Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual-mimic learning for occluded pedestrian detection

It is still a great challenge to detect pedestrians in crowded scenes. Recent works mainly focus on enhancing the feature representation of the visible region. Although this strategy is effective, it fails to fully exploit the appearance information contained in the full-body region. To this end, we propose a Dual-Mimic learning model, which consists of the occluded to unoccluded (Occ-Unocc) and the full-body to visible (Full-Vis) mimic learning branches. Both branches can reduce the intra-class feature variances of pedestrians by different mimicking strategies. Besides, we define an occlusion attribute to describe the occlusion pattern of each detection. Based on the occlusion attribute, we propose the Occlusion-aware NMS (Occ-NMS), which can effectively remain the occluded instance with low confidence. We conduct extensive experiments on standard benchmarks of CityPersons and Caltech, and our method achieves a new state-of-the-art performance at 36.34% MR−2 and 25.07% MR−2 on heavy occlusion sets.
The Type of Floor and its Impact on the Growth, Physiological and Performance of Broilers

This study was conducted to find out the effect of floor type on the growth, some physiological characteristics and welfare standards for broilers. 120 unsexed one-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chicks were used. The study included two groups with three replicates (20 birds for each replicate). The first treatment, the birds were raised on the Rice husks litter, and the second treatment the birds were raised on a wire floor, 15 cm high. Feed and water were provided freely throughout the study period. The results showed that raising broilers on different floor type did not show significant differences in body weight, weight gain rate and feed conversion factor between groups, and significant differences were found in feed consumption in favor of the second treatment at the age of 21 days, and no significant differences appeared in the standards of productive performance. for broilers at the age of 38 days, and there were no significant differences in the percentage of dressing, the relative weight of the internal organs and the concentration of ammonia NH3 gas, while rearing on the wire floor reduced the concentration of carbon dioxide Co2 and raised the body temperature of the birds raised on the wire floor, there was a significant improvement in measures of well-being, the incidence of inflammation of the hock burn and footpad dermatitis. The biochemical and hormonal characteristics were not significantly affected when raising birds on wire floor, and there was an improvement in the level of antioxidants in the bird’s body through an increase in GSH. We conclude from this study that raising broilers on the wire floor did not affect the productive performance, but it improved the status of antioxidants and welfare standards for broilers.
Modelling biodiversity in highway stormwater ponds

The development of road infrastructures causes great disruptions in the biodiversity of the natural areas. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is investigating the possibility of employing stormwater ponds for compensating the loss of biodiversity due to the construction of the E39 highway. To define the guidelines for the design of biodiversity-promoting stormwater ponds, a model predicting biodiversity in stormwater ponds based on abiotic and biotic factors is needed. The literature review performed in this thesis showed that specific examples regarding biodiversity prediction models are scarce. However, several modelling approaches were described and one of them was identified as the most suitable: the Machine Learning methods. Using this approach, a model for predicting biodiversity in stormwater ponds was constructed. The model was based on the monitoring data collected during a sampling campaign performed within the NORWAT project at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. During the sampling campaign several stormwater ponds along several major roads near Oslo in Norway were studied. Due to the different number of samples for water and sediment quality, two different models were built. In order to measure biodiversity three indices were defined: Species richness, Shannon diversity index and inverse Simpson’s index. The models were feedforward Artificial Neural Networks trained with the backpropagation algorithm. The results showed that the prediction capabilities were rather poor in all the cases but one, which performed well. The two models that were built showed very similar performances. The performances were in accordance with other results found in literature. Out of the three biodiversity indices, the species richness presented the best performance. This model confirmed that the Machine Learning models can be useful for biodiversity prediction.
Normative reference values, determinants and regression equations for the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) in healthy Asian population aged 21 to 80 years

Background The validated Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) is widely used for evaluating maximal exercise capacity, with the distance-walked (IWSD) as the primary outcome. However, there are no normative reference values (NRV) and reference equations to predict ISWD for the Singaporean population. Objectives This study aims to establish the NRV and reference equations for ISWD in healthy Singaporeans aged 21 to 80 and investigate the determining variables during ISWT. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited community-dwelling healthy subjects aged 21–80 from the community via convenience sampling. Each subject completed two trials of the ISWT according to the standard protocol. Variables measured during the trials included ISWD, pre-and post-test heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, blood pressure (BP), modified Borg’s dyspnoea score and Borg’s rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Results 199 healthy Singaporean (females = 114, males = 85) participated in the study. The overall median ISWD was 660.0 metres (m) [interquartile range (IQR):440.0–850.0]. The age-stratified mean ISWD ranged from 430.0 m (IQR:350.0–450.0) (aged 60–80) to 480.0 m (IQR:438.0–650.0) (aged 40–59) to 780.0 m (IQR:670.0–960.0) (aged 21–39). Gender, age, weight, height and HR change (highest post-test HR minus pre-test HR) were the most significant variables (p < 0.001). IWSD (m) = 651.4(Height, m) +89.7(Gender, male = 1; female = 0) –6.31(Age, years) –3.61(Weight, kilograms) +2.54(HR change, beats per minute); R2 = 0.741. Previously published ISWT reference equations cannot accurately predict the ISWD in the Singaporean population. Conclusions This study investigated the ISWD NRV and established reference equations for healthy Singaporeans aged 21–80. The information would be beneficial in setting performance benchmarks to guide physical assessment, intervention and rehabilitation.
Delusions : A two-level framework

