Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consistency of Virtual Human Faces: Effect of Stylization and Expressiveness Intensity on Character Perception

The perception of virtual human faces is impacted by several interrelated factors, such as shapes, materials, textures, shading or animation. Previous research demonstrated that animation flaws and inconsistencies tend to be less accepted on realistic characters compared to stylized ones. To further investigate the relationship between stylization and facial expressions, we designed an online investigation to assess participants’ perception of virtual human faces with regards to perceived realism, attractiveness and eeriness. We modeled a female and a male character with three levels of stylization (stylized, semi-realistic, realistic) and four expressiveness intensities (idle, low, moderate and exaggerated). 135 participants took part in the experiment which consisted of watching a set of 24 videos lasting 30 seconds each. Interaction effects were observed between the independent variables. Overall, results indicated that perceived realism was mainly driven by the stylization level. Visually realistic characters were perceived as more realistic even with exaggerated facial expressions. In terms of attractiveness, scores tended to decrease as the intensity of facial expressions increased. At the highest expressiveness intensity, the semi-realistic female character was preferred over the stylized and the realistic ones, while the realistic male character scored higher than the others. In line with previous studies, results indicated that perceived eeriness rises with the intensities of facial expressions. Taken as a whole, this study provides valuable guidelines for 3D artists and developers to design avatars and autonomous agents.
Uniﬁed Concept Editing in Diffusion Models

Text-to-image models suffer from various safety issues that may limit their suitability for deployment. Previous methods have separately addressed individual issues of bias, copyright, and offensive content in text-to-image models. However, in the real world, all of these issues appear simultaneously in the same model. We present a method that tackles all issues with a single approach. Our method, Uni-ﬁed Concept Editing (UCE), edits the model without training using a closed-form solution, and scales seamlessly to concurrent edits on text-conditional diffusion models. We present scalable simultaneous debiasing, style erasure, and content moderation by editing text-to-image projections, and perform extensive experiments demonstrating improved efﬁcacy and scalability over prior work. Our code is available at uniﬁed. baulab.info.
Advancing Indoor Environment Modeling: A Comparative Study of Evolutionary Algorithms for Optimal Sensor Placement

This study advances indoor environment modeling by focusing on the optimal placement of sensors. Our approach involves creating a detailed environment model from a 3D point cloud by identifying spatial boundaries and furniture in indoor spaces, which are then represented as a series of polygons. To validate our method, we compare its performance against ground truth data, demonstrating high accuracy in both simple and complex environments. The core of our study is a comprehensive experiment that evaluates the eﬀectiveness of three evolutionary nature-inspired genetic and three metaheuristic iterative optimization algorithms in solving the sensor placement problem in a complex environment scenario. We perform a statistical analysis to understand the impact of the choice of optimization algorithm and the number of sensors on the achieved spatial coverage. This analysis provides insights into the comparative eﬀectiveness of various evolutionary algorithms in enhancing sensor network design within intricate indoor spaces. In particular, the Artiﬁcial Bee Colony algorithm consistently delivered superior results.
24 th International Command and Control Research & Technology Symposium

The annual cyber defense exercise Locked Shields is the world’s largest unclassiﬁed defensive exercise. The exercise participants form “blue teams” that are tasked to defend their critical infrastructure against an attacking “red team. ” The blue teams are scored based on how well they keep their essential system functions running and the extent to which they manage to assess and report what they are exposed to. During Locked Shields 2019, 24 blue teams from 30 countries participated in a two-day exercise. The case study presented in this paper focuses on one of the blue teams. The team consisted of around 60 people from governmental institutions as well as private companies. The objective of this paper is to explore the possibilities to collect meaningful data for research on Command and Control, C 2 , Cyber Situational Awareness, CSA, and Intelligence in conjunction with an inter-organizational cyber defense team during a cyber defense exercise. During preparations preceding the exercise, the research team observed the development of strategy, coordination structures and organization in the temporarily formed team as it prepared to solve the highly challenging exercise tasks. During the exercise, data collection included questionnaires, observations, team communication logs, reporting from the blue to the white team and performance scores. The data collection sought to satisfy needs within three research themes - 1) command and control, C 2 , 2) cyber situational awareness, and 3) intelligence. A review of the dataset showed that the data is well suited for further analysis. The paper presents initial results as well as an outline of how the diﬀerent types of data collected contribute to research within the three research themes.
Tardigrade CAHS Proteins Act as Molecular Swiss Army Knives to Mediate 1 Desiccation Tolerance Through Multiple Mechanisms . 2

