Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral–Spatial Classification of Hyperspectral Images With a Superpixel-Based Discriminative Sparse Model

A novel superpixel-based discriminative sparse model (SBDSM) for spectral-spatial classification of hyperspectral images (HSIs) is proposed. Here, a superpixel in a HSI is considered as a small spatial region whose size and shape can be adaptively adjusted for different spatial structures. In the proposed approach, the SBDSM first clusters the HSI into many superpixels using an efficient oversegmentation method. Then, pixels within each superpixel are jointly represented by a set of common atoms from a dictionary via a joint sparse regularization. The recovered sparse coefficients are utilized to determine the class label of the superpixel. In addition, instead of directly using a large number of sampled pixels as dictionary atoms, the SBDSM applies a discriminative K-SVD learning algorithm to simultaneously train a compact representation dictionary, as well as a discriminative classifier. Furthermore, by utilizing the class label information of training pixels and dictionary atoms, a class-labeled orthogonal matching pursuit is proposed to accelerate the K-SVD algorithm while still enforcing high discriminability on sparse coefficients when training the classifier. Experimental results on four real HSI datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed SBDSM algorithm over several well-known classification approaches in terms of both classification accuracies and computational speed.
Traditional models already explain adoption/abandonment pattern

Berger and Le Mens (1) analyze US records of baby-name popularity in the 20th century and nicely demonstrate the symmetry in the rise and decline of patterns of adoption over time. They suggest that this result negates traditional diffusion models “driven by saturation of a pool of potential adopters” (1). Instead, they account for the symmetry of rise/decline by using a number of assumptions on human psychology and perception.
Biochemical Markers for Assessing Aquatic Contamination

Biochemical markers, specifically enzymes of the first phase of xenobiotic transformation - cytochrome P450 and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) - were used to determine the quantities of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fish muscle (PCB, HCB, HCH, OCS, DDT). Eight rivers were monitored (Orlice, Chrudimka, Cidlina, Jizera, Vltava, Ohře and Bílina; and the River Blanice was used as a control). The indicator species selected was the chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). There were no significant differences in cytochrome P450 content between the locations monitored. The highest concentration of cytochrome P450 in fish liver was in the Vltava (0.241 nmol mg-1 protein), and the lowest was in the Orlice (0.120 nmol mg-1 protein). Analysis of EROD activity showed a significant difference between the Blanice and the Vltava (P< 0.05), and also between the Orlice and the Vltava (P< 0.01), the Orlice and the Bílina (P< 0.01), and the Orlice and the Ohře (P< 0.05). The highest EROD activity in fish liver was in the Vltava (576.4 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein), and the lowest was in the Orlice (63.05 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein). In individual locations, results of chemical monitoring and values of biochemical markers were compared. A significant correlation (P< 0.05) was found between biochemical markers and OCS, and PCB. Among the tributaries studied those that contaminated the Elbe most were the Vltava and the Bílina. These tributaries should not be considered the main sources of industrial contamination of the River Elbe, because the most important contamination sources were along the river Elbe itself.
Utilization of modified agglutination test and indirect immunofluorescent antibody test for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in naturally exposed horses

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii in equines is usually not apparent, it being characterized by presence of antibody titers and tissue cysts. This study was aimed at verifying the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in equine serum by modified agglutination test (MAT) and reaction to indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). 1984 samples of serum were examined, by MAT, using whole formalin fixed tachyzoites of T.gondii as antigen. The samples reacting in the MAT test, and 150 other negative samples, chosen at random, were also tested by IFAT, utilizing anti-equine IgG. The association among the test results was verified by the McNemar test. 138 samples were positive in the MAT test, with 60 (46.38%) presenting reaction at a dilution of 1:64; 52 (37.7%) at 1:256; 19 (13.8%) at 1:1024; five (3.6%) at 1:4096; and two (1.45%) at 1:16384. Of 132 positive MAT samples, 14 were negative in the IFAT test, but the statistical analysis indicated general agreement in results of the tests. The results obtained showed agreement among the tests utilized, and the possibility of participation of equines in the transmission of toxoplasmosis to carnivorous animals, and also to humans. Key-words: Toxoplasma gondii. Equine. Serology. IFAT. MAT.
Teaching virtual reality with HTC vive and leap motion

