Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incorporating structural plasticity into self-organization recurrent networks for sequence learning

Introduction Spiking neural networks (SNNs), inspired by biological neural networks, have received a surge of interest due to its temporal encoding. Biological neural networks are driven by multiple plasticities, including spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), structural plasticity, and homeostatic plasticity, making network connection patterns and weights to change continuously during the lifecycle. However, it is unclear how these plasticities interact to shape neural networks and affect neural signal processing. Method Here, we propose a reward-modulated self-organization recurrent network with structural plasticity (RSRN-SP) to investigate this issue. Specifically, RSRN-SP uses spikes to encode information, and incorporate multiple plasticities including reward-modulated spike timing-dependent plasticity (R-STDP), homeostatic plasticity, and structural plasticity. On the one hand, combined with homeostatic plasticity, R-STDP is presented to guide the updating of synaptic weights. On the other hand, structural plasticity is utilized to simulate the growth and pruning of synaptic connections. Results and discussion Extensive experiments for sequential learning tasks are conducted to demonstrate the representational ability of the RSRN-SP, including counting task, motion prediction, and motion generation. Furthermore, the simulations also indicate that the characteristics arose from the RSRN-SP are consistent with biological observations.
ArEmotive Bridging the Gap: Automatic Ontology Augmentation Using Zero-Shot Classification for Fine-Grained Sentiment Analysis of Arabic Text

Human-computer interaction remains one of the final frontiers to conquer while held in perspective with the rapid developments and technology growth over recent years. It is an arduous task to convey the true human intent to the machine in order to generate a computerized relevant decision in a certain field. In recent years, focus has shifted to cover fields of study that relate to Sentiment Analysis (SA) to improve and ease the tasks of our daily lives. We Propose ArEmotive (Arabic Emotive), a fine-grained sentiment analysis system that is human-independent which can automatically grow its source of information allowing for more precision and a greater dataset each time it is used through ontology augmentation and classification. Our proposed architecture relies on multiple data sources running through certain pipelines to generate a central online repository utilized by any mobile system to access this info-base. This system is important because many researchers in the field of automated ontology alignment and ontology mapping achieved a semi-automated approach to map new ontologies out of old ones or to extend already existing ontologies with data from new ones. ArEmotive identifies fine-grained emotions in text based on a dynamic ontology enriched through ontology alignment, mapping and machine learning assisted classification, resulting in a structure that contributes in: a centralized dataset ever growing to fit the need of the users, a sustainable structure able to allocate new data sources without the need to modify the system, ability to generate appropriate information even with the absence of “parent” sources.
EFL Pre-Service Teachers’ Identity and Position During Teaching Practice

Background: As student teachers shift to preservice teachers during teaching practice, it is necessary to find out how teaching practice could shape their identity and position, especially in the EFL context where English is taught as a foreign language. Based on this purpose, this study seeks information on preservice teacher identity and position during teaching practice by taking discourse analysis lenses. Methodology: This study used descriptive research to describe EFL preservice teachers’ identity construction and position. Adopting Fairclough's (2013) theory relationship between language, power and social used as data analysis. An interview transcript was used to investigate the meaning behind the spoken text of two EFL preservice teachers. Findings: The finding found they shared similar identity construction across two different contexts where preservice teachers conduct their teaching practice. Starting as a student at university and transferring to school as a teacher made them construct a new identity after several times teaching students and positioned themselves in school by participating in several activities. Conclusion: It found that positioning oneself could influence the identity development of preservice teachers. However, the unexpected condition that forced them to teach online made them feel less than a teacher and try to get an identity recognized by the environment by positioning themselves in the school context. Originality: In contrast to earlier studies that investigated the anxiety of preservice EFL students, this study focused on describing how EFL preservice teachers' identity construction related to the position assigned to them in the real classroom setting.
Genotoxicity of Occupational Pesticide Exposures among Agricultural Workers in Arab Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Exposure to pesticides in Arab countries is a significant public health concern due to extensive agricultural activity and pesticide use. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of agricultural pesticide exposure in the region, identify research gaps, and assess methodological limitations. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search yielded five relevant studies conducted in Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Various genotoxicity assays were employed, revealing a higher level of DNA damage in exposed compared to non-exposed individuals. Farmers exposed to pesticides exhibited a significantly higher occurrence of chromosomal translocation (t(14;18)), micronuclei, and chromosomal aberrations. However, only two studies assessed cytotoxicity indirectly. The studies predominantly focused on male participants, with variations in sample size and pesticide types. The lack of detailed exposure data necessitates cautious interpretation. This review underscores the need for further research on the genotoxicity of occupational pesticide exposure in the Middle East. Future studies should adopt robust study designs, collect biological and environmental samples, conduct repeated sampling, analyze seasonal variations, and encompass diverse study sites associated with specific crop groups.
Prevention of Pressor response to Laryngoscopy: A Comparison of Lignocaine with Dexmedetomidine

