Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of polynomial system solvers with applications to visual odometry

Efficient solutions to polynomial equation systems is an important topic in modern geometric computer vision. The importance stems from the fact that many minimal problems (problems that use the fewest possible number of constraints) have been formulated as polynomial systems in recent years. Minimal problems are extremely important in geometric computer vision because they guarantee the highest probability of rejecting outliers when used with robust estimation frameworks such as RANSAC. However, since many instances of the same minimal problem have to be solved in a typical live vision system, efficient solutions are paramount to reaping full benefit from their solutions. The goal of this work is to solve new and useful minimal geometry problems as well as advance the theory behind the solution methods. New solutions to two such minimal problems are offered and a new development in optimizing solutions for a class of problems using the so-called "action matrix" method is also presented. The first minimal problem that is solved is the structure from motion with a directional correspondence, where image projections of three 3D points in two cameras are combined with a common direction or a point at infinity to solve for camera motion. This algorithm can be solved in closed form or using algebraic geometry and becomes a foundation of a visual odometry algorithm that uses a four-point RANSAC hypothesis to estimate motion instead of the traditional five. The second minimal problem uses 3D point to plane correspondences to establish the motion between two coordinate systems and targets the problem of LIDAR to camera calibration. A set of six correspondence of image line (a plane in 3D) to LIDAR points is sufficient to estimate the relative pose of the devices, including scale. This problem can be solved in closed form using the Macaulay resultant, and becomes the basis for construction of automatic calibration software. The proposed optimization to the action matrix method leads to an improvement in performance and numerical stability of existing algorithms, such as uncalibrated image stitching and three-view triangulation.
Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children Below 3 Years Old - Etiology and Treatment With Overtreatment and Undertreatment Risks, a 5-Year Single Centre Experience

Worldwide neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a gold standard of active surveillance in newborns. Prompt diagnosis, subsequent timely treatment implementation, and proper dosage of levothyroxine (L-T4) are crucial for normal growth and development, especially of the central nervous system. However, overtreatment may have a potential negative impact on further neurodevelopment. We retrospectively analysed data of 99 newborns with CH diagnosis, referred to the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Poland from the CH screening program from 2017 to 2021. We evaluated the diagnostic process and treatment up to the age of 3 years. We compared groups of children from the first and the second screening groups (FSG, SSG) in the neonatal screening with an evaluation of ultrasound examination (thyroid dysgenesis vs. gland in situ, GIS). The overtreatment and undertreatment risks were assessed and an analysis of the new TSH thresholds was performed. Treatment was implemented at a median of 9 days of life (3 – 27); 8 days (3 – 17) in FSG and 19 (6 – 27) in SSG. The dose of L-T4 differed between FSG and SSG at all three analysed time points (start of the therapy, 12 months, and 3 years) with significantly higher doses in FSG. The same was observed for the patients with thyroid dysgenesis vs. GIS. Screening TSH level was ≥ 28mIU/l in 91.7% of patients with thyroid dysgenesis in comparison to 74.0% of patients with GIS (p= 0.038). The optimally treated group (fT4 in the upper half of the reference range, according to the guidelines) was up to 58.0% of the children during the follow-up. The risk for overtreatment was present in 1/5 of the study group after 12 months and 1/4 after 3 years of L-T4 therapy. Analysis of new TSH thresholds showed an increased prevalence of mild hypothyroidism, GIS, and either euthyroid state or overtreatment while treating with lower L-T4 doses in comparison to the rest of the cohort. The study confirmed the general efficacy of the CH diagnostic pathway and the timely implemented L-T4 therapy. The suspected overtreatment after the first 12 months of L-T4 therapy requires consideration of the earlier diagnosis re-evaluation.
Multiple Types of Porosity – P‐Wave Velocity Relationships for the Nankai Trough

The empirical relationship between the porosity and P‐wave velocity is a useful tool for probing large‐scale underground physical properties and stress states based on P‐wave velocity structures acquired by seismic surveys. In this study, the porosity‐velocity curves were examined using local core sample and logging datasets acquired along the Kumano transect in the Nankai Trough, Southwest Japan. We tested Hashimoto et al.’s (2010) hypothesis that slope apron and accreted sediments have different relationships. Our advantage is using a large amount of logging and core data obtained at multiple sites in the Nankai Trough under various geological conditions, from the incoming oceanic plate to the inner wedge. We identified multiple types of porosity – P‐wave velocity relationships: 1) The first type agrees with the low‐velocity model in the global empirical relation of Erickson and Jarrard 1998), which is observed at lithostatic stress state condition (incoming upper Shikoku basin and slope sediments), 2) The second type consistent with high‐velocity models of the global empirical relation observed at compressive stress state condition (accreted sediments), which have a higher velocity and larger dependence on the porosity than the first type with the same porosity, and 3) The third type for incoming sediments with high smectite content has lower velocity than the first type. Based on our results, the transition between the first and second porosity – velocity relationships occurs in the prism toe, implying that compressive stress due to subduction controls acoustic properties and the lithification process of these sediments.
Tourism Planning and Management during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Lesson from Girona

