Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E FFECT OF T OKENISATION S TRATEGIES FOR L OW -R ESOURCED S OUTHERN A FRICAN L ANGUAGES

Research into machine translation for African languages is very limited and low-resourced in terms of datasets and model evaluations. This work aims to add to the ﬁeld of neural machine translation research, for four low-resourced Southern African languages. The effect of two byte pair encoding tokenisation algorithms (subword nmt and SentencePiece), with various parameters, are evaluated. The paper builds upon previous research in the ﬁeld for comparison, using an optimised transformer architecture and pre-cleaned data to translate English to Northern Sotho, Setswana, Xitsonga and isiZulu. The results obtained show improvements in the previous BLEU scores obtained for Setswana and isiZulu.
Learning Personalised Models for Automatic Self-Reported Personality Recognition

Previous research has revealed differences in personality traits among different genders, age groups, and even cultures. However, existing methods have focused on one-fits-all approaches only and performed personality recognition without taking into consideration the user’s profiles. In this paper, we propose to learn personalised models of self-reported big five personality traits. Our proposed approach automatically learns deep learning architectures for different user profiles using Neural Architecture Search (NAS) for predicting the Big Five personality traits from multimodal behavioural features. We experiment with two different user profiling criteria, namely, gender and age, and compare the results of our approach with the state-of-the-art methods. Overall, our results show that personalised models improve the performance as compared to the generic model. Particularly, gender-based user profiling combined with bimodal features reduces the prediction error by 0 . 128, achieving the state-of-the-art performance on the UDIVA dataset.
Beyond Genetics: Metastasis as an Adaptive Response in Breast Cancer

Metastatic disease represents the primary cause of breast cancer (BC) mortality, yet it is still one of the most enigmatic processes in the biology of this tumor. Metastatic progression includes distinct phases: invasion, intravasation, hematogenous dissemination, extravasation and seeding at distant sites, micro-metastasis formation and metastatic outgrowth. Whole-genome sequencing analyses of primary BC and metastases revealed that BC metastatization is a non-genetically selected trait, rather the result of transcriptional and metabolic adaptation to the unfavorable microenvironmental conditions which cancer cells are exposed to (e.g., hypoxia, low nutrients, endoplasmic reticulum stress and chemotherapy administration). In this regard, the latest multi-omics analyses unveiled intra-tumor phenotypic heterogeneity, which determines the polyclonal nature of breast tumors and constitutes a challenge for clinicians, correlating with patient poor prognosis. The present work reviews BC classification and epidemiology, focusing on the impact of metastatic disease on patient prognosis and survival, while describing general principles and current in vitro/in vivo models of the BC metastatic cascade. The authors address here both genetic and phenotypic intrinsic heterogeneity of breast tumors, reporting the latest studies that support the role of the latter in metastatic spreading. Finally, the review illustrates the mechanisms underlying adaptive stress responses during BC metastatic progression.
Generally Accepted Professional Medical Standards Determination on the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria Florida Medicaid

Children . 16 May 2022. Abstract Available medical literature provides insufficient evidence that sex reassignment through medical intervention is a safe and effective treatment for gender dysphoria. Studies presenting the benefits to mental health, including those claiming that the services prevent suicide, are either low or very low quality and rely on unreliable methods such as surveys and retrospective analyses, both of which are cross-sectional and highly biased. Rather, the available evidence demonstrates that these treatments cause irreversible physical changes and side effects that can affect long-term health. Five clinical and technical expert assessments attached to this report recommend against the use of such interventions to treat what is categorized as a Care Research: Brignardello-Petersen Wiercioch performed a systematic review that graded no definite numbers are available regarding the percentage of transgender people who decide to detransition, research indicates that roughly 8% decide to return to their natal sex. The reasons range from treatment side effects to more self-exploration that provided insight on individuals’ gender dysphoria. In a 2020 study by Lisa Littman, 101 people who had detransitioned provided their basis for doing so. Out of the sample group, 96% had taken cross-sex hormones and 33% had sex reassignment surgery. The average age for transitioning was 22 years, and the mean duration for the transition was 4 years. This indicates that even allowing additional time beyond the recommended age of 16 years can still lead to regrets. The study also raises the question as to whether individuals who transitioned at 16 or younger wanted to detransition in greater numbers. The author further offers reasons why these individuals sought cross-sex hormones and surgery, which include having endured trauma (mental or sexual), homophobia (challenged to accept oneself as a homosexual), peer and media influences, and misogyny (applicable only to trans-males). To obtain the results, the participants responded to a survey that asked about their backgrounds (e.g., reasons for transitioning, mental health comorbidities), and motivations for detransitioning. Littman noted that half of the women (former trans-males) had a mental health disorder and/or had experienced trauma within a year of deciding to transition. Men (former trans-females) reported much lower numbers of behavioral health issues and trauma after de-transitioning. Additionally, 77% of men surveyed identified as the opposite gender prior to transition, whereas just 58% of women had (Littman, 2020). with regarding sex surgery:
Assessment of light conditions effect on nutritional quality and bioactive compounds of Moroccan clementine juice during cold storage

