Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucose transporter 1 expression in ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst – A comparative immunohistochemical study

Introduction: Facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs), which mediate glucose transport across the cell membrane, differ in their tissue distribution and affinity for glucose. GLUT1 is ubiquitously present and help in the basal uptake of glucose into the cells. Its expression is known to be elevated in conditions that induce hypoxia and by growth factors. GLUT1 is known to be increased in many malignant tumors to meet the metabolic requirements, but its role in odontogenic tumors is not known. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of GLUT1 in ameloblastoma (AM) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). Materials and Methodology: Thirty cases each of AM and OKCs were immunohistochemically stained using anti-GLUT1 antibody according to the standard protocol. Qualitative assessment of GLUT1 expression was done under the categories of distribution, intensity and localization of staining. Quantitative assessment was done using Image J software. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: GLUT1 positivity was observed in 25 (83.3%) cases of OKC and 26 (86.7%) of AM cases. The majority of cells in the suprabasal layer of OKC showed positivity, whereas the equal distribution of staining was observed in the central and peripheral cells of AM. Conclusion: GLUT1 expression in these tumors is suggestive of an increased glucose uptake and probably increased utilization of energy, which may be correlated with their aggressive behavior.
Simulation of Fire Propagation in Cable Tray Installations for Particle Accelerator Facility Tunnels

In this paper, it is demonstrated that the simulation of fire propagation in cable tray installations, with the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), version 6.3. 2, can be achieved. A material parameter set allowing to estimate the fire spread, depending on environmental conditions close to the fire seat, was generated. The parameters are determined by utilisation of an evolutionary algorithm, in an inverse modelling framework, based on experimental data from Cone Calorimeter tests. As a further step, the performance of the parameter set is compared between the FDS versions 6.3. 2 and 6.5. 3. The foundation of this work are experimental results of the CHRISTIFIRE campaign. The inverse modelling approach is inspired by and based on Anna Matala’s and Chris Lautenberger’s work. A material parameter set generated by the evolutionary algorithm is then used in a real scale cable tray fire simulation to predict the fire propagation. The total heat release rate (HRR) of the cable tray simulation and the respective experiment are compared and are in good agreement. The major features in the HRR plot of the experimental data are visible in the simulation results, but slightly shifted in time. Thus, predicting the fire propagation in a simulation, based on data of small-scale experiments, seems possible with FDS. However, the parameters used in this work are model specific and very sensitive to changes in the model, like grid resolution and FDS version.
Unveiling the arcanum of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival tissue blocks: A valuable resource for genomic DNA extraction

Background: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks are routinely preserved after pathological diagnosis and possess tremendous potential for biomarker discovery. These archival samples are prone to degradation on prolonged storage due to the formalin cross-linking. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate whether the storage period of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor blocks had a significant impact on the yield and purity of the isolated DNA archived for 11 years. Settings and Design: A retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology in accordance with the Institutional Ethics Committee. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA extraction was performed using TaKaRa DEXPAT Easy DNA kit from 40 FFPE tissue blocks of oral squamous cell carcinoma archived for 11 years (2006–2017). NanoDrop spectrophotometer was used to determine the DNA yield (A260) and purity (A260/A280 ratio). The quality of DNA fragments was validated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was obtained by SPSS 22, MS Excel and analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. P < 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Results: There was no statistically significant difference observed both in terms of DNA yield (P = 0.996) and purity (P = 0.997) of FFPE tumor blocks archived for 11 years among the study groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that, irrespective of years of storage of the FFPE, it is possible to extract genomic DNA and use it for molecular studies.
Exploring the Relationships between the Non-Work Trip Frequency and Accessibility Based on Mobile Phone Data

Non-work trips have increased remarkably over recent years, even exceeding the amount of daily work-related trips. It is therefore important to understand the relationship between the non-work trip frequency and accessibility of the travelers. However, the conclusions of previous studies were inconsistent. The causes of this inconsistency have been speculated to be the limitations of sample size, aggregated accessibility, and home-based trips. To explore the actual relationships between the non-work trip frequency and accessibility, this study employs a more reliable method based on mobile phone data. First, positioning data of mobile phone users was used to identify activity points, home and workplace locations, and non-work trips of the users. Furthermore, the socioeconomic attributes and preferences of users were extracted from mobile phone user feature data. Second, accessibility was measured at the individual level based on a real-time travel-cost estimation method. Subsequently, the negative binomial regression model was employed to study the effects of accessibility, socioeconomic attributes, and preferences of users on their travel frequencies. A case study of the central business district of Lujiazui in Shanghai was conducted to prove the feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that the non-work trip frequency increases with accessibility. Moreover, users with higher consumption levels are more sensitive to accessibility when they decide the frequency of the non-work trips. However, the influence of accessibility on non-work trip frequency tends to weaken with the decrease of accessibility. These findings contribute to a more reliable transportation policy design and planning.
Adaptation of an instrument to measure health literacy of older people

