Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Robust and Expressive Whole-body Human Pose and Shape Estimation

Whole-body pose and shape estimation aims to jointly predict different behaviors (e.g., pose, hand gesture, facial expression) of the entire human body from a monocular image. Existing methods often exhibit degraded performance under the complexity of in-the-wild scenarios. We argue that the accuracy and reliability of these models are significantly affected by the quality of the predicted \textit{bounding box}, e.g., the scale and alignment of body parts. The natural discrepancy between the ideal bounding box annotations and model detection results is particularly detrimental to the performance of whole-body pose and shape estimation. In this paper, we propose a novel framework to enhance the robustness of whole-body pose and shape estimation. Our framework incorporates three new modules to address the above challenges from three perspectives: \textbf{1) Localization Module} enhances the model's awareness of the subject's location and semantics within the image space. \textbf{2) Contrastive Feature Extraction Module} encourages the model to be invariant to robust augmentations by incorporating contrastive loss with dedicated positive samples. \textbf{3) Pixel Alignment Module} ensures the reprojected mesh from the predicted camera and body model parameters are accurate and pixel-aligned. We perform comprehensive experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed framework on body, hands, face and whole-body benchmarks. Codebase is available at \url{https://github.com/robosmplx/robosmplx}.
STaR: Distilling Speech Temporal Relation for Lightweight Speech Self-Supervised Learning Models

Albeit great performance of Transformer-based speech selfsupervised learning (SSL) models, their large parameter size and computational cost make them unfavorable to utilize. In this study, we propose to compress the speech SSL models by distilling speech temporal relation (STaR). Unlike previous works that directly match the representation for each speech frame, STaR distillation transfers temporal relation between speech frames, which is more suitable for lightweight student with limited capacity. We explore three STaR distillation objectives and select the best combination as the final STaR loss. Our model distilled from HuBERT BASE achieves an overall score of 79.8 on SUPERB benchmark, the best performance among models with up to 27 million parameters. We show that our method is applicable across different speech SSL models and maintains robust performance with further reduced parameters.
${\rm w}_{1+\infty}$ in 4D Gravitational Scattering

In four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetimes, an infinite tower of soft graviton modes is known to generate the symmetry algebra of ${\rm w}_{1+\infty}$ at tree-level. Here we demonstrate that the symmetry action follows from soft graviton theorems and acts non-trivially on massive scalar particles. By generalizing previous analyses that were specifically tailored to the scattering of massless particles, our results clarify that ${\rm w}_{1+\infty}$ symmetry is a universal feature of tree-level gravitational scattering in four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetimes and originates from minimally-coupled gravitational interactions. In addition, we show that the ${\rm w}_{1+\infty}$ symmetry acts non-diagonally on massive states by mixing an infinite number of conformal families. We also present a concrete example of non-local behavior on the celestial sphere in the presence of massive scattering states.
The effects of dynamic binding on the phase behaviour and properties of polymer blends undergoing complex coacervation

Associative polymer networks have shown a major promise in fabrication of self-healing and responsive materials. The can also serve as simple models to study more complex biological systems where transient interactions play an important role. In this work we investigate the properties of charged polymer blends whose constituents are capable of creating dynamic bonds. We model dynamic bonds as harmonic springs with additional bond formation energy, $\varepsilon_a$, which can be adjusted to influence the reaction rates for binding and unbinding. We show that varying the number of binding sites on the chains and $\varepsilon_a$ has a major effect on the resulting phase diagram. We further investigate the diffusive behaviour of the coacervates. We also study, how the network structure changes with varying number of active site, and increasing $\varepsilon_a$, and identify the values which result in the network percolation. Lastly, we explore the possibility of inducing orthogonal phase separation by by introducing a second type of binding site, which cannot interact with the first kind.
Learned Fusion: 3D Object Detection using Calibration-Free Transformer Feature Fusion

The state of the art in 3D object detection using sensor fusion heavily relies on calibration quality, which is difficult to maintain in large scale deployment outside a lab environment. We present the first calibration-free approach for 3D object detection. Thus, eliminating the need for complex and costly calibration procedures. Our approach uses transformers to map the features between multiple views of different sensors at multiple abstraction levels. In an extensive evaluation for object detection, we not only show that our approach outperforms single modal setups by 14.1% in BEV mAP, but also that the transformer indeed learns mapping. By showing calibration is not necessary for sensor fusion, we hope to motivate other researchers following the direction of calibration-free fusion. Additionally, resulting approaches have a substantial resilience against rotation and translation changes.
A FUNQUE Approach to the Quality Assessment of Compressed HDR Videos

