Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unraveling Molecular and Genetic Insights into Neurodegenerative Diseases: Advances in Understanding Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Diseases and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Neurodegenerative diseases are, according to recent studies, one of the main causes of disability and death worldwide. Interest in molecular genetics has started to experience exponential growth thanks to numerous advancements in technology, shifts in the understanding of the disease as a phenomenon, and the change in the perspective regarding gene editing and the advantages of this action. The aim of this paper is to analyze the newest approaches in genetics and molecular sciences regarding four of the most important neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We intend through this review to focus on the newest treatment, diagnosis, and predictions regarding this large group of diseases, in order to obtain a more accurate analysis and to identify the emerging signs that could lead to a better outcome in order to increase both the quality and the life span of the patient. Moreover, this review could provide evidence of future possible novel therapies that target the specific genes and that could be useful to be taken into consideration when the classical approaches fail to shed light.
Distributed Projection-Free Online Learning for Smooth and Convex Losses

We investigate the problem of distributed online convex optimization with complicated constraints, in which the projection operation could be the computational bottleneck. To avoid projections, distributed online projection-free methods have been proposed and attain an O(T^{3/4}) regret bound for general convex losses. However, they cannot utilize the smoothness condition, which has been exploited in the centralized setting to improve the regret. In this paper, we propose a new distributed online projection-free method with a tighter regret bound of O(T^{2/3}) for smooth and convex losses. Specifically, we first provide a distributed extension of Follow-the-Perturbed-Leader so that the smoothness can be utilized in the distributed setting. Then, we reduce the computational cost via sampling and blocking techniques. In this way, our method only needs to solve one linear optimization per round on average. Finally, we conduct experiments on benchmark datasets to verify the effectiveness of our proposed method.
In-vivo assessment of microvascular functional dynamics by combination of cmOCT and wavelet transform

The cutaneous microcirculation represents an index of the health status of the cardiovascular system. Conventional methods to evaluate skin microvascular function are based on measuring blood flow by laser Doppler in combination with reactive tests such as post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH). Moreover, the spectral analysis of blood flow signals by continuous wavelet transform (CWT) reveals nonlinear oscillations reflecting the functionality of microvascular biological factors, e.g. endothelial cells (ECs). Correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (cmOCT) has been previously described as an efficient methodology for the morphological visualisation of cutaneous micro-vessels. Here, we show that cmOCT flow maps can also provide information on the functional components of the microcirculation. A spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging system was used to acquire 90 sequential 3D OCT volumes from the forearm of a volunteer, while challenging the micro-vessels with a PORH test. The volumes were sampled in a temporal window of 25 minutes, and were processed by cmOCT to obtain flow maps at different tissue depths. The images clearly show changes of flow in response to the applied stimulus. Furthermore, a blood flow signal was reconstructed from cmOCT maps intensities to investigate the microvascular nonlinear dynamics by CWT. The analysis revealed oscillations changing in response to PORH, associated with the activity of ECs and the sympathetic innervation. The results demonstrate that cmOCT may be potentially used as diagnostic tool for the assessment of microvascular function, with the advantage of also providing spatial resolution and structural information compared to the traditional laser Doppler techniques.
Can We Trust Fair-AI?

There is a fast-growing literature in addressing the fairness of AI models (fair-AI), with a continuous stream of new conceptual frameworks, methods, and tools. How much can we trust them? How much do they actually impact society? We take a critical focus on fair-AI and survey issues, simplifications, and mistakes that researchers and practitioners often underestimate, which in turn can undermine the trust on fair-AI and limit its contribution to society. In particular, we discuss the hyper-focus on fairness metrics and on optimizing their average performances. We instantiate this observation by discussing the Yule's effect of fair-AI tools: being fair on average does not imply being fair in contexts that matter. We conclude that the use of fair-AI methods should be complemented with the design, development, and verification practices that are commonly summarized under the umbrella of trustworthy AI.
A Noise Spectroscopy-Based Selective Gas Sensing with MOX Gas Sensors

Communicated by Zoltan Gingl We propose a new method for obtaining a °uctuation-enhanced sensing (FES) signature of a gas using a single metal oxide (MOX) gas micro sensor. Starting from our model of adsorption-desorption (A-D) noise previously developed, we show theoretically that the product of frequency by the power spectrum density (PSD) of the gas sensing layer resistance °uctuations often has a maximum which is characteristic of the gas. This property was experimentally con¯rmed in the case of the detection of NO 2 and O 3 using a WO 3 sensing layer. This method could be useful for classifying gases. Furthermore, our noise measurements con¯rm our previous model showing that PSD of the A-Dnoise in MOX gas sensor is a combination of Lorentzians having a low frequency magnitude and a cut-o® frequency which depends on the nature of the detected gas.
An Intense Attosecond Light Source - Towards Extreme Ultraviolet Pump-Probe Experiments