Purpose: This paper aims to establish the significance of including the host community in the tourism planning and management processes in Girona-Spain. Additionally, it illustrates tourism data that correspond to periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 outbreak in the city. It explores the contribution of academia and stakeholders in the planning and management of the tourism system during the pandemic. Design/Methodology/Approach: The literature review references the residents, planning, management, and strategies for the contribution of local actors in the development of tourism models to be applied in the case study of Girona. It involves a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews, and the Delphi method on the software Atlas Ti 8 regarding the residents’ perceptions and the strategies of local public and private actors to establish sustainable models in tourist cities. Find-ings: The study reveals the effect and perceptions of residents regarding tourist activity in a historic center of a medium-sized city before the COVID-19 pandemic and five strategies proposed by both public and private organizations and residents, presenting unprecedented challenges. Research Limita-tions/Implications: The study does not include the perspective of tourists who have already seen Girona. Practical Implications: The strategies presented can be applied at the policy level in urban cities. Understanding resi-dent-tourist interaction and effects will help prepare a better sustainable tourism development plan. Originality/Value: This paper is the first to present a tourism planning proposal for a city carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic with the participation of residents, public and private stakeholders, and academia.
Self-Healing Chitosan Hydrogels: Preparation and Rheological Characterization

The paper aims at the preparation of chitosan self-healing hydrogels, designed as carriers for local drug delivery by parenteral administration. To this aim, 30 hydrogels were prepared using chitosan and pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P), the active form of vitamin B6 as precursors, by varying the ratio of glucosamine units and aldehyde on the one hand and the water content on the other hand. The driving forces of hydrogelation were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, and polarized light microscopy (POM) measurements. NMR technique was also used to investigate the stability of hydrogels over time, and their morphological particularities were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Degradability of the hydrogels was studied in media of four different pH, and preliminary self-healing ability was visually established by injection through a syringe needle. In-depth rheological investigation was conducted in order to monitor the storage and loss moduli, linear viscoelastic regime, and structural recovery capacity. It was concluded that chitosan crosslinking with pyridoxal 5-phosphate is a suitable route to reach self-healing hydrogels with a good balance of mechanical properties/structural recovery, good stability over time, and degradability controlled by pH.
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of Synthesised Azo Compounds based on β-naphthol, Catechol and Quinol Nucleus

A series of 10-aryl substituted azo dyes were synthesized by coupling of β-naphthol, catechol, and quinol with different aromatic amines. The synthetic compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The characterization of the synthesized compounds was carried out by UV, IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectroscopy. 13C NMR was employed to confirm the structural identity of some of the compounds. After screening for the presence of antimicrobial constituents in the azo compounds using HTSPOTi culture method, quinol compounds 7 [(E)-2(2nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,4-diol] and 10 [(E)-2-(3-nitrophenyl) diazinyl) benzene-1,4-diol] were the most active in terms of broad spectrum activity against Gram-positives [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyrogenes (clinical strain), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212)],, Gram-negatives [Salmonella typhi (clinical strain), Escherichia coli (ATCC 251922)] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and the Candida albicans at minimum inhibitory concentrations of 15.63-31.25 µg/mL. A quinol derivative, [(E)-2-(2nitrophenyl) diazinyl) benzene-1, 4-diol], exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity in the heat-denatured egg albumin assay. Compounds [ethyl (Z)-4-(3-hydroxynapthalen-1-yl (diazinyl) benzoate] and (E)-2-((3-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,4-diol showed high DPPH free radical scavenging activity during the antioxidant assay.
An over-ocean precipitation retrieval using SSM/I multichannel brightness temperatures

