Heart rate, VO2, and triaxial accelerometer data (physical demand) were normalized for individual participation time. Data were log-transformed and differences between drills and games standardized for interpretation of magnitudes and reported with the effect size (ES) statistic. RESULTS There was no substantial difference in the physical or physiological variables between offensive and defensive drills; physical load (9.5%; 90% confidence limits+/-45); mean heart rate (-2.4%; +/-4.2); peak heart rate (-0.9%; +/-3.4); and VO2 (-5.7%; +/-9.1). Physical load was moderately greater in game play compared with a 5on5 scrimmage (85.2%; +/-40.5); with a higher mean heart rate (12.4%; +/-5.4). The oxygen demand for live play was substantially larger than 5on5 (30.6%; +/-15.6). CONCLUSIONS Defensive and offensive drills during basketball practice have similar physiological responses and physical demand. Live play is substantially more demanding than a 5on5 scrimmage in both physical and physiological attributes. Accelerometers and predicted oxygen cost from heart rate monitoring systems are useful for differentiating the practice and competition demands of basketball.
People, Sheep and Nature Conservation: The Tasmanian Experience

With almost half a million people and more than six times as many sheep, Tasmania has a rich history of wool production. In the drier parts of the island, graziers raise sheep partly using the native vegetation on their extensive runs. People, Sheep and Nature Conservation explores this use of the run country and the interaction of graziers, sheep and nature. Other topics covered include how graziers manage the runs for profit, how they feel about nature and manage their properties for conservation, how sheep interact with native animals and plants on the runs, and the implications of the ongoing loss of run country to clearance and inundation. In an unusual combination of history, geography, social science, ecological science and policy analysis, this entertaining and well-illustrated book uses the vivid words of the graziers, historical sources and the results of contemporary research to provide some insight into these issues. Although a Tasmanian story, it will resonate more widely, as the integration of production and nature conservation within complex societies, cultures and economies is an outcome desired on a global scale.
Computers and Mathematics with Applications

By using a notion of upper quasi-monotone nondecreasing, this paper presents a new comparison principle which connects the solutions of two higher-dimensional dynamic systemsontimescales.Thenthestabilitycriteriaofasolutionofadynamicsysteminterms of two measures are obtained. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate our results. ©
Cloning and sequence analysis of germin-like protein gene 2 promoter from Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica

Germin and germin-like proteins (GLPs) are water soluble extracellular proteins reportedly expressed in response to some environmental and developmental signals. Some enzymatic activities have also been associated with germin/GLPs. However, their role in overall metabolism has not been fully understood. Significant insight into their function may also be gained by analysis of their promoter. During this study, about 1107 bp 5′region of OsRGLP2 gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sequence analysis by BLAST showed that this promoter sequence has five common regions (CR1–CR5) of different sizes, which are repeated at 3–6 other locations in 30 kb region in which this gene driven by its promoter is located. Interestingly, all the genes driven by promoter harboring these common regions are GLPs/putative germins. Analysis of these common regions located on OsRGLP2 indicated presence of many elements including those for light responsiveness, dehydration and dark induced senescence, stresses (pathogen and salt), plant growth regulators, pollen specific expression and elements related to seed storage proteins. Analysis of the 30 kb germin/GLP clustered region by GenScan detected each gene to have a putative 40 bp promoter which contains TATA box and Dof factor which turned out to be a part of CR2.
Spiral Flow Phantom for Ultrasound Flow Imaging Experimentation

As new ultrasound flow imaging methods are being developed, there is a growing need to devise appropriate flow phantoms that can holistically assess the accuracy of the derived flow estimates. In this paper, we present a novel spiral flow phantom design whose Archimedean spiral lumen naturally gives rise to multi-directional flow over all possible angles (i.e., from 0° to 360°). Developed using lost-core casting principles, the phantom geometry comprised a three-loop spiral (4-mm diameter and 5-mm pitch), and it was set to operate in steady flow mode (3 mL/s flow rate). After characterizing the flow pattern within the spiral vessel using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the phantom was applied to evaluate the performance of color flow imaging (CFI) and high-frame-rate vector flow imaging. Significant spurious coloring artifacts were found when using CFI to visualize flow in the spiral phantom. In contrast, using vector flow imaging (least-squares multi-angle Doppler based on a three-transmit and three-receive configuration), we observed consistent depiction of flow velocity magnitude and direction within the spiral vessel lumen. The spiral flow phantom was also found to be a useful tool in facilitating demonstration of dynamic flow visualization based on vector projectile imaging. Overall, these results demonstrate the spiral flow phantom’s practical value in analyzing the efficacy of ultrasound flow estimation methods.
Gabbroic lunar mare meteorites Asuka-881757(Asuka-31) and Yamato-793169:Geochmical and mineralogical study

