Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FC2RN: A Fully Convolutional Corner Refinement Network for Accurate Multi-Oriented Scene Text Detection

Recent scene text detection works mainly focus on curve text detection. However, in real applications, the curve texts are more scarce than the multi-oriented ones. Accurate detection of multi-oriented text with large variations of scales, orientations, and aspect ratios is of great significance. Among the multi-oriented detection methods, direct regression for the geometry of scene text shares a simple yet powerful pipeline and gets popular in academic and industrial communities, but it may produce imperfect detections, especially for long texts due to the limitation of the receptive field. In this work, we aim to improve this while keeping the pipeline simple. A fully convolutional corner refinement network (FC2RN) is proposed for accurate multi-oriented text detection, in which an initial corner prediction and a refined corner prediction are obtained at one pass. With a novel quadrilateral RoI convolution operation tailed for multi-oriented scene text, the initial quadrilateral prediction is encoded into the feature maps which can be further used to predict offset between the initial prediction and the ground-truth as well as output a refined confidence score. Experimental results on four public datasets including MSRA-TD500, ICDAR2017-RCTW, ICDAR2015, and COCO-Text demonstrate that FC2RN can outperform the state-of-the-art methods. The ablation study shows the effectiveness of corner refinement and scoring for accurate text localization.
Development and validation of a novel prognostic model for predicting AMD progression using longitudinal fundus images

Objective To develop a prognostic tool to predict the progression of age-related eye disease progression using longitudinal colour fundus imaging. Methods and analysis Previous prognostic models using deep learning with imaging data require annotation during training or only use a single time point. We propose a novel deep learning method to predict the progression of diseases using longitudinal imaging data with uneven time intervals, which requires no prior feature extraction. Given previous images from a patient, our method aims to predict whether the patient will progress onto the next stage of the disease. The proposed method uses InceptionV3 to produce feature vectors for each image. In order to account for uneven intervals, a novel interval scaling is proposed. Finally, a recurrent neural network is used to prognosticate the disease. We demonstrate our method on a longitudinal dataset of colour fundus images from 4903 eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), taken from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, to predict progression to late AMD. Results Our method attains a testing sensitivity of 0.878, a specificity of 0.887 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.950. We compare our method to previous methods, displaying superior performance in our model. Class activation maps display how the network reaches the final decision. Conclusion The proposed method can be used to predict progression to advanced AMD at some future visit. Using multiple images at different time points improves predictive performance.
Convergence of Newton-MR under Inexact Hessian Information

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in designing variants of the classical Newton-CG in which the Hessian of a (strongly) convex function is replaced by suitable approximations. This is mainly motivated by large-scale finite-sum minimization problems that arise in many machine learning applications. Going beyond convexity, inexact Hessian information has also been recently considered in the context of algorithms such as trust-region or (adaptive) cubic regularization for general non-convex problems. Here, we do that for Newton-MR, which extends the application range of the classical Newton-CG beyond convexity to invex problems. Unlike the convergence analysis of Newton-CG, which relies on spectrum preserving Hessian approximations in the sense of Lowner partial order, our work here draws from matrix perturbation theory to estimate the distance between the subspaces underlying the exact and approximate Hessian matrices. Numerical experiments demonstrate a great degree of resilience to such Hessian approximations, amounting to a highly efficient algorithm in large-scale problems.
AdaScale SGD: A User-Friendly Algorithm for Distributed Training

When using large-batch training to speed up stochastic gradient descent, learning rates must adapt to new batch sizes in order to maximize speed-ups and preserve model quality. Re-tuning learning rates is resource intensive, while fixed scaling rules often degrade model quality. We propose AdaScale SGD, an algorithm that reliably adapts learning rates to large-batch training. By continually adapting to the gradient's variance, AdaScale automatically achieves speed-ups for a wide range of batch sizes. We formally describe this quality with AdaScale's convergence bound, which maintains final objective values, even as batch sizes grow large and the number of iterations decreases. In empirical comparisons, AdaScale trains well beyond the batch size limits of popular "linear learning rate scaling" rules. This includes large-batch training with no model degradation for machine translation, image classification, object detection, and speech recognition tasks. AdaScale's qualitative behavior is similar to that of "warm-up" heuristics, but unlike warm-up, this behavior emerges naturally from a principled mechanism. The algorithm introduces negligible computational overhead and no new hyperparameters, making AdaScale an attractive choice for large-scale training in practice.
Beyond Perturbations: Learning Guarantees with Arbitrary Adversarial Test Examples