A new over-ocean precipitation retrieval algorithm is presented in this study using multi-channel brightness temperatures (TBs) of Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) measurements. The basic idea of this algorithm is to find an optimal 2-dimensional precipitation field which gives radiative transfer modelgenerated temperatures that fit best with the observed TBs. The algorithm utilizes vertically-polarized TBs in order to minimize the sea-surface wind effects. The radiative transfer model of Liu and Curry (1993) is used for computing field-of-views (FOV)-averaged TBs at 19.35, 37 and 85.5 GHz from precipitation fields with a spatial resolution of 25 km. Statistical characteristics of sub-pixel-scale variation and vertical profile of precipitation from GARP Tropical Experiment (GATE) data sets are employed as precipitating cloud models in the radiative transfer calculation to simulate FOV-averaged brightness temperatures. The agreement between the multichannel radiative calculated TBs and the observed TBs is expressed as a cost function which is a sum of the squares of the statistically-normalized differences between the above 2 TB fields. The optimal precipitation field with 25 km resolution is obtained by resolving the gradient equation of the cost function. Precipitation retrievals using this algorithm are executed for two meteorological cases (Typhoon Flo (T9019) at 21 UTC 17 September 1990 and warm frontal rain at 21 UTC 28 April 1988). The retrieved precipitation is compared with the precipitation data observed by the operational radar network of the Japan Meteorological Agency. The results indicate that the algorithm amplifies mesoscale precipitation patterns within the large-scale rain areas. The results also suggest that this amplification improves the linear correlation between the retrieved precipitation and the precipitation obtained from the radar observation. This improvement is ascribable to the effectiveness of the algorithm in utilizing high-frequency channel measurements to redistribute precipitation within large-scale rain areas. Statistical comparisons are also made between the precipitation retrievals using the algorithm and shipboard radar data during the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) intensive observation period (IOP). An IOP-averaged ratio of the retrieved precipitation to the radar rain intensity is 0.944 for this period. This suggests that the characteristics of sub-pixel-scale variation and the vertical profile of precipitation used in the algorithm is appropriate since the ratio largely depends on these parameters.
Continuity and Adaption: Student Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Year 2

Abstract Mostly forgotten in the discourse surrounding the pandemic were the experiences of student teachers during the second year of COVID-19. This study sought to explore how student teachers conceptualized their time in the classroom during their spring 2021 student teaching. In examining student-teacher journal entries in this qualitative endeavor, researchers hoped to answer the question “how did preservice teachers in the second year of the pandemic describe their student teaching? ” Findings indicate that preservice teachers had adapted to the constraints of teaching during a pandemic. In fact, student teachers rarely mentioned the challenges of learning to be educators during a pandemic, which had become a normative experience for them. This study is a hopeful one, surprisingly, given the obstacles and panic the pandemic presented for education.
Pregnancy and Adverse Obstetric Outcomes After Hysteroscopic Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Although the randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the efficacy of hysteroscopic resection in women with uterine septum has not shown any significant correlation in recent research, motivation for deeper study remains insufficient. In this study, the objective was to determine pregnancy-related outcomes, along with adverse obstetric outcomes, following hysteroscopic resection and also to determine whether women with hysteroscopic resection bear the same outcomes as women with normal uterine cavities. Search Methods From January 1995 to February 2022, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify all studies published concerning the gestation outcomes of women with and without hysteroscopic resection while comparing the gestation outcomes of women after hysteroscopic resection and with a normal uterine cavity. Our primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR). The secondary outcomes were term delivery, preterm delivery, spontaneous miscarriage, malpresentation, cesarean section, and other adverse obstetric outcomes. Results 22 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The control groups of 14 studies were treated women, and the control groups of the other 8 studies were patients bearing a normal uterine cavity. Hysteroscopic resection was related to a higher rate of term delivery (OR = 2.26, 95% CI, 1.26–4.05), and a lower rate of spontaneous abortion (OR = 0.50, 95% CI, 0.27–0.93), and a lower rate of malpresentation (OR = 0.31, 95% CI, 0.19–0.50). Nevertheless, in comparison with the normal uterus group, the rates of preterm birth, cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage after resection did not return to normal levels. Conclusion Hysteroscopic resection can effectively reduce the risk of abortion and malpresentation in patients possessing a uterine septum while increasing the term delivery rate. Although well-designed RCTs should confirm our meta-analysis, it still bears recommending to patients
Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt in NE China

