Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Matching Models with Contextualized Word Representations for Multi-turn Response Selection in Retrieval-based Chatbots

We consider matching with pre-trained contextualized word vectors for multi-turn response selection in retrieval-based chatbots. When directly applied to the task, state-of-the-art models, such as CoVe and ELMo, do not work as well as they do on other tasks, due to the hierarchical nature, casual language, and domain-specific word use of conversations. To tackle the challenges, we propose pre-training a sentence-level and a session-level contextualized word vectors by learning a dialogue generation model from large-scale human-human conversations with a hierarchical encoder-decoder architecture. The two levels of vectors are then integrated into the input layer and the output layer of a matching model respectively. Experimental results on two benchmark datasets indicate that the proposed contextualized word vectors can significantly and consistently improve the performance of existing matching models for response selection.
Night Shift Work Affects Urine Metabolite Profiles of Nurses with Early Chronotype

Night shift work can have a serious impact on health. Here, we assess whether and how night shift work influences the metabolite profiles, specifically with respect to different chronotype classes. We have recruited 100 women including 68 nurses working both, day shift and night shifts for up to 5 consecutive days and collected 3640 spontaneous urine samples. About 424 waking-up urine samples were measured using a targeted metabolomics approach. To account for urine dilution, we applied three methods to normalize the metabolite values: creatinine-, osmolality- and regression-based normalization. Based on linear mixed effect models, we found 31 metabolites significantly (false discovery rate <0.05) affected in nurses working in night shifts. One metabolite, acylcarnitine C10:2, was consistently identified with all three normalization methods. We further observed 11 and 4 metabolites significantly associated with night shift in early and late chronotype classes, respectively. Increased levels of medium- and long chain acylcarnitines indicate a strong impairment of the fatty acid oxidation. Our results show that night shift work influences acylcarnitines and BCAAs, particularly in nurses in the early chronotype class. Women with intermediate and late chronotypes appear to be less affected by night shift work.
Angle matters: Bidirectional effects impact the slope of relationship between gross primary productivity and sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence from Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 across biomes

Written Summary: It is important to understand how sun-sensor geometry affects satellite sun-induced fluorescence (SIF) in order to take full advantage of these measurements, particularly given their close relationship with gross primary production (GPP). We displayed the bidirectionality of SIF at different viewing zenith angles in the solar principal plane and observed a clear bowl shape of SIF from the backward to forward scattering directions. Therefore, it is important to consider the bidirectionality of SIF when using OCO-2 SIF data to evaluate the SIF-GPP relationship.
IL‐13‐regulated Macrophage Polarization during Granuloma Formation in an In Vitro Human Sarcoidosis Model

Abstract The mechanisms underlying abnormal granuloma formation in patients with sarcoidosis are complex and remain poorly understood. A novel in vitro human granuloma model was used to determine the molecular mechanisms of granuloma genesis in patients with sarcoidosis in response to putative disease‐causing mycobacterial antigens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with active sarcoidosis and from normal, disease‐free control subjects were incubated for 7 days with purified protein derivative‐coated polystyrene beads. Molecular responses, as reflected by differential expression of genes, extracellular cytokine patterns, and cell surface receptor expression, were analyzed. Unbiased systems biology approaches were used to identify signaling pathways engaged during granuloma formation. Model findings were compared with human lung and mediastinal lymph node gene expression profiles. Compared with identically treated PBMCs of control subjects (n = 5), purified protein derivative‐treated sarcoidosis PBMCs (n = 6) were distinguished by the formation of cellular aggregates resembling granulomas. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of differential expression gene patterns identified molecular pathways that are primarily regulated by IL‐13, which promotes alternatively activated (M2) macrophage polarization. M2 polarization was further demonstrated by immunohistochemistry performed on the in vitro sarcoidosis granuloma‐like structures. IL‐13‐regulated gene pathways were confirmed in human sarcoidosis lung and mediastinal lymph node tissues. The in vitro human sarcoidosis granuloma model provides novel insights into early granuloma formation, particularly IL‐13 regulation of molecular networks that regulate M2 macrophage polarization. M2 macrophages are predisposed to aggregation and multinucleated giant cell formation, which are characteristic features of sarcoidosis granulomas. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT01857401).
Holojam in Wonderland: Immersive Mixed Reality Theater

