Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
S TOCHASTIC D EEP N ETWORKS WITH L INEAR C OM - PETING U NITS FOR M ODEL -A GNOSTIC M

This work addresses meta-learning (ML) by considering deep networks with stochastic local winner-takes-all (LWTA) activations. This type of network units result in sparse representations from each model layer, as the units are organized into blocks where only one unit generates a non-zero output. The main operating principle of the introduced units lies on stochastic principles, as the network performs posterior sampling over competing units to select the winner. Therefore, the proposed networks are explicitly designed to extract input data representations of sparse stochastic nature, as opposed to the currently standard deterministic representation paradigm. We posit that these modeling principles, inspired from Bayesian statistics, yield representations of stronger generalization capacity; this is of immense importance in the case of ML, which is the focus of this work. As we experimentally show, our approach produces state-of-the-art predictive accuracy on standard few-shot image classification benchmarks. This improvement comes with an immensely reduced network sized required for achieving this accuracy; this amounts to a parameter reduction by one order of magnitude on average compared to the current state-of-the-art.
A CT‐less approach to quantitative PET imaging using the LSO intrinsic radiation for long‐axial FOV PET scanners

Abstract Purpose Long‐axial field‐of‐view (FOV) positron emission tomography (PET) scanners have gained a lot of interest in the recent years. Such scanners provide increased sensitivity and enable unique imaging opportunities that were not previously feasible. Benefiting from the high sensitivity of a long‐axial FOV PET scanner, we studied a computed tomography (CT)–less reconstruction algorithm for the Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra with an axial FOV of 106 cm. Methods In this work, the background radiation from radioisotope lutetium‐176 in the scintillators was used to create an initial estimate of the attenuation maps. Then, joint activity and attenuation reconstruction algorithms were used to create an improved attenuation map of the object. The final attenuation maps were then used to reconstruct quantitative PET images, which were compared against CT‐based PET images. The proposed method was evaluated on data from three patients who underwent a flurodeoxyglucouse PET scan. Results Segmentation of the PET images of the three studied patients showed an average quantitative error of 6.5%–8.3% across all studied organs when using attenuation maps from maximum likelihood estimation of attenuation and activity and 5.3%–6.6% when using attenuation maps from maximum likelihood estimation of activity and attenuation correction coefficients. Conclusions Benefiting from the background radiation of lutetium‐based scintillators, a quantitative CT‐less PET imaging technique was evaluated in this work.
Honoring complexity in sustainable supply chain research: a rough set theoretic approach (SI:ResMeth)

Abstract Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) faces greater complexity because it considers additional stakeholder requirements, broader sustainable performance objectives, increased sustainable business practices and technologies, and relationships among those entities. These additional complexities make SSCM more difficult to manage and operate than traditional supply chains. Complex systems require new methods for research especially given reductionist research paradigms of modern science. Rough set theory (RST) can be a valuable tool that will help address complexity in SSCM research and practice. To exemplify RST usefulness and applicability, an illustrative application using sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP), and environmental and economic performance outcomes is introduced. The conceptual case provides nuanced insights for researchers and practitioners in mitigating and evaluating various SSCM complexities. RST limitations and extensions are introduced.
Quantitative Evaluations of Posterior Staphylomas in Highly Myopic Eyes by Ultra-Widefield Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose To determine the shape of posterior staphylomas using ultra-widefield optical coherence tomographic (UWF-OCT) images and to identify the factors contributing to the shape and grade of the staphylomas in eyes with pathologic myopia. Methods This was an observational case series study. Highly myopic patients who were ≥40 years old with wide or narrow type of macular staphylomas were studied. High myopia was defined as a myopic refractive error (spherical equivalent) greater than −8.0 diopters (D) or an axial length (AL) > 26.5 mm. The maximum diameter and depth of the staphylomas were measured in the 12 radial scans of UWF-OCT images by ImageJ software and were compared between the two types of staphylomas. Results We studied 197 eyes of 138 patients with a mean age of 64.7 ± 10.4 years and mean AL of 30.0 ± 1.9 mm. The AL was significantly longer in the eyes with the narrow type than the wide type of staphyloma (P = 0.036). Multiple regression analyses showed that age was significantly correlated with the maximum depth/maximum diameter ratio (wide type, P < 0.001; narrow type, P = 0.003) of both types of staphylomas. The AL was significantly correlated with the depth/diameter ratio of only the narrow type of staphylomas (P = 0.005). Conclusions The significant correlations of age and AL with the wide and narrow types of posterior staphylomas indicate that the factors for their formations may be distinctly different. Quantitative analyses of UWF-OCT images are helpful in determining the shape of the staphylomas.
From request to dispensation: how adolescent and young adult females experience access to emergency contraception in pharmacies