Objective: To compare intravenous Lignocaine with Dexmedetomidine for prevention of pressor response to laryngoscopy. Study design and setting: Randomized Clinical Trial at Anesthesia Department, RIHS Islamabad. (1st May2019 To 30th October 2019) Methodology: 68 patients with age 20-60 years, ASA status(I or II), planned for elective surgeries under GA were included in this study and randomly divided into groups A and B by lottery method. Patients with history of hypertension, heart blocks, beta-blockers were excluded from study. Group-A patients were given injection Lignocaine 2% 1mg/kg 1min before induction and Group-B patients were given injection Dexmedetomidine 1ug/kg 15 min before induction of anesthesia. After premedication with injection Midazolam, Nalbuphine, and Ondansetron, Induction of anesthesia was done with injection Propofol and Cisatracurium. Patients were intubated. Use of stylet,BURP maneuver, incidence of laryngospasm was noted. Vitals before and after intubation were noted. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic profile,use of a stylet, BURP maneuver and laryngospasm in both groups. ANOVA test shows significant decrease in change in Systolic BP in Dexmedetomidine group at 2 and 3 minutes after intubation as compared to Lignocaine group however Diastolic BP and Heart rate was comparable in both groups. Paired t test showed a significant decrease in Systolic and Diastolic BP in both groups( more in Dexmedetomidine group). Regarding heart rate paired t test showed insignificant difference in Lignocaine group and significant difference in Dexmedetomidine group. Conclusion: Intravenous Dexmedetomidine is superior to Lignocaine to prevent pressor response to laryngoscopy
Study on Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Improved Dian Dao San Against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes)

Purpose The hyperproliferation of C. acnes has long been regarded as a primary etiological factor in the development of acne vulgaris (AV). Antibiotics targeting C. acnes have been the mainstay in AV treatment. Meanwhile, C. acnes has developed resistance to numerous antibiotics. IDDS, as traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits potent antibacterial activity against C. acnes. However, the mechanism of IDDS against C. acnes remains unclear. Methods In this study, we conducted a systematic investigation in vitro to determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill curves. The MBC and time-kill curves were assessed by quantifying Colony Forming Units countsIn order to establish an in vivo rat ear model of acne, a single intradermal injection of 100μL C. acnes suspension was administered, and oleic acid was applied to the right ear pinna for a duration of 14 days. The intervention involved the utilization of IDDS medications. Additionally, the levels of inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were assessed using respective ELISA kits, while Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to visualize the rat ear model. The antimicrobial mechanism was investigated through the analysis of mRNA levels using real-time, quantitative PCR. ELISA analysis was performed according to the protocols outlined for energy metabolism and antioxidant system. Results Our research has demonstrated that IDDS possesses antibacterial activity against C. acnes both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underlying these effects involve energy metabolism and antioxidant systems. Conclusion The data has provided further insights into the mechanism of IDDS against C. acnes, which establishes a robust foundation for the clinical application of IDDS.
High-Quality Silicon Surface Passivation by Thermal-ALD Deposited Hafnium Oxide Films

Excellent silicon surface passivation is achieved by atomic layer deposition (ALD) grown hafnium oxide (HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic>) films on silicon surfaces (both n-type and p-type). It is inferred from the study that the silicon surface passivation by HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> thin films is a film-thickness-dependent quality and a minimum film thickness of ∼2 nm is essential to passivate the silicon surface. A good level of surface passivation (surface recombination velocity, SRV< 20 cm/s) can be achieved for film thickness, <italic>d</italic> >5 nm. However, the best results are obtained for hydrogen-annealed, ∼8.5-nm-thin HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> films. SRV as low as 3.5 cm/s (effective minority carrier lifetime, τ<sub>eff</sub> ∼5 ms) and 4.4 cm/s (τ<sub>eff</sub> ∼4 ms) are realized on p-type and n-type silicon surfaces, respectively. The injection level dependence of τ<sub>eff</sub> reveals that HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> films provide better passivation for n-type silicon compared to p-type silicon at low injection levels. Hydrogen present in the annealing ambient first saturates the dangling bonds at the film/silicon interface and then affects the oxide charge density. Effective oxide charge density is positive in HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic>/n-Si samples and negative in HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic>/p-Si samples. This creates an accumulation condition near the silicon surface for both substrate-type situations and is responsible for effective passivation in both types of substrates. Thus, our study demonstrates that ALD-grown HfO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> films offer excellent passivation for silicon surfaces.
The influence of involvement and emotional valence on accuracy judgments and sharing intention of fake news