21 Tardigrades, also known as water bears, make up a phylum of small but extremely hardy animals, 22 renowned for their ability to survive extreme stresses, including desiccation. How tardigrades 23 survive desiccation is one of the enduring mysteries of animal physiology. Here we show that 24 CAHS D, an intrinsically disordered protein belonging to a unique family of proteins possessed 25 only by tardigrades, undergoes a liquid-to-gel phase transition in a concentration dependent 26 manner. Unlike other gelling proteins, such as gelatin, our data support a mechanism in which gel 27 formation of CAHS D is driven by intermolecular β-β interactions. We find that gel formation 28 corresponds with strong coordination of water and slowing of water diffusion. The degree of water 29 coordination correlates with the ability of CAHS D to protect lactate dehydrogenase from unfolding 30 when dried. This implies that the mechanism for unfolding protection can be attributed to a 31 combination of hydration and slowed molecular motion. Conversely, rapid diffusion leading to 32 efficient molecular shielding appears to be the predominant mechanism preventing protein 33 aggregation. Our study demonstrates that distinct mechanisms are required for holistic protection 34 during desiccation, and that protectants, such as CAHS D, can act as molecular ‘Swiss Army 35 Knives’ capable of providing protection through several different mechanisms simultaneously. 36
A 3D Deep Learning Architecture for Denoising Low-Dose CT Scans

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans reduce the radiation dose of computed tomography (CT) scans but come at the expense of image quality. Deep-learning (DL) image denoising techniques can enhance these LDCT images to match the quality of their regular-dose CT counterparts. To achieve better denoising performance than the current state of the art, we present a novel 3D DL architecture for LDCT image denoising called 3D-DDnet . The architecture leverages the inter-slice correlation in volumetric CT scans to obtain better denoising performance and employs distributed data parallel (DDP) strategies along with transfer learning to achieve faster training. The DDP training strategy enables a scalable multi-GPU approach on Nvidia A100 GPUs, which allows the training of previously prohibitively large volumetric samples. Our results show that 3D-DDnet achieves 10% better mean square error (MSE) on LDCT scans than its 2D predecessor (i.e., 2D-DDnet). In addition, the transfer learning in 3D-DDnet leverages existing trained 2D models to “jump start” the weights and biases of our 3D DL model and reduces training time by 50% while maintaining accuracy.
Three-Dimensional Nepal Earthquake Displacement Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm Phase Unwrapping from Sentinel-1A Satellite