We present a transductive learning algorithm that takes as input training examples from a distribution $P$ and arbitrary (unlabeled) test examples, possibly chosen by an adversary. This is unlike prior work that assumes that test examples are small perturbations of $P$. Our algorithm outputs a selective classifier, which abstains from predicting on some examples. By considering selective transductive learning, we give the first nontrivial guarantees for learning classes of bounded VC dimension with arbitrary train and test distributions---no prior guarantees were known even for simple classes of functions such as intervals on the line. In particular, for any function in a class $C$ of bounded VC dimension, we guarantee a low test error rate and a low rejection rate with respect to $P$. Our algorithm is efficient given an Empirical Risk Minimizer (ERM) for $C$. Our guarantees hold even for test examples chosen by an unbounded white-box adversary. We also give guarantees for generalization, agnostic, and unsupervised settings.
Differentially Private Simple Linear Regression

Abstract Economics and social science research often require analyzing datasets of sensitive personal information at fine granularity, with models fit to small subsets of the data. Unfortunately, such fine-grained analysis can easily reveal sensitive individual information. We study regression algorithms that satisfy differential privacy, a constraint which guarantees that an algorithm’s output reveals little about any individual input data record, even to an attacker with side information about the dataset. Motivated by the Opportunity Atlas, a high-profile, small-area analysis tool in economics research, we perform a thorough experimental evaluation of differentially private algorithms for simple linear regression on small datasets with tens to hundreds of records—a particularly challenging regime for differential privacy. In contrast, prior work on differentially private linear regression focused on multivariate linear regression on large datasets or asymptotic analysis. Through a range of experiments, we identify key factors that affect the relative performance of the algorithms. We find that algorithms based on robust estimators—in particular, the median-based estimator of Theil and Sen—perform best on small datasets (e.g., hundreds of datapoints), while algorithms based on Ordinary Least Squares or Gradient Descent perform better for large datasets. However, we also discuss regimes in which this general finding does not hold. Notably, the differentially private analogues of Theil–Sen (one of which was suggested in a theoretical work of Dwork and Lei) have not been studied in any prior experimental work on differentially private linear regression.
Quadratic response and speed of convergence of invariant measures in the zero-noise limit

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>We study the stochastic stability in the zero-noise limit from a quantitative point of view. </p><p style='text-indent:20px;'>We consider smooth expanding maps of the circle perturbed by additive noise. We show that in this case the zero-noise limit has a quadratic speed of convergence, as suggested by numerical experiments and heuristics published by Lin, in 2005 (see [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="b25">25</xref>]). This is obtained by providing an explicit formula for the first and second term in the Taylor's expansion of the response of the stationary measure to the small noise perturbation. These terms depend on important features of the dynamics and of the noise which is perturbing it, as its average and variance. </p><p style='text-indent:20px;'>We also consider the zero-noise limit from a quantitative point of view for piecewise expanding maps showing estimates for the speed of convergence in this case. </p>
SPIDERS: overview of the X-ray galaxy cluster follow-up and the final spectroscopic data release

SPIDERS (The SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources) is a large spectroscopic programme for X-ray selected galaxy clusters as part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-IV (SDSS-IV). We describe the final dataset in the context of SDSS Data Release 16 (DR16): the survey overall characteristics, final targeting strategies, achieved completeness and spectral quality, with special emphasis on its use as a galaxy cluster sample for cosmology applications. SPIDERS now consists of about 27,000 new optical spectra of galaxies selected within 4,000 photometric red sequences, each associated with an X-ray source. The excellent spectrograph efficiency and a robust analysis pipeline yield a spectroscopic redshift measurement success rate exceeding 98%, with a median velocity accuracy of 20 km s^{-1} (at z=0.2). Using the catalogue of 2,740 X-ray galaxy clusters confirmed with DR16 spectroscopy, we reveal the three-dimensional map of the galaxy cluster distribution in the observable Universe up to z ~ 0.6. We highlight the homogeneity of the member galaxy spectra among distinct regions of the galaxy cluster phase space. Aided by accurate spectroscopic redshifts and by a model of the sample selection effects, we compute the galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity function and we present its lack of evolution up to z=0.6. Finally we discuss the prospects of forthcoming large multiplexed spectroscopic programmes dedicated to follow up the next generation of all-sky X-ray source catalogues.
Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Composition in ‘Beauregard’ Sweetpotato Are Affected by Root Size and Leaf Age