ABSTRACT Recent studies proposed that emotional valence of news affected individuals’ beliefs in fake news. However, the results across various studies remain controversial. Involvement probably have an influence on beliefs in fake news. To understand whether involvement modulates the role of different valences of fake news, we designed two experiments. Both Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 were 2 (valence: positive, negative) *2 (involvement: high, low) within-subject designs. The results of Experiment 1 revealed that the interaction between involvement and emotional valence on accuracy judgment was significant. The results indicated that the role of emotional valence in the accuracy judgment of fake news was affected by involvement, which provided evidence to explain the contradictory results for the role of valence on fake news beliefs. Experiment 2 found the main effect of involvement and emotional valence on sharing intention, indicating that the sharing intention of fake news was regulated by involvement and emotional valence respectively.
Longitudinal study of epigenetic aging and its relationship with brain aging and cognitive skills in young adulthood

Introduction The proportion of older adults within society is sharply increasing and a better understanding of how we age starts to be critical. However, given the paucity of longitudinal studies with both neuroimaging and epigenetic data, it remains largely unknown whether the speed of the epigenetic clock changes over the life course and whether any such changes are proportional to changes in brain aging and cognitive skills. To fill these knowledge gaps, we conducted a longitudinal study of a prenatal birth cohort, studied epigenetic aging across adolescence and young adulthood, and evaluated its relationship with brain aging and cognitive outcomes. Methods DNA methylation was assessed using the Illumina EPIC Platform in adolescence, early and late 20 s, DNA methylation age was estimated using Horvath’s epigenetic clock, and epigenetic age gap (EpiAGE) was calculated as DNA methylation age residualized for batch, chronological age and the proportion of epithelial cells. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired in both the early 20 s and late 20 s using the same 3T Prisma MRI scanner and brain age was calculated using the Neuroanatomical Age Prediction using R (NAPR) platform. Cognitive skills were assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) in the late 20 s. Results The EpiAGE in adolescence, the early 20 s, and the late 20 s were positively correlated (r = 0.34–0.47), suggesting that EpiAGE is a relatively stable characteristic of an individual. Further, a faster pace of aging between the measurements was positively correlated with EpiAGE at the end of the period (r = 0.48–0.77) but negatively correlated with EpiAGE at the earlier time point (r = −0.42 to −0.55), suggesting a compensatory mechanism where late matures might be catching up with the early matures. Finally, higher positive EpiAGE showed small (Adj R2 = 0.03) but significant relationships with a higher positive brain age gap in all participants and lower full-scale IQ in young adult women in the late 20 s. Discussion We conclude that the EpiAGE is a relatively stable characteristic of an individual across adolescence and early adulthood, but that it shows only a small relationship with accelerated brain aging and a women-specific relationship with worse performance IQ.
Impact ionization coefficients of 4H-SiC in a wide temperature range

The temperature dependence of impact ionization coefficients of electrons and holes along 4H-SiC 〈0001〉 was determined in a wide temperature range from 156 K to 561 K. Photomultiplication measurements were conducted using several types of 4H-SiC photodiodes (PDs) with different structures under high vacuum conditions. The hole ionization coefficient showed a negative temperature dependence, which can be attributed to enhanced phonon scattering at elevated temperatures. Temperature dependence of the electron ionization coefficient was small, and this result may be ascribed to the simultaneous effects of enhanced phonon scattering and shrinkage of minigaps in the conduction band. Accuracy of the obtained results was verified by comparing the calculated breakdown voltage with the experimental breakdown voltage of various diodes.
Betalain-Enriched Beetroots Exhibit Antiulcer and Anti-inflammatory Potentials

Introduction. Recently, plant natural food colorants have received a growing interest due to their therapeutic and preventive activities against various diseases. This study is aimed at evaluating the phytochemical composition by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and at evaluating the antiulcer effect of red beetroot betalains (BRB). Materials and Methods. Ethanol was used for gastric mucosa damage, ulcer, and inflammation induction in rat. Results. HPLC-DAD data revealed the existence of numerous compounds, including betanidin 5-glucoside (43.22%), isobetanidin 5-glucoside (18.47%), 2,17-bidecarboxy-neobetanin (7.07%), 2-O-glucosyl-betanin (4.03%), 17-decarboxy-betanidin (3.61%), neobetanin (3.24%), and eight other compounds whose yields were too low. In vitro as in gastric tissues in rats, BRB potentially inhibited key enzymes—relation to gastric ulceration and damage as pepsin, lipoxygenase, and hyaluronidase activities. In ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and inflammation, BRB administration at doses 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) decreases the ulcer areas (UA) and index (UI); increases the curative index (CI) by 78.1, 78.4, and 78%, respectively; and ameliorates the pathological damage induced by ethanol. In addition, BRB administration to rat gastric ulcer rats prevented significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) the decrease of gastric mucus (GM) content (by 116%) and reduced the stress oxidant, evidenced by a significant ( p ≤ 0.05 ) decrease of gastric mucosa thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) (by 28%) and mucus juice pepsin by 56%. Conclusion. Taken together, BRB exerted potential therapeutic efficacy for gastric ulceration.
Satisfaction with Sustainable Tourism—A Case of the Special Nature Reserve “Meadows of Great Bustard”, Vojvodina Province