Introduction : Geophysicists had forewarned for decades that Nepal was exposed to a deadly earthquake, exceptionally despite its geology, urbanization and architecture. Gorkha earthquake is the most horrible natural disaster to crash into Nepal since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake. Gorkha earthquake occurred on April 25, 2015, at 11:56 NST and killed more than 10,000 people and injured more than 23,000 population. Objective : The main objective of this work is to utilize hybrid genetic algorithm for three-dimensional phase unwrapping of Nepal earthquake displacement using Sentinel-1A satellite. The three-dimensional best-path avoiding singularity loops (3DBPASL) algorithm was implemented to perform 3D Sentinel-1A satellite phase unwrapping. The hybrid genetic algo- rithm (HGA) was used to achieve 3DBPASL phase matching. Advancely, the errors in phase decorrelation were reduced by optimization of 3DBPASL using HGA. Results : The findings indicate a few cm of ground deformation and vertical northern of Kathmandu. Approximately, an area of 12,000 km 2 has been drifted also the northern of Kathmandu. Further, each fringe of colour represents about 2.5 cm of deformation. The large amount of fringes indicates a large deformation pattern with ground motions of 3 m. Conclusion : In conclusion, HGA can be used to produce accurate 3D quake deformation using Sentinel-1A satellite. avoiding singularity loops (3DBPASL) Then, phase matching is implemented with 3DBPASL using hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA). Further, polynomial surface-fitting-weighted least-square multiple regression method is implemented too as initial solution. The study shows that the top of mountain and urban areas have the highest value of backscatter of −5 dB than the surrounding envi -ronment. The study shows also that the interferogram produced by ESA has unclear pattern with 3 cm ground deformation and more than 1 m ground motion. However, 3DBPASL algorithm based on HGA provided the sharpest fringe pattern of the interferogram than ESA interferogram. In addition, the complete cycle of fringe patterns indicated 8.5 cm of the surface motion which was coincided with ground motion of 1.4 m north of Kathmandu. In conclusion, integration of the HGA with 3DBPASL phase unwrapping produces excellent 3D Nepal’s earthquake surface displacement using Sentinel-1 A satellite data beam mode of
Pengurusan Elemen Psikologikal Sebagai Persediaan Menghadapi Bencana: Satu Kajian Kualitatif Terhadap Mangsa Banjir Di Kelantan (Management Of Psychological Elements As Preparation In Facing Disasters: A Qualitative Study Of Flood Victims In Kelantan)

Abstrak Bencana merupakan sesuatu yang memberi kesan yang besar kepada seseoang yang mengalaminya. Ia bukan sahaja meninggalkan kesan fizikal tetapi juga meningggalkan kesan psikologi kepada mangsa. Kebanyakan kajian pengurusan bencana yang dilakukan adalah dari sudut fizikal iaitu harta benda dan kesihatan. Kesan psikologi dan pengurusan aspek psikologi mangsa bencana kurang dititikberatkan. Kesan psikologi yang dialami oleh mangsa banjir termasuklah kebimbangan, tekanan , kemurungan, trauma, krisis emosi, masalah penyesuaian.Tekanan emosi ini megambil masa yang lama untuk dipulihkan. Tekanan psikologi ini jika tidak diurus dengan berkesan mampu membawa kepada masalah yang lebih besar dalam hidup seperti trauma, kemurungan dan gangguan psikologi yang lain. Kertas ini akan membincangkan mengenai aspek pengurusan psikologi mangsa banjir berdasarkan dapatan kajian tinjaun secara kualitatif terhadap mangsa banjir di Kelantan tahun 2014.
Host susceptibility and fungal virulence in the wheat-Parastagonospora nodorum interactions

The fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is responsible for substantial economic losses of wheat worldwide. P. nodorum secretes multiple proteinaceous host-specic toxins known as necrotrophic effectors (NE) that induce compatible interactions with hosts possessing the corresponding dominant susceptibility (S) genes. In this study, the reaction of 40 wheat genotypes including 19 Iranian cultivars, 16 world cultivars and �ve differential genotypes against 33 P. nodorum isolates was investigated. In addition, the occurrence of known NEs and their corresponding S genes was assessed. Wheat genotypes were classi�ed into six groups based on their variable reaction towards P. nodorum isolates. The S gene Tsn1 was present in 70% of highly susceptible cultivars and was completely absent in all resistant cultivars. The cultivars possessing all three S genes Tsn1, Snn1 and Snn3 were susceptible to all P. nodorum isolates. S gene Snn3 was detected in all Iranian wheat cultivars whereas the proportion of this gene in world cultivars was 62.5%. SnTox1-Snn1 was the most abundant NE-S gene frequency (100%) in Iranian P. nodorum isolates and Iranian cultivars. Furthermore, SnToxA was produced in Pichia pastoris and in�ltration of SnToxA resulted in necrosis response exclusively on wheat cultivars harboring the Tsn1 sensitivity gene indicating that toxin in�ltration can be used as a quick and accurate assay in breeding programs. Overall, these �ndings extended our substantial knowledge about P. nodorum-wheat interactions and their underlying molecular basis in Iran, a country located in the Fertile Crescent where both wheat and its pathogens coevolved.
Combined treatment with Purpureocillum lilacinum MTL01 and Bacillus velezensis 83 reduces galling by Meloidogyne enterolobii and improves �owering in greenhouse-grown tomato

