Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single Image Dehazing Using Ranking Convolutional Neural Network

Single image dehazing, which aims to recover the clear image solely from an input hazy or foggy image, is a challenging ill-posed problem. Analyzing existing approaches, the common key step is to estimate the haze density of each pixel. To this end, various approaches often heuristically designed haze-relevant features. Several recent works also automatically learn the features via directly exploiting convolutional neural networks (CNN). However, it may be insufficient to fully capture the intrinsic attributes of hazy images. To obtain effective features for single image dehazing, this paper presents a novel ranking convolutional neural network (Ranking-CNN). In Ranking-CNN, a novel ranking layer is proposed to extend the structure of CNN so that the statistical and structural attributes of hazy images can be simultaneously captured. By training Ranking-CNN in a well-designed manner, powerful haze-relevant features can be automatically learned from massive hazy image patches. Based on these features, haze can be effectively removed by using a haze density prediction model trained through the random forest regression. Experimental results show that our approach outperforms several previous dehazing approaches on synthetic and real-world benchmark images. Comprehensive analyses are also conducted to interpret the proposed Ranking-CNN from both the theoretical and experimental aspects.
Role of extension in leveraging FPOs for small and marginal farmers

In India 85 per cent farmers are small and marginal with land holding of less than 2 hectares and the average size of land holding being 1.33 hectare/farmer household. Even after the second generation economic reforms in India, critics argued that there was not major growth in agricultural sector in India that led to economic prosperity of small and marginal farmers. Under this backdrop Government of India has been promoting farmer producer organisations (FPOs) through the NABARD and fact is that FPOs is the need of the hour as GoI is preparing for FDI in agriculture. There is huge gap in target and achievement in the formation of FPOs. The scholars had unanimously accepted that in the formation and sustainability of FPOs as a producer company, the role of extension is of paramount importance. The extension roles identified in formation of FPOs are locating farming community, awareness creation and community mobilisation, organising community meetings through local leaders, social capital formation, facilitating formation of core group, capacity building of farmers, facilitating registration, arranging trainings for board of directors and chief executive officers, technical support and ensuring market access.
Use of crack in pregnancy: repercussions for the newborn.

OBJECTIVES To know the effects for the newborn of the use of crack in pregnancy. METHODS This is a qualitative study conducted in a university hospital in southern Brazil, in the first half of 2014. Fifteen mothers crack users and five grandparents participated. The data were produced through semi-structured interviews and later submitted to content analysis. RESULTS It was found that the use of crack in pregnancy leads to repercussions related to the health of the newborn and repercussions related to family restructuring. In relation to the newborn, prematurity, congenital malformation, hospitalization in an intensive care unit, use of care and feeding technologies through artificial milk formulas were mentioned. In the family context, it was evidenced the occurrence of abandonment of the child by the mother, causing the adoption of the newborn by relatives of the family nucleus or their institutionalization due to lack of family structure. CONCLUSIONS It was found that the use of crack in pregnancy leads to repercussions related to the health of the newborn and repercussions related to family restructuring. In this sense, the recruitment of pregnant users of crack by health/nursing professionals and referral for high-risk prenatal care, as well as early identification of the peculiarities of the newborns of these women, and the development of actions that minimize the repercussions of crack are imperative.
Cell Segmentation Via Region-Based Ellipse Fitting

We present a region based method for segmenting and splitting images of cells in an automatic and unsupervised manner. The detection of cell nuclei is based on the Bradley's method. False positives are automatically identified and rejected based on shape and intensity features. Additionally, the proposed method is able to automatically detect and split touching cells. To do so, we employ a variant of a region based multi-ellipse fitting method that makes use of constraints on the area of the split cells. The quantitative assessment of the proposed method has been based on two challenging public datasets. This experimental study shows that the proposed method outperforms clearly existing methods for segmenting fluorescence microscopy images.
The yeast telomerase module for telomere recruitment requires a specific RNA architecture