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of adaptation of an instrument that analyzes the health literacy of older people. METHODS: The adaptation consisted of steps to determine conceptual equivalence of items, operationally and semantically. RESULTS: The stages of conceptual and item equivalence showed that the items and concepts of this Canadian instrument was suitable for use in Brazil. The steps of initial translation, back translation, expert committee review and pre-test performed during evaluation of semantic equivalence have resulted in alterations to some items and rewording of some questions. Regarding operational equivalence, the interview was appropriate to local realities. CONCLUSION: The steps of transcultural adaptation, generally adopted for validation of measurement tools, were used and allowed researchers to adequately conduct this research study.
COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): A Single Hospital-Based Study

Background: Opportunistic fungal infections like Mucormycosis in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have posed a great challenge to health care professionals, especially in developing countries like India. Hence, there is a need to understand the biological behaviour of COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis (CAM) to establish standard treatment Protocols and to reduce mortality. Aims: This study aims is to assess the type of Mucormycosis among COVID-19 patients in study population and compare the findings with clinical, radiological and haematological parameters along with treatment and surgical management. Methods and Material: This retrospective, observational study included 60 cases of CAM reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the tertiary care centre, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli. Data about various parameters were tabulated and analysed statistically. Statistical Analysis Used: Bivariate analysis was done using the Chi-Square test to assess the relationship between the type of Mucormycosis and other variables. Spearman's Correlation test was used to assess the correlation between types of Mucormycosis with the other variables. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the response variable related to the type of Mucormycosis. Results: About 50% of subjects presented with “Rhino orbital” type of Mucormycosis. Palatal discoloration and palatal erosion was the most common oral manifestation among “only Sinus” and “Rhino orbital” types of Mucormycosis (P = 0.00). Significant association (P = 0.29) was found between the type of Diabetes mellitus and Mucormycosis. Conclusions: The study indicates that DM is the most commonly associated comorbidity in CAM patients. Hence, a thorough understanding of the underlying comorbidity and its close monitoring during and after COVID-19 infection is mandatory for successful treatment outcomes.
Anti-fibrotic activity of licorice extract in comparison with colchicine on areca nut-induced fibroblasts: An in vitro study

Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a debilitating chronic disease of the oral cavity with a high potential for malignant transformation. The main etiological agent attributed to the development of OSMF is the use of smokeless tobacco products like areca nut. There is no known cure for the disease. Current modalities of treatment do not provide a complete cure and often prove invasive for the patient. Herbal preparations using natural compounds and medicinal plant extracts have long since been used in India, as an acceptable, noninvasive and cost-effective method in the treatment of various diseases. Hence, the present study aims to assess the anti-fibrotic effect of licorice in comparison with colchicine on areca nut-induced fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Extracts of areca nut, licorice and colchicine were prepared in accordance with established protocols. Human fibroblast cell lines were procured from ATCC® (PSC-201-018). Fibroblast cultures were established, and upon reaching confluence the cells were subjected to the 25 μg/ml areca nut extract for 24 h to induce fibrosis, with CCl4 used as control fibrosing agent. The areca nut and CCl4 induced cells were then subjected to varying concentration of the test antifibrotic agent, licorice extract for the periods of 24 and 48 h, with colchicine used as positive control. Total collagen quantification was done using spectrophotometry. Results: Collagen accumulation decreased with increase in the concentration of licorice extract with maximum reduction seen at 200 μg/ml. Kruskal–Wallis test was done to analyze the difference in collagen accumulation. Analysis revealed that the P < 0.05 for both periods in both the areca and CCl4 induced cell lines following the addition of licorice extract. The data were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The current study proves the antifibrotic efficacy of licorice in areca nut induced cell lines and hence, this agent can be used for the therapeutic management of OSMF.
Is serum presepsin levels had accurate discriminative ability for patients vulnerable to develop anastomotic leakage after colorectal anastomosis? A cohort study

