Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Techniques to Share Hand Gestures for Remote Collaboration using Top-Down Projection in a Virtual Environment

Sharing hand gestures in a remote collaboration offers natural and expressive communication between collaborators. Proposed techniques allow sharing dependent (attached to something) or independent (no attachment) hand gestures in an immersive remote collaboration. However, there are research gaps for sharing hand gestures using different techniques and how it impacts user behaviour and performance. In this paper, we propose an evaluation study to compare sharing dependent and independent hand gestures. We developed a prototype, supporting three techniques of sharing hand gestures: Attached to Local, Attached to Object, and Independent Hands. Also, we use top-down projection, an easy-to-setup method to share a local user’s environment with a remote user. We compared the three techniques and found that independent hands help a remote user guide a local user in an object interaction task quicker than hands attached to the local user. It also gives clearer instruction than dependent hands despite limited depth perception caused by top-down projection. A similar trend is also found in remote users’ preferences.
Comparison of Long COVID-19 Caused by Different SARS-CoV-2 Strains: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although many studies of long COVID-19 were reported, there was a lack of systematic research which assessed the differences of long COVID-19 in regard to what unique SARS-CoV-2 strains caused it. As such, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the characteristics of long COVID-19 that is caused by different SARS-CoV-2 strains. We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect databases in order to find cohort studies of long COVID-19 as defined by the WHO (Geneva, Switzerland). The main outcomes were in determining the percentages of long COVID-19 among patients who were infected with different SARS-CoV-2 strains. Further, this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022339964). A total of 51 studies with 33,573 patients was included, of which three studies possessed the Alpha and Delta variants, and five studies possessed the Omicron variant. The highest pooled estimate of long COVID-19 was found in the CT abnormalities (60.5%; 95% CI: 40.4%, 80.6%) for the wild-type strain; fatigue (66.1%; 95% CI: 42.2%, 89.9%) for the Alpha variant; and ≥1 general symptoms (28.4%; 95% CI: 7.9%, 49.0%) for the Omicron variant. The pooled estimates of ≥1 general symptoms (65.8%; 95% CI: 47.7%, 83.9%) and fatigue were the highest symptoms found among patients infected with the Alpha variant, followed by the wild-type strain, and then the Omicron variant. The pooled estimate of myalgia was highest among patients infected with the Omicron variant (11.7%; 95%: 8.3%, 15.1%), compared with those infected with the wild-type strain (9.4%; 95%: 6.3%, 12.5%). The pooled estimate of sleep difficulty was lowest among the patients infected with the Delta variant (2.5%; 95%: 0.2%, 4.9%) when compared with those infected with the wild-type strain (24.5%; 95%: 17.5%, 31.5%) and the Omicron variant (18.7%; 95%: 1.0%, 36.5%). The findings of this study suggest that there is no significant difference between long COVID-19 that has been caused by different strains, except in certain general symptoms (i.e., in the Alpha or Omicron variant) and in sleep difficulty (i.e., the wild-type strain). In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its emerging variants, directing more attention to long COVID-19 that is caused by unique strains, as well as implementing targeted intervention measures to address it are vital.
Dual coupled radiative transfer equation and diffusion approximation for the solution of the forward problem in fluorescence molecular imaging

The solution of the forward problem in fluorescence molecular imaging is among the most important premises for the successful confrontation of the inverse reconstruction problem. To date, the most typical approach has been the application of the diffusion approximation as the forward model. This model is basically a first order angular approximation for the radiative transfer equation, and thus it presents certain limitations. The scope of this manuscript is to present the dual coupled radiative transfer equation and diffusion approximation model for the solution of the forward problem in fluorescence molecular imaging. The integro-differential equations of its weak formalism were solved via the finite elements method. Algorithmic blocks with cubature rules and analytical solutions of the multiple integrals have been constructed for the solution. Furthermore, specialized mapping matrices have been developed to assembly the finite elements matrix. As a radiative transfer equation based model, the integration over the angular discretization was implemented analytically, while quadrature rules were applied whenever required. Finally, this model was evaluated on numerous virtual phantoms and its relative accuracy, with respect to the radiative transfer equation, was over 95%, when the widely applied diffusion approximation presented almost 85% corresponding relative accuracy for the fluorescence emission.
ONe Index for All Kernels (ONIAK): A Zero Re-Indexing LSH Solution to ANNS-ALT