Asuka-31 (Asuka-881757) is a new type of gabbroic mare basalt which is similar to VL T mare basalts from Apollo 17 and Luna 24. The small lunar meteorite Yamato-793169 was described to have petrologic characteristics that are similar to those of A-881757; this similarity is confirmed here for trace element compositions. We studied bulk (powder) samples and mineral and rock fragments of A-881757. The mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the separates from A-881757, 111 is that of a coarse-grained gabbroic rock of VL T composition; the texture of the mesostases suggests some metamorphic recrystallization with highly unequilibrated mineral compositions. As for mineral phases, we found plagioclase, pyroxene, fayalite, Fe-Ni metal, silica, apatite, and some trace minerals. In addition, we found ulvospinels associated with Na-rich plagioclase, fayalite, apatite, ilmenite, Si02 , Fe-sulfide, and a rare metal (0.3 wt% Ni, 2.0 wt% Co) which has a composition unknown so far from any lunar rocks. The trace element contents found in the mineral separates and fragments correspond closely to the mineralogical findings. The chondrite normalized REE patterns for the bulk samples of A-881757 and Y-793169 are relatively flat, with some light REE depletion that is typical of mare basalts. The plagioclase­ dominated subsamples A31-CL, A31-CL2, and A31-YC show a distinct positive Eu anomaly. The bulk trace element composition ofY-793169 is almost identical to that of A-881757. Solar-wind derived noble gas and exposure age studies of A-881757 and Y-793169 have indicated marked differences between the two meteorites, indicating that they might have been ejected in different events. These two new gabbroic, VLT-like, mare basalts are therefore valuable new additions to the lunar meteorite collection.
Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on placing patients at the center of health care research and evaluating clinical care in order to improve their experience and ensure that research is both robust and of maximum value for the use of medicinal products, therapy, or health services. This paper provides an overview of patients’ involvement in clinical research and service evaluation along with its benefits and limitations. We describe and discuss patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the trends in current research. Both the patient-reported experiences measures (PREMs) and patient and public involvement (PPI) initiative for including patients in the research processes are also outlined. PROs provide reports from patients about their own health, quality of life, or functional status associated with the health care or treatment they have received. PROMs are tools and/or instruments used to report PROs. Patient report experiences through the use of PREMs, such as satisfaction scales, providing insight into the patients’ experience with their care or a health service. There is increasing international attention regarding the use of PREMS as a quality indicator of patient care and safety. This reflects the ongoing health service commitment of involving patients and the public within the wider context of the development and evaluation of health care service delivery and quality improvement.
3D Computerized Occlusion Rating of Embolized Experimental Aneurysms Using Noninvasive 1.5T MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For embolized cerebral aneurysms, the initial occlusion rate is the most powerful parameter to predict aneurysm rerupture and recanalization. However, the occlusion rate is only estimated subjectively in clinical routine. To minimize subjective bias, computer occlusion-rating (COR) was successfully validated for 2D images. To minimize the remaining inaccuracy of 2D-COR, COR was applied to 1.5T 3D MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve experimental rabbit aneurysms were subjected to stent-assisted coil embolization followed by 2D DSA and 3D MR imaging. Subjective occlusion-rate (SOR) was estimated. Linear parameters (aneurysm length, neck width, parent vessel diameter) were measured on 2D DSA and 3D MR imaging. The occlusion rate was measured by contrast medium−based identification of the nonoccluded 2D area/3D volume in relation to the total aneurysm 2D area/3D volume. 2D and 3D parameters were statistically compared. RESULTS: There were no limiting metallic artifacts by using 3D MR imaging. Linear parameters (millimeters) were nearly identical on 2D DSA and 3D MR imaging (aneurysm length: 7.5 ± 2.6 versus 7.4 ± 2.5, P = .2334; neck width: 3.8 ± 1.0 versus 3.7 ± 1.1, P = .6377; parent vessel diameter: 2.7 ± 0.6 versus 2.7 ± 0.5, P = .8438), proving the high accuracy of 3D MR imaging. COR measured on 3D MR imaging was considerably lower (61.8% ± 26.6%) compared with the following: 1) 2D-COR (65.6% ± 27.1%, P = .0537) and 2) 2D-SOR estimations (69.2% ± 27.4%, P = .002). These findings demonstrate unacceptable bias in the current clinical standard SOR estimations. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-COR of embolized aneurysms is easily feasible. Its accuracy is superior to that of the clinical standard 2D-SOR. The difference between 3D-COR and 2D-COR approached statistical significance. 3D-COR may add objectivity to the ability to stratify the risk of rerupture in embolized cerebral aneurysms.
Sexual Dimorphisms in Avian and Reptilian Courtship: Two Systems that Do Not Play by Mammalian Rules