Although well-documented, delusions have proved extremely hard to explain, and many important questions remain open, including the basic one of what kind of mental state a delusion is. The standard position is that delusions are beliefs (the doxastic conception); but there are difficulties for this view, and alternative characterizations have been offered. In this chapter I shall propose a new framework for conceptualizing delusions, building on recent work in philosophy of psychology and cognitive science. There are good reasons for thinking that the term ‘belief’ is commonly used to refer to two different types of mental state, located at different levels. This view harmonizes with work in the psychology of reasoning, where many researchers now endorse some form of dual system theory. I shall outline what is, I believe, the most attractive version of this two-level view and show how it offers an account of delusions that explains our competing intuitions about their status. The chapter is in four sections. The first introduces the doxastic conception and its problems. The second distinguishes the two levels of belief, and argues that delusions, if they are beliefs at all, belong to the second. The third section offers an account of second-level belief, according to which it is a species of a broader mental type, acceptance, which is dependent on attitudes at the first level. The fourth section proposes that delusions are acceptances, some of which fall within, and some without, the narrower class of second-level beliefs, and the chapter concludes with some reflections on the implications of this view. Throughout, I shall focus on monothematic delusions, rather than the elaborate polythematic kind, and use simple, schematic examples. This is not because I think it is unimportant to pay attention to the diversity of delusions and the detail of clinical observation (far from it). Rather, it reflects the modest aim of the chapter, which is to propose a hypothesis for subsequent elaboration and evaluation.
Image-encoded biological and non-biological variables may be used as shortcuts in deep learning models trained on multisite neuroimaging data

Abstract Objective This work investigates if deep learning (DL) models can classify originating site locations directly from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with and without correction for intensity differences. Material and Methods A large database of 1880 T1-weighted MRI scans collected across 41 sites originally for Parkinson’s disease (PD) classification was used to classify sites in this study. Forty-six percent of the datasets are from PD patients, while 54% are from healthy participants. After preprocessing the T1-weighted scans, 2 additional data types were generated: intensity-harmonized T1-weighted scans and log-Jacobian deformation maps resulting from nonlinear atlas registration. Corresponding DL models were trained to classify sites for each data type. Additionally, logistic regression models were used to investigate the contribution of biological (age, sex, disease status) and non-biological (scanner type) variables to the models’ decision. Results A comparison of the 3 different types of data revealed that DL models trained using T1-weighted and intensity-harmonized T1-weighted scans can classify sites with an accuracy of 85%, while the model using log-Jacobian deformation maps achieved a site classification accuracy of 54%. Disease status and scanner type were found to be significant confounders. Discussion Our results demonstrate that MRI scans encode relevant site-specific information that models could use as shortcuts that cannot be removed using simple intensity harmonization methods. Conclusion The ability of DL models to exploit site-specific biases as shortcuts raises concerns about their reliability, generalization, and deployability in clinical settings.
Optimizing the electron transport chain to sustainably improve photosynthesis

Abstract Genetically improving photosynthesis is a key strategy to boosting crop production to meet the rising demand for food and fuel by a rapidly growing global population in a warming climate. Many components of the photosynthetic apparatus have been targeted for genetic modification for improving photosynthesis. Successful translation of these modifications into increased plant productivity in fluctuating environments will depend on whether the electron transport chain (ETC) can support the increased electron transport rate without risking overreduction and photodamage. At present atmospheric conditions, the ETC appears suboptimal and will likely need to be modified to support proposed photosynthetic improvements and to maintain energy balance. Here, I derive photochemical equations to quantify the transport capacity and the corresponding reduction level based on the kinetics of redox reactions along the ETC. Using these theoretical equations and measurements from diverse C3/C4 species across environments, I identify several strategies that can simultaneously increase the transport capacity and decrease the reduction level of the ETC. These strategies include increasing the abundances of reaction centers, cytochrome b6f complexes, and mobile electron carriers, improving their redox kinetics, and decreasing the fraction of secondary quinone–nonreducing photosystem II reaction centers. I also shed light on several previously unexplained experimental findings regarding the physiological impacts of the abundances of the cytochrome b6f complex and plastoquinone. The model developed, and the insights generated from it facilitate the development of sustainable photosynthetic systems for greater crop yields.
L'Amazone à Óbidos (Brésil): étude statistique des débits et bilan hydrologique