Citrus juices hold the leading position among juices in Moroccan global consumption. The nutritional quality of juice is mainly related to its polyphenols and vitamin C contents, and antioxidant properties. The degradation of these bioactive compounds might be a critical factor for juice quality. The objective of this investigation is to assess the effect of light conditions (daylight, lamp light and darkness) on the physicochemical and nutritional quality of clementine juice during 8 storage periods starting from 1 day until 3 months at 4°C. Thus, physicochemical parameters (pH, Brix, and color), bioactive compounds (total polyphenols and vitamin C) and total antioxidant activity (AA) were evaluated during storage. Results showed that after 7 days of storage under light, clementine juice become chemically instable and the nutritional quality loss is highly significant. After 3 months of storage under daylight and lamp light, loss of vitamin C and polyphenols contents was observed exceeding 80 % and 60 %, respectively, compared to fresh juice. However, less significant reduction was observed for juices stored in darkness (loss of 50 % for vitamin C and only 28 % for polyphenols). These losses affected highly the AA of the stored juice. In fact, total AA of freshly prepared juice was 54 %. However, after 3 months of storage under daylight and lamp light, the AA decreased to 15 % and 17 %, respectively. The decrease was less accelerated in dark condition (38 % of AA). Therefore, storage time and light are determining factors in the preservation of clementine juice quality and dark packaging is highly recommended. La qualité sa en polyphénols et C, et antioxydantes. La non-maîtrise des conditions de conservation et de stockage pourrait un facteur critique provoquant la dégradation de ces composés bioactifs et induisant la dépréciation de sa qualité nutritionnelle. Ainsi, l'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer l'effet des conditions de lumière durant le stockage sur la qualité physicochimique et biochimique du jus de clémentine. Le jus extrait est stocké sous trois conditions : lumière du jour, lumière de la lampe et obscurité pendant 8 périodes allant d’un jour à 3 mois à une température de 4 °C. Les paramètres physicochimiques (pH, Brix et couleur) et les composés bioactifs (polyphénols totaux et vitamine C) ainsi que l’activité antioxydante (AA) ont été évalués au cours du stockage. Les résultats ont montré qu'après 7 jours de stockage sous la lumière, le jus de clémentine devient chimiquement instable et la perte de la qualité nutritionnelle est très significative. Après 3 mois de stockage à la lumière du jour et à la lumière de la lampe, une perte de la teneur en vitamine C et en polyphénols a été observée, dépassant respectivement 80 % et 60 % par rapport au jus frais. Cependant, une
Revisiting the miR-200 Family: A Clan of Five Siblings with Essential Roles in Development and Disease

Over two decades of studies on small noncoding RNA molecules illustrate the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in controlling multiple physiological and pathological functions through post-transcriptional and spatiotemporal gene expression. Among the plethora of miRs that are essential during animal embryonic development, in this review, we elaborate the indispensable role of the miR-200 family (comprising miR-200a, -200b, 200c, -141, and -429) in governing the cellular functions associated with epithelial homeostasis, such as epithelial differentiation and neurogenesis. Additionally, in pathological contexts, miR-200 family members are primarily involved in tumor-suppressive roles, including the reversal of the cancer-associated epithelial–mesenchymal transition dedifferentiation process, and are dysregulated during organ fibrosis. Moreover, recent eminent studies have elucidated the crucial roles of miR-200s in the pathophysiology of multiple neurodegenerative diseases and tissue fibrosis. Lastly, we summarize the key studies that have recognized the potential use of miR-200 members as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, elaborating the application of these small biomolecules in aiding early cancer detection and intervention.
Formation of False Context Fear Memory Is Regulated by Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Factor in Mice

Traumatic events frequently produce false fear memories. We investigated the effect of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) knockdown (Hy-Crf-KD) or overexpression (Hy-CRF-OE) on contextual fear memory, as fear stress-released CRF and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation affects the memory system. Mice were placed in a chamber with an electric footshock as a conditioning stimulus (CS) in Context A, then exposed to a novel chamber without CS, as Context B, at 3 h (B-3h) or 24 h (B-24h). The freezing response in B-3h was intensified in the experimental mice, compared to control mice not exposed to CS, indicating that a false fear memory was formed at 3 h. The within-group freezing level at B-24h was higher than that at B-3h, indicating that false context fear memory was enhanced at B-24h. The difference in freezing levels between B-3h and B-24h in Hy-Crf-KD mice was larger than that of controls. In Hy-CRF-OE mice, the freezing level at B-3h was higher than that of control and Hy-Crf-KD mice, while the freezing level in B-24h was similar to that in B-3h. Locomotor activity before CS and freezing level during CS were similar among the groups. Therefore, we hypothesized that Hy-Crf-KD potentiates the induction of false context fear memory, while Hy-CRF-OE enhances the onset of false fear memory formation.
Viscoelastic and Properties of Amphiphilic Chitin in Plasticised Polylactic Acid/Starch Biocomposite

