Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical hybrid multi-scale feature match

Finding reliable corresponding points between two images of a scene is a fundamental problem in computer vision. In this paper, a hybrid scheme is proposed, which combines invariant spatial feature and frequency domain based methods in a hierarchical multi-scale way. The Fourier-Mellin Transform is applied to obtain the transformation parameters at the coarse level between the two images; then, the parameters can serve as the initial guess, to guide the following feature matching step at the original scale, where the correspondences are restricted in a search window determined by the warp between the reference image and the current image; Finally, the transformation parameters are refined by a RANSAC procedure. This in return provides a more accurate result for feature correspondence. Experiments show that our approach provides satisfactory feature matching performance. This method also makes precise geometric rectification to remote sensing imagery.
Family Support of Third-Grade Reading Skills, Motivation, and Habits

This qualitative study investigated the ways in which 84 parents from predominantly low-income communities described supporting their third graders’ reading skills, motivation, and habits. Thematic analysis of open-ended parent interviews indicated that parents actively and deliberately scaffolded their children’s progress toward developing independent reading skills. Parents explicitly communicated the value of reading in everyday conversations; actively listened to their children read, even if they did not understand the language in which the text was written; asked reading comprehension questions; created a home environment conducive to sustained reading; promoted reader autonomy through encouragement of strategy use; and incorporated reading practices into daily routines. Parents often described their own efforts as responsive to their children’s level of reading motivation and reading performance, thus highlighting the reciprocal nature of parent–child reading interactions. Findings reveal a variety of ways in which families support their children’s reading skills, motivation, and habits.
Augmented Robotics Dialog System for Enhancing Human–Robot Interaction

Augmented reality, augmented television and second screen are cutting edge technologies that provide end users extra and enhanced information related to certain events in real time. This enriched information helps users better understand such events, at the same time providing a more satisfactory experience. In the present paper, we apply this main idea to human–robot interaction (HRI), to how users and robots interchange information. The ultimate goal of this paper is to improve the quality of HRI, developing a new dialog manager system that incorporates enriched information from the semantic web. This work presents the augmented robotic dialog system (ARDS), which uses natural language understanding mechanisms to provide two features: (i) a non-grammar multimodal input (verbal and/or written) text; and (ii) a contextualization of the information conveyed in the interaction. This contextualization is achieved by information enrichment techniques that link the extracted information from the dialog with extra information about the world available in semantic knowledge bases. This enriched or contextualized information (information enrichment, semantic enhancement or contextualized information are used interchangeably in the rest of this paper) offers many possibilities in terms of HRI. For instance, it can enhance the robot's pro-activeness during a human–robot dialog (the enriched information can be used to propose new topics during the dialog, while ensuring a coherent interaction). Another possibility is to display additional multimedia content related to the enriched information on a visual device. This paper describes the ARDS and shows a proof of concept of its applications.
Molecular Basis of Replication of Duck H5N1 Influenza Viruses in a Mammalian Mouse Model

ABSTRACT We recently analyzed a series of H5N1 viruses isolated from healthy ducks in southern China since 1999 and found that these viruses had progressively acquired the ability to replicate and cause disease in mice. In the present study, we explored the genetic basis of this change in host range by comparing two of the viruses that are genetically similar but differ in their ability to infect mice and have different pathogenicity in mice. A/duck/Guangxi/22/2001 (DKGX/22) is nonpathogenic in mice, whereas A/duck/Guangxi/35/2001 (DKGX/35) is highly pathogenic. We used reverse genetics to create a series of single-gene recombinants that contained one gene from DKGX/22 and the remaining seven gene segments from DKGX/35. We find that the PA, NA, and NS genes of DKGX/22 could attenuate DKGX/35 virus to some extent, but PB2 of DKGX/22 virus attenuated the DKGX/35 virus dramatically, and an Asn-to-Asp substitution at position 701 of PB2 plays a key role in this function. Conversely, of the recombinant viruses in the DKGX/22 background, only the one that contains the PB2 gene of DKGX/35 was able to replicate in mice. A single amino acid substitution (Asp to Asn) at position 701 of PB2 enabled DKGX/22 to infect and become lethal for mice. These results demonstrate that amino acid Asn 701 of PB2 is one of the important determinants for this avian influenza virus to cross the host species barrier and infect mice, though the replication and lethality of H5N1 influenza viruses involve multiple genes and may result from a constellation of genes. Our findings may help to explain the expansion of the host range and lethality of the H5N1 influenza viruses to humans.
Serial Studies of Mouse Atherosclerosis by In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detect Lesion Regression After Correction of Dyslipidemia