In this work, we formulate and solve a new type of approximate nearest neighbor search (ANNS) problems called ANNS after linear transformation (ALT). In ANNS-ALT, we search for the vector (in a dataset) that, after being linearly transformed by a user-specified query matrix, is closest to a query vector. It is a very general mother problem in the sense that a wide range of baby ANNS problems that have important applications in databases and machine learning can be reduced to and solved as ANNS-ALT, or its dual that we call ANNS-ALTD. We propose a novel and computationally efficient solution, called ONe Index for All Kernels (ONIAK), to ANNS-ALT and all its baby problems when the data dimension d is not too large (say d ≤ 200). In ONIAK, a universal index is built, once and for all, for answering all future ANNS-ALT queries that can have distinct query matrices. We show by experiments that, when d is not too large, ONIAK has better query performance than linear scan on the mother problem (of ANNS-ALT), and has query performances comparable to those of the state-of-the-art solutions on the baby problems. However, the algorithmic technique behind this universal index approach suffers from a so-called dimension blowup problem that can make the indexing time prohibitively long for a large dataset. We propose a novel algorithmic technique, called fast GOE quadratic form (FGoeQF), that completely solves the (prohibitively long indexing time) fallout of the dimension blowup problem. We also propose a Johnson-Lindenstrauss transform (JLT) based ANNS-ALT (and ANNS-ALTD) solution that significantly outperforms any competitor when d is large.
Gradient-index human lens as a quadratic phase transformer

The correspondence between the linear integral transform and the ray-transfer matrix of a first-order optical system is used to evaluate the transmittance function of gradient-index (GRIN) human lens regarded as a quadratic phase transformer. The size of the GRIN crystalline lens has been considered for redefining the effective transmittance function by the pupil function. The role that the GRIN nature of the human lens plays in the retinal image quality using the point spread function (PSF) is commented on. The simulation results show that the effective radius of the output face of the lens decreases with increasing thickness and that it is higher for flat end surfaces than for curved end faces. On the other hand, the simulation results also show, for small pupil sizes, that the GRIN nature of the human lens is a retinal image degradation source producing the spread of the PSF and that the curved end surfaces of the lens constitute a retinal image quality improve factor contributing to the narrowing of the PSF.
Institutional Quality and the Effectiveness of EU Funds for Innovation in Italy

Innovation has been shown to be a crucial determinant for growth and convergence, motivating the EU to devote massive spendings towards the promotion of innovation in the European regions. In the case of Italy, especially the South has been targeted for co-financing of innovation projects with EU money. Several papers have emphasized the relevance of institutional quality at the local level for the effectiveness of EU funds. In this paper, I will test whether institutions have had a role for funds to affect the innovation target by measuring innovation output with patents. In doing so, I will use the NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 regions in Italy as geographical units, as Italy has been a large recipient of funds in the past, including the two programming periods under analysis, 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. Controlling for spatial spillovers and addressing endogeneity, findings indicate a limited role for EU funds to promote innovation in Italy. Institutions seem to play a role only in the short-term and under certain assumptions about the time lag of the effect, with high-quality institutions being able to amplify EU funds’ impact on patents.
The evolution of unique cranial traits in leporid lagomorphs