Creating high quality virtual reality (VR) experience takes time and requires extensive practice. Although, multiple virtual and augmented reality courses existed for years all over the world, high costs of the equipment were always in the way of building up the up to date knowledge. Rapid development of the technology caused the new VR boom and exposed a serious lack of the experienced VR/AR developers. In this paper, we present our introductory VR courses for master students. The aim of the courses is to provide introduction to the basics of VR and AR and supporting technology. We move the teaching focus from the specifics of a particular VR system to the skill build-up and development of the VR user experience. For that we provide the access to the up to date consumer hardware, such as HTC Vive and Leap Motion. We discuss the structure of the courses and methodology, and provide the teaching materials. Moreover, we discuss in details our updated practical course that unites the development of a low-cost desktop and a high-quality immersive VR applications using only off-the-shelf consumer equipment. Furthermore, we discuss the overall course evaluation by the students and further opportunities for their professional growth, as well as consecutive changes that will be made next.
Spectrum Sensing Optimization for Energy-Harvesting Cognitive Radio Systems

We consider an energy-harvesting cognitive radio system where the secondary transmitter harvests energy. This system operates under an energy causality constraint mandating that the average energy consumption must not exceed the average harvested energy, and a collision constraint mandating the protection of the primary system. The purpose of this paper is to identify the optimal pairing of the sensing duration and the energy detector's sensing threshold in order to maximize the average throughput of the secondary network. Since the sensing duration and sensing threshold are intertwined with the energy causality constraint, they need to be redesigned with the purpose of conserving energy in mind. Hence, the sensing duration must be shorter while still satisfying the collision constraint. The numerical results show that the optimal sensing duration is determined based on which constraint, collision or energy causality, needs to have priority. In addition, the simulation results show a pairing of the optimal sensing duration and sensing threshold provided by the coordination between the two constraints, which gives insight into how to design them.
Cooked navy and black bean diets improve biomarkers of colon health and reduce inflammation during colitis

Common beans contain non-digestible fermentable components (SCFA precursors) and phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The objective of the present study was to assess the in vivo effect of cooked whole-bean flours, with differing phenolic compound levels and profiles, in a mouse model of acute colitis. C57BL/6 mice were fed a 20 % navy bean or black bean flour-containing diet or an isoenergetic basal diet (BD) for 2 weeks before the induction of experimental colitis via 7 d dextran sodium sulphate (DSS, 2 % (w/v) in the drinking-water) exposure. Compared with the BD, both bean diets increased caecal SCFA and faecal phenolic compound concentrations (P< 0·05), which coincided with both beneficial and adverse effects on colonic and systemic inflammation. On the one hand, bean diets reduced mRNA expression of colonic inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-9, IFN-γ and IL-17A) and increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 (P< 0·05), while systemically reduced circulating cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα, IFNγ, and IL-17A, P< 0·05) and DSS-induced oxidative stress. On the other hand, bean diets enhanced DSS-induced colonic damage as indicated by an increased histological injury score and apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3 and FasL mRNA expression) (P< 0·05). In conclusion, bean-containing diets exerted both beneficial and adverse effects during experimental colitis by reducing inflammatory biomarkers both locally and systemically while aggravating colonic mucosal damage. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms through which beans exert their effects on colonic inflammation and the impact on colitis severity in human subjects.
Current status of autologous breast tumor cell-based vaccines

Approximately nine out of ten breast cancer-related deaths are attributable to metastasis. Yet, less than 4% of breast cancer patients are initially diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Therefore, the majority of breast cancer-related deaths are due to recurrence and progression of non-metastatic disease. There is tremendous clinical opportunity for novel adjuvant strategies, such as immunotherapies, that have the potential to prevent progressive recurrences. In particular, autologous tumor cell-based vaccines (ATCVs) can train a patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate occult disease. ATCVs have several advantages including safety, multivalency and patient specificity. Furthermore, because lumpectomy or mastectomy is indicated for the vast majority of breast cancer patients, resected tumors offer a readily available, patient-specific source of tumor antigen. Disadvantages of ATCVs include poor immunogenicity and production inconsistencies. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of autologous breast tumor vaccines and offers insight for overcoming existing limitations.
Automated light probes from capture to render for Peter Rabbit

We created an efficient pipeline for automated, HDR light probes for the hybrid live-action / animated feature film Peter Rabbit. A specially developed "360°" spherical camera allows on-set acquisition at more positions and in less time than traditional techniques. Reduced capture time, drastically simplified stitching and a custom multiple-exposure raw to HDR process minimizes artefacts in the resulting images. A semi-automated system recovers clipped radiance in direct sunlight using surfaces with known properties. By recording capture location and orientation and combining with other scene data we produce automated rendering setups using the light probes for illumination and projection onto 3d render geometry.
Customer relationship management (CRM) of hotels in the context of variety-seeking behaviour (VSB)