Holojam in Wonderland is a prototype of a new type of performance activity, “Immersive Mixed Reality Theater” (IMRT). With unique and novel properties possessed by neither cinema nor traditional theater, IMRT promises exciting new expressive possibilities for multi-user, participatory, immersive digital narratives. The authors describe the piece, the technology used to create it and some of the key aesthetic choices and takeaways.
Association between early prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and birth defects: evidence from newborns in Xi'an, China.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate an association between birth defects and exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particles ≤10 μm in an aerodynamic diameter (PM10) during early pregnancy in Xi'an, China. Methods Birth defect data were from the Birth Defects Monitoring System of Xi'an, and data on ambient air pollutants during 2010-15 were from the Xi'an Environmental Protection Bureau. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to investigate the relationship between birth defects and ambient air pollutants. Results Among the 8865 cases with birth defects analyzed, the overall incidence of birth defects was 117.33 per 10 000 infants. Ambient air pollutant exposure during the first trimester increased the risk of birth defects by 10.3% per 10 μg/m3 increment of NO2 and 3.4% per 10 μg/m3 increment of PM10. No significant association was found between birth defects and SO2. Moreover, NO2 increased risk of neural tube defects, congenital heart disease, congenital polydactyly, cleft palate, digestive system abnormalities and gastroschisis, and PM10 was associated with congenital heart disease and cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Conclusions Chinese women should avoid exposure to high levels of NO2 and PM10 during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Effect of a single epidural administration of follicle-stimulating hormone via caudal vertebrae on superstimulation for in vivo and in vitro embryo production in Japanese black cows

Here, we describe a simplified procedure for embryo production in the Japanese black cow that uses a single caudal epidural injection of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). First, we compared the efficiency of superovulation for in vivo embryo production between conventional multiple FSH treatment (control, n = 10) and single epidural administration (epidural, n = 5). The number of transferable blastocysts was similar between control and epidural groups (4.7 ± 3.5 and 9.0 ± 6.0, respectively). Next, we compared in vitro embryo production by ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) between control (n = 12) and epidural groups (n = 12). The rate of development to transferable blastocysts was higher in the epidural group than in the control (23.3 vs. 10.5%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, a single epidural administration of FSH can induce follicular development comparable to that of the conventional superovulation protocol and may improve the productivity of OPU-IVF.
Road safety determinants in low and middle income countries

Abstract The objective of this article is to summarize and review the literature on the determinants of road traffic injuries and fatalities, to identify the relevant research gaps in particular for low and middle income countries. We also present a cross-country analysis of the determinants of road traffic injuries and fatalities that take into account a wide range of potential environmental, economic and social factors. The present study focused on differences based on the level of development. The goal was to identify relevant commonalities that may assist in the creation of road safety policies common to countries at a similar level of development. The countries were divided according to the level of gross national income per capita, and these income-level groups were the primary units of interest. The results presented here focus on the differences by income level.
Design and Evaluation of a MEMS Magnetic Field Sensor-Based Respiratory Monitoring and Training System for Radiotherapy

The patient’s respiratory pattern and reproducibility are important factors affecting the accuracy of radiotherapy for lung cancer or liver cancer cases. Therefore, respiration training is required to induce respiration regularity before radiotherapy. However, the need for specialized personnel, space, and time-consuming training represent limitations. To solve these problems, we have developed a respiratory monitoring and training system based on a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) magnetic sensor. This system consists of a small attaching magnet, a sensor, and a breathing pattern output device. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the signal measurement in the developed system based on the various respiratory cycles, the amplitudes, and the position angles of the magnet and the sensor. The system can provide a more accurate breathing signal graph with lower measurement error and higher spatial resolution than conventional sensor methods by using additional magnet. In addition, it is possible the patient to monitor and train breathing himself by making it easy to carry and use without restriction of time and space.
Meat quality of farmed red deer fed a balanced diet: effects of supplementation with copper bolus on different muscles.

Supplementation with copper (Cu) improves deer antler characteristics, but it could modify meat quality and increase its Cu content to levels potentially harmful for humans. Here, we studied the effects of Cu bolus supplementation by means on quality and composition of sternocephalicus (ST) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles (n=13 for each one) from yearling male red deer fed with a balanced diet. Each intraruminal bolus, containing 3.4 g of Cu, was administered orally in the treatment group to compare with the control group. Meat traits studied were pH at 24 h postmortem (pH24), colour, chemical composition, cholesterol content, fatty acid (FA) composition, amino acid (AA) profile and mineral content. In addition, the effect of Cu supplementation on mineral composition of liver and serum (at 0 and 90 days of treatment) was analysed. No interactions between Cu supplementation and muscle were observed for any trait. Supplementation with Cu increased the protein content of meat (P<0.01). However, Cu content of meat, liver and serum was not modified by supplementation. In fact, Cu content of meat (1.20 and 1.34 mg/kg for Cu supplemented and control deer, respectively) was much lower in both groups than 5 mg/kg of fresh weight allowed legally for food of animal origin. However, bolus of Cu tended to increase the meat content of zinc and significantly increased (P<0.05) the hepatic contents of sodium and lead. Muscles studied had different composition and characteristics. The RA muscle had significantly higher protein content (P<0.001), monounsaturated FA content (P<0.05) and essential/non-essential AA ratio (P<0.01) but lower pH24 (P<0.01) and polyunsaturated FA content (P=0.001) than the ST muscle. In addition, RA muscle had 14.4% less cholesterol (P=0.001) than ST muscle. Also, mineral profile differed between muscles with higher content of iron, significantly higher (P<0.001) content of zinc and lower content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (P<0.05) for ST muscle compared with RA. Therefore, supplementation with Cu modified deer meat characteristics, but it did not increase its concentration to toxic levels, making it a safe practice from this perspective. Despite the lower content of polyunsaturated FA, quality was better for RA than for ST muscle based on its higher content of protein with more essential/non-essential AA ratio and lower pH24 and cholesterol content.
Resilience after a neurological pathology: What impact on the cognitive abilities of patients with brain damage?