Background The leporid lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) are adapted to running and leaping (some more than others) and consequently have unique anatomical features that distinguish them from ochotonid lagomorphs (pikas) and from their rodent relatives. Two traits that have received some attention are fenestration of the lateral wall of the maxilla and facial tilting. These features are known to correlate with specialised locomotory form in that the faster running species will generally have fenestration that occupies the dorsal and the anteroventral surface of the maxillary corpus and a more acute facial tilt angle. Another feature is an intracranial joint that circumscribes the back of the skull, thought to facilitate skull mobility. This joint separates the anterior portion of the cranium (including the dentition, rostrum and orbit) from the posterior portion of the cranium (which encompasses the occipital and the auditory complex). Aside from the observation that the intracranial joint is absent in pikas (generalist locomotors) and appears more elaborate in genera with cursorial and saltatorial locomotory habits, the evolutionary history, biomechanical function and comparative anatomy of this feature in leporids lacks a comprehensive evaluation. Methodology The present work analysed the intracranial joint, facial tilting and lateral fenestration of the wall of the maxilla in the context of leporid evolutionary history using a Bayesian inference of phylogeny (18 genera, 23 species) and ancestral state reconstruction. These methods were used to gather information about the likelihood of the presence of these three traits in ancestral groups. Results Our phylogenetic analyses found it likely that the last common ancestor of living leporids had some facial tilting, but that the last common ancestor of all lagomorphs included in the dataset did not. We found that it was likely that the last common ancestor of living leporids had fenestration that occupies the dorsal, but not the anteroventral, surface of the maxillary corpus. We also found it likely that the last common ancestor of living leporids had an intracranial joint, but that the last common ancestor of all living lagomorphs did not. These findings provide a broader context to further studies of evolutionary history and will help inform the formulation and testing of functional hypotheses.
Effect of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Soil and Water Productivity of Okra (Abemoschus esculentus) Crop in Semi-Arid Region of Tunisia

Under semi-arid conditions, irrigated agriculture faces hard competition for water. It is against this backdrop that appropriate management of irrigation techniques and water resources becomes a major concern. This study investigated the effect of surface (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) with domestic treated wastewater (TWW) and fresh water (FW) on soil water dynamics, salinity, yield, and mineral nutrition of okra. The experimental design was set-up based on two adjacent plots according to the water quality: Fresh Water (FW) T1 and domestic Treated Wastewater (TWW) T2. Results showed that measured soil water contents (SWCs), under TWW treatment (T2), were greater than their corresponding measurements under FW (T1), and in particular at 35 cm depth. Meanwhile, for both water qualities, soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) registered at 5 cm depth was higher than those measured at 35 cm, with values ranging from 0.14 to 0.36 mS·cm−1 and from 0.20 to 0.47 mS·cm−m for T1 and T2, respectively. Regarding crop yield, a statistically significant increase (p = 0.05) in okra fresh yield was observed when TWW was used. Fresh yield in SDI was 2.55 t·ha−1 and 3.9 t·ha−1 in T1 and T2, respectively. Nevertheless, results indicated that lateral depth did not significantly affect okra fresh yield. Moreover, a significant higher irrigation water productivity (WPirrig) with TWW (1.08 ± 0.26 and 1.23 ± 0.18 kg m−1) was observed, which was nearly double those obtained with FW (0.72 ± 0.33 to 0.78 ± 0.18 kg m−1). Appropriate use of SSDI with TWW stands as an irrigation management technique to improve yield and irrigation water productivity of okra crops.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Velocity Field Inside an Artificial Reef. Application to the Ares-Betanzos Estuary

The placement of artificial reef (AR) units on the seabed modifies the velocity field of the water, making the nutrients circulate properly and creating the necessary habitat for the settlement of the desired species. This paper proposes a methodology for determining the circulation in the vicinity of one specific AR unit module previously defined in the existing literature. This has been based on both the application of three-dimensional hydrodynamic criteria and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) together with their validation using towing tank tests. In order to achieve the goals, the starting points are both the initial design of the AR units and the 3D hydrodynamic circulation model in the estuary. The latter predicts the nutrient supply to each module by taking into account the variation of speeds with height. From the vertical profile of circulation velocities, developed for each implantation site, a CFD tool is used to determine the circulation of nutrients in the vicinity of the AR unit, around 5 times the AR size. Then, the results are validated by carrying out towing tank experiments. The main contribution is to combine a circulation model of the estuary together with a CFD model validated with towing tank tests. Although this work was applied to the Ares-Betanzos estuary, it can be extrapolated to other zones worldwide.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based iTrain Serious Game for Caregivers Dealing with Post-Stroke Patients