Objectives Evaluation of the predictive value of serial estimations of serum presepsin (PSP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) for the development of infective complications and/or anastomotic leakage (AL) after elective colorectal resection with anastomosis for N0M0 colorectal cancers. Patients and methods During 7-year study period, 113 patients underwent colorectal resection; postoperative (PO) morbidities were graded according to the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Five venous blood samples (T1–5) were collected at the time of induction of anesthesia, immediate, 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days after surgery for blood leukocytic count, and calculation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and estimation of serum levels of the studied cytokines. Study outcome is the ability of serum cytokines’ levels estimated in T2 sample to predict the possibility for the development of AL. Results Incidence of PO infective morbidities was 31%, incidence of AL was 8.85%, and PO mortality rate was 2.65%. Operative time was significantly longer; the total score of the CCI was significantly higher and PO hospital stay was significantly longer for patients who had AL. Patients who developed AL had significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in T3–5 samples than in the T1 sample. Mean serum levels of the studied cytokines were significantly higher in T2–5 samples than in T1 sample with significantly higher levels in patients who developed AL. Regression analysis defined high serum levels of PSP and PCT in the T3 sample and CRP levels in T5 sample as predictors of AL and high levels of the three biomarkers in the T3 sample could predict mortality. Automatic linear regression defined high serum PSP levels in the T3 sample and long operative time as significant predictors for high CCI and bad outcome with accuracy rates of 61 and 39%, respectively. Conclusion The level of serum biomarkers could predict AL, but PSP was superior to CRP and PCT. High serum PSP levels in T2 sample can accurately predict high CCI for PO complications.
Investigation of hadron matter using lattice QCD and implementation of lattice QCD applications on heterogeneous multicore acceleration processors

Observables relevant for the understanding of the structure of baryons were determined by means of Monte Carlo simulations of Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) using 2+1 dynamical quark flavours. Especial emphasis was placed on how these observables change when flavour symmetry is broken in comparison to choosing equal masses for the two light and the strange quark. The first two moments of unpolarised, longitudinally, and transversely polarised parton distribution functions were calculated for the nucleon and hyperons. The latter are baryons which comprise a strange quark. Lattice QCD simulations tend to be extremely expensive, reaching the need for petaflop computing and beyond, a regime of computing power we just reach today. Heterogeneous multicore computing is getting increasingly important in high performance scientific computing. The strategy of deploying multiple types of processing elements within a single workflow, and allowing each to perform the tasks to which it is best suited is likely to be part of the roadmap to exascale. In this work new design concepts were developed for an active library (QDP++) harnessing the compute power of a heterogeneous multicore processor (IBM PowerXCell 8i processor). Not only a proof-of-concept is given furthermore it was possible to run a QDP++ based physics application (Chroma) achieving a reasonable performance on the IBM BladeCenter QS22.
Surgical Management of Infected Pancreatic Necrosis. Case Series in a Quaternary Care Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, 2014-2021

Introduction: Pancreatitis is a frequent pathology in our environment, mostly related to benign biliary pathology. It can progress to severe forms in 10-15 % of cases, where the pancreatic tissue becomes necrotic and forms large collections with risk of infection. We do not have epidemiological data about the incidence or management of this complication in Colombia. Aim: This study aims to study the prevalence of infected pancreatic necrosis and describe the cases identified in a quaternary care hospital between 2014 and 2021. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study. We analyzed records of patients diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatitis. Those cases with infected pancreatic necro sis that underwent debridement plus laparoscopic and open surgical drainage at Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 2014 and January 2021 were studied. A convenience sampling was carried out without calculating the sample size. We collected the patients’ demographic and clinical variables, performing a descriptive statistical analysis in Excel. Qualitative variables were described through absolute and relative frequencies, while quantitative ones were expressed through measures of central tendency and dispersion based on their distribution. Results: We analyzed 1020 episodes of pan creatitis, finding pancreatic necrosis in 30 patients, i.e., a period prevalence of 2.9 %. Of the patients, 83 % ( n = 25) underwent open drainage, with 48 % ( n = 12) mortality. About laparoscopic management, the reduction in postoperative organ failure was 40 % ( n = 2), with a 30 % shorter hospital stay than the open drainage approach. Those patients with a level of procalcitonin (PCT) lower than 1.8 ng/mL had less mortality. Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach shows promising results regarding final morbidity and mortality.
Exo-Hunt: Discovering Planets with Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