Recent years have seen steady growth in the popularity and availability of High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, particularly videos, streamed over the internet. As a result, assessing the subjective quality of HDR videos, which are generally subjected to compression, is of increasing importance. In particular, we target the task of full-reference quality assessment of compressed HDR videos. The state-of-the-art (SOTA) approach HDRMAX involves augmenting off-the-shelf video quality models, such as VMAF, with features computed on non-linearly transformed video frames. However, HDRMAX increases the computational complexity of models like VMAF. Here, we show that an efficient class of video quality prediction models named FUNQUE+ achieves SOTA accuracy. This shows that the FUNQUE+ models are flexible alternatives to VMAF that achieve higher HDR video quality prediction accuracy at lower computational cost.
High-energy behavior of scattering amplitudes in theories with purely virtual particles

We study a class of renormalizable quantum field theories with purely virtual particles that exhibits nonrenormalizable behavior in the high-energy limit of scattering cross sections, which grow as powers of the center-of-mass energy squared and seems to violate unitarity bounds. We point out that the problem should be viewed as a violation of perturbativity, instead of unitarity, and show that the resummation of self energies fixes the issue. As an explicit example, we consider a class of $O(N)$ theories at the leading order in the large-$N$ expansion and show that the different quantization prescription of purely virtual particles takes care of the nonrenormalizable behavior, making the resummed cross sections to decrease at high energies and the amplitudes to satisfy the unitarity bounds. We compare the results to the case of theories with ghosts, where the resummation cannot change the behavior of cross sections due to certain cancellations in the high-energy expansion of the self energies. These results are particularly relevant for quantum gravity.
SEEAvatar: Photorealistic Text-to-3D Avatar Generation with Constrained Geometry and Appearance

Powered by large-scale text-to-image generation models, text-to-3D avatar generation has made promising progress. However, most methods fail to produce photorealistic results, limited by imprecise geometry and low-quality appearance. Towards more practical avatar generation, we present SEEAvatar, a method for generating photorealistic 3D avatars from text with SElf-Evolving constraints for decoupled geometry and appearance. For geometry, we propose to constrain the optimized avatar in a decent global shape with a template avatar. The template avatar is initialized with human prior and can be updated by the optimized avatar periodically as an evolving template, which enables more flexible shape generation. Besides, the geometry is also constrained by the static human prior in local parts like face and hands to maintain the delicate structures. For appearance generation, we use diffusion model enhanced by prompt engineering to guide a physically based rendering pipeline to generate realistic textures. The lightness constraint is applied on the albedo texture to suppress incorrect lighting effect. Experiments show that our method outperforms previous methods on both global and local geometry and appearance quality by a large margin. Since our method can produce high-quality meshes and textures, such assets can be directly applied in classic graphics pipeline for realistic rendering under any lighting condition. Project page at: https://yoxu515.github. io/SEEAvatar/.
Swift/XRT observations of superorbital modulations in wind-fed supergiant X-ray binaries

We present the first Swift/XRT long-term monitoring of 2S 0114+650, a wind-fed supergiant X-ray binary for which both orbital and superorbital periods are known (Porb ∼ 11.6 d and Psup ∼ 30.8 d). Our campaign, summing up to ∼79 ks, is the most intense and complete sampling of the X-ray light curve of this source with a sensitive pointed X-ray instrument, and covers 17 orbital, and 6 superorbital cycles. The combination of flexibility, sensitivity, and soft X-ray coverage of the X-ray telescope (XRT) allowed us to confirm previously reported spectral changes along the orbital cycle of the source and unveil the variability in its spectral parameters as a function of the superorbital phase. For completeness, we also report on a similar analysis carried out by exploiting XRT archival data on three additional wind-fed supergiant X-ray binaries IGR J16418−4532, IGR J16479−4514, and IGR J16493−4348. For these sources, the archival data provided coverage along several superorbital cycles but our analysis could not reveal any significant spectral variability.
Multi-modal Latent Space Learning for Chain-of-Thought Reasoning in Language Models

Chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning has exhibited impressive performance in language models for solving complex tasks and answering questions. However, many real-world questions require multi-modal information, such as text and images. Previous research on multi-modal CoT has primarily focused on extracting fixed image features from off-the-shelf vision models and then fusing them with text using attention mechanisms. This approach has limitations because these vision models were not designed for complex reasoning tasks and do not align well with language thoughts. To overcome this limitation, we introduce a novel approach for multi-modal CoT reasoning that utilizes latent space learning via diffusion processes to generate effective image features that align with language thoughts. Our method fuses image features and text representations at a deep level and improves the complex reasoning ability of multi-modal CoT. We demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed method on multi-modal ScienceQA and machine translation benchmarks, achieving state-of-the-art performance on ScienceQA. Overall, our approach offers a more robust and effective solution for multi-modal reasoning in language models, enhancing their ability to tackle complex real-world problems.
Does provable absence of barren plateaus imply classical simulability? Or, why we need to rethink variational quantum computing