M. enterolobii is an emergent phytopathogenic nematode that infects and reduces the yields of commercially important vegetables, such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). In Mexico, M. enterolobii has gained access to states previously unknown to be affected by it, especially northern states such as Sinaloa, which is the main producer of tomato in the country. Formulations based on antagonistic microorganisms exist in the Mexican market and are used in combination with chemically synthesized pesticides, which although effective are also unspeci�c and even toxic to other animals and humans. The ascomycetes Purpureocillum lilacinum (previously, Paecilomyces lilacinus) is an effective nematicide already used in different commercial formulations. Here, we aimed to determine the combined effect of an environmental strain of P. lilacinum MTL01 that we isolated, with spores of B. velezensis 83 that is also a growth promoter of tomato. Our �ndings of two assays in greenhouse conditions of tomato development treated with MTL01 and B. velezensis 83, either individually or in combination, and then challenged with stage-2 juveniles (J2) of M. enterolobii, indicate that the combined treatment is useful for reducing galling and stimulating �owering, with the potential of better yields to produce greenhouse-grown tomato.
Designing Healthcare Robots at Home for Older Adults: A Kano Model Perspective

Healthcare robots at home are increasingly essential for promoting the independence of older adults, yet their widespread acceptance is hindered by a lack of clarity regarding optimal design features. To address this, this study employs the Kano model to systematically identify and prioritize the features of healthcare robots that most significantly influence user satisfaction and acceptance among older adults. We conducted a survey study with 253 U.S. older adults to evaluate a variety of robot features. The results highlight design features that markedly affect user satisfaction and acceptance. ‘Med-ication Management’ and ‘Managing Illness and Monitoring Health’ are identified as one-dimensional features, whereas ‘Animal-like Appearance’ is a less favored reverse feature, potentially diminishing satisfaction. ‘Housework’ along with seven other features, is recognized as attractive, with sixteen features deemed indifferent.
Long-Term Effects of an Invasive Shore Crab on Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Abstract — Invasive species can cause dramatic changes in the structure of intertidal communities. In some systems, however, abundance or impacts of invaders may peak 10–20 years after invasion and decline thereafter. Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Asian Shore Crab) has been established at Sandwich, MA, on the north side of Cape Cod, since the mid-1990s. This study documented population dynamics of the Asian Shore Crab and 3 species of prey or competitors (Carcinus maenas [Green Crab], Mytilus edulis [Blue Mussel], and Littorina littorea [Common Periwinkle]) over 10 years. An additional goal of the study was to determine whether population growth of the Asian Shore Crab has slowed since its initial establishment. Density of the Asian Shore Crab increased over time, with no evidence of a density-dependent decrease in per capita growth rates. Concurrently, density of the Green Crab and the Blue Mussel declined, but there was no significant temporal trend in density of the Common Periwinkle. If observations at Sandwich are representative of sites north of Cape Cod, populations of the Asian Shore Crab are growing rapidly, and dramatic changes in community structure may be widespread.
Trends in Income Distribution in Italy: A Non-Parametric 90
and a Semi-Parametric Analysis

Using kernel density estimation and mixture models, household size-adjusted income distributions in Italy are cross-sectionally examined over the period 1987-2002. A non-parametric test is used to assess the number of modes in the distributions. Evidence shows that income tends to cluster around more than one point. This gives good reason to model the shapes by a finite mixture density with an appropriate choice of components which represent homogeneous sub-populations. Effects of social and demographic factors on the probability of households to belong to one of the components of the mixture are identified by a compositional data analysis.
in a sample of family caregivers