We propose a novel method for detecting exoplanets from H-Alpha and Continuum images using deep convolutional networks and achieve 36.1% overlap accuracy and 24.7% box-count accuracy, which is better than humans trying to visually find planets in said images. We build on existing methods for identifying planets in images using starlight removal, which are described in detail in the Related Works section. We were granted access to a proprietary dataset from an Amherst professor, which contains the largest collection of preprocessed telescope images of star systems potentially containing exoplanets worldwide. We explore different preprocessing and data augmentation techniques in order to downsample each image from 9 to 3 channels before passing them to CNN backbones. We also explore different network architectures, building upon Faster R-CNN. Our best model samples the 9-channel images down to 3 by taking the slice-wise mean and feeds them through a custom deep convolutional backbone before using Faster R-CNN for bounding box predictions. While still far from perfect, our work is suitable as a starting point for a more long-term research project to automate exo-planet detection.
Heuristic methods for mutual debt reduction on B2B networks

Given an amount of debts to settle, the objective of this internship was to ﬁnd a solution of invoices that minimize the supply of liquidity required to clear this amount. This is an NP-complete problem. First, we present heuristics that ﬁnd a good solution given an amount of debts to settle. Then, we present heuristics that minimize the supply of liquidity required given a solution.
Evaluating Neural Network Pruning Techniques on Visual Transformers

As Transformer models grow ever larger, their efficiency becomes of increasing importance. As such, the field of model compression, specifically network pruning, is of particular relevance. In this work, we rigorously evaluate standard magnitude-based pruning techniques on Vision Trans-formers (ViTs) to observe ViT-specific behaviour and gain a deeper understanding of the unique properties which contribute to their high performance. Our findings suggest that ViTs can achieve high sparsity ratios without significant accuracy loss, both in structured and unstructured pruning settings. We observe that the effects of pruning vary when applied to different layers, and our results from this analysis highlight the key role played by attention units in Transformers. We also find surprising spatial patterns in the weight matrices yielded by unstructured pruning, which reveal an implicit structure in the underlying model. We observe that fine-tuning after pruning has a strong effect of recovering accuracy, mitigating sub-optimal or one-shot pruning strategies. Lastly, we find that magnitude-based structured pruning only marginally outperforms a random pruning baseline, suggesting a direction for future work.
Impact of Self-Esteem on the Happiness of Institutionalised Boys

: Self-esteem is one’s attitude towards oneself and it is described as a favourable or unfavourable attitude toward the self and happiness is the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful and worthwhile. The present study aims at assessing the influence of self- esteem on the happiness of institutionalised orphan boys. The questionnaires, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and Rosenberg Self- esteem Questionnaire were administered to 200 institutionalised orphan boys from Chennai from various orphanages. The findings indicate that self-esteem may be a significant predictor of happiness among institutionalised boys of Chennai. Their view on their self-worth and value in orphanages can be improved through devising policies and providing facilities, care and support hence contributing to the enhancement of their happiness.
Video Frame Prediction with Deep Learning

In this work we adapt and evaluate the performance of two different architectures, a Convolutional LSTM network and a GAN model, for human motion video frame prediction. Each of these models outputs a sequence of future video frames conditioned on a sequence of past video frames. In particular, our Convolutional LSTM model has an input of four past frames and predicts one frame, while our GAN model receives six past frames and outputs six future frames. We conducted experiments on the UCF101 dataset. The predicted frames are evaluated visually and quantitatively using MSE, SSIM and PSNR. Our results show that the GAN trained on a sub-set of the dataset outputs plausible predictions, but was outperformed by the Convolutional LSTM model trained on the full dataset, which achieved an SSIM of 0.8743.
Collaborative Management and Organization of Digital Media in Spain. Case Study of El Salto, CTXT and La Marea

The communication sector and, especially, the media sector suffered severely from the consequences of the economic crisis that began in 2008, and is witnessing, once again, the complicated situation derived from the Covid-19 pandemic. Bad strategic decisions;the decrease in advertising investment;the excessive dependence on the financial sector, or the culture of total free of charge typical of the national idiosyncrasy are some of the causes of the emergency situation that drags written journalism in Spain. Through in-depth interviews, innovative actions related to the organization, financing and the product in the journalist sector of digital media in Spain are analysed. Specifically, the cases of El Salto, CTXT and La Marea are analysed. The results are presented divided into six study variables: historical perspective;financing and participation;income diversification;organizational structure;brand equity, and competition. Although the analyzed examples differ in aspects such as legal personality, all of them coincide in appealing to a traditional, reflective, and with procedural guarantees, they bet on horizontal organizational structures and base their income model on the subscription. The main conclusions show the emergence of initiatives that, faithful to traditional journalistic values, seek to differentiate themselves through strategies and brands whose economic, financial and readership shares are inextricably linked to the concept of niche. © 2022, CEU Ediciones. All rights reserved.