Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Curricular SincNet: Towards Robust Deep Speaker Recognition by Emphasizing Hard Samples in Latent Space

Deep learning models have become an increasingly preferred option for biometric recognition systems, such as speaker recognition. SincNet, a deep neural network architecture, gained popularity in speaker recognition tasks due to its parameterized sinc functions that allow it to work directly on the speech signal. The original SincNet architecture uses the softmax loss, which may not be the most suitable choice for recognition-based tasks. Such loss functions do not impose inter-class margins nor differentiate between easy and hard training samples. Curriculum learning, particularly those leveraging angular margin-based losses, has proven very successful in other biometric applications such as face recognition. The advantage of such a curriculum learning-based techniques is that it will impose inter-class margins as well as taking to account easy and hard samples. In this paper, we propose Curricular SincNet(CL-SincNet), an improved SincNet model where we use a curricular loss function to train the SincNet architecture. The proposed model is evaluated on multiple datasets using intra-dataset and inter-dataset evaluation protocols. In both settings, the model performs competitively with other previously published work. In the case of inter-dataset testing, it achieves the best overall results with a reduction of 4% error rate compare to SincNet and other published work.
COVID-19 and the Credit Cycle: 2020 Revisited and 2021 Outlook

This study continues the author's examination and forecasts as to the impact of Covid-19 on the US credit cycle after one and a half years since the pandemic first began. We explore the enormous build-up of global debt even before the pandemic commenced and the subsequent record debt expansion through mid-2021. New debt peaks, especially for nonfinancial corporate debt, are analyzed as to their potential impact on future default rates and the implications for the US credit markets once again starting a new benign cycle in a continuing low interest rate environment. We ask whether the spectacular success of the US central bank and its monetary policy and secondary-market purchases has also promoted potentially destructive unforeseen consequences for debt rated BBB and below. Large- and small-firm defaults and bankruptcies in both 2020 and 2021 are compared, and our expectations about those firms' solvency status once the government and central bank supports diminish and are eliminated are examined. Finally, we introduce the concept of global zombie firms and suggest that this growing phenomenon be analyzed more robustly and critically with new criteria and empirical analysis.
Efficacy and safety of intralymphatic immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Background Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is a potential treatment option for allergic rhinitis (AR). We aimed to determine the efficacy (primary outcomes) and safety (secondary outcomes) of ILIT in treating patients with AR. Methods An electronic literature search was performed using MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (from their inception to December 2020). A random‐effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019126271). Results We retrieved a total of 285 articles, of which 11 satisfied our inclusion criteria. There were 452 participants with age ranged from 15 to 58 years old. Intralymphatic immunotherapy was given in three doses with intervals of four weeks between doses in 10 trials. One trial gave three and six doses with an interval of two weeks. Both primary and secondary outcomes showed no difference between ILIT and placebo for all trials. There was no difference in the combined symptoms and medication score (SMD ‐0.51, 95% CI −1.31 to 0.28), symptoms score (SMD −0.27, 95% CI −0.91 to 0.38), medication score (SMD −6.56, 95% CI −21.48 to 8.37), rescue medication (RR 12.32, 95% CI 0.72–211.79) and the overall improvement score (MD −0.07, 95% CI −2.28 to 2.14) between ILIT and placebo. No major adverse events noted. Conclusions Intralymphatic immunotherapy possibly has a role in the treatment of AR patients. This review found it is safe but not effective, which could be contributed by the high variation amongst the trials. Future trials should involve larger numbers of participants and report standardized administration of ILIT and outcome measures.
The Use of Apremilast in Psoriasis: An Indian Perspective on Real-World Scenarios