This paper describes a serious game based on a knowledge transfer model using deep reinforcement learning, with an aim to improve the caretakers’ knowledge and abilities in post-stroke care. The iTrain game was designed to improve caregiver knowledge and abilities by providing non-traditional training to formal and informal caregivers who deal with stroke survivors. The methodologies utilized professional medical experiences and real-life evidence data gathered during the duration of the iTrain project to create the scenarios for the game’s deep reinforcement caregiver behavior improvement model, as well as the design of game mechanics, game images and game characters, and gameplay implementation. Furthermore, the results of the game’s direct impact on caregivers (n = 25) and stroke survivors (n = 21) in Lithuania using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and user experience questionnaire (UEQ) are presented. Both surveys had favorable outcomes, showing the effectiveness of the approach. The GDS scale (score 10) revealed a low number of 28% of individuals depressed, and the UEQ received a very favorable grade of +0.8.
Stuck Inside

Abstract Social distancing policies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic altered our social interactions. People with schizophrenia, who already exhibit social deficits, may have been disproportionally impacted. In this pilot study, we a) compared prepandemic social functioning to functioning during the pandemic in people with schizophrenia (n = 21) who had data at both time points; and b) examined if patterns of decline in schizophrenia differed from healthy controls (n = 21) across a series of repeated-measures analyses of variance. We observed larger declines in social functioning in schizophrenia (η2 = 0.07, medium effect size) during the pandemic compared with the control group. Between-group declines did not extend to other domains, suggesting that declines are specific to social functioning. Our findings signal that treatments focusing on reconnecting people with schizophrenia to their social networks should be prioritized. Future studies should continue tracking social functioning after the pandemic to illustrate patterns of recovery.
Selection of high‐power nanosecond pulses from large‐aperture CO2 oscillators

A high‐contrast 6‐J 3‐ns pulse has been obtained from an injection mode‐locked TEA CO2 oscillator using an extracavity SF6‐He saturable absorber to suppress the prepulse energy to <1 μJ and an intracavity semiconductor transmission switch to suppress postpulses. The techniques described in this paper will allow the frequency and transverse‐mode control of an oscillator to be maintained to much higher powers than are presently possible.
Neutrino mass, leptogenesis and FIMP dark matter in a U ( 1 ) B − L model

The Standard Model (SM) is inadequate to explain the origin of tiny neutrino masses, the dark matter (DM) relic abundance and the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. In this work, to address all three puzzles, we extend the SM by a local U ( 1 ) B − L gauge symmetry, three right-handed (RH) neutrinos for the cancellation of gauge anomalies and two complex scalars having non-zero U ( 1 ) B − L charges. All the newly added particles become massive after the breaking of the U ( 1 ) B − L symmetry by the vacuum expectation value (VEV) of one of the scalar ﬁelds φ H . The other scalar ﬁeld, φ DM , which does not have any VEV, becomes automatically stable and can be a viable DM candidate. Neutrino masses are generated using the Type-I seesaw mechanism, while the required lepton asymmetry to reproduce the observed baryon asymmetry can be attained from the CP violating out of equilibrium decays of the RH neutrinos in TeV scale. More importantly within this framework, we study in detail the production of DM via the freeze-in mechanism considering all possible annihilation
A Bayesian comparison between CDM and phenomenologically emergent dark energy models