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine resilience in patients with traumatic brain injury and patients who suffered from stroke. As traumatic brain injury and stroke both have a recovery potential, we investigate cognitive recovery in this context. Given the involvement of resilience in physiological recovery and positive emotions in enhancing cognitive capacities, we hypothesised that resilience could be related to cognitive abilities and recovery following traumatic brain injury and stroke. Our results show the same degree of resilience and cognitive capacities in our participants in two separate assessments. An improvement in cognitive abilities was observed, as was a correlation between these abilities and resilience. In other words, the greater the resilience, the higher the patient’s cognitive performances. Resilience appears to influence cognitive abilities in participants with brain damage and also be involved in recovery.
A business model template for AI solutions

In this paper, we present a canvas that describes the building blocks of business models for AI solutions. As startups, spin-offs and existing corporations increasingly transfer AI research and technology into commercial products and services, AI engineers can benefit from focusing and positioning their work within the overall strategy of such ventures. We designed the business model canvas for AI solutions based on existing research, nine cases from secondary sources, as well as five case studies that we conducted ourselves. Our research highlights the most frequently used elements in each block of the business model canvas, such as common characteristics in the value propositions, multi-sided platforms in company segments, automated service in customer relationship, social networks in channels, investors in key partners, R&D in key activities, human resources in key resources and Software-as-a-Service in revenue. We designed the canvas as a tool useful for anybody creating or analyzing AI solutions. On a larger perspective, our study contributes to the existing literature on business model and business model innovation by consolidating existing practices of AI sector and emphasizing on important patterns.
Influence of gender and age on the Dysphonia Severity Index: A normative study in a Shanghainese population

ABSTRACT Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) is an objective multi-parametric measurement of voice quality, which has been widely used in different countries. Studies indicate that DSI may be influenced by vocal pathology, age and geographical factors, whereas gender does not significantly affect DSI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender and age on the DSI and related parameters in a Shanghainese population. The present study measured the DSI and the parameters maximum phonation time (MPT), highest fundamental frequency (HF0), lowest intensity (LI) and Jitter in 187 Shanghainese subjects, including 106 young adults aged 18–23 years (52 males and 54 females) and 81 children aged 7–9 years (44 boys and 37 girls). Two-way analysis of variance indicated that HF0 was significantly higher in female subjects than in male subjects, in both young adults and children. Gender was not significantly associated with MPT, LI, jitter or DSI. With regard to age, MPT and DSI were significantly higher in young adults than in children, and HF0 and LI were significantly lower. No significant associations between age and jitter were detected. In terms of clinic significance, the results of this study may contribute to the establishment of a normal reference range for Shanghainese DSI values, and the influence of gender and age on DSI and its separate components.
Lead in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata) and risk assessment due to exposure for estuarine villagers

ABSTRACT This study evaluated lead (Pb) content in mangrove root crabs Goniopsis cruentata and performed a risk assessment based on individual frequency of food consumption of the residents of an estuarine village in Brazil. The Pb content in the raw and two forms of processed crabs were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on consumption by the community, estimates of non-carcinogenic target hazard quotients (THQ) were calculated. The mean (± SD) Pb concentrations in raw tissues were: 0.17 (± 0.36), < 0.012 and 0.05 (± 0.09) mg kg−1 (gills, muscle and hepatopancreas), respectively. In the processed products, the highest levels were found in the traditional stew collected in April (2.84 mg kg−1), surpassing the maximum limit allowed. The THQ for consumption of traditional stew was < 1, classified as negligible risk. The G. cruentata of the Jaguaripe River estuary can be considered a safe food, but cooking should be avoided in lead-glazed pottery.
Does transcranial direct current stimulation to the prefrontal cortex affect social behavior? A meta-analysis