The enhancement of the PLA thermomechanical properties is significant due to its suitability as a replacement for primary synthetic polymer use in diverse industrial production. The amphiphilic chitin was used as a compatibilizer in PLA/starch biocomposite. The properties of plasticised polylactic acid blended with starch, and amphiphilic chitin was studied for enhanced thermomechanical and viscoelastic properties. Chitin was modified using acetylated substitution reaction and blended with plasticised PLA/starch biocomposite. The biocomposite was prepared with combined compression and melt extrusion techniques. The biocomposite’s thermomechanical, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis, TGA-DSC, tensile test, and scanning electron microscopy. The storage and loss modulus were significantly enhanced with increased amphiphilic chitin content. Similarly, the single peak of tan delta showed good miscibility of the polymeric blend. Additionally, the modulus increases with frequency change from 1 Hz to 10 Hz. The thermal stability of the biocomposite was observed to be lower than the neat PLA. The tensile properties of the biocomposite increased significantly more than the neat PLA, with P4S4C having the highest tensile strength and modulus of 87 MPa and 7600 MPa. The SEM images show good miscibility with no significant void in the fractured surface. The viscoelastic properties of PLA were enhanced considerably with plasticizer and amphiphilic chitin with improved biodegradability. The properties of the biocomposite can be adapted for various industrial applications.
On the Dynamics of Indian Ocean Teleconnections into the Southern Hemisphere during Austral Winter

Stationary Rossby waves, forced by the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), have an important role in Southern Hemisphere (SH) weather and climate, including promoting Australian drought and driving Antarctic sea-ice variations. However, the dynamics of these teleconnections are not fully understood. During winter, the subtropical jet (STJ) should prohibit continuous propagation of a stationary Rossby wave into the SH extratropics due to the negative meridional gradient of absolute vorticity (β*) on its poleward flank. The mechanisms that enable this teleconnection are investigated using observational and reanalysis datasets, a hierarchy of atmospheric model experiments and Rossby wave diagnostics. We conduct 90-member simulations using the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 with an imposed local diabatic heating anomaly over the eastern Indian Ocean. We find an initial zonal propagation along the STJ waveguide, but after about ten days, a poleward-arcing wave train appears in the extratropics that has the characteristics of the observed IOD teleconnection. Our results suggest that the Rossby wave can overcome the negative β* barrier by (i) propagating directly poleward in the mid-troposphere and thus avoiding this evanescent region in the upper-troposphere, (ii) partly propagating directly through this barrier, and (iii) propagating around this barrier further upstream to the west. A transient eddy feedback, previously postulated to be the key mechanism to allow the stationary Rossby wave to appear on the poleward side of the negative β* region, reinforces the response but is not a requisite, which we confirm through comparison with a simplified linear model.
Numerical and Experimental Study of a Novel Concept for Hydraulically Controlled Negative Loads

This paper presents a numerical and experimental investigation of a novel concept that eliminates oscillations in hydraulic systems containing a counterbalance valve in series with a pressure compensated ow supply. The concept utilizes a secondary circuit where a low-pass ltered value of the load pressure is generated and fed back to the compensator of the ow supply valve. The novel concept has been implemented on a single boom actuated by a cylinder. A nonlinear model of the system has been developed and an experimental verication shows good correspondence between the model and the real system. The model is used for a parameter study on the novel concept. From the study it is found that the system is stable for large directional valve openings and that for small openings a reduction of the oscillatory behaviour of the system can be obtained by either lowering the eigenfrequency of the mechanical-hydraulic system or by lowering the pilot area ratio of the counterbalance valve.
LTReID: Factorizable Feature Generation With Independent Components for Long-Tailed Person Re-Identification