Telomerases are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) reverse transcriptases. While telomerases maintain genome stability, their composition varies significantly between species. Yeast telomerase RNPs contain an RNA that is comparatively large, and its overall folding shows long helical segments with distal functional parts. Here we investigated the essential stem IVc module of the budding yeast telomerase RNA, called Tlc1. The distal part of stem IVc includes a conserved sequence element CS2a and structurally conserved features for binding Pop1/Pop6/Pop7 proteins, which together function analogously to the P3 domains of the RNase P/MRP RNPs. A more proximal bulged stem with the CS2 element is thought to associate with Est1, a telomerase protein required for telomerase recruitment to telomeres. Previous work found that changes in CS2a cause a loss of all stem IVc proteins, not just the Pop proteins. Here we show that the association of Est1 with stem IVc indeed requires both the proximal bulged stem and the P3 domain with the associated Pop proteins. Separating the P3 domain from the Est1 binding site by inserting only 2 base pairs into the helical stem between the two sites causes a complete loss of Est1 from the RNP and hence a telomerase-negative phenotype in vivo. Still, the distal P3 domain with the associated Pop proteins remains intact. Moreover, the P3 domain ensures Est2 stability on the RNP independently of Est1 association. Therefore, the Tlc1 stem IVc recruitment module of the RNA requires a very tight architectural organization for telomerase function in vivo.
RGB-D object detection and semantic segmentation for autonomous manipulation in clutter

Autonomous robotic manipulation in clutter is challenging. A large variety of objects must be perceived in complex scenes, where they are partially occluded and embedded among many distractors, often in restricted spaces. To tackle these challenges, we developed a deep-learning approach that combines object detection and semantic segmentation. The manipulation scenes are captured with RGB-D cameras, for which we developed a depth fusion method. Employing pretrained features makes learning from small annotated robotic datasets possible. We evaluate our approach on two challenging datasets: one captured for the Amazon Picking Challenge 2016, where our team NimbRo came in second in the Stowing and third in the Picking task; and one captured in disaster-response scenarios. The experiments show that object detection and semantic segmentation complement each other and can be combined to yield reliable object perception.
Biomonitoring of streams: using Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera And Trichoptera (Ept) in responses to the different types of land use at Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR), Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia

A preliminary study on three aquatic insect orders, namely Ephemeroptera (mayfly), Plecoptera (stonefly), and Trichoptera (caddisfly) (EPT) was conducted at Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR), Lahad Datu, Sabah in January and February 2015. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the composition of EPT along a stream at TWR, (ii) the distribution of EPT in each different land use at TWR, and (iii) the relationship between EPT communities and the water quality of the stream at TWR. Kick net sampling technique was used for collecting the EPT communities along Sg. Lipad of TWR. The most dominant order was Ephemeroptera consisting of 11 families with 1,354 individuals out of the total of 1,724 individuals and 26 families of EPT communities sampled. Trichoptera was the second most abundant order with nine families and 258 individuals, and lastly, Plecoptera with only six families and 112 individuals. There were more families of EPT communities distributed in secondary forest as compared to the oil palm plantation. Several exclusive families were found in secondary forest, while only one family was found in oil palm plantation. The habitat run showed the highest in abundance of EPT, while pool recorded the least in abundance. Four biotic indices (BMWP, ASPT, FBI, and INWQS) and a few physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, and DO) were used in this study to determine the water quality of the sampling location. Based on the biotic indices and physico-chemical parameters, the status of water in Sg. Lipad was in excellent condition. The two water quality tests showed profound consistency. This serves as a confirmation that the EPT communities are effective to be used as a biomonitoring tool at TWR.
ON THE DETERMINANTS OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INTEGRATION IN THE GLOBAL BUSINESS AREA

Through this article we aim to shed light on the determinants of international financial integration in the current global finance area. We tell de jure indicators and de facto indicators apart and seek to assess the marginal explanation power of global (common) factors. Several measures of international financial integration are discussed and tested on both developed markets and the major emerging markets over the period 1988 to 2008, using a dynamic panel methodology. Our findings show that socioeconomic stability, trade openness, local investment, budget surplus, financial development and growth opportunities leads international financial integration. Furthermore, we ascertain the marginal explanation power of the global factors in the sustained rising IFI. Indeed, world interest rate, world economic situation and world PER are a prime determining factors. Our results corroborate recent empirical theory as well as provide a potential usefulness for international portfolio managers and for domestic governors aiming to improve their attractiveness indices. �
Volunteerism and Mortality among the Community-dwelling Elderly