Objective—We determined the effects of sustained normocholesterolemia on advanced mouse atherosclerosis and whether changes in plaque size and composition can be detected noninvasively by MRI. Methods and Results—Aortic arch segments containing advanced lesions from apolipoprotein E–deficient (apoE−/−) mice (total cholesterol 1281±97 mg/dL) were transplanted into syngeneic wild-type (WT; 111±11 mg/dL) or apoE−/− (702±74 mg/dL) recipient mice on chow diet. Mice underwent serial MRI at 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks after transplantation. Compared with 3 weeks, correction of dyslipidemia in WT recipient mice resulted in a monotonic decrease (regression) in arterial wall volume, whereas in apoE−/− recipient mice, further plaque progression was noted (P<0.05). MRI and histological measurements were closely correlated (R=0.937). The lesional content of macrophages decreased >90% (P<0.001), and smooth muscle cells increased in the WT recipient mice. In vivo T1-, T2-, and proton density–weighted images of the mouse thoracic aorta differentiated intraplaque lipid and collagen. Conclusions—Plaque changes can be noninvasively monitored by serial in vivo MRI of a mouse regression model. Our ability to image the thoracic aorta and perform in vivo plaque characterization will further enhance atherosclerosis studies.
Investigation into the adoption intention of social CRM in Saudi banks

The growth of Web 2.0 generation will have influence on developing strong relationships with customers. Even though Web 2.0 technologies and applications have gained significant attention recently by academics and practitioners, research into its potential integration with CRM system remains a poorly investigated subject. This paper aims to investigate the adoption intention of social CRM system, focusing on Saudi banks. A conceptual model was proposed based on technology organisation and environment (TOE) framework. A qualitative approach was applied to validate the research model. The finding suggests that technology infrastructure, and competitive pressures tend to be the most influential drivers to adopt social CRM. In contrast, the limited number of IT experts, security concerns, and organisational structure were found to negatively affect social CRM adoption intention.
MAIL: Malware Analysis Intermediate Language: a step towards automating and optimizing malware detection

Dynamic binary obfuscation or metamorphism is a technique where a malware never keeps the same sequence of opcodes in the memory. Such malware are very difficult to analyse and detect manually even with the help of tools. We need to automate the analysis and detection process of such malware. This paper introduces and presents a new language named MAIL (Malware Analysis Intermediate Language) to automate and optimize this process. MAIL also provides portability for building malware analysis and detection tools. Each MAIL statement is assigned a pattern that can be used to annotate a control flow graph for pattern matching to analyse and detect metamorphic malware. Experimental evaluation of the proposed approach using an existing dataset yields malware detection rate of 93.92% and false positive rate of 3.02%.
Model identification of a micro air vehicle in loitering flight based on attitude performance evaluation

This paper presents a model identification of a micro air vehicle in loitering flight, based on the input-output data collected from flight experiments on a homemade 1-m-sized aircraft. A miniature flight-control system, which consists of the onboard and the ground sections, is equipped with a multichannel data logger associated with the data acquisition software. Modeling and performance analysis are carried out, based on the flight-test data using a system identification technique. Two fourth-order autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) models are identified to present the attitude characteristics of the longitudinal (pitch) and the lateral (roll) control channels, respectively. The validity of the identified model is verified by both time-domain model prediction and frequency-domain spectral analysis. Based on the proposed ARX models, two compensators are further designed using a frequency-domain method, and then added to the closed-loop control systems to improve the transient performance of the pitch- and roll-control channels. Simulations and experiments demonstrate that the flight performance obtained by the proposed ARX model-based compensation control can be improved.
Scanning the landscape of flux compactifications: vacuum structure and soft supersymmetry breaking

We scan the landscape of flux compactifications for the Calabi-Yau manifold 4[1,1,1,6,9] with two Kahler moduli by varying the value of the flux superpotential W0 over a large range of values. We do not include uplift terms. We find a rich phase structure of AdS and dS vacua. Starting with W0 ~ 1 we reproduce the exponentially large volume scenario, but as W0 is reduced new classes of minima appear. One of them corresponds to the supersymmetric KKLT vacuum while the other is a new, deeper non-supersymmetric minimum. We study how the bare cosmological constant and the soft supersymmetry breaking parameters for matter on D7 branes depend on W0, for these classes of minima. We discuss potential applications of our results.
Associations of miR-499 and miR-34b/c Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Evidence-Based Evaluation