Abstract Purpose Emergency contraception (EC) access was liberalised in 2002 in Switzerland by making it accessible in pharmacies without medical prescription. However, its dispensation still requires a confidential interview with a pharmacist. This qualitative study aims to explore experiences of adolescent and young adult (AYA) females who have gone to a pharmacy in order to obtain EC. Materials and methods Thirty interviews were conducted from April to August 2019 with females aged between 15 and 25 years old at the interview. Inclusion criteria was to have requested at least one EC in a pharmacy between 2014 and 2019. A thematic content analysis was performed to extract themes brought up by the participants. Results Some participants reported that the most difficult moment in the process was the request at the counter. The majority of participants were escorted in a private back room but opinions were divided regarding this isolation. Experiences were sometimes negative due to lack of information and knowledge regarding the dispensation process. The interview also has also a preventive aim, but the information given during it often focussed solely on the risk of vomiting. Several participants reported having perceived or received moral judgements from pharmacists. Conclusions Pharmacists are key resources and EC dispensation an opportunity for sexual health. This exploratory study presents several elements requiring the adaptation of practices in order to prevent them from becoming barriers for AYA to access EC. Concerns are regularly expressed by young women about privacy, embarrassment and judgement in the pharmacy context regarding contraception.
[Mortality and impact of COVID-19 by citizenship in seven Italian Regions from the beginning of the pandemic to mid-July 2021].

OBJECTIVES to quantify the variability of COVID-19 mortality from the beginning of the pandemic to mid-July 2021, in relation to the immigrant status and by Region and period. DESIGN observational incidence study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS the study population consists of the residents at the beginning of 2020 in seven Regions (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Sicily) aged <=74 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES absolute frequency of deaths occurred in subjects who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, crude and standardized rates (standard: Italian population at the beginning of 2020), and mortality rates ratios (obtained using Poisson models), by immigrant status and stratified by gender, Region of residence, and period. The study period was divided into 5 subperiods: 22.02. 2020-25.05. 2020, 26.05. 2020-02.10. 2020, 03.10. 2020-26.02. 2021, 27.02. 2021-16.07. 2021. RESULTS the study includes more than one half of the Italian population and most of the immigrants residing in the country, who are younger than Italians and experienced fewer COVID-19 deaths. Deaths among those who tested positive varied greatly between Regions and periods; standardized rates showed considerable increases over time among immigrants. In terms of rate ratios, there were excesses among immigrant males in the third period (MRR: 1.46; 95%CI 1.30-1.65) and in the fourth period (MRR: 1.55; 95%CI 1, 34-1.81). Among immigrant females, there is an indication of lower risk in the third period (MRR: 0.79; 95%CI 0.65-0.97) and of greater risk in the fourth period (MRR: 1. 46; 95%CI 1.21-1.77). Finally, the effect is modified by the Region of residence, both in the third and in the fourth period for males and only in the fourth period for females. CONCLUSIONS the risk of premature mortality due to COVID-19 is linked to immigrant status and with an intensity that varies by gender, Region, and period. More accessible tools for prevention, diagnosis and early healthcare can support immigrant communities in managing the risk factors linked to the spread of infections and, in particular, counteract their evolution into more severe disease outcomes.
Toward Precision Characterization and Treatment of Psychopathology: A Path Forward and Integrative Framework of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology and the Research Domain Criteria

A critical mission of psychological science is to conduct research that ultimately improves the lives of individuals who experience psychopathology. One important aspect of accomplishing this mission is increasing the likelihood that treatments will work for each person. I contend that treatment prognosis can be improved by moving toward a precision-medicine model. I advance a principle-driven framework for working toward these objectives. First, I synthesize the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology and the Research Domain Criteria and demonstrate how integrating these models facilitates precision characterization of psychopathology. Second, I outline and demonstrate a systematic process for approaching treatment selection by leveraging precisely characterized representations of psychopathology. Finally, I advocate the research and clinical applications of this framework. Although clinical and psychological scientists are conducting exciting, multidisciplinary, and methodologically rigorous research in their respective domains, the impact of these pursuits will be maximized in the context of a unifying theoretical framework that supports a clear guiding mission.
Investigation on the Stall Inception Circumferential Position and Stall Process Behavior in a Centrifugal Compressor With Volute