Abstract Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, is approved for use in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Although its efficacy and safety have been well established in clinical studies, in real-world settings, different practice scenarios have been reported. This review paper serves to evaluate clinical real-world scenarios and aspects of treatment for which the information in the literature was considered to be lacking or controversial. Following a literature review, a panel of five dermatologists with expertise in psoriasis considered five scenarios; namely, the positioning of apremilast in psoriasis, its use in difficult-to-treat areas, special conditions and populations, safety, dose titration and dose in maintenance therapy. These were then assessed with psoriasis experts in India using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 28 questions were discussed regarding these scenarios. According to the responses, apremilast is effective in stable mild to moderate psoriasis as monotherapy and in severe psoriasis in combination. Also, a positive response was received with regard to its effectiveness in difficult locations such as the scalp, palms and soles. To reduce adverse effects, prolonged titration therapy over 4 weeks is required and lower doses can be prescribed to maintain remission. Apremilast therapy should be continued for a minimum of 8 weeks once initiated to achieve the desired results, and the total duration of therapy should be about 24 weeks for better efficacy. It is also effective in many other cases, such as obese patients, patients with hepatitis B or C and HIV, or patients on polypharmacy. It was also reported that apremilast requires less prescreening and monitoring than other conventional and biologic systemic therapies. Overall, apremilast is an attractive option for the individualized treatment of psoriasis owing to its favorable safety profile, its ease of oral administration without the need for screening or ongoing laboratory monitoring, and its positive impact on symptoms and lesions in difficult-to-treat areas.
Functional Outcome of Surgical Stabilisation of Acetabular Fractures

Introduction: Approach to the management of displaced acetabular fractures has evolved from conservative to operative management after the work of Judet and Letournel. Various surgical methods have been explored and described by authors to address this type of fracture, leading to improved clinical outcome. This study aimed to evaluate functional outcome of surgically treated displaced acetabular fractures in the Malaysian context. Materials and methods: We analysed 43 patients with isolated acetabular fractures who were treated operatively with a minimum of three years follow-up. Anthropometric data, Judet-Letournel fracture pattern, surgical approach and complications were recorded. Post-operative Matta radiological outcome were evaluated for joint congruency and hip functional outcome was evaluated using Merle d’Aubgine-Postel and Harris Hip Score (HHS). All statistical analyses were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: The most frequent elementary fracture type was posterior wall (30.2%) while associated type was both columns (23.3%). Mean functional outcome of Merle d'Aubigné-Postel was 15.77 and HHS was 86.6. Thirty-three (76.7%) patients achieved satisfactory functional outcome, 19 (44.1%) patients achieved anatomic reduction (<2 mm step-off) based on Matta classification while 24 (55.8%) did not achieve the desired outcome. Fracture pattern exhibited strong association with post-operative Matta radiological outcome (p-value 0.001). However both fracture pattern and Matta radiological outcome did not exhibit association with the functional outcome group. The mean time for surgical interventions was 10.8 days and there was no significant association with final functional outcome score. Conclusion: Fracture pattern is a strong contributing factor towards post-operative Matta radiological outcome. However, achieving the perfect anatomical reduction is not of utmost important factor to predict the good functional outcome.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury After COVID-19 Vaccine

The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in December 2019 in China. World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020. It has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Persistent symptoms and serious complications are being reported in patients who survived COVID-19 infection, but long-term sequelae are still unknown. Several vaccines against COVID-19 have been approved for emergency use around the globe. These vaccines have excellent safety profiles with few reported side effects. Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is mainly seen with different drugs or chemicals. There are only a few reported cases of hepatotoxicity with vaccines. We present a case of liver injury after administration of the vaccine against the COVID-19 infection.
DNA barcoding reveals the temporal community composition of drifting fish eggs in the lower Hongshui River, China

Abstract Determining the temporal community composition of fish eggs in particular regions and understanding the reproductive times of regional fish taxa are key aspects of the management and regulation of regional fish stocks. However, it is extremely difficult to accurately identify fish eggs due to the absence of diagnostic morphological characters. We sampled fish eggs in the lower Hongshuihe River (an upper mainstem of the Pearl River) between May and September 2020. We then used DNA barcoding to determine the species composition of the egg pool and to predict the spawning periods of the identified species. A total of 641 eggs and 17 larvae were chosen for molecular identification; 397 eggs and 17 larvae yielded high‐quality barcoding sequences. The high failure rate (~38%) was most likely due to long‐term storage in low concentrations of ethanol prior to molecular analysis. We successfully classified 392 eggs into 10 species and 13 larvae into four species using public databases. Most of the species identified in the egg pool were small and/or benthic, and migratory species were rare. This may partially reflect the adverse effects of hydropower cascade development in this river section. We also found that spawning periods tended to be species‐specific. Our study provides a reference for the conservation and management of regional fishery stocks.
Increasing Age Affected Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils in Prognosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