This study combined two significant areas in marketing, customer relationship management (CRM) and variety-seeking behaviour (VSB), which are paradoxical constructs due to their contradictory intentions. While organisations implement various customer relationship management practices with an intention of retaining customers and generating loyalty, a preference for variety-seeking behaviour can make customers switch. This study investigated the impact of variety-seeking behaviour on generating outcomes of customer relationship management practices in the hotel context, by focusing exclusively on leisure travellers. Even though customer relationship management is widely adopted in the hotel domain, much of its discussions are on implementation related aspects, rather than on the practices that manifest due to CRM implementations. Thus, only a few studies have investigated the effectiveness of CRM from a customer point of view. Numerous factors affecting customer switching behaviour have also been discussed in the hotel literature. Varietyseeking behaviour is identified as a key factor influencing customer loyalty and switching in numerous other services in the tourism domain. However, variety-seeking behaviour in the hotel domain has not received scholarly attention. This study investigated the customer relationship management practices experienced by leisure travellers in their hotel visits. Based on the observations from the literature, and also from studies on variety-seeking behaviour in other contexts, this study explored whether leisure travellers seek variety in the hotel context. Combining the two domains, it then investigated the impact of variety-seeking behaviour on the effectiveness of customer relationship management to generate its outcomes. In turn, it also determined the impact of customer relationship management on influencing the variety-seeking behaviour of leisure travellers. This study adopted a sequential mixed method design. The initial qualitative stage explored the concepts in-depth, and addressed four exploratory research questions. It also generated items to initiate the subsequent quantitative phase, and to generate hypotheses. The quantitative phase involved pilot testing, validating a new measurement scale, testing the hypotheses and making generalisations to a larger population. The qualitative phase involved five focus groups which consisted of 22 participants in total. The quantitative stage involved a survey which consisted of 400 responses. Prior to
Interferon‐free therapy for genotype 1 hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients: Real‐world experience from the hepatitis C therapeutic registry and research network

Recurrent infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with decreased graft and patient survival. Achieving sustained virological response (SVR) with antiviral therapy improves survival. Because interferon (IFN)‐based therapy has limited efficacy and is poorly tolerated, there has been rapid transition to IFN‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens. This article describes the experience with DAAs in the treatment of posttransplant genotype (GT) 1 HCV from a consortium of community and academic centers (Hepatitis C Therapeutic Registry and Research Network [HCV‐TARGET]). Twenty‐one of the 54 centers contributing to the HCV‐TARGET consortium participated in this study. Enrollment criteria included positive posttransplant HCV RNA before treatment, HCV GT 1, and documentation of use of a simeprevir (SMV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) containing DAA regimen. Safety and efficacy were assessed. SVR was defined as undetectable HCV RNA 64 days or later after cessation of treatment. A total of 162 patients enrolled in HCV‐TARGET started treatment with SMV+SOF with or without ribavirin (RBV) following LT. The study population included 151 patients treated with these regimens for whom outcomes and safety data were available. The majority of the 151 patients were treated with SOF and SMV alone (n = 119; 79%) or with RBV (n = 32; 21%), The duration of therapy was 12 weeks for most patients, although 15 patients received 24 weeks of treatment. Of all patients receiving SOF/SMV with or without RBV, 133/151 (88%) achieved sustained virological response at 12 weeks after therapy and 11 relapsed (7%). One patient had virological breakthrough (n = 1), and 6 patients were lost to posttreatment follow‐up. Serious adverse events occurred in 11.9%; 3 patients (all cirrhotic) died due to aspiration pneumonia, suicide, and multiorgan failure. One experienced LT rejection. IFN‐free DAA treatment represents a major improvement over prior IFN‐based therapy. Broader application of these and other emerging DAA regimens in the treatment of posttransplant hepatitis C is warranted. Liver Transpl 22:24‐33, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
View synthesis for lightfield displays using region based non-linear image warping

In this paper, we present a view synthesis method for generating multiview image sequences for 3DTV systems using a sparse set of views obtained from cameras in a multiview linear camera configuration. First, the input images are analyzed to extract information about sparse disparity and a mesh is constructed using a set of sparse disparities on all virtual views. Then, for each virtual view, pixels are interpolated inside the mesh by formulating and solving special warping functions and by fitting a uniform bicubic surface to the original data points from the input images. The method is fully automatic and can generate visually pleasing virtual views. Furthermore, we do not need any post processing operations like occlusion handling, hole filling or inpainting because of the warp driven approach. The method also supports view extrapolation in a limited range and can be implemented in real time, which is extremely needed in the present scenario.
Evaluation of StrepB Carrot Broth versus Lim Broth for Detection of Group B Streptococcus Colonization Status of Near-Term Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT The performance of StrepB Carrot Broth (SCB) versus group B Lim broth (LIM) for detection of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization status in near-term pregnant women (35 to 37 weeks of gestation) was evaluated. Dually collected vaginal/rectal swabs from 279 women enrolled from a single large maternity clinic were analyzed. Fifty (18%) women were colonized by GBS according to both methods. SCB had excellent diagnostic performance compared to LIM, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 92%, 100%, 100%, and 98.3%, respectively. Improved diagnostic efficiency due to direct reporting of GBS cases based on an orange color change in the SCB decreased overall labor and material costs.
Cloning and Molecular Characterization of hrpX from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv.citri