This thesis presents important steps towards performing high-intensity attosecond pump-probe experiments at the Lund high-intensity extreme ultraviolet (XUV) beamline, which followed two complementary paths: maximization of the XUV intensity available in the interaction region with a gas target, and providing attosecond temporal resolution.To maximize the energy of the XUV pulses generated via high-order harmonicgeneration (HHG), the macroscopic response of atoms to the driving infrared field was optimized. A major upgrade to the beamline allowed more energy to be used to drive the HHG process, with the same goal of increasing the energy of the generated XUV pulses. Two different options for reducing the duration of the XUV pulses were investigated: reducing the duration of the driving infrared pulses, and a newly conceived gating mechanism to confine the HHG process in time. Considerable effort was devoted to optimizing the focusing conditions, leading to a smaller focus and thus to higher peak intensities, by minimizing the aberrations of the wavefront of the pulses focused in the gas jet.Intensities in the range of 10^12 W/cm^2 have been achieved, and demonstrated by initiation of a non-linear absorption process in neon. The products of this photoionization process were detected with a newly developed particle spectrometer: a double-sided velocity map imaging spectrometer.The pump-probe setup has been designed, implemented, tested, and integrated in the beamline. It constitutes an enabling technology that provides the beamline with the temporal resolution required for attosecond pump-probe experiments. The scheme implemented at the Lund high-intensity beamline laid the groundwork for the design of a similar scheme at the Extreme Light Infrastructure in Szeged, Hungary. (Less)
Magnetoelectric response in laminated BaFe12O19/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 composites

The magnetoelectric (ME) response of laminated composites consisting of BaFe12O19 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics is systematically investigated. A butterfly-shaped curve of a magnetoelectric coefficient emerges in both three-layer and multilayer composites. We show that the appearance of a 7 ppm residual strain in the BaFe12O19 layer after magnetization is the main reason for this special curve. We also observe the self-biasing effect of the composites and a maximum ME response from 0.6 to 5 mV/(Oe cm) in laminated composites with magnetic and ferroelectric layers of different thicknesses that can be measured at a zero-bias magnetic field. The repeatable and stable maximum and minimum values of the magnetoelectric coefficient can be obtained under periodically applied biasing magnetic fields, which is important for a practical device application. An electric-field control of ferromagnetism, evidenced by a 17%–19% enhancement in the magnetization of the BaFe12O19 layer after Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 is polarized, is observed in the composites, implying potential applications in memory devices for the composites. Our work indicates that both magnetic field-controlled polarization and electric-field-controlled magnetization exist in BaFe12O19/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 laminated composites.
Manure application followed by biochar application increases plant production regardless of soil dehydrogenase activity

Biochar is obtained by the pyrolysis of biomass, and contains abundant carbon and minerals. Biochar supplementation of soils can greatly improve soil health and quality, but these beneficial effects typically develop slowly over time. Depending on the quality of the biochar and the soil to which it is applied, it may take years before positive effects are apparent. This is because organic substances are slowly sorbed onto the biochar over time, and the biochar eventually becomes part of the sorption complex of the soil. It is therefore advisable to apply biochar together with some organic material. We examined the effect of co‐application of different doses of biochar with manure on soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA), soil oxidizable carbon (COX), cumulative soil respiration, soil buffering capacity, the soil exchange reaction (pH/KCl) and the production yield of winter rape seeds. We also determined seed production when artificial granular fertilizers were added to biochar and manure. The results showed that the application of biochar and manure significantly increased grain yield, DHA, the soil exchange reaction and cumulative respiration. Thus, application of biochar with organic material can increase seed yield and some properties of agricultural soils. However, the positive effect of biochar on seed yield was not directly proportional to biochar dose, in that the seed yield was lower for a biochar dose of 45 t/ha than 30 t/ha.
Response of transplanted fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) to potassium fertilization