Older residents (N 5 1972) in California were investigated prospectively for association of volunteering service to others and all-cause mortality. Potential confounding factors were studied: demographics, health status, physical functioning, health habits, social support, religious involvement, and emotional states. Possible interaction effects of volunteering with religious involvement and social support were also explored. Results showed that 31 percent (n 5 630) of respondents volunteered, about half (n5289) for more than one organization. High volunteers ([.greaterequal]2 organizations) had 63 percent lower mortality than nonvolunteers (age and sex-adjusted) with relative hazard (RH) 5 0.37, confidence interval (CI) 5 0.24, 0.58. Multivariate adjustment moderately reduced difference to 44 percent (RH 5 0.56, CI 5 0.35, 0.89), mostly due to physical functioning, health habits, and social support. Unexpectedly, volunteering was slightly more protective for those with high religious involvement and perceived social support. After multivariate adjustment, any level of volunteering reduced mortality by 60 percent among weekly attenders at religious services (RH 5 0.40; CI 5 0.21,0.74). Lower mortality rates for community service volunteers were only partly explained by health habits, physical functioning, religious attendance, and social support.
Postnatal depression and intimate partner violence: a nationwide clinic-based cross-sectional study in Malaysia

Introduction An estimated 13% of women in the postnatal period suffer from postnatal depression (PND) worldwide. In addition to underprivileged women, women who are exposed to violence are at higher risk of PND. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and PND in Malaysia. Methods This survey was conducted as a nationwide cross-sectional study using a cluster sampling design. Probable PND was assessed using a self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Demographic profiles and IPV were assessed using a locally validated WHO Multicountry Study on Women’s Health and Life Events Questionnaire that was administered in a face-to-face interview. An EPDS total score of 12 or more and/or a positive tendency to self-harm were used to define PND. Results Out of 6669 women, 5727 respondents were successfully interviewed with a response rate of 85.9%. The prevalence of probable PND was 4.4% (95% CI 2.9 to 6.7). The overall prevalence of IPV was 4.9% (95% CI 3.8 to 6.4). Among the women in this group, 3.7% (95% CI 2.7 to 5.0), 2.6% (95% CI 1.9 to 3.5) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.9 to 1.7) experienced emotional, physical and sexual violence, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that women who were exposed to IPV were at 2.3 times the risk for probable PND, with an adjusted OR (aOR) of 2.34 (95% CI 1.12 to 4.87). Other factors for PND were reported emotional violence (aOR 3.79, 95% CI 1.93 to 7.45), unplanned pregnancy (aOR 3.32, 95% CI 2.35 to 4.69), lack of family support during confinement (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.87), partner’s use of alcohol (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.35) or being from a household with a low income (aOR 2.99; 95% CI 1.63 to 5.49). Conclusions Exposure to IPV was significantly associated with probable PND. Healthcare personnel should be trained to detect and manage both problems. An appropriate referral system and support should be made available.
Exploring Beyond the Obvious: Social Skills Needed for Agricultural Communication Baccalaureate Graduates

This national study sought to expand on current research to identify the importance of and graduates’ ability to perform selected social skills to aid in curricula evaluation and small program development. Using three evaluation groups – agricultural communication graduates, communication industry professionals, and agricultural communication faculty members – 193 individuals responded to the online survey. The most important social skills were those associated with having work values and transitioning into an organization to be a productive member in the workplace. Graduates placed a higher importance on social skills than the other two evaluation groups. All three evaluation groups showed some agreement on graduates’ highest ability to perform several social skills: The ability to be trustworthy, trained, reliable, professional, dedicated, and behave ethically were assigned the highest mean ability. A significant difference was found with the ability graduates afforded themselves in having common sense, being professional, and encompassing maturity versus the other two evaluation groups. Recommendations included incorporating and identifying social skills into instruction for students. Group work, presentations, internships, and student organizations were proposed as opportunities for social skill attainment. Agricultural leadership principles, oral communication, and professional development courses were recommended for new and developing agricultural communication programs that could serve to incorporate the most important social skills. Faculty members could benefit from research that can identify more effective measures to evaluate social skill attainment. Recommendations for future research included a similar assessment with technical skills and for other elements of the Agricultural Communication Program System Model to be assessed.
Optimization to detect TP53 mutations in circulating cell-free tumor DNA from patients with serous epithelial ovarian cancer

Objective Circulating cell-free tumor DNA (cfDNA) is the DNA released by apoptotic and necrotic cells of the primary tumor into the blood during the period of tumor development. The cfDNA reflects the genetic and epigenetic alterations of the original tumor. TP53 mutations are a defining feature of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. We optimized the methods for detecting TP53 mutations in cfDNA from blood samples. We confirmed the correlation of TP53 mutation in primary ovarian cancer tissue and it in cfDNA using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). Methods We found 12 frequent mutation sites in TP53 using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer data and manufactured 12 primers. The mutations in tissues were evaluated in fresh-frozen tissue (FFT) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET). We performed a prospective analysis of serial plasma samples collected from 4 patients before debulking surgery. We extracted cfDNA and calculated its concentration in blood. dPCR was used to analyze TP53 mutations in cfDNA, and we compared TP53 mutations in ovarian cancer tissue with those in cfDNA. Results Ten primers out of 12 detected the presence of TP53 mutations in FFT, FFPET, and cfDNA. In FFT and FFPET tissue, there were no significant differences. The average cfDNA concentration was 2.12±0.59 ng/mL. We also confirmed that mutations of cfDNA and those of FFT were all in R282W site. Conclusion This study developed detection methods for TP53 mutations in cfDNA in ovarian cancer patients using dPCR. The results demonstrated that there are the same TP53 mutations in both ovarian cancer tissue and cfDNA.
Money and Output: Friedman and Schwartz Revisited