Abstract This meta‐analysis (k = 48, N = 2196) examined the effect of transcranial direct current brain stimulation (tDCS) applied to the prefrontal cortex on a variety of social behaviors, including aggression, overeating, impulsivity, bias, honesty, and risk‐taking. tDCS showed an overall significant effect on reducing undesirable behaviors, with an average effect size of d = −0.20. tDCS was most effective at reducing risk‐taking behavior, bias, and overeating. tDCS did not affect aggression, impulsivity, or dishonesty. We examined moderators such as brain region of interest, online vs offline stimulation, within‐ vs between‐subjects designs, dose, and duration, but none showed significant interactions. We also tested for potential publication bias using two different tools, which indicated signs of publication bias in the literature. After correcting for potential publication bias, the effect of tDCS was still significant, but the size was reduced (d = −0.10). These findings suggest the presence of tDCS studies with null findings outside of the published literature. Taken together, these results suggest that although tDCS can reduce undesirable behaviors, researchers should consider the types of behaviors they measure and use strategies to ensure sufficient power to detect a possible effect of tDCS on social behavior.
The indirect effects of performance measurement system and organizational ambidexterity on performance

Purpose Performance measurement systems (PMSs) have long been used for monitoring and improving administrative performance. In parallel, organizational ambidexterity refers to firms that manage different organizational functions and various demands to generate performance. The purpose of this paper is to propose that three dimensions of PMS increase organizational ambidexterity and consequently they influence organizational performance. In this framework, organizational ambidexterity mediates the relationships between three dimensions of PMS and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through a structured questionnaire sent to Brazilian software companies. Owners, directors, project managers and responsible for company strategy answered the questionnaire. The final sample was 227 Brazilian software firms that answered according to their PMSs and organizational ambidexterity. Findings The results provide four main findings. First, the three dimensions of PMS, namely—attention focus, legitimization and strategic decision-making—influenced organizational ambidexterity. Second, organizational ambidexterity had a major effect on organizational performance. Third, organizational ambidexterity mediated the indirect effects of attention focus, legitimization and strategic decision-making on organizational performance. Fourth, exploration and exploitation—two dimensions of organizational ambidexterity—mediated the indirect effect of the abovementioned PMS dimensions on organizational performance. Research limitations/implications Although there are different dimensions of organizational ambidexterity, this paper is limited to two of the most used ones: exploitation and exploration. In addition, the results were limited to subjective—in contrast to objective—performance measures. Practical implications Software companies can use PMS for attention focus, legitimization of firm’s choices and strategic decision-making to increase their exploration and exploitation capabilities. Moreover, software companies can use strategic decision-making to control existing strategies and establish new strategies for legitimizing ambidextrous choices and thereby support their decision-making process. Originality/value The data showed that not only organizational ambidexterity mediates the effects of the three dimensions of PMS use on performance, but also exploration and exploitation.
A confirmatory study on the efficacy of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane dHACM allograft in the management of diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective, multicentre, randomised, controlled study of 110 patients from 14 wound clinics

A randomised, controlled multicentre clinical trial was conducted at 14 wound care centres in the United States to confirm the efficacy of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft (dHACM) for the treatment of chronic lower extremity ulcers in persons with diabetes. Patients with a lower extremity ulcer of at least 4 weeks duration were entered into a 2‐week study run‐in phase and treated with alginate wound dressings and appropriate offloading. Those with less than or equal to 25% wound closure after run‐in were randomly assigned to receive weekly dHACM application in addition to offloading or standard of care with alginate wound dressings, for 12 weeks. A total of 110 patients were included in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, with n = 54 in the dHACM group and n = 56 in the no‐dHACM group. Of the participants, 98 completed the study per protocol, with 47 receiving dHACM and 51 not receiving dHACM. The primary study outcome was percentage of study ulcers completely healed in 12 weeks, with both ITT and per‐protocol participants receiving weekly dHACM significantly more likely to completely heal than those not receiving dHACM (ITT—70% versus 50%, P = 0.0338, per‐protocol—81% versus 55%, P = 0.0093). A Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to compare the time‐to‐healing performance with/without dHACM, showing a significantly improved time to healing with the use of allograft, log‐rank P < 0.0187. Cox regression analysis showed that dHACM‐treated subjects were more than twice as likely to heal completely within 12 weeks than no‐dHACM subjects (HR: 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.30–3.57, P = 0.003). At the final follow up at 16 weeks, 95% of dHACM‐healed ulcers and 86% of healed ulcers in the no‐dHACM group remained closed. These results confirm that dHACM is an efficacious treatment for lower extremity ulcers in a heterogeneous patient population.