Phenolic acids are considered important antioxidants that may help to prevent many human chronic diseases. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ) roots and leaves of different sizes and ages, respectively, were quantified. Small roots ('4 g root weight) had a higher antioxidant activity and phenolic content compared with full-sized marketable roots ('300 g root weight). Phenolic content in marketable roots was significantly higher in the cortex tissue than in the internal pith tissue. The highest total phenolic content (chlorogenic acid equivalents (10.3 mgg -1 dry weight)) and antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalents (9.7 mgg -1 dry weight)) was found in cortex tissue of small-sized roots. Sweetpotato leaves had a significantly higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than roots. Young, immature unfolded leaves had the highest total phenolic content (88.5 mgg -1 dry weight) and antioxidant activity (99.6 mgg -1 dry weight). Chlorogenic acid was the major phenolic acid in root and leaf tissues with the exception of young immature leaves in which the predominant phenolic acid was 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The results suggest that small-sized roots, which are typically discarded in the field, and young immature leaves may be concentrated sources of phenolic antioxidants.
Remarks on fauna and population of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in Priazovsky National Wildlife Sanctuary (Southern Russia)

This study is devoted to the faunal inventory and preliminary ecological analysis of oribatid mite communities in Priazovsky National Wildlife Sanctuary (Krasnodar Krai, Southern Russia), which is included into the Ramsar Convention ‘Kuban Delta’ Wetland of international importance. We sampled five major habitat types represented in the sanctuary and its environs: liman-reed beds, sandy coasts, elevated coasts, rice paddies, and a salt marsh. In total, 40 oribatid mite species were found. They belonged to 22 families. Most of the species were earlier met in the neighboring regions: Krasnodar Krai, Rostov region and Northern Caucasus. Few species however were found in Krasnodar Krai for the first time, e.g. Ghilarovizetes obtusus Shaldybina, 1969, which was earlier recorded only in the Central and Eastern Caucasus. The most species-rich habitats were liman-reed beds. In rice paddies, oribatid communities were rudimentary and represented only by very few species. The abundance of different oribatid ecomorphs was quite contrasting across the five habitat types. Soil-dwelling mites dominated in liman-reed beds possibly due to stable humidity of soil in this habitat type. The presence of aquatic mites in liman-reed beds was also quite peculiar. In welldrained elevated coasts, non-specialized and surface-dwelling mites were the most numerous because of their better adaptation to drought. In sandy coasts and salt marshes, surface-dwelling mites prevailed. We conclude that salinity and rice-growing seem to reduce considerably abundance and diversity of oribatid mites in the study area. We further assume that the quite high similarity of oribatid fauna in Priazovsky National Wildlife Sanctuary with that in the surrounding regions suggests much closer biogeographic relationship of Kuban lowlands with other regions of North Caucasus, than one would expect.
New apseudomorph tanaidaceans (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea) from eastern Australia: Apseudidae, Whiteleggiidae, Metapseudidae and Pagurapseudidae

B lazewicz-Paszkowycz, M. , and Bamber, R. N. 2007 New apseudomorph tanaidaceans (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea) from eastern Australia: Apseudidae, Whiteleggiidae, Metapseudidae and Pagurapseudidae. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 64: 107–148. Investigation of apseudomorph tanaidacean material collected between 1979 and 1984 from Bass Strait and held in the collections of Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia, has revealed eight new species, fi ve in Apseudidae (including one new genus), two in Metapseudidae (including one new genus) and one in Pagurapseudidae. These taxa are described below. The new apseudid genus Annexos shows great similarity to Apseudes sensu stricto, but is without an exopod on the cheliped or on pereopod 1. Two new species of Apseudes show a common feature of maxilliped spination in eastern Australian taxa; Spinosapseudes colobus sp. nov., the second species of this genus, is described from a similar geography to the fi rst, but is distinguished by the proportionately more compact articles of the antennular and antennal peduncles, the mandibular palp and the pereopods. Pugiodactylus syntomos sp. nov. is predominantly distinguished by having compact articles in the antenna, cheliped and pereopod 1; Labraxeudes heliodiscus gen. et sp. nov. (Metapseudidae) has a unique combination of substantial rostrum, exopodites on the cheliped and pereopod 1, compact antenna, short uropod, simple pereonite setation, compact propodi, dorsum of pereopod 1 basis without apophyses, robust cheliped and antennule peduncle without inner row of conspicuous denticulation; Metapseudes wilsoni sp. nov., only the second species of this genus to be discovered, is distinguished by its conspicuously more slender antennules and antennae with more pronounced, pointed denticulations on the proximal antennule peduncle article, and one fewer article in the main fl agellum of the antennule; Similipedia diarris sp. nov., again the second species of this genus to be discovered, is distinguished by having no squama on the antenna, no rostrum, and dorsal spiniform apophyses rather than setae on the pereonites.
PEER FEEDBACK IN LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING: STUDENTS’ PEDAGOGIC APPROACHES AND INTERPERSONAL POSITIONING