The present paper numerically and experimentally investigates the stall inception mechanisms in a centrifugal compressor with volute. Current studies about stall inception pay more attention on the axial compressors than the centrifugal compressors; especially, the circumferential position of stall inception onset and the stall process in the centrifugal compressor with asymmetric volute structure have not been studied sufficiently yet. In this work, the compressor performance experiment was conducted and the casing wall static pressure distributions were obtained by 72 static pressure sensors first. Then, the full annular unsteady simulations were carried out at different stable operating points, and the time-averaged static pressure distributions were compared with the experimental results. Finally, the stall process of the compressor was investigated by unsteady simulations in detail. Results show that the stall inception onset is determined by the impeller leading edge (LE) spillage flow, and the occurrence time of trailing edge (TE) backflow is prior to the LE spillage. The nonuniform static pressure circumferential distribution at impeller outlet induced by volute tongue causes the two stall inception regions locating at certain circumferential positions, which are 120 deg and 300 deg circumferential positions at impeller LE, corresponding to the circumferential static pressure peak (PP) and bulge regions at impeller outlet, respectively. In detail, at rotor revolution 2.86, a small disturbance that the incoming/tip clearance flow interface is perpendicular to axial direction occurs at 120 deg position, but this disturbance did not cause the compressor stall. Then at revolution 7, the first stall inception zone (spillage region) occurs at 120 deg position, causing the compressor stall with positive pressure ratio performance. At approximately revolution 23, the second stall inception zone occurs at about 300 deg position; however, both the intensity and size of this stall inception zone are smaller than those of the first stall inception zone. These two stall inception zones are not moving along circumferential direction because the stall inception circumferential position is dominated by the impeller outlet static pressure distribution. Even then, the obvious low frequency signals appear after the spillage crossing two blade LEs, because at this moment, the spillage vortex caused by the tip leakage flow begins to shed. However, due to the asymmetric structure limitation, this vortex cannot move across full annular. Furthermore, the spillage vortexes cause the local low static pressure zone ahead of blade LE in the centrifugal compressor with volute, suggesting that the spillage can be predicted by the steady casing wall static pressure measuring. The development of blockage zones at impeller LE is also investigated quantitatively by analyzing the stall blockage effect.
Attention to risk information in direct‐to‐consumer prescription drug print ads: An eye‐tracking study

FDA regulations state print ads for prescription drugs must provide a true statement of information “in brief summary” describing “side effects, contraindications and effectiveness. ” To fulfill these requirements, these ads typically display risk information both as important safety information (ISI) on the “main” ad page with the product claims and on a separate “brief summary” page. The ISI can be lengthy and may repeat brief summary content.
Gensini score values for predicting periprocedural myocardial infarction: An observational study analysis

The Gensini score (GS) is a convenient, powerful tool for assessing the severity and complexity of coronary artery diseases. Our research investigated the relationship between the GS and periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI). We recruited 4949 patients (3366 men, 1583 women; mean age 66.45 ± 10.09 years) with a single coronary artery revascularization. Based on the tertile of the GS 20 and 36, the population was divided into 3 groups: Low Group (0 < GS ≤ 20, N = 1809); Intermediate Group (20 < GS ≤ 36, N = 1579); High Group (GS > 36, N = 1561). PMI3 represented the endpoint for cTnI > 3-fold upper reference limit, while PMI5 represented the endpoint for cTnI > 5-fold upper reference limit. The incidence of PMI of High Group was statistically higher than that of Intermediate Group (P < .05), while that of Intermediate Group was statistically higher than Low Group (P < .05). With the adjustment of some general variables, GS was an independent significantly predictor for PMI3 (β = 0.006, P < .05) and PMI5 (β = 0.007, P < .05). Following receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value to predict PMI are 22.5 for PMI3 and 27 for PMI5. The GS was an independent predictor of PMI in the single-coronary revascularization population. Additionally, the 22.5 of GS was the optimal cut-off value for determining the presence of PMI3, while the 27 of GS for PMI5.
Pareto Optimal Strategy Under H∞ Constraint for the Mean-Field Stochastic Systems in Infinite Horizon

This article focuses on the mean-field linear-quadratic Pareto (MF-LQP) optimal strategy design for stochastic systems in infinite horizon, which is with the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> constraint when the system is disturbed by external interferences. The stochastic bounded real lemma (SBRL) with any initial state in infinite horizon is first investigated based on the stabilizing solution of the generalized algebraic Riccati equation (GARE). Then, by discussing the convexity of the cost functional, the stochastic indefinite MF-LQP control problem is defined and solved based on the MF-LQ theory and Pareto theory. When the worst case disturbance is considered in the collaborative multiplayer system, we show that the Pareto optimal strategy design with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> constraint [or robust Pareto optimal strategy, (RPOS)] can be given via solving two coupled GAREs. When the worst case disturbance and the Pareto efficient strategy work, all Pareto solutions are obtained by a generalized Lyapunov equation. Finally, a practical example shows that the obtained results are effective.
Physical and psychological strain in upper Austrian elementary school teachers – an observational study