A large amount of effort has recently been put into understanding the barren plateau phenomenon. In this perspective article, we face the increasingly loud elephant in the room and ask a question that has been hinted at by many but not explicitly addressed: Can the structure that allows one to avoid barren plateaus also be leveraged to efficiently simulate the loss classically? We present strong evidence that commonly used models with provable absence of barren plateaus are also classically simulable, provided that one can collect some classical data from quantum devices during an initial data acquisition phase. This follows from the observation that barren plateaus result from a curse of dimensionality, and that current approaches for solving them end up encoding the problem into some small, classically simulable, subspaces. Thus, while stressing quantum computers can be essential for collecting data, our analysis sheds serious doubt on the non-classicality of the information processing capabilities of parametrized quantum circuits for barren plateau-free landscapes. We end by discussing caveats in our arguments, the role of smart initializations and the possibility of provably superpolynomial, or simply practical, advantages from running parametrized quantum circuits.
Prenatal gross morphometrical studies on spleen with special reference to prediction of foetal age in Surti goat (Capra hircus)

A study was conducted to elucidate the topographic location and morphometry of the spleen in 30 Surti goat foetuses at different stages of their development ranging from 44 to 144 days (4.0 to 41.0 cm CRL). On the basis of CR length, the foetuses were divided into three age groups viz., group-I (4.0 to 11.6 cm CRL), group-II (12.2 to 26.8 cm CRL) and group-III (27.2 to 41.0 cm CRL). Special attempt has been made to fit prediction equation (stepwise regression) for estimation of approximate age of Surti goat foetuses by using splenic biometrics. The developing spleen was observed at the age of 44 days (4.0 cm CRL) in abdominal cavity close to the stomach. The shape of spleen was roughly quadrilateral in all age groups. The various spleen measurements viz., length, width, thickness, volume and weight increases in dimensions during different stages of development and all the changes were highly significant (P less than 0.01). The mean relative weight of spleen was maximum (0.15%) in group-III. Among splenic parameters, the length of spleen was found most important variable; which could be used for estimation of age using stepwise regression (R2 = 0.97) model in Surti goat foetuses.
Impact of resveratrol and zinc on biomarkers of oxidative stress induced by Trichinella spiralis infection

Abstract Trichinellosis is a re-emerging worldwide foodborne zoonosis. Oxidative stress is one of the most common detrimental effects caused by trichinellosis. In addition, Trichinella infection poses an infinite and major challenge to the host’s immune system. Resistance and side effects limit the efficiency of the existing anti-trichinella medication. Given that concern, this work aimed to investigate the anti-helminthic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of resveratrol and zinc during both phases of Trichinella spiralis infection. Sixty-four Swiss albino mice were divided into four equal groups: non-infected control, infected control, infected and treated with resveratrol, and infected and treated with zinc. Animals were sacrificed on the 7th and 35th days post-infection for intestinal and muscular phase assessments. Drug efficacy was assessed by biochemical, parasitological, histopathological, immunological, and immunohistochemical assays. Resveratrol and zinc can be promising antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agents, as evidenced by the significant decrease in parasite burden, the significant improvement of liver and kidney function parameters, the increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the increase in nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor expression, and the improvement in histopathological findings. Moreover, both drugs enhanced the immune system and restored the disturbed immune balance by increasing the interleukin 12 (IL-12) level. In conclusion, resveratrol and zinc provide protection for the host against oxidative harm and the detrimental effects produced by the host’s defense response during Trichinella spiralis infection, making them promising natural alternatives for the treatment of trichinellosis.
Diversity of Cetoniinae Beetles in a Semiurban Area of Western Mexico

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition and seasonal pattern of carpophilous Cetoniinae collected at the facilities of the Instituto Tecnológico de Tlajomulco, Jalisco. Sampling by six carpotraps was from May to November 2021. In total, four species and 226 individuals were collected, with most activity during September and October. Using the same trapping method at other locations in the State of Jalisco, seven to eight species were reported. However, the location studied was very disturbed by settlements and cultivated fields. Resumen. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la composición y patrón estacional de los Cetoniinae carpófilos recolectadas en las instalaciones del Instituto Tecnológico de Tlajomulco, Jalisco. El muestreo se realizó con el establecimiento de seis trampas cebada con fruta entre los meses de mayo a noviembre de 2021. En total se recolectaron cuatro especies y 226 individuos, la mayor actividad se registró durante septiembre y octubre. Utilizando el mismo método de captura en otras localidades del Estado de Jalisco, se reportaron de siete a ocho especies. Sin embargo, el lugar estudiado es una zona perturbada por asentamientos urbanos y campos de cultivo.
Influencers of Health Related Quality of Life in People with Faecal Incontinence