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the sixth common cancer in the world. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA genes may be associated with susceptibility to HCC. Recently, several studies have reported possible associations of SNPs miR-499 T>C rs3746444 and miR-34b/c T>C rs4938723 with the risk of HCC. However the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. In this present study, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate potential associations between the two SNPs and HCC susceptibility. Methods. Through a systematic literature search, 8-case-control studies involving 5464 subjects were identified and included in this meta-analysis. The association between the two common SNPs and HCC risk was estimated by pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Our results showed no significant association between rs3746444 and susceptibility to HCC, whereas variant genotypes of rs4938723 were associated with increased HCC risk in allele frequency model and heterozygous model (C versus T, OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23, P = 0.04; TC versus TT, OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.37, P = 0.02). Conclusions. The current evidence did not support association between rs3746444 and HCC risk. SNP rs4938723 may be associated with susceptibility to HCC. Further well-designed studies are required to clarify the relationships between the two SNPs and HCC risk.
Technology-Aided Instruction and Intervention for Students With ASD: A Meta-Analysis Using Novel Methods of Estimating Effect Sizes for Single-Case Research

The adoption of methods and strategies validated through rigorous, experimentally oriented research is a core professional value of special education. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the experimental literature on Technology-Aided Instruction and Intervention (TAII) using research identified as part of the National Autism Professional Development Project. We applied novel between-case effect size methods to the TAII single-case research base. In addition, we used meta-analytic methodologies to examine the methodological quality of the research, calculate average effect sizes to quantify the level of evidence for TAII, and compare effect sizes across single-case and group-based experimental research. Results identified one category of TAII—computer-assisted instruction—as an evidence-based practice across both single-case and group studies. The remaining two categories of TAII—augmentative and alternative communication and virtual reality—were not identified as evidence-based using What Works Clearinghouse summary ratings.
Old age, health, and social inequality: Exploring the social patterns of mortality in 19th century northern Sweden

Social position and access to economic resources are major determinants of health and mortality. Their impact varies, however, across countries, historical contexts and throughout the life course. The present article analyses social differences in health among elderly in an historical setting – the Sundsvall region in northern Sweden during the 19th century. We investigate whether social mortality differences are particularly apparent in old age when unpropertied groups lost their most important asset for survival – their capacity to work. Furthermore, we explore possible gender differences as well as temporal due to changes in the economic and social conditions. The results present a complex picture on the relation between mortality and wealth that causes us to question the accepted “facts” of social health differences as a historical constant. Higher social position did not lead to better survival, and vulnerability in old age did not increase social differences in mortality.
Evaluating ‘impact’ in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF): liminality, looseness and new modalities of scholarly distinction

ABSTRACT Little is known about the process of evaluating the economic and societal impact of research undertaken in university settings. In this paper, we explore the accounts of senior academics and user-assessors, populating disciplinary sub-panels spanning the humanities and social sciences, convened to judge and ‘score’ the impact claims of researchers from UK universities as a new component of research evaluation within the specific context of the UK’s performance-based research funding system (PBRFS), the Research Excellence Framework (REF). We perceive from their accounts the emergence of a new and liminal space in the production of scholarly ‘distinction’ that is unlike archetypal modalities of academic excellence. Analogously, we identify an emotional and intellectual vulnerability in the review process and the loosening of the structures reviewers traditionally call upon in making value-determinations that simultaneously facilitate their role as impact evaluators and create new modalities in scholarly distinction.
Population death sequences and Cox processes driven by interacting Feller diffusions

We carry out a complete study on the relationship between Cox processes driven by interacting Feller diffusions and death sequences of immigration–emigration linked population networks. It is first proved that the Cox process driven by a Feller diffusion is equivalent to the death sequence of a birth and death process. The conclusion is then generalized to the case of Cox processes driven by interacting Feller diffusions and death sequences of interacting populations.
A vehicle model for micro-traffic simulation in dynamic urban scenarios

In order to improve energy efficiency of transport systems, eco-driving strategies are studied world-widely. However, most literatures on eco-driving based on traditional traffic flow models, are greatly simplified, and can not evaluate the effects on detailed driving behaviors. By referring to robot motion planning approaches, in this research a microscopic vehicle model is developed and it can represent different driving behaviors, such as aggressive or conservative driving; a collision detection algorithm is proposed that takes O(1) time to check for a trajectory's collision, enabling realtime planning; and a traffic simulation system is developed by incorporating traffic rules, so that the driving behaviors such as observing or not observing traffic rules can also be represented. Experiments are conducted on the simulation platform, and the performance of different driving behaviors on travel time, mileage, comfort and eco is studied.
Symptom changes of oppositional defiant disorder after treatment with the Incredible Years Program

