Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new stereo matching paradigm for the recovery of the third dimension in two-dimensional images

This thesis, having been approved in respect to form and mechanical execution, is referred to you for judgement upon its substantial merit. iii To my family iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my endless gratitude to the people who have supported me with all of their love and means throughout my studies and research. My parents, whose immense support and confidence in me have never ceased and never will. The Rodriguez family, whom I have learned a great deal from and could never thank enough for all of their help! And Yudit, whose love and inexpressible support have made the past two years special-words cannot express my feelings for her! My deepest and most sincere appreciation is extended to Dr. Malek Adjouadi for his ideas, persistence and vision-this work would not have been complete without him. A great deal of thanks and appreciation also goes to the electrical engineering faculty at Florida International University who schooled me and have molded me into the engineer I am today. A special thanks is extended to the professors who served on my thesis committee, Dr. Pierre Schmidt and Dr. Malcolm Heimer-their suggestions and advice were well received and helped shape this work. Dr. Jean Andrian provided great insight and helped me reach a better understanding of the wavelet theory. Thank you! Let's not forget the "Vision" gang who helped with my questions and problems in this and other non-related fields: Habibie "machack expert knowledge of computers saved me 'many a time' when the systems acted up! v
Efficacy of Nerve-Derived Hydrogels to Promote Axon Regeneration Is Influenced by the Method of Tissue Decellularization

Injuries to large peripheral nerves are often associated with tissue defects and require reconstruction using autologous nerve grafts, which have limited availability and result in donor site morbidity. Peripheral nerve-derived hydrogels could potentially supplement or even replace these grafts. In this study, three decellularization protocols based on the ionic detergents sodium dodecyl sulfate (P1) and sodium deoxycholate (P2), or the organic solvent tri-n-butyl phosphate (P3), were used to prepare hydrogels. All protocols resulted in significantly decreased amounts of genomic DNA, but the P2 hydrogel showed the best preservation of extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, and chemokines, and reduced levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. In vitro P1 and P2 hydrogels supported Schwann cell viability, secretion of VEGF, and neurite outgrowth. Surgical repair of a 10 mm-long rat sciatic nerve gap was performed by implantation of tubular polycaprolactone conduits filled with hydrogels followed by analyses using diffusion tensor imaging and immunostaining for neuronal and glial markers. The results demonstrated that the P2 hydrogel considerably increased the number of axons and the distance of regeneration into the distal nerve stump. In summary, the method used to decellularize nerve tissue affects the efficacy of the resulting hydrogels to support regeneration after nerve injury.
An Experimental Study on the Control of Slotless Self-Bearing Motor Using Nonlinear Control

This article presents a Slotless Self-Bearing Motor (SSBM) with a six-phase coil stator instead of an iron core. The rotor consists of a permanent magnet and an encased iron yoke. The magnetic forces caused by the interplay between the stator currents and the magnetic field govern the rotational speed and radial position of the rotor. An SSBM mathematical model and its control method are also included in this study. This motor is controlled by field-oriented control. Theoretical analysis of magnetic force and moment characteristics is performed, and a control approach is provided. Sliding-mode control is a control technique that is simple, and effective and is used to assist the control system in approaching the reference value. It is also widely utilized to control the position and speed of the motor. The findings were constructed and validated using experiment-confirmed analytical data to prove the proposed control strategy.
Distributed Dynamic Weighted Average Consensus for Disturbed Multiagent Systems in Fixed Time

This article addresses the dynamic weighted average consensus (DWAC) problem of disturbed first-order multiagent systems, where a group of agents work cooperatively to track the weighted average of multiple time-varying signals. A class of distributed continuous-time algorithms are proposed to achieve DWAC within a fixed settling time, regardless of the initial conditions of the agents' states. Our first algorithm achieves accurate tracking of the desired trajectory by taking advantage of the variable structure property of sign functions. The second algorithm achieves uniformly bounded tracking with adjustable tracking error bounds by applying the continuous control law. Lyapunov method based stability analysis shows that both the algorithms achieve the fixed-time tracking control even when the single-integrator agent dynamics are affected by bounded disturbances. Moreover, the relationships between controller parameters and tracking performance are derived and the upper bounds of settling time are estimated. Finally, the proposed algorithms are applied to solve the distributed time-varying quadratic optimization problem, and the simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed distributed fixed-time DWAC algorithms.
A Deep Learning-Based Hyperspectral Keypoint Representation Method and Its Application for 3D Reconstruction