, and Solonker oceans from north to south, and these oceans closed during the Cambrian (ca. 500 Ma), Late Silurian (ca. 420 Ma), early Late Carboniferous (ca. 320 Ma), and Late Permian to Middle Triassic (260–240 Ma), respectively, forming the Xinlin-Xiguitu, Mudanjiang-Yilan, Hegenshan-Heihe, Solonker-Linxi, and Changchun-Yanji suture zones. Two oceanic tectonic cycles took place in the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO), namely, the Early Paleozoic cycle involving the Xinlin-Xiguitu and Heilongjiang oceans and the late Paleozoic cycle involving the Nenjiang-Solonker oceans. The Paleozoic tectonic pattern of the eastern CAOB generally shows structural features that trend east-west. The timing of accretion and collision events of the eastern CAOB during the Paleozoic youngs progressively from north to south. The branch ocean basins of the eastern PAO closed from west to east in a scissor-like manner. A bi-directional subduction regime dominated during the narrowing and closure process of the eastern PAO, which led to “soft collision” of tectonic units on each side, forming huge accretionary orogenic belts in central Asia.
Control of Short‐Stature Vegetation Type on Shallow Ground Temperatures in Permafrost Across the Eastern Canadian Arctic

The Arctic has warmed three times the rate of the global average, resulting in extensive thaw of perennially frozen ground known as permafrost. While it is well understood that permafrost thaw will continue and likely accelerate, thaw rates are nonuniform due, in part, to the expansion of Arctic trees and tall shrubs that may increase ground temperatures. However, in permafrost regions with short‐stature vegetation (height < 40 cm), our understanding of how ground temperature regimes vary by vegetation type is limited as these sites are generally found in remote high‐latitude regions that lack in situ ground temperature measurements. This study aims to overcome this limitation by leveraging in situ shallow ground temperatures, remote sensing observations, and topographic parameters across 22 sites with varying types of short‐stature vegetation on Baffin Island, Canada, a remote region underlain by rapidly warming continuous permafrost. Results suggest that the type of short‐stature vegetation does not necessarily correspond to a distinct shallow ground temperature regime. Instead, in permafrost regions with short‐stature vegetation, factors that control snow duration, such as microtopography, may have a larger effect on evolving ground temperature regimes and thus permafrost vulnerability. These findings suggest that anticipating permafrost thaw in regions of short‐stature vegetation may be more nuanced than previously suggested.
Travel bubbles to maintain safe space for international travel during crisis – emotions reflected in Twitter posts

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic triggered worldwide lockdowns and mobility restrictions, which continue to impact the global tourism industry. Early discussions on restarting the tourism industry occurred in high uncertainty constant change, and apprehension amongst political leaders and the public. Therefore, understanding public emotions and reactions toward border opening and international travel are essential. This research used the particular case of the ‘travel bubble’ between Australia and New Zealand to examine people’s range of emotions as evident in social media. An automatic emotion analysis method was applied to identify eight emotions expressed through language. Furthermore, the content analysis was applied to detect key topics and understand potential triggers of the emotions. The theoretical background is appraisal theory which helps explain how a particular emotion was aroused. The results showed that people reacted positively to the travel bubble with anticipation, joy, and trust. Although fear peaked when the travel bubble temporarily paused, the confidence in the travel bubble was restored once a situation was resolved. By gauging people’s emotions and concerns about the travel bubble, this research generates insights for tourism recovery and provides a method to gauge public emotions in future crises that affect international travel.
A Note on Process Modelling: Combining Situation Calculus and Petri Nets

The situation calculus logic model is convenient for modelling the actions that can occur in an information system application. The interplay of pre-conditions and post-conditions determines a semantically justified partial order of the defined actions and serves to enforce integrity constraints. This form of specification allows the use of plan-generation algorithms to investigate, before the system is adopted, whether the proposed specification allows all desirable use cases, and effectively disallows undesirable ones. Especially for legacy applications, implemented without a prior specification, Process Mining techniques were employed to derive an implicit Petri net model from the analysis of a large number of traces registered in an execution log. However, if the system just begins to be used, and has a still empty execution log, this sort of process mining discovery would not be feasible. This paper explains how the Petri net model can be directly derived from the situation calculus specification rules. The main gist is to provide evidence that the two models are complementary, not only because the Petri net model is derivable from the situation calculus model, but also in view of the distinct advantages of the two models. While the situation calculus model leads to planning and simulated execution prior to implementation, the Petri net model can be designed to run in a restrictive mode, allowing an intuitive visualization of the workable sequences. As proof of concept, the paper describes a prototype to demonstrate the methods and applies it to two examples: a published request processing application used to introduce process mining notions; and an analogously structured trial by combat application taken from a popular movie. The prototype includes an interactive dramatization component, which enacts the second application.