Objective: To examine changes in symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) after treatment with the Incredible Years Program. The frequency of symptoms was also calculated. Method: The participants were 84 children (aged 4.1–8.9 years) diagnosed with ODD before treatment. The data were collected with KIDDIE-SADS interviews before treatment and at a 1-year follow-up. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, descriptive analyses showed that 68% of the children no longer had an ODD diagnosis. Even though all the ODD symptoms had been significantly reduced after treatment, most symptoms still occurred “sometimes”. Conclusions: The Incredible Years Program has a positive effect on children with ODD. However, many children still have symptoms of ODD at the 1-year follow-up, although the frequency of symptoms is significantly reduced. Future studies should explore further these changes in ODD symptoms and evaluate whether some parents and children need support in addition to the Incredible Years Program. It would also be valuable to determine whether patterns of childhood ODD symptoms are related to later development of depression and conduct disorder.
Transforming Growth Factor‐&bgr;1 Reduces Infarct Size After Experimental Cerebral Ischemia in a Rabbit Model

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of transforming growth factor‐&bgr;1, a cytokine shown to amelioriate cardiac ischemia, in a rabbit model of thromboembolic stroke. Methods: An autologous clot embolus was introduced intracranially through the right internal carotid artery in 21 New Zealand White rabbits, with seven in each group receiving either vehicle control (albumin) or 10 or 50 &mgr;g transforming growth factor‐&bgr;1 administered as an intracarotid bolus immediately before autologous clot embolization. Multiple physiological parameters were monitored, including regional cerebral blood flow, arterial blood gases, hematocrit, glucose, core temperature, and mean arterial pressure. The brain was harvested 4 hours after embolization, and infarct size was determined planimetrically as a percentage of the entire hemisphere. Results: Brain infarct size was reduced in both the 10 ‐ &mgr;g (16.7 ± 4.0% [mean±SEM], p< 0.05) and 50 ‐ &mgr;g (21.7±4.5%) transforming growth factor‐&bgr;1‐treated groups when compared with the control group (31.9±6.6%). Regional cerebral blood flow did not show any significant intergroup or intragroup variation over time, although the 10‐&mgr;g transforming growth factor‐&bgr;1 group experienced a greater return of cerebral blood flow in the first 2 hours after embolization. Conclusions: Transforming growth factor‐&bgr;1 reduced brain infarct size in a rabbit model of thromboembolic stroke. This effect was not related to a direct effect on blood flow. Studies are ongoing to determine the mechanism by which transforming growth factor‐&bgr;1 salvages ischemic brain. (Stroke 1993;24:558‐562)
Octree–based Volume Sculpting

A volume sculpting system is presented. The system provides tools for interactive editing of a voxel raster that is stored in an octree data structure. Two different modes of sculpting are supported: Sculpting by adding and subtracting solids, and sculpting with tools that are based on a spray can metaphor. The possibility of extending the method to support multiresolution sculpting is discussed. CR Categories: I.3. 5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling—Modeling packages I.4. 10 [Image Processing and Computer Vision]: Image Representation— Hierachical; Volumetric
Hybritech total and free prostate-specific antigen assays developed for the Beckman Coulter access automated chemiluminescent immunoassay system: a multicenter evaluation of analytical performance.

Previously reported clinical trials have shown that measurement of the different forms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (1) is useful in the differentiation of prostate cancer from benign prostatic conditions. Men with prostate cancer tend to have lower percent free PSA (%FPSA) values than men with benign disease (2)(3)(4); %FPSA is the ratio of free PSA to total PSA times 100%. Beckman Coulter, Inc. (Fullerton, CA) has developed the Access Hybritech PSA and Hybritech PSA assays for use on the automated Access Immunoassay System. The assays are two-site immunoenzymatic (“sandwich”) assays that use mouse monoclonal antibody in alkaline phosphatase conjugate and paramagnetic particles coated with a second mouse monoclonal antibody. After unbound particles are removed by washing, a chemiluminescent substrate, Lumi-Phos 530,1 is added to produce light directly proportional to the amount of analyte in the sample as determined from a stored calibration curve. Calibrators are assigned up to 150 μg/L PSA and 20 μg/L FPSA. Analytical performance of the new assays was evaluated at four clinical laboratories located in the United States and at the manufacturer’s laboratories. Proficiency of the Access instruments and operators was demonstrated by assaying an identical panel of 18 human samples. Serum aliquots were stored at −70 °C, shipped frozen, and tested in duplicate over 2 days on both the Access and the reference Tandem methods. Proficiency panel results from each laboratory were analyzed by Deming regression and compared with the values assigned by the manufacturer. Each laboratory achieved results within 10% of the target values before proceeding. For the remainder of the study, Lyphochek Immunoassay Plus Control2 and Access QC control with ranges assigned for the Access instrument for each assay were used daily to verify calibration of individual instruments and accurate sample recovery from stored calibration curves. Controls …