In previous studies, the keypoints and their feature descriptors of a hyperspectral image have not received enough attention. Compared with RGB images, the rich feature information of a hyperspectral image can not only constrain the spatial positions of the keypoints, but also provide rich spectral features for their descriptors. In this paper, we propose a deep neural network method called Hyperspectral SuperPoint Network (HSSPN) to detect the keypoints from a hyperspectral image and generate the corresponding feature descriptors. The HSSPN method contains a Shared Encoder (which is responsible for fully extracting the features of the spatial and spectral dimensions) and two decoders: the Keypoint Decoder accurately detects the keypoints according to the feature map outputted by the Shared Encoder, while the Descriptor Decoder is responsible for generating stable feature descriptors. We collected some hyperspectral images with an electronically controlled turntable, and then annotated them with a Hyperspectral Homographic Adaptation (HHA) network. The trained HSSPN gave an excellent keypoint matching performance on the test set. Hyperspectral 3D reconstruction can obtain information in a 3D space and a spectral space at the same time. Most of the previous reconstruction methods are separated for the treatments of 3D reconstruction and hyperspectral imaging, which require complicated registrations. In this study, we propose a SfM-based hyperspectral 3D reconstruction method, in which we first collect hyperspectral images from multiple viewing angles, and then apply the HSSPN method to detect the keypoints and calculate their feature descriptors. These keypoints and feature descriptors are then used to reconstruct each spectral image of the target with the SfM method. The 3D reconstruction models at these wavelengths are simply superimposed to obtain a hyperspectral 3D reconstruction model. Compared with conventional SIFT-based SfM methods, our method achieves better results in the reconstruction accuracy.
The effect of artificial diet made of soybeans (Glycine max L.) on the rearing of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda is a novel invasive pest of maize crops. Therefore, studies on this pest are limited. Research on the use of artificial diets in S. frugiperda larvae rearing is essential to facilitate the provision of test larva stocks for lab-scale study purposes. The aim of this research was to figure out the effect of an artificial diet from soybeans as a protein source on S. frugiperda rearing. The parameters observed in this research were larval-stage longevity, larval survival rate, pupa size, sex ratio, pupal-stage longevity, pupal survival rate, fecundity, and nutritional index. The results showed that an artificial diet with soybeans had a significant effect on sex ratio, pupal survival rate, relative consumption rate (RCR) 4.89 g/g/day (4th instar); 1.99 g/g/day (5th instar), approximate digestibility (AD) 98.39% (4th instar); 95.45% (5th instar), and fecundity, but it did not have any significant effect on larval-stage longevity, larval survival rate, pupa size, pupal-stage longevity, the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) 3.68% (4th instar); 7.84% (5th instar), and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) 3.76% (4th instar); 8.27% (5th instar). Artificial diet-based soybean was highly potential to be used in S. frugiperda rearing.
Plant-Based Only: Investigating Consumers’ Sensory Perception, Motivation, and Knowledge of Different Plant-Based Alternative Products on the Market

Consumer acceptance and product development of sustainable, healthy, and tasty plant-based alternative products (PBAPs) are closely interlinked. However, information on consumer perceptions of the sensory profile of plant-based meat, cheese, and milk remains scarce. The study aimed to investigate German consumers’ (1) sensory evaluation of PBAPs and (2) consumers´ motivations and knowledge underlying the purchase of such products. This was analyzed in relation to different dietary styles of consumers (omnivore, flexitarian, vegetarian, vegan). A sample of 159 adults completed two tasks: first, a sensory test in which participants tasted and rated three different PBAPs in two consecutive sessions, and second, a questionnaire on consumption behavior, motivation, and knowledge. Results show few differences between nutrition styles in sensory evaluation of individual product attributes. However, overall liking was rated significantly higher by vegans than by omnivores. All dietary styles reported animal welfare and environmental aspects as the main motivations for consuming PBAPs. Most participants acknowledged that meat and cheese alternatives are highly processed foods and not a fad but are not automatically healthier or more environmentally friendly than their animal-based counterparts. Future research should focus on emerging product segments such as plant-based cheeses to better understand how consumers evaluate PBAPs.
Parasites of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee from Manipur

Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious pest of brinjal. During the field observations, a solitary larval parasitoid of L. orbonalis viz., Trathala flavoorbitalis (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was osberved. The present study reports larval parasitism of L. orbonalis with 6% field parasitism by T. flavoorbitalis in Manipur.
Individual Variation in Responding to Leader–Member Exchange Differentiation: The Moderating Roles of Internal Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy

This study examines how differentiation in leader–member exchange relationships (LMXD) provokes different individual responses depending on personal dispositions—internal locus of control and self-efficacy. Further, we identify three types of individual behavioral responses to LMXD: in-role and extra-role performance as self-focused responses, impression management toward the leader as a leader-focused response, and social undermining of coworkers as a coworker-focused response. Analysis of data from a survey conducted in South Korea demonstrates cross-level interaction effects between LMXD and the two dispositional variables on these behavioral responses of individuals. Specifically, LMXD is more positively related to in-role and extra-role performance and impression management toward the leader for individuals high than low in internal locus of control and for individuals high than low in self-efficacy. However, the cross-level interaction effects are not supported regarding social undermining of coworkers. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Nonlinear Second Order Elliptic Equations Involving Measures