Introduction: In palliative care, family caregivers are often faced with experiences of grief in anticipation of the loss of a close person. An instrument designed to measure this form of grief is the Anticipatory Grief Scale, which includes 27 items and has been used in several studies in various contexts. However, the instrument has not been validated. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties, focusing on the factor structure, of the Anticipatory Grief Scale in a sample of family caregivers in palliative care. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from an intervention study in palliative home care that took place between 2013 and 2014. In total, 270 family caregivers in palliative care completed a baseline questionnaire, including the Anticipatory Grief Scale. The factor structure of the scale was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis. Results: The initial factor analysis suggested a four-factor solution, but, due to weak communalities, extensive crossloadings, and item inconsistencies, the model was problematic. Further analysis supported that the scale should be reduced to 13 items and two factors. The two subscales captured the behavioral and emotional reactions of grief in family caregivers in palliative care and were named Behavioral reactions and Emotional reactions. This modified version will hereafter be named AGS-13. Conclusions: This validation study of the Anticipatory Grief Scale resulted in a revised two-factor model, AGS-13, that appears to be promising for use in palliative care but needs to be tested further.
NAA Study on Characteristics and Sources of Raw Materials of Celadon Bodies from Qingliangsi Kiln and Zhanggongxiang Kiln

Thirty-seven samples of ancient Chinese Ru porcelain bodies unearthed from Qingliangsi kiln(containing 32 Ru official porcelain bodies and 5 Ru folk porcelain bodies),thirty-two samples of ancient celadon bodies from Zhanggongxiang kiln,and fourteen samples of modern mineral,were selected and analyzed by neutron activation analysis(NAA) method.Twenty-three elements were measured.The data of these elemental contents were processed by scatter analysis and principle component analysis methods in order to determine the characteristics and sources of the raw materials of the celadon porcelain bodies from the foregoing two kilns.The results show that Fe,Ce,Ba,Ta,Th,La,Sm and Cr are the fingerprint elements to distinguish the ancient Ru official porcelain bodies from ancient celadon bodies of Zhanggongxiang kiln.The sources of the raw material of the ancient Ru official porcelain bodies from Qingliangsi kiln are more concentrated and stable than those from Zhanggongxiang kiln.The Ru folk porcelain bidies and the Ru official porcelain bidies from Qingliangsi kiln have the same provenance,both sources of which are local.The raw material origins of the ancient celadon bodies from Zhanggongxiang kiln is a little dispersed and the compositions of the raw material are different from the Ru porcelains,but the distance is not far away from each other.
A Visual Assessment Study Compared with Standard CT Angiography: Derived Arteriograms - CT Perfusion Improved Arterial Visualization in Cerebral

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Invasive cerebral DSA has largely been replaced by CTA, which is noninvasive but has a compromised arterial view due to superimposed bone and veins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether arterial visualization in CTPa is superior to standard CTA, which would eliminate the need for an additional CTA scan to assess arterial diseases and therefore reduce radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we included 24 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage for whom CTA and CTP were available. Arterial quality and presence of superimposed veins and bone in CTPa were compared with CTA and scored by 2 radiologists by using a VAS (0%–100%). Average VAS scores were determined and VAS scores per patient were converted to a 10-point NRS. Arterial visualization was considered to be improved when the highest rate (NRS 10, VAS (cid:1) 90%) was scored for arterial quality, and the lowest rate (NRS 1, VAS (cid:2) 10%), for the presence of superimposed veins and bone. A sign test with continuity correction was used to test whether the number of cases with these rates was significant. RESULTS: Average VAS scores in the proximal area were 94% (arterial quality), 4% (presence of bone), and 7% (presence of veins). In this area, the sign test showed that a significant number of cases scored NRS 10 for arterial quality ( P (cid:2) . 02) and NRS 1 for the presence of superimposed veins and bone ( P (cid:2) . 01). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral CTPa shows improved arterial visualization in the proximal area compared with CTA, with similar arterial quality but no superimposed bone and veins. ABBREVIATIONS