The hrpX gene of plant pathogenic Xanthomonas species is essential for pathogenicity on host plants and to cause hypersensitive reaction on non-host plants. We cloned and analyzed a hrpX homologue, designated hrpXct, of X. axonopodis pv. citri, a pathogen of citrus canker. The open reading frame of hrpXct has 1431 bp in nucleotides which has a coding capacity of 476 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 52.4 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence of HrpXct has 90% identity to the AraC family type transcrip-tional activator protein HrpXc of X. campestris pv. campestris, 95% to HrpXo of X. oryzae pv. oryzae and 97% to X. vesicatoria. These findings clearly indicate and confirm that the structure of the hrpXgenes in plant pathogenic Xanthomonas species is highly conserved.
An Adaptive Pixel-weighted Image Fusion Algorithm Based on Local Priority for CT and MRI Images

The traditional medical image fusion method based on pixel weighting has the problem how to obtain the deciding weights. Using the complementation of the CT and MRI images, an adaptive weighted method based on local priority is proposed. The local brightness and detail information of the two original images is considered and the local priority of the fused image is employed, the more raw information of the two original images can be remained, and the better fusion result of the two kind images is got
Endoscopic Management of Selected Early Vocal Cord Carcinoma

Twenty-five previously untreated patients with selected early midcordal squamous cell carcinomas have been treated by endoscopic excisional biopsy with the carbon dioxide laser and followed for a minimum of 3 years. Twenty-four of the 25 patients are alive and free of disease, and one patient died of local and regional recurrence 2 years after attempted endoscopic excision followed by partial laryngectomy. Indications, contraindications, advantages, and complications associated with this treatment option for patients with early glottic carcinoma are discussed.
Extracting a Valid Boundary Representation from a Segmented Range Image

A new approach is presented for extracting an explicit 3D shape model from a single range image. One novel aspect is that the model represents both observed object surfaces, and surfaces which bound the volume of occluded space. Another novel aspect is that the approach does not require that the range image segmentation be perfect. The low-level segmentation may be such that the model-building process encounters topology versus geometry conflicts. The model-building process is designed to be "fail soft" in the face of such problems. The portion of the 3D model where a problem presents itself is "glued" together in a manner meant to minimize the disturbance in the 3D shape. The goal is to produce a valid boundary-representation which can be processed by higher-level routines. A third novel aspect of this work is that the implementation has been evaluated on over 200 real range images of polyhedral objects, with no operator intervention and all parameters held constant, and obtained a 97% success rate in creating valid b-reps. >
Cereal Crop Proteomics: Systemic Analysis of Crop Drought Stress Responses Towards Marker-Assisted Selection Breeding

Sustainable crop production is the major challenge in the current global climate change scenario. Drought stress is one of the most critical abiotic factors which negatively impact crop productivity. In recent years, knowledge about molecular regulation has been generated to understand drought stress responses. For example, information obtained by transcriptome analysis has enhanced our knowledge and facilitated the identification of candidate genes which can be utilized for plant breeding. On the other hand, it becomes more and more evident that the translational and post-translational machinery plays a major role in stress adaptation, especially for immediate molecular processes during stress adaptation. Therefore, it is essential to measure protein levels and post-translational protein modifications to reveal information about stress inducible signal perception and transduction, translational activity and induced protein levels. This information cannot be revealed by genomic or transcriptomic analysis. Eventually, these processes will provide more direct insight into stress perception then genetic markers and might build a complementary basis for future marker-assisted selection of drought resistance. In this review, we survey the role of proteomic studies to illustrate their applications in crop stress adaptation analysis with respect to productivity. Cereal crops such as wheat, rice, maize, barley, sorghum and pearl millet are discussed in detail. We provide a comprehensive and comparative overview of all detected protein changes involved in drought stress in these crops and have summarized existing knowledge into a proposed scheme of drought response. Based on a recent proteome study of pearl millet under drought stress we compare our findings with wheat proteomes and another recent study which defined genetic marker in pearl millet.
Understanding the Formation and Effects of General Self Effocacy in Business Students

The aim of this study is to investigate the formation and effects of general computer self-efficacy among business students. Antecedents of computer self-efficacy were investigated, and computer attitudes and MIS intention (defined as one’s intention to select MIS for his or her future study and career) were selected as dependent variables. The results supported that computer knowledge, current computing experiences, computer anxiety, and age affected the formation and development of computer self-efficacy among the sampled students; computer self-efficacy and social norms had strong effects on computer attitudes and MIS intention. Implications for both research and MIS education are also discussed.