This book presents a comprehensive study of boundary value problems for linear and semilinear second order elliptic equations with measure data,especially semilinear equations with absorption. The interactions between the diffusion operator and the absorption term give rise to a large class of nonlinear phenomena in the study of which singularities and boundary trace play a central role.
PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DOS PACIENTES COM DIAGNÓSTICO DE NEOPLASIA MALIGNA DOS BRÔNQUIOS E DOS PULMÕES INTERNADOS NA ENFERMARIA DE PNEUMOLOGIA DE UM HOSPITAL PÚBLICO DO DISTRITO FEDERAL EM UM PERÍODO DE 2 ANOS

Lung cancer is currently the malignant tumor with the highest mortality rate worldwide in men and the second in women, second only to breast cancer. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of patients admitted to the pulmonology ward of a tertiary hospital in the Federal District, analyzing sex, age, risk factor correlated with the diagnosis of this cancer, the means of biopsy instituted, main histological types, stage of the disease, survival / death and treatment of lung cancer. This study was a descriptive, retrospective and observational study of patients admitted to the Pulmonology Unit of the Hospital de Base in the Federal District, in lung cancer investigation. As a result, an epidemiological profile of patients with diagnosis of malignant lung cancer was found, mostly affecting patients between 61 and 70 years old, with no predominance of sex, with an expo-sitory factor, and histopathologically adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent malignant neoplasm acquired through bronchoscopy and biopsy guided by imaging exams with basically the same level of use and with most cases presenting in advanced stages, requiring palliative treatment with a short survival in advanced stages and consequently high death rates
Behavioral measures of humility: Part 2. Conceptual mapping and charting ways forward

ABSTRACT Given that current methodological approaches to humility have largely ignored behavioral measures, we sought to provide a conceptual map of behavioral assessments. Toward that end, we offer an initial map of conceptual bases and likely indicators for behavioral assessments of humility, and suggest a research agenda for advancing the scientific study of humility. Specifically, we discuss the four features of behavioral measures – scalability, specificity, sensitivity, and selectivity – that offer such assessments a great advantage over other methodological approaches. In addition, we make three empirically testable propositions, addressing methodological alignment, domain specificity, and social desirability, and discuss potential behavioral interventions for cultivating humility and implications for research and practice. We hope this empirically testable framework will provide a fruitful way for researchers to better conceptualize and measure humility.
EFEK ANTIINFLAMASI KULIT BATANG MASSOIA AROMATICUM BECC. (MASOYI) PADA TIKUS PUTIH

Secara empiris kulit batang Massoia aromaticum Becc. (Masoyi) antara lain digunakan untuk obat radang. Oleh karena itu dilakukan penelitian efek antiinflamasi pada tikus putih untuk membuktikan pemakaian empiris tersebut. Efek antiinflamasi ditentukan berdasarkan penghambatan bahan terhadap radang buatan dengan suspensi karagan pada telapak kaki tikus. Sebagai pembanding digunakan fenilbutazon.
Ecology and Management of Paracoccus marginatus (Papaya Mealybug) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Indian Subcontinent — Achievements, and Lessons

Paracoccus marginatus, first described in 1992, is native to Mexico. Accidentally it started spreading in the Caribbean in 1995. About 2008, it was reported from the Indian subcontinent and several other countries in the South- and Southeast-Asia. This polyphagous insect infests plants belonging to c. 50 families. Carica papaya (Caricaceae, papaya) and Manihot esculenta (Euphorbiaceae, cassava) are the principal species attacked by P. marginatus. In 1999, classical biological-control (hereafter, management) efforts to manage this insect were implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Carica papaya, M. esculenta, and Morus alba (Moraceae, mulberry) were heavily infested and suffered severe economic loss. Locally available natural enemies when trialled as biological-management agents were ineffective. This outcome instigated scientists to seek a classical biological-management option by introducing exotic parasitoids. Five potential parasitoids, Apoanagyrus nr. californicus, Pseudaphycus sp. , Anagyrus loecki, Acerophagus papayae and Pseudleptomastix mexicana (all Encyrtidae) were obtained from Mexico in 1999. In the Indian subcontinent, three parasitoids (A. papayae, P. mexicana, and A. loecki) were first released in Sri Lanka in 2009 and in Tamil Nadu, India in 2010. They established well in the field and in five months they regulated the population of P. marginatus. Acerophagus papayae was found playing a major role in managing populations of P. marginatus.
Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of wood-aluminium-based sorbents: Comparison with conventional preparation and evaluation of chromium removal