Résumé Effectuées dans le cadre du Projet Hidrologia e geoquímica na Bacia Amazönica (HiBAm), les nouvelles mesures de débit à Obidos ont amélioré la connaissance des caractéristiques hydrologiques de l'Amazone à cette station qui contrâle les plus forts débits du monde. Une nouvelle méthode de correction détermine les débits journaliers avec une précision de ±3.0%. La reconstitution des périodes manquantes, avec les observations faites à Manaus, permet de disposer d'une chronologie de près d'un siècle. Avec cet échantillon commençant en 1902, le module interannuel de l'Amazone à Obidos est de 163 000 m3 s−1, avec un coefficient d'irrégularité extrêmement faible (K3 = 1.28). L'étiage décennal (78 000 m3 s−1) est de même grandeur que la crue centenaire du Congo à Brazzaville. La crue décennale est estimée à 260 000 m3 s−1. Le Bilan hydrologique indique un déficit d'écoulement de 1193 mm, qui peut être assimilé à l'évapotranspiration réelle. En conclusion, l'Amazone est bien le fleuve le plus puissant et le plus régulier de la planète.
Protecting Personhood: A Classic Grounded Theory

The importance of perceiving and considering patients as healthcare partners has been increasingly promoted. Healthcare systems around the world are now highly interested in patient engagement, participation, collaboration, and partnership. Healthcare professionals are advised that patients, as autonomous beings, should be active in and responsible for a portion of their own care. The study presented here focused on patients’ perceptions of interprofessional collaboration. It was conducted using the classic grounded theory methodology. The theory of protecting personhood emerged as the core concept of hospitalized patients, cared for by interprofessional healthcare teams. This theory encapsulates the process hospitalized patients go through to find balance in their sense of self, oscillating between personhood and patienthood in the unfamiliar hospital environment. The process consists of four stages: the stage of introspection, during which hospitalized patients become aware of their self as a person and as a patient; the stage of preservation, when patients find a balance between the sense of personhood and patienthood; the stage of rupture, wherein patients experience an imbalance between their sense of personhood and patienthood; and the stage of reconciliation, in which personhood is restored. The theory of protecting personhood offers insights into a better understanding of hospitalized patients’ experiences and strategies, revealing the importance of relationships, and the driving force of empowerment. This study is about patients’ perspectives of interprofessional healthcare teams. A grounded theory process allowed the emergence of patients’ concerns and expectations, leading to a substantive theory grounded in the patients’ data.
Environmental DNA reveals the genetic diversity and population structure of an invasive species in the Laurentian Great Lakes

Significance Through the analysis of DNA shed by organisms into their environment, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is a powerful and efficient approach for collecting information about species across a wide range of ecosystems. While typically used for species detections, eDNA may also provide information about population-level genetic variability. Here, we explore the potential for eDNA sampling to estimate genetic diversity and structure of an invasive fish species throughout the Great Lakes region, uncovering genetic patterns from analysis of eDNA that are consistent with conventional tissue-based estimates. This work highlights the potential for eDNA sampling to reveal detailed population characteristics that may inform monitoring and management plans for species that are difficult to sample by conventional means.
The endocannabinoid system as a putative target for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses

Abstract Cannabis is well established to impact affective states, emotion and perceptual processing, primarily through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system. While cannabis use is quite prevalent in many individuals afflicted with psychiatric illnesses, there is considerable controversy as to whether cannabis may worsen these conditions or provide some form of therapeutic benefit. The development of pharmacological agents which interact with components of the endocannabinoid system in more localized and discrete ways then via phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, has allowed the investigation if direct targeting of the endocannabinoid system itself may represent a novel approach to treat psychiatric illness without the potential untoward side effects associated with cannabis. Herein we review the current body of literature regarding the various pharmacological tools that have been developed to target the endocannabinoid system, their impact in preclinical models of psychiatric illness and the recent data emerging of their utilization in clinical trials for psychiatric illnesses, with a specific focus on substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and autism. We highlight several candidate drugs which target endocannabinoid function, particularly inhibitors of endocannabinoid metabolism or modulators of cannabinoid receptor signaling, which have emerged as potential candidates for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, particularly substance use disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Although there needs to be ongoing clinical work to establish the potential utility of endocannabinoid-based drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, the current data available is quite promising and shows indications of several potential candidate diseases which may benefit from this approach.
Expression and function of four AAV-based constructs for dystrophin restoration in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