Background: Faecal Incontinence (FI) is a common debilitating condition that, significantly decreases healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL). However, there is uncertainty about its prevalence and the factors that modulate the relationship between FI and HRQoL, which reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical and public-health interventions. Objective: To assess the prevalence of FI, its risk factors, and determine which factors influence the FI HRQoL relationship. Design: Data was taken from the 2004 representative cross-sectional population South Australian Health Omnibus, n = 3015 men and women aged 15 and over. The main outcome measures were the prevalence and severity of FI, urinary incontinence (UI), other comorbidities and various demographic variables. The SF-36v2 Quality of Life questionnaire was also administered. Results: Prevalence of FI was found to be 1.7% (95% CI: 1.3-2.2%). Univariate analysis found increased reporting in females, those aged 55 and over, separated/divorced, with annual household income < $A30,000 and economically inactive, to be associated with increased reporting. Comorbid UI, depression and obesity also conferred greater risk. HRQoL was decreased in FI compared to those without. Respondents aged over 55 years, being economically inactive and having comorbid depression were associated with significantly more negative HRQoL scores (p < 0.05). Severity of symptoms, gender, annual income and comorbid UI were not associated with any significant difference in HRQoL. Nor were marital status, education status, country of birth, area of residence, comorbid diabetes or Body Mass Index. Conclusions: FI results in a decreased HRQoL, most extreme with increased age, unemployment and those with comorbid depression. Future research is needed to further explore and validate these relationships in order to guide public health interventions and resource allocation.
The Mutual Intelligibility of English Front Vowels by Cantonese, Mandarin and English Native Speakers

AI speech can produce languages with different accents whereas there are apparent discrepancies between synthesized sound and human speech. This study makes comparisons on the mutual intelligibility of four English front vowels /æ/ /e/ /I/ /i:/ presented in individual phonemes, in word structures and sentences by Cantonese speakers of English, Mandarin of English native speakers. In the result, the intelligibility of the front vowel /I/ is better than /i:/, and the front vowel /e/ is better than /æ/. Similar results appear in Mandarin English speakers, vowel /I/ and /e/ is better than /i:/ and /æ/. Other than that, the intelligibility of front vowels varies with the increasing naturalness of articulation from phonemes, words to sentences. This study might provide detailed data for further studies on the research of speech identification as well as error correction models of front vowels, especially for Cantonese-speaking English learners.
Vector Mosquitoes in the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico Valley and Other Urban/Semi-Urban Areas of State of Mexico: Forthcoming Threat?

Abstract. The Metropolitan Zone of Mexico Valley (MZMV) in Central Mexico includes the states of Hidalgo, Mexico City, and Mexico. The MZMV is the third most populated area in the OECD. The area is free of vector-borne diseases, and information on vector mosquitoes in the MZMV area in the State of Mexico has not been reported. This study reports mosquito species in the MZMV-State of Mexico from 8 years of larval collection and ovitraps. Species collected in areas not in the MZMV of the State of Mexico are also reported. In the MZMV-State of Mexico, 11,484 mosquitoes from eight species were identified: Ae. aegypti (L.), Ae. albopictus (Skuse), Ae. epactius (Dyar and Knab), Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say), Cx. stigmatosoma (Dyar), Cx. salinarius (Coquillett), Cx. tarsalis (Coquillett) and Cs. particeps (Adams). In non-MZMV areas, 11 species were recorded; Ae. aegypti was most abundant and distributed and Ae. albopictus was at two municipalities. Reported organisms included mosquito vectors of arbovirus, suggesting potential transmission and outbreaks in the MZMV and other areas of the State of Mexico. Resumen. La Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México (ZMVM), en México Central, incluye los estados de Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, y Estado de México. La ZMVM es la tercera zona más poblada de la OCDE. El área está libre de enfermedades transmitidas por vector y nunca se ha reportado información sobre mosquitos vectores en el área de la MZMV perteneciente al Estado de México. Este estudio reporta la presencia de especies de mosquitos en la ZMVM-Estado de México detectadas en un periodo de 8 años de colecta de larvas y/o ovitrampas. Se reportan registros de especies colectadas en áreas no pertenecientes al ZMVM del Estado de México. En la ZMVM-Estado de México se identificaron 11,484 organismos de ocho especies: Ae. aegypti (L.), Ae. albopictus (Skuse), Ae. epactius (Dyar y Knab), Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say), Cx. stigmatosoma (Dyar), Cx. salinarius (Coquillett), Cx. tarsalis (Coquillett), y Cs. particeps (Adams). En zonas fuera de la ZMVM se registraron 11 especies; Ae. aegypti fue la especie más abundante y ampliamente distribuida, Ae. albopictus se encontró en dos municipios. Los organismos reportados incluyeron especies vectores de arbovirus, lo que sugiere un alto potencial de transmisión arboviral y brotes en la ZMVM y otras áreas del Estado de México.