Purpose It is well known that age is related to the incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), and how age and other factors contribute to MPP remains unclear. In this study, we investigate how age affects the prognosis of MPP. Patients and Methods A total number of 1875 hospitalized children with pneumonia were enrolled in this study, including 52 children with refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) and 298 children with non-RMPP. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to further identify the risk factors of RMPP, and found that age and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) count were the key independent risk factors for the occurrence of RMPP. In order to improve specificity, 4.5 years old was taken as the cut-off value. Then, according to the cut-off value of age, 76 participants were recruited and divided into four groups: <4.5y MPP group, ≥4.5y MPP group, <4.5y health control (<4.5yHC) and ≥4.5y HC group. We explored the diverse functions of primary PMNs from children of different ages with MPP at cellular level. Besides, we studied the relationship between lung injury and PMNs in mice model with MPP of different ages. Results We found that the age and PMNs count of RMPP group were significantly higher than those of the non-RMPP group. Importantly, there is a linear correlation between the age of patients with RMPP and the percentage of PMNs. Further analysis showed that elderly patients infected with M. pneumoniae had more active PMNs function. Meanwhile, proteomics showed that children with M. pneumoniae infection in different age groups have differences in PMNs apoptosis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Finally, we found that age is also involved in the pathogenesis of mouse model with MPP. Conclusion We speculate that age may contribute to the development of RMPP.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Multimodal Learning with Missing Modality

Multimodal learning has achieved great successes in many scenarios. Compared with unimodal learning, it can effectively combine the information from different modalities to improve the performance of learning tasks. In reality, the multimodal data may have missing modalities due to various reasons, such as sensor failure and data transmission error. In previous works, the information of the modality-missing data has not been well exploited. To address this problem, we propose an efficient approach based on maximum likelihood estimation to incorporate the knowledge in the modality-missing data. Specifically, we design a likelihood function to characterize the conditional distribution of the modality-complete data and the modality-missing data, which is theoretically optimal. Moreover, we develop a generalized form of the softmax function to effectively implement maximum likelihood estimation in an end-to-end manner. Such training strategy guarantees the computability of our algorithm capably. Finally, we conduct a series of experiments on real-world multimodal datasets. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, even when 95% of the training data has missing modality.
Acute Pericarditis Due to SARS-COV-2 in a Kidney Transplant Recipient

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious and typically presents with respiratory complications. Non-respiratory etiology has been increasingly identified in the literature, including cardiac manifestations. Here, we discuss an atypical case recently treated for SARS-CoV-2 presenting with acute pericarditis. Our patient’s medical history of autoimmune disease and renal transplant further complicated her care. There is currently no standard of therapy for SARS-CoV-2-related pericarditis. We would like to highlight increased awareness of this rare complication as well as successful treatment regimens for acute management of the disease.
Evaluation the relationship between psychological profile and salivary cortisol in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases which are diagnosed with recurrent and painful ulcers. The possible association between psychological factors and salivary stress related factors in patients with aphthous ulcers has been discussed in various studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary cortisol level, anxiety, and depression in patients with RAS. Materials and Methods: In this case control study, 30 patients with RAS and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled by matching their age and sex. Anxiety and depression were assessed by beck anxiety inventory and beck depression inventory. Unstimulated saliva of both groups were collected and then tested by DiaMetra kit and the ELISA method. Data were analyzed by SPSS using an Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test. A statistical significance level of <0.05 was considered. Results: The mean salivary cortisol in the case group was 5.35 ng/ml and in the control group was 4.73 ng/ml which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in anxiety and depression level between the two groups (P > 0.05). According to Spearman correlation coefficient, there was an average, negative, and significant correlation between salivary cortisol and anxiety and depression scores in the case group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that, although the mean salivary cortisol was slightly higher in patients with aphthous lesions, anxiety, and depression were not possible factors for RAS. There was a moderate, negative correlation between salivary cortisol level and stress and anxiety in patients with RAS.
Depression in the Iranian Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Depression can lead to increased medical costs, impaired individual and social functioning, nonadherence to therapeutic proceeding, and even suicide and ultimately affect quality of life. It is important to know the extent of its prevalence for successful planning in this regard. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of depression in the Iranian elderly. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was done through Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ProQuest, SID, Embase, and Magiran with determined keywords. Screening was done on the basis of relevance to the purpose of the study, titles, abstracts, full text, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa standard scale. After primary and secondary screening, 30 articles were finally included in the study. According to the 30 articles reviewed, the prevalence of depression in the Iranian elderly was 52 percent based on the random-effects model (CI 95%: 46–58). According to the results of the present study, depression in the Iranian elderly was moderate to high. Therefore, more exact assessment in terms of depression screening in elderly people seems necessary. Coherent and systematic programs, including psychosocial empowerment counselling for the elderly and workshops for their families, are also needed. Researchers can also use the results of this study for future research.
Evaluation of structural and ultrastructural changes in thyroid and parathyroid glands after near infrared irradiation: study on an animal model

Intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands is a tough task for surgeons performing thyroid or parathyroid surgery, because the small size, color and shape of these glands hinder their discrimination from other cervical tissues. In 2011, Paras described the autofluorescence of parathyroid glands, a property that could facilitate their intraoperative identification. Parathyroid glands submitted to a 785 nm laser beam emit fluorescence in the near infrared range, with a peak at 822 nm. As the intrinsic properties of secretory tissues may be affected by the exposure to the near infrared light, a situation that could preclude their intraoperative utilization, the authors compared the structural and ultra-structural patterns of rat’s thyroid and parathyroid glands submitted to irradiation replicating the conditions that allow their intraoperative identification, with those of non irradiated animals. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into six groups: animals of Groups 1, 3 and 5 were submitted under general anesthesia to direct irradiation of the cervical area with a 780 nm LED light for 3 minutes through a cervical incision, and animals of Groups 2, 4 and 6 were submitted to cervical dissection without irradiation. Animals of were euthanized immediately (Groups 1 and 2), at Day 30 (Groups 3 and 4) at and at Day 60 (Groups 5 and 6) and thyroid and parathyroid glands were removed: one lobe was prepared for conventional pathological examination and the other lobe for electron microscopy observed by three experienced pathological experts. Twenty-four samples were prepared for conventional histology and there were no alterations reported in any group. Due to technical problems, only 21 samples were observed by electron microscopy and there were no differences in the ultrastructure of parathyroid and thyroid glands, namely the nuclear pattern, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum or secretory granules, in any of the groups. These results confirm the innocuity of near infrared irradiation’, allowing its intraoperative utilization.
Assessment of genetically modified cotton GHB811 for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA‐GMO‐ES‐2018‐154)

Abstract Cotton GHB811 was developed to confer tolerance to glyphosate and HPPD inhibitor herbicides. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between cotton GHB811 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for % lint, lint length and dihydrosterculic acid, which do not raise nutritional and safety concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the 2mEPSPS and HPPD W336 proteins as expressed in cotton GHB811 and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of cotton GHB811. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from cotton GHB811 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that cotton GHB811 is as safe as the conventional counterpart and non‐GM cotton reference varieties tested, and no post‐market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable cotton GHB811 seeds into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post‐market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of cotton GHB811. The GMO Panel concludes that cotton GHB811 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non‐GM cotton reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.
Do predators have a role to play in wetland ecosystem functioning? An experimental study in New England salt marshes

Abstract The historical ecological paradigm of wetland ecosystems emphasized the role of physical or “bottom‐up” factors in maintaining functions and services. However, recent studies have shown that the loss of predators in coastal salt marshes can lead to a significant reduction in wetland extent due to overgrazing of vegetation by herbivores. Such studies indicate that consumers or “top‐down” factors may play a much larger role in the maintenance of wetland ecosystems than was previously thought