This study presents the results of farmer’s field experiment on the effects of potassium (K) fertilization on transplanted fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) production. Four treatments (K1 = 20 kg K ha-1, K2 = 40 kg K ha-1, K3 = 60 kg K ha-1, K4 = 80 kg K ha-1) were compared using four replications under Completely Randomized Design. Application of potassium @ 60 kg ha-1 recorded highest value of plant height primary branches plant-1, secondary branches plant-1, number of leaves, number of roots plant-1, tap root length, fresh weight of shoot, fresh weight of root and minimum root: shoot ratio. The maximum value of number of umbels plant-1, umbellate umbel-1, number of seeds umbel-1, test weight, seed yield, straw yield and harvest index was also observed in same treatment. All the quality parameters like, volatile and total oil content, soluble sugar, total carbohydrate, crude protein, potash content of seed and soil and overall quality of seeds were higher with application of 80 kg K ha-1, whereas disease incidence was significantly reduced with application of higher dose of K. The maximum gross return, net return and highest benefit: cost ratio was also recorded with application of 60 kg K ha-1.
Novel Dental Low-Shrinkage-Stress Composite with Antibacterial Dimethylaminododecyl Methacrylate Monomer

Objectives: Current dental resins exhibit polymerization shrinkage causing microleakage, which has the potential to cause recurrent caries. Our objectives were to create and characterize low-shrinkage-stress (LSS) composites with dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) as an antibacterial agent to combat recurrent caries. Methods: Triethylene glycol divinylbenzyl ether and urethane dimethacrylate were used to reduce shrinkage stress. DMADDM was incorporated at different mass fractions (0%, 1.5%, 3%, and 5%). Flexural strength, elastic modulus, degree of conversion, polymerization stress, and antimicrobial activity were assessed. Results: The composite with 5% DMADDM demonstrated higher flexural strength than the commercial group (p < 0.05). The addition of DMADDM in BisGMA-TEGDMA resin and LSS resin achieved clinically acceptable degrees of conversion. However, LSS composites exhibited much lower polymerization shrinkage stress than BisGMA-TEGDMA composite groups (p < 0.05). The addition of 3% and 5% DMADDM showed a 6-log reduction in Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm CFUs compared to commercial control (p < 0.001). Biofilm biomass and lactic acid were also substantially decreased via DMADDM (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The novel LSS dental composite containing 3% DMADDM demonstrated potent antibacterial action against S. mutans biofilms and much lower polymerization shrinkage-stress, while maintaining excellent mechanical characteristics. The new composite is promising for dental applications to prevent secondary caries and increase restoration longevity.
Aging Population, Balanced Diet and China’s Grain Demand

The need to make more accurate grain demand (GD) forecasting has become a major topic in the current international grain security discussion. Our research aims to improve short-term GD prediction by establishing a multi-factor model that integrates the key factors: shifts in dietary structures, population size and age structure, urbanization, food waste, and the impact of COVID-19. These factors were not considered simultaneously in previous research. To illustrate the model, we projected China’s annual GDP from 2022 to 2025. We calibrated key parameters such as conversion coefficients from animal foods to feed grain, standard person consumption ratios, and population size using the latest surveys and statistical data that were either out of date or missing in previous research. Results indicate that if the change in diets continued at the rate as observed during 2013–2019 (scenario 1), China’s GD is projected to be 629.35 million tons in 2022 and 658.16 million tons in 2025. However, if diets shift to align with the recommendations in the Dietary Guideline for Chinese Residents 2022 (scenario 2), GD would be lower by 5.9–11.1% annually compared to scenario 1. A reduction in feed grain accounts for 68% of this change. Furthermore, for every 1 percentage point increase in the population adopting a balanced diet, GD would fall by 0.44–0.73 million tons annually during that period. Overlooking changes in the population age structure could lead to an overprediction of annual GDP by 3.8% from 2022 to 2025. With an aging population, China’s GD would fall slightly, and adopting a balanced diet would not lead to an increase in GD but would have positive impacts on human health and the environment. Our sensitivity analysis indicated that reducing food waste, particularly cereal, livestock, and poultry waste, would have significant effects on reducing GD, offsetting the higher demand due to rising urbanization and higher incomes. These results underscore the significance of simultaneous consideration of multiple factors, particularly the dietary structure and demographic composition, resulting in a more accurate prediction of GD. Our findings should be useful for policymakers concerning grain security, health, and environmental protection.
Electrostatic Potential Radiated by a Pulsating Charge in a Two‐Electron Temperature Plasma

Mutual impedance experiments have been developed to constrain the plasma bulk properties, such as density and temperature, of ionospheric and later space plasmas, through the electric coupling between an emitter and a receiver electric antennas. So far, the analytical modeling of such instruments has enabled to treat ionospheric plasmas, where charged particles are usually well characterized by Maxwellian electron distributions. With the growth of planetary exploration, mutual impedance experiments are or will be used to constrain space plasma bulk properties. Space plasmas are usually out of local thermodynamic equilibrium; therefore, new methods to calibrate and analyze mutual impedance experiments are now required in such non‐Maxwellian plasmas. To this purpose, this work aims at modeling the electric potential generated in a two‐electron temperature plasma by a pulsating point charge. A numerical method is developed for the computation of the electrostatic potential in a sum of Maxwellian plasmas. After validating the method, the results are used to build synthetic mutual impedance spectra and quantify the effect of a warm electron population on mutual impedance experiments, in order to illustrate how the method could be applied for recent and future planetary space missions, such as Rosetta, BepiColombo, and JUICE. In particular, we show how it enables to separate the densities and temperatures of two different electron populations using in situ measurements from the RPC‐MIP mutual impedance experiment on board Rosetta.
Error Analysis on Prospective Teacher in Solving the Problem of Critical Thinking Mathematics with Apos Theory