With the rapid increase of large-scale and real-world person datasets, it is crucial to address the problem of long-tailed data distributions, i.e., head classes have large number of images while tail classes occupy extremely few samples. We observe that the imbalanced data distribution is likely to distort the overall feature space and impair the generalization capability of trained models. Nevertheless, this long-tailed problem has been rarely investigated in previous person Re-Identification (ReID) works. In this paper, we propose a novel Long-Tailed Re-Identification (LTReID) framework to simultaneously alleviate class-imbalance and hard-imbalance problems. Specifically, each real feature is decomposed into multiple independent components with two decorrelation losses. Then these components are randomly aggregated to generate more fake features for tail classes than head ones, resulting in the class-balance between head and tail classes. For the hard-balance between easy and hard samples, we utilize adversarial learning to generate more hard features than easy ones. The proposed framework can be trained in an end-to-end manner and avoids increasing the space and time complexity of inference models. Moreover, comprehensive experiments are conducted on the four ReID datasets so as to validate the effectiveness of the overall framework and the advantage of each module. Our results show that when trained with either balanced or imbalanced datasets, the LTReID achieves superior performance over the state-of-the-art methods.
Self-sensing active artificial hair cells inspired by the cochlear amplifier, Part I: Theoretical and numerical realization

The mammalian cochlear amplifier displays a unique nonlinear characteristic of amplifying or compressing the acoustic stimuli based on their level. Designing control algorithms for artificial hair cells (AHCs) with active sensing capabilities could mimic such dynamics. The present work focuses on developing a novel self-sensing active AHC scheme that implements the amplification/compression function of the AHCs and extends the authors’ previous designs for future cochlear implants or sensor design applications. The AHC functions near a Hopf bifurcation and varies the output piezoelectric voltage by a power-law relationship with the input. It is the first time that a self-sensing AHC is modeled as a quadmorph cantilever controlled by a phenomenological cubic damping controller. The AHC’s control signal is supplied to a pair of its piezoelectric layers and the output of the AHC is the sensed voltage of the second piezoelectric pair. This is in contrast to the previous studies where the AHC’s tip-velocity was measured with external sensors. The requirement of permanent external sensors in the system was a strict limitation that is eliminated in this work. An in-depth study of this novel AHC is conducted in this paper and AHC’s implementation is examined experimentally in Part II of the paper.
Inertial response with improved variable recovery behaviour provided by type 4 WTs

Requirements for inertial response (IR) from wind turbines (WTs) have been implemented or drafted by power systems (PSs) operators worldwide. This is a response to the replacement of conventional power plants using synchronous generators by non-synchronous, power electronics-based generation and the resulting effect on frequency dynamics in the case of contingency events. The additional active power provided during operation in IR mode must be drawn from the rotating masses. A re-acceleration accompanied by reduced active power output follows the activation phase. The allowed depth and duration of the post-inertial recovery will be regulated in future versions of grid codes, e.g. in Quebec and Ireland. This study describes an improved version of an IR control system that enables a more PSs-friendly provision of such short-term frequency support. The new controls allow adjusting the duration of the recovery period. Potential negative effects of IR from WTs on the PS in the form of a second frequency nadir during the recovery phase can be minimised. The outcome of simulations and of field testing will be presented. All results shown in this study include the initial and the future inertia emulation performance which allows easy comparison of the two controls.
Using biological invasions to improve plant defense theory

Theory to explain how plants defend themselves against herbivorous insects is rich, but can be difficult to test. Biological invasions provide unique opportunities to test and improve upon plant defense theory, as plants experience predictable shifts in insect herbivory after introduction to a new range. Here, we use an invasion to evaluate the power of three cornerstone hypotheses to predict the evolution of defense against herbivorous insects. These three hypotheses represent increasing refinements of classic plant‐insect theory regarding optimal defense, and each rests on the same three assumptions: that introduced plant populations escape natural enemies, that insect herbivory reduces plant fitness, and that putative defenses decrease herbivory. These assumptions remain untested in most invasions, which likely contributes to conflicting support for many plant defense hypotheses. We provide evidence that these assumptions are met in common mullein, Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae), which we propose can thus be used as a model system to test plant defense theory. We find that the hypothesis that integrates predictions of within‐plant optimal defense theory and the evolutionary dilemma model (i.e., the ‘shifting defense allocation’ hypothesis) provides strong insights into both invasion and evolution of plant defense. Specifically, we show that introduced populations that escape important specialist herbivores increase the concentration of secondary compounds in high‐quality tissue in particular, in this case protecting valuable young leaves from generalist herbivores that dominate in the introduced range. We would not have detected this shift without exploring within‐plant defense allocation across native and introduced populations, a task rarely undertaken when assessing evolutionary change in plant defenses. This finding provides broad insight into how native and introduced plant populations alike may respond to shifts in herbivore pressure. We close by highlighting future directions of inquiry using introduced plant populations to develop and test plant defense theory more generally.
Design and simulation of a valveless piezoelectric micropump for fuel delivery in fuel cell devices

Micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS or NEMS)-based fuel delivery in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) devices offer opportunities to address unmet fuel cells related to fuel delivery. By applying an alternating electrical field across the actuator, the resultant reciprocating movement of the pump diaphragm can be converted into pumping effect. Nozzle/diffuser elements are used to direct the flow. To make the power system applicable for portable electronic devices, the micropump (.)