ABSTRACT Robust expression of shortened, functional dystrophin provided impetus to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV)–based constructs for clinical application. Because several cassettes are being tested in clinical trials, this study compared the efficacies of four shortened dystrophin-promoter combinations with implications for outcomes in clinical trials: MHCK7 or MCK promoter with a shortened dystrophin transgene containing the N-terminus and spectrin repeats R1, R2, R3 and R24 (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin and rAAVrh74.MCK.micro-dystrophin, respectively); shortened dystrophin construct containing the neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS) binding site (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.DV.mini-dystrophin); and shortened dystrophin containing the C-terminus (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin.Cterm). Functional and histological benefit were examined at 4 weeks following intramuscular delivery in mdx mice. rAAVrh74.MHCK7. micro-dystrophin provided the most robust transgene expression and significantly increased specific force output in the tibialis anterior muscle. Muscle environment was normalized (i.e. reductions in central nucleation), indicating functional and histological advantages of rAAVrh74.MHCK7. micro-dystrophin. Thus, promoter choice and transgene design are critical for optimal dystrophin expression/distribution for maximal functional improvement.
Evaluation of the effects of robot-assisted gait training on bowel function in children with cerebral palsy and the caregiver burden: A pilot study

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on bowel function by measuring the frequency of evacuation, stool consistency, and severity of constipation in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determining caregiver burden. Patients and methods This retrospective pilot study was conducted with 30 children (16 males, 14 females; mean age 8.8±3.2 years; range, 6 to 11 years) with CP between January 2019 and July 2019. Patients were equally divided into two groups: the RAGT group and the control group. Both groups underwent conventional physical therapy. The RAGT group underwent RAGT in addition to physical therapy. The results of the Bristol Stool Scale, the Constipation Assessment Scale, and the frequency of defecation before and after the study were recorded. Caregivers of children in both groups were asked to answer five questions regarding their burden at the beginning of the study and the end of the study. Results While a significant improvement was found in defecation frequency in the RAGT group (p=0.01), defecation frequency was not significantly improved in the control group (p>0.999). Bristol Stool Scale scores changed significantly within both groups (p<0.05). Constipation Assessment Scale scores significantly changed only in the RAGT group (p=0.01). A significant positive change in caregiver burden was observed in the RAGT group (p<0.05). Conclusion Robot-assisted gait training has positive effects on the frequency of defecation, stool consistency, and constipation severity in children with CP and caregiver burden.
Ambient vibration and earthquake strong-motion data sets for selected USGS extensively instrumented buildings

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government (left) and extensive instrumentation 1989-present (right). Instrumented floors are blue, accelerometer locations are marked by red arrows, and ambient vibration measurement locations are marked by green cylinders. A new digital tri-axial package is in the basement. Ambient vibration measurements were taken at the basement, 1 st floor and roof. 21 Figure 19. Instrumentation scheme and ambient vibration measurement locations for 12440 Imperial Hwy.
Trimethylation profile of histones H3 lysine 4 and 9 in late preantral and early antral caprine follicles grown in vivo versus in vitro in the presence of anethole

This study assessed the histones methylation profile (H3K4me3 and H3K9me3) in late preantral (PA) and early antral (EA) caprine follicles grown in vivo and in vitro, and the anethole effect during in vitro culture of PA follicles. Uncultured in vivo–grown follicles (PA, n = 64; EA, n = 73) were used as controls to assess the methylation profile and genes' expression related to apoptosis cascade (BAX, proapoptotic; BCL2, antiapoptotic), steroidogenesis (CYP17, CYP19A1), and demethylation (KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, KDM3A). The isolated PA follicles (n = 174) were cultured in vitro for 6 days in α‐MEM+ in either absence (control) or presence of anethole. After culture, EA follicles were evaluated for methylation, mRNA abundance, and morphometry. Follicle diameter increased after culture, regardless of treatment. The methylation profile and the mRNA abundance were similar between in vivo–grown PA and EA follicles. Anethole treatment led to higher H3K4me3 fluorescence intensity in EA follicles. The mRNA abundances of BAX, CYP17, and CYP19A1 were higher, and BCL2 and KDM3A were lower in in vitro–grown EA follicles than in vivo–grown follicles. In conclusion, in vitro follicle culture affected H3K4me3 fluorescence intensity, mRNA abundance of apoptotic genes, and steroidogenic and demethylase enzymes compared with in vivo–grown follicles.