More than fifty years ago, Friedman and Schwartz examined historical data for the United States and found evidence of pro-cyclical movements in the money stock, which led corresponding movements in output. We find similar correlations in more recent data; these appear most clearly when Divisia monetary aggregates are used in place of the Federal Reserve’s official, simple-sum measures. When we use information in Divisia money to estimate a structural vector autoregression, identified monetary policy shocks appear to have large and persistent effects on output and prices, with a lag that has lengthened considerably since the early 1980s.
Natural Selection on Social Signals: Signal Efficacy and the Evolution of Chameleon Display Coloration

Whether general patterns of signal evolution can be explained by selection for signal efficacy (detectability) has yet to be established. To establish the importance of signal efficacy requires evidence that both signals and their detectability to receivers have evolved in response to habitat shifts in a predictable fashion. Here, we test whether habitat structure has predictable effects on the evolution of male and female display coloration in 21 lineages of African dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion), based on a phylogenetic comparative analysis. We used quantitative measures of display coloration and estimated signal detectability as the contrast of those colors among body regions or against the background vegetation as perceived by the chameleon visual system. Both male and female display colors varied predictably with different aspects of habitat structure. In several (but not all) instances, habitat‐associated shifts in display coloration resulted in habitat‐associated variation in detectability. While males exhibit a remarkable variety of colors and patterns, female display coloration is highly conserved, consisting in all populations of contrasting dark and light elements. This color pattern may maximize detectability across all habitat types, potentially explaining female conservatism. Overall, our results support the view that selection for signal efficacy plays an important role in the evolution of animal signals.
Medical and nursing students' attitudes toward mental illness: An Indian perspective.

OBJECTIVES Compare the attitudes toward mental illness between medical and nursing undergraduate students from a university in India. METHODS A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among medical (n=154) and nursing undergraduate students (n=168) using Attitude Scale for Mental Illness (ASMI) questionnaire with six sub scales namely; Separatism, Stereotyping, Restrictiveness, Benevolence, Pessimistic prediction and Stigmatization. This was a 5-point Likert scale with 34 items to rate participants responses from totally disagree (1) to totally agree (5). The lower scores indicate positive attitudes toward persons with mental illness. RESULTS Our findings revealed that 54.5% of medical students versus 64.8% of nursing students have positive attitudes toward mental illness. While medical students have better attitudes against separatism and stigmatization, nursing students have more positive attitudes in benevolence and against pessimism. CONCLUSIONS An important proportion of medical and nursing students have negative attitudes toward mental illness. It is necessary to review and adapt the current curriculum to favor the positive attitude of future professionals toward people with these types of diseases.
The performance of cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, in a reversal learning task varies across experimental paradigms

Testing performance in controlled laboratory experiments is a powerful tool for understanding the extent and evolution of cognitive abilities in non-human animals. However, cognitive testing is prone to a number of potential biases, which, if unnoticed or unaccounted for, may affect the conclusions drawn. We examined whether slight modifications to the experimental procedure and apparatus used in a spatial task and reversal learning task affected performance outcomes in the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus (hereafter “cleaners”). Using two-alternative forced-choice tests, fish had to learn to associate a food reward with a side (left or right) in their holding aquarium. Individuals were tested in one of four experimental treatments that differed slightly in procedure and/or physical set-up. Cleaners from all four treatment groups were equally able to solve the initial spatial task. However, groups differed in their ability to solve the reversal learning task: no individuals solved the reversal task when tested in small tanks with a transparent partition separating the two options, whereas over 50% of individuals solved the task when performed in a larger tank, or with an opaque partition. These results clearly show that seemingly insignificant details to the experimental set-up matter when testing performance in a spatial task and might significantly influence the outcome of experiments. These results echo previous calls for researchers to exercise caution when designing methodologies for cognition tasks to avoid misinterpretations.