Sexual dimorphisms in the central nervous system exist in numerous vertebrate species, and in many cases these structural differences between males and females parallel differences in the display of reproductive behaviors. Often both the behavioral and anatomical differences are controlled by exposure to gonadal steroid hormones, either during ontogeny or in adulthood. This article reviews some of the evidence supporting the hypothesis that in mammals, testosterone or its metabolites regulate the structure and function of neural and muscle systems involved in the control of masculine sexual behaviors. It then describes data suggesting that the mechanisms regulating sexually dimorphic courtship systems in zebra finches and green anole lizards are not completely parallel to the mammalian systems. Finally, some directions for future study are suggested, with the hope that they will stimulate thought about the nature of comparisons made across vertebrate models when investigators are attempting to determine both which morphological sex differences are important to the control of the reproductive behaviors, and which mechanisms regulating both structure and function are widely employed or are unique.
Accuracy improvements for multi-criteria recommender systems

Recommender systems (RS) have shown to be valuable tools on e-commerce sites which help the customers identify the most relevant items within large product catalogs. In systems that rely on collaborative filtering, the generation of the product recommendations is based on ratings provided by the user community. While in many domains users are only allowed to attach an overall rating to the items, increasingly more online platforms allow their customers to evaluate the available items along different dimensions. Previous work has shown that these criteria ratings contain valuable information that can be exploited in the recommendation process. In this work we present new methods to leverage information derived from multi-dimensional ratings to improve the predictive accuracy of such multi-criteria recommender systems. In particular, we propose to use Support Vector regression to determine the relative importance of the individual criteria ratings and suggest to combine user- and item-based regression models in a weighted approach. Beside the automatic adjustment and optimization of the combination weights, we also explore different feature selection strategies to further improve the quality of the recommendations. An experimental analysis on two real-world rating datasets reveals that our method outperforms both recent single-rating algorithms based on matrix factorization as well as previous methods based on multi-criteria ratings in terms of the predictive accuracy. We therefore see the usage of multi-criteria customer ratings as a promising opportunity for e-commerce sites to improve the quality and precision of their online recommendation services.
Multiepisodic evaporite sedimentation as an indicator of palaeogeographical evolution in foreland basins (South‐eastern Pyrenean basin, Early–Middle Eocene)

Extensive deposition of marine evaporites occurred during the Early–Middle Eocene in the South‐eastern Pyrenean basin (north‐east Spain). This study integrates stratigraphic and geochemical analyses of subsurface data (oil wells, seismic profiles and gravity data) together with field surveys to characterize this sedimentation in the foredeep and adjacent platform. Four major evaporite units were identified. The oldest was the Serrat Evaporites unit, with a platform‐slope‐basin configuration. Thick salina and sabkha sulphates accumulated on the platform, whereas resedimented and gravity‐derived sulphates were deposited on the slope, and salt and sulphates were deposited in the deep basin. In the subsequent unit (Vallfogona evaporites), thin sulphates formed on the platform, whereas very thick siliciclastic turbidites accumulated in the foredeep. However, some clastic gypsum coming from the platform (gypsarenites and gypsum olistoliths) was intercalated in these turbidites. The following unit, the Beuda Gypsum Formation developed in a sulphate platform‐basin configuration, where the topography of the depositional surface had become smooth. The youngest unit, the Besalú Gypsum, formed in a shallow setting. This small unit provides the last evidence of marine influence in a residual basin. Sulphur and oxygen isotope compositions are consistent with a marine origin for all evaporites. However, δ34S and δ18O values also suggest that, except for the oldest unit (Serrat Evaporites), there was some sulphate recycling from the older into the younger units. The South‐eastern Pyrenean basin constitutes a fine example of a foreland basin that underwent multiepisodic evaporitic sedimentation. In the basin, depositional factors evolved with time under a structural control. Decreasing complexity is observed in the lithofacies, as well as in the depositional models, together with a diminishing thickness of the evaporite units.
Late-Season Nitrogen Fertilizer Application in Soybean

Field experiments were conducted at the North Central Kansas Experiment Field near Scandia, KS, in the summer of 2014 to evaluate effect of late-season nitrogen (N) fertilizer application on modern soybean genotypes under dryland and irrigated environments. The main objective was to determine if the N application late in the season has an agronomical benefit to soybean producers. A unique fertilizer N source (urea) was applied at five N rates (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 lb N/a) to soybean at the R3 growth stage. Overall soybean yields under dryland conditions ranged from 73 to 89 bu/a, whereas yield variation in the irrigated environment was narrowed and ranged from 90 to 99 bu/a. Application of late-season N fertilizer did not significantly increase soybean yields either under full irrigation or in the dryland environment. Under irrigation, maximum soybean yield was documented at 99 bu/a with the 0-N fertilizer rate, whereas dryland soybean yield was maximized at 89 bu/a with 120 lb N/a.