Although peer feedback is increasingly used in English as a foreign language (EFL) courses within European higher education (HE), little research has been carried out to explore its efficacy within specific sociocultural contexts outside of the Asia-Pacific region, and much of the research into peer feedback has been limited to English as a second language (ESL) rather than EFL contexts. Students’ positioning of themselves relative to the authors of the texts they review and relative to the texts themselves reveals significant information about how culture and context impact their approach to peer feedback. This study examined 118 written peer response texts of firstand second-year undergraduate EFL teachers in training in a Norwegian HE institution, aiming to investigate both students’ pedagogic approaches to providing feedback on peer texts and the interpersonal stances they took toward each other while providing feedback. It found that students who take a collaborative approach to giving feedback are more likely to position themselves as professionals, while those who approach their peers’ texts in a prescriptive manner are more likely to view themselves as underqualified. Overall, the responses analysed indicated a preference for collectivist rather than individualistic approaches to peer response, perhaps resulting from low power distances between the students or the Nordic educational context.
Performance Improvement and Its Impact on the Application of the Balanced Scorecard in Business Incubators

: This study aimed to identify the improvement of performance and its impact on the application of the balanced scorecard in business incubators in Gaza Strip, and the study relied on the descriptive analytical approach, and the study population consisted of all employees working in business incubators in Gaza Strip in addition to experts and consultants in incubators where their number reached Total (62) individuals, and the researchers used the questionnaire as a main tool to collect data through the comprehensive survey method, where (55) questionnaires were retrieved with a recovery rate (88.7%). The results of the study showed that there is a high approval for improving performance with a relative weight (80.12%), and a high approval for all dimensions of the balanced scorecard as it got a relative weight (81.44%), and the arrangement of its dimensions came as follows, the first place came the incubation operations with a relative weight ( 84.89%), followed by the learning dimension which got a relative weight (82.50%), and in the third place came the entrepreneur dimension with a relative weight (80.66%), and in the last place was the societal development dimension with a relative weight (78.18%), and as the study results showed A positive statistically significant relationship between improving performance and applying balanced scorecard dimensions in business incubators. The linear regression analysis model also showed an effect of improving performance in applying balanced scorecard dimensions. The study came out with several recommendations, the most important of which is that business incubators seek to adopt the application of a balanced scorecard as a method for managing it and a tool for measuring and evaluating its performance, and the need to periodically evaluate its performance, and the need to hold training courses for employees in incubators to introduce them to the balanced scorecard and how to apply them, and that design is made A more effective mechanism to follow up with companies the incubation period ends and to monitor the progress of these companies. questionnaire a data collection tool. The results of the study showed a strong and statistically significant relationship between strategic leadership practices (strategic orientation, investment of strategic capabilities and talents, development of human capital, strengthening organizational culture, emphasis on ethical practices, implementation of balanced regulatory control) and improvement of quality of educational service , Responsiveness, safety, empathy) in Palestinian universities. The study recommended that Palestinian should take into account various dimensions of strategic leadership practices and develop their university capacities, including strategic orientation, investment of strategic capabilities and talents, development of human capital, strengthening organizational culture, emphasis on ethical practices and implementation of balanced regulatory control. Educational service for universities.
Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Sorghum II. Tapetal behavior in fertile and sterile anthers

Anthers of nearly isogenic maintainer and cytoplasmic male-sterile lines of Sorghum bicolor were compared cytologically. Development was similar in fertile and sterile plants during early meiotic prophase and callose "special wall" formation. At this stage callose formation diverged sharply in fertile and sterile anthers. In fertile anthers, the central callose mass splits into sectors along the planes of the original microsporocyte walls and forms a covering that effectively isolates the microsporocytes and young microspores. This special wall later dissolves to free the microspores. In sterile anthers, the callose appears to separate from the microsporocytes and forms an amorphous mass at the centre of the locule. This mass becomes fibrous and more diffuse during meiosis and disappears early. Without the special callose walls, the sporocytes are not isolated physically or physiologically. They tend to stick together and may fuse to form polyploid or multinucleate microspores, and individual microspores are not isolated, either from the influence of maternal tissues or from other microspores of different genetic constitution.