ABSTRACT An oak tree sawdust modiﬁed by aluminium was synthesized by a simple and facile one-stage sonochemical synthesis method. The synthesis reaction time decreases about 5 folds using ultrasonic energy compared to the conventional method without sonication. The obtained sorbents synthesized with and without sonication were characterized for their surface morphology, elemental composition, functionality, and crystallinity by SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and XRD, respectively. The performance of sorbents was evaluated using a time-dependent batch sorption protocol for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous media. The sorption mechanism was best described by the Langmuir isotherm followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The maximal sorption capacity of sonicated sorbent for Cr(VI) ion removal was 104.2 mg/g. The obtained material was successfully applied to a real wastewater sample for the removal of Cr(VI) ions.
Lung Cancer in the Course of COPD-Emerging Problems Today

Simple Summary Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for lung cancer independent of the influence of tobacco smoke. There are some similarities in immunopathogenesis of both diseases. The participation of inflammatory cells: macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes T with CD8 population was presented in both diseases. The emphysematous phenotype of COPD seems to be most often complicated by lung cancer. Some elements of autoimmunity could be involved in the development of emphysema, and its relation with malignant transformation requires further studies. COPD complicates lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the patients with coexistence of these both serious diseases need special care. Abstract Tobacco smoking remains the main cause of tobacco-dependent diseases like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in addition to cardiovascular diseases and other cancers. Whilst the majority of smokers will not develop either COPD or lung cancer, they are closely related diseases, occurring as co-morbidities at a higher rate than if they were independently triggered by smoking. A patient with COPD has a four- to six-fold greater risk of developing lung cancer independent of smoking exposure, when compared to matched smokers with normal lung function. The 10 year risk is about 8.8% in the COPD group and only 2% in patients with normal lung function. COPD is not a uniform disorder: there are different phenotypes. One of them is manifested by the prevalence of emphysema and this is complicated by malignant processes most often. Here, we present and discuss the clinical problems of COPD in patients with lung cancer and against lung cancer in the course of COPD. There are common pathological pathways in both diseases. These are inflammation with participation of macrophages and neutrophils and proteases. It is known that anticancer immune regulation is distorted towards immunosuppression, while in COPD the elements of autoimmunity are described. Cytotoxic T cells, lymphocytes B and regulatory T cells with the important role of check point molecules are involved in both processes. A growing number of lung cancer patients are treated with immune check point inhibitors (ICIs), and it was found that COPD patients may have benefits from this treatment. Altogether, the data point to the necessity for deeper analysis and intensive research studies to limit the burden of these serious diseases by prevention and by elaboration of specific therapeutic options.
A Fully Unsupervised Deep Learning Framework for Non-Rigid Fundus Image Registration

In ophthalmology, the registration problem consists of finding a geometric transformation that aligns a pair of images, supporting eye-care specialists who need to record and compare images of the same patient. Considering the registration methods for handling eye fundus images, the literature offers only a limited number of proposals based on deep learning (DL), whose implementations use the supervised learning paradigm to train a model. Additionally, ensuring high-quality registrations while still being flexible enough to tackle a broad range of fundus images is another drawback faced by most existing methods in the literature. Therefore, in this paper, we address the above-mentioned issues by introducing a new DL-based framework for eye fundus registration. Our methodology combines a U-shaped fully convolutional neural network with a spatial transformation learning scheme, where a reference-free similarity metric allows the registration without assuming any pre-annotated or artificially created data. Once trained, the model is able to accurately align pairs of images captured under several conditions, which include the presence of anatomical differences and low-quality photographs. Compared to other registration methods, our approach achieves better registration outcomes by just passing as input the desired pair of fundus images.
Miniature Long-Range Ceramic On-Metal RFID Tag

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a widely used wireless technology for contactless data exchange between a passive information carrier (tag) and an active interrogation device (reader). Being sensitive to a surrounding environment, RFID tags are usually designed per application. Here, we demonstrate an RFID tag with three essential functions available simultaneously, namely, small footprint, long reading range, and capability of on-metal labeling. Our design is based on a compact high-index ceramic resonator and an inductively coupled small metal ring functionalized with an RFID chip. The tag operates at magnetic dipolar resonance, which interacts with the metal object subject to labeling. Specifically, a 16.5 mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times16.5$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times12$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm footprint device, placed on a 40 cm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times40$ </tex-math></inline-formula> cm metal sheet, was successfully interrogated from 22 m with no violation of international effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) standards. Currently, it is the smallest on-metal RFID tag with a reading range of over 20 m. Multifunctional miniature long-range ceramic tags are attractive for use in numerous practical applications, including the Internet of Small Things (IoST) and many others.