In this work we examine the recently proposed phenomenological emergent dark energy (PEDE) model by [1], using the latest observational data in both expansion and perturbation levels. Applying the statistical Bayesian evidence as well as the AIC and BIC information criteria, we compare the PEDE model with the concordance CDM model in both flat and non-flat universes. We combine the observational datasets as (i) expansion data (except CMB), (ii) expansion data (including CMB) and (iii) expansion data jointed to the growth rate dataset. Our statistical results show that the flatCDM model is still the best model. In the case of expansion data (including CMB), we observe that the flatPEDE model is well consistent with observations as well as the concordance CDM universe. While in the cases of (i) and (iii), the PEDE models in both of the flat and non-flat geometries are not favored. In particular, we see that in the perturbation level the PEDE model can not fit the observations as equally as standard CDM cosmology. As the ability of the model, we show that the PEDE models can alleviate the tension of Hubble constant value appearing between the local observations and Planck inferred estimation in standard cosmology.
Adaptive edge detection method for images

The novel two-dimensional (2D) wavelet with anisotropic property and application of it has been presented. Wavelet is constructed in the polar coordinate system to obtain anisotropic properties. A novel edge detection method has been developed with the aid of this wavelet. This method detects gradient jump and than follows along this jump. In this way the number of calculation for edge localization is reduced. Moreover, the presented method is able to detect all edges in an image in multi-scale together with its spatial orientation. Proposed wavelet as well as edge extraction method seems to be new way to edge detection for an image.
The newly observed (cid:2) b ( 6072 ) 0 structure and its ρ -mode nonstrange partners

Inspired by the newly observed (cid:2) b ( 6072 ) structure, we investigate its strong decay behaviors under various assignments within the 3 P 0 model. Compared with the mass and total decay width, our results suggest that the (cid:2) b ( 6072 ) can be regarded as the lowest ρ -mode excitation in (cid:2) b family. Then, the strong decays of ρ -mode nonstrange partners for the (cid:2) b ( 6072 ) are calculated. It is found that the J P = 5 / 2 − (cid:2) b and (cid:2) c states are relatively narrow, and mainly decay into the (cid:4) ( ∗ ) b π and (cid:4) ( ∗ ) c π ﬁnal states, respectively. These two states have good potentials to be observed in future experiments, which may help us to distinguish the three-quark model and diquark model.
Multipole analysis for linearized f ( R , G ) gravity with irreducible Cartesian tensors

The ﬁeld equations of f ( R , G ) gravity are rewritten in the form of obvious wave equations with the stress– energy pseudotensor of the matter ﬁelds and the gravitational ﬁeld as its source under the de Donder condition. The linearized ﬁeld equations of f ( R , G ) gravity are the same as those of linearized f ( R ) gravity, and thus, their multipole expansions under the de Donder condition are also the same. It is also shown that the Gauss–Bonnet curvature scalar G does not contribute to the effective stress–energy tensor of gravitational waves in linearized f ( R , G ) gravity, though G plays an important role in the nonlinear effects in general. Further, by applying the 1 / r expansion in the distance to the source to the linearized f ( R , G ) gravity, the energy, momentum, and angular momentum carried by gravitational waves in linearized f ( R , G ) gravity are provided, which shows that G , unlike the nonlinear term R 2 in the gravitational Lagrangian, does not contribute to them either.
Exotic J PC = 1 −+ mesons in a holographic model of QCD

Mesons with quantum numbers J PC = 1 −+ cannot be represented as simple quark–antiquark pairs. We explore hybrid conﬁgurations in the light meson sector com-prising a quark, an antiquark and an excited gluon, studying the properties of such states in a phenomenological model inspired by the gauge/gravity correspondence. The computed mass, compared to the experimental mass of the 1 −+ candidates π 1 ( 1400 ) , π 1 ( 1600 ) and π 1 ( 2015 ) , favours π 1 ( 1400 ) as the lightest hybrid state. An interesting result concerns the stability of hybrid mesons at ﬁnite temperature: they disap-pear from the spectral function (i.e. they melt) at a lower temperature with respect to other states, light vector and scalar mesons and scalar glueballs.