Abstrak: Mathematical critical thinking is an essential ability for prospective teachers. The prospective teachers must be able to use the ability to think critically well so that students who are taught can also have good mathematical critical thinking skills. However, sometimes prospective teachers have a mistake in solving the problem of critical mathematical thinking skills. The present paper aims to analyze the mistakes of prospective teachers in solving the problem of critical mathematical thinking skills. The type of research method is descriptive with the qualitative approach. The subject in this research is one student of semester VI. The methods used in this research include test method amounting to one essay question, interview method, and triangulation method. The findings show that the prospective teacher on the focus indicator can be completed well whereas the indicators of reason, inference, situation, clarity, and overview, the teacher cannot solve well. Causes of the teacher error based on APOS theory are (1) error in distinguishing between commutative and addition characteristic of multiplication on matrix, (2) error in multiplication operation on the matrix, (3) error inequality of two matrices, and (4) error in the concept of inverse equation matrix.
Memorable Diet and Exercise Messages Recalled by Black Women

ABSTRACT The current project, guided by the memorable messages framework and Self -Determinism Theory, sought to uncover information regarding messages Black women encounter that may influence their health-related behavior. More specifically, the project focused on learning more about the diet and exercise related messages these individuals have received. Participants completed an online survey. Analysis of 122 participant responses from Black women (M = 37.04; SD = 9.10), primarily living in the United States, revealed many generic messages as well as communication specifically focused on diet and exercise practices. Messages focusing on the bodily appearance of the message recipient were also identified. Results indicate future research should investigate the influence of message source, content, and valence on the diet and exercise habits of Black women.
Using K-Means Clustering to Cluster Provinces in Indonesia

K-Means Clustering (KMC) is a technique used in performing data groupings. The data classification procedure is based on the degree of membership of each member. The purpose of this study is to group the existing Provinces in Indonesia based on Population Density, School Participation Rate, Human Development Index, and Open Unemployment Rate using K-Means Clustering. The result reveals 5 large clusters in each center in South Sumatra, Lampung, DKI Jakarta, Central Java, and West Kalimantan.
Integrative Genetic Approach Facilitates Precision Strategies for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide and its burden continues to grow. Its pathophysiology is known to be complex and multifactorial, with several acquired and inherited risk factors. As advances in technology and medical therapy continue, there is now increasing recognition of the role that genetics play in the development and management of myocardial infarction. The genetic determinants of acute coronary syndrome are still vastly understudied, but the advent of whole-genome scanning and genome-wide association studies has significantly expanded the current understanding of genetics and simultaneously fostered hope that genetic profiling and gene-guided treatments could substantially impact clinical outcomes. The identification of genes associated with acute myocardial infarction can help in the development of personalized medicine, risk stratification, and improved therapeutic strategies. In this context, several genes have been studied, and their potential involvement in increasing the risk for acute myocardial infarction is being investigated. As such, this article provides a review of some of the genes potentially related to an increased risk for acute myocardial infarction as well as the latest updates in gene-guided risk stratification and treatment strategies.
Aetiological spectrum of patients of pleural effusion – An observational study

Background: Pleural effusion is a clinical condition that is a manifestation of various aetiologies and pathologies. The aetiologies vary in different geographical areas and different age groups. The goal of this study was to evaluate the aetiological spectrum of patients with pleural effusion presenting in the Department of TB & Respiratory Medicine. Materials and methods: 120 patients were involved in current study in which the detection of pleural effusion has been done based on the history, physical examination, and radiography. Pleural fluid was aspirated under USG guidance and then analyzed for various parameters. Results: The study showed male preponderance (70%). The commonest age group involved was between 31 to 40 years (25.83%). Most cases showed exudative effusion (96%). Tuberculosis was the most common aetiology (80%). Conclusion: Different geographical areas may have a different aetiological spectrum of pleural effusion. Tuberculosis is the most prevalent pleural effusion cause in our area involving middle age group with a male preponderance. Keywords: transudate; tuberculosis; exudate; pleural effusion; adenosine deaminase