The Special Nature Reserve, a part of the nature “Meadows of Great Bustard” (MGB), is a protected area with an extremely rare and sensitive ecosystem. The MGB spreads in the northeast of Vojvodina in Serbia. The natural potentials of MGB, in addition to diverse flora and fauna, are symbolized by a jeopardized species of bird called the Great Bustard (Otis tarda). Only a few specimens of this species live in this protected area, and they need to be protected. Globally, the Great Bustard is vulnerable species (VU) and a seriously protected species in Serbia. The goal of the research in this paper is to determine whether sustainable tourism affects the satisfaction of residents, using a quantitative method through the Prism of Sustainability (PoS) research model, which includes the technique of surveying respondents (residents). In this part of Vojvodina lives a population that has specific social characteristics. The cultural legacy, customs of this part of Banat, way of treating nature, local crafts, and local events stand out among those characteristics. The favorable geographical position of MGB, the proximity of Romania and Hungary, and good traffic connections with numerous cities in Serbia and the region represent significant potential for tourism development. The natural motives of MGB and ecological interests should be a priority in planning and developing tourism. A nature-based tourism destination can be formed by combining natural and social motives. The main forms of tourism, important for the development of this area, are ecotourism, scientific research tourism, and birdwatching tourism in the MGB. The significant results of the research are those that point out that the respondents rated ecological and socio-cultural sustainability as the most important. Also, these two dimensions have the greatest impact on sustainable tourism in the MGB. After the conducted research, it can be concluded that the residents are satisfied with sustainable tourism, i.e., sustainable tourism significantly affects the satisfaction of residents.
A Study on the Morphometry of a Medial Meniscus in the Knee Joint of Human Cadavers in the South Indian Population

Introduction The knee joint is a complex system containing various hard and soft tissue components necessary for functioning in a coordinated manner. The menisci help to deepen the tibial plateau. Knowledge of the dimension of menisci in the knee joint is of paramount importance in arthroscopic surgery and the management of injuries due to sports or degeneration. The present study aims to describe the morphometric data of the medial meniscus and document the morphometric variation in the medial menisci. Methodology This study was conducted in the department of anatomy in two medical colleges under MGR University by measuring the dimensions of 100 medial menisci taken from 50 formalin-fixed embalmed cadavers. The width and thickness of the medial menisci were measured using digital vernier calipers. The outer and inner circumferences were measured using a measuring tape, non-elastic threads, and metallic pins. The area of the medial meniscus and the tibial plateau was measured by counting the small squares present in the circumference of the menisci drawn over the graph paper. The weight of the medial menisci was measured using the electronic weigh scale. Results The widest part of the medial meniscus was the posterior one-third, and the narrowest part was the anterior one-third. The thickest part was the middle one-third, followed by the anterior one-third. The average inner and outer circumferences of the menisci were 6.25 cm and 10.05 cm, respectively. The medial meniscus covers more than half of the area of the tibial plateau. Conclusion The present study provides a good understanding of the morphometric features of the medial menisci and will be of great help for managing knee joint pathologies and designing prostheses.
Assessing Tail Risk Using Expectile Regressions with Partially Varying Coefficients

Abstract To characterize heteroskedasticity, nonlinearity, and asymmetry in tail risk, this study investigates a class of conditional (dynamic) expectile models with partially varying coefficients in which some coefficients are allowed to be constants, but others are allowed to be unknown functions of random variables. A three-stage estimation procedure is proposed to estimate both the parametric constant coefficients and nonparametric functional coefficients. Their asymptotic properties are investigated under a time series context, together with a new simple and easily implemented test for testing the goodness of fit of models and a bandwidth selector based on newly defined cross-validatory estimation for the expected forecasting expectile errors. The proposed methodology is data-analytic and of sufficient flexibility to analyze complex and multivariate nonlinear structures without suffering from the curse of dimensionality. Finally, the proposed model is illustrated by simulated data, and applied to analyzing the daily data of the S&P500 return series.