Abstract Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main cause of pain leading to high economic burden and psychosocial disadvantages. In addition, psychological stress impacts the overall health as well as the quality of life. Elementary school teachers clearly are a cohort with a high risk of MSDs and stress. The 'BelaPrim' study was conducted to determine the physical and psychological conditions of elementary school teachers in Upper Austria and to investigate the influence of physical and psychological parameters on MSDs. Physical and mental strain was determined with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the 11-item short version of a German work-related behaviour and experience assessment (AVEM), respectively. Despite a high prevalence of MSDs, high scores were found on personality dimensions. Furthermore, qualitative results indicated the need of administrative/pedagogical support. A linear regression model showed that body height (+), work engagement (+), and emotions (−) are predictors for the occurrence of back pain. Practitioner summary: Despite a high proportion of physical complaints, Upper Austrian elementary school teachers show good mental health. Body height, a high work engagement, and low level of emotions are predictors for the occurrence of back pain. Health initiatives for elementary schools should have a multifactorial view to improve teachers’ health. Abbreviations: BA: professional ambition; BE: willingness to spend; VB: striving for perfection PE: ability to distance; DF: tendency to resign in case of failure; RT: offensive problem-solving: OP; inner calm and balance; IR: experiencing success at work; EE: life satisfaction; LZ and SU: experiencing social support
Periareolar endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery: postoperative scar assessment analysis

Abstract OBJECTIVES The standard approach for minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for repair of the atrioventricular valves is a right lateral minithoracotomy. In this study, we report our experience with a periareolar endoscopic approach, which aims at an optimal cosmetic outcome while preserving optimal clinical outcomes. METHODS All patients underwent periareolar endoscopic MICS using high-definition three-dimensional endoscopic visualization without additional rib-spreading. Patients presented with degenerative and/or functional mitral regurgitation. Patients undergoing concomitant tricuspid valve surgery, cryo-ablation, patent foramen ovale closure, left atrial appendage occlusion and/or left atrial myxoma extirpation were included. This descriptive article analysed the aesthetic and functional outcome of the periareolar scar using 5 most common and clinimetrically sound scar assessment scales. For statistical analysis of the scar assessment grading scales, box and whisker plots were calculated depicting median, interquartile range and high and low range data points. RESULTS Median scar assessment scale scores for n = 100 male patients (response rate 100/109; 91.7%) were 2 [1, 4], 7.5 [6, 9], 11 [8, 14], 3 [2, 3] and 10 [9, 11] for the Vancouver scar scale, Manchester scar scale, patient scar assessment scale, Stony brook scar evaluation scale and Dermatology Quality of Life Index scale, respectively. Ninety-seven patients received mitral valve repair, 7 mitral valve replacement, whereas 5 had left atrial myxoma extirpation. Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty, cryo-ablation, left atrial appendage occlusion and patent foramen ovale closure surgery were performed in 12, 29, 5 and 8 patients, respectively. Median procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 169.5 [154.3, 189.3], 111.5 [97, 127], and 68.5 [58.8, 81] min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Periareolar endoscopic MICS is safe and cosmetically appealing. It is feasible and allows for complex mitral valve repair, mitral valve replacement and concomitant surgery. Data from 5 scar assessment scales suggest that this technique delivers patient-satisfying results regarding functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Sepsis, pyruvate, and mitochondria energy supply chain shortage

Balancing high energy‐consuming danger resistance and low energy supply of disease tolerance is a universal survival principle that often fails during sepsis. Our research supports the concept that sepsis phosphorylates and deactivates mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex control over the tricarboxylic cycle and the electron transport chain. StimulatIng mitochondrial energetics in septic mice and human sepsis cell models can be achieved by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases with the pyruvate structural analog dichloroacetate. Stimulating the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by dichloroacetate reverses a disruption in the tricarboxylic cycle that induces itaconate, a key mediator of the disease tolerance pathway. Dichloroacetate treatment increases mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis, decreases oxidant stress, overcomes metabolic paralysis, regenerates tissue, organ, and innate and adaptive immune cells, and doubles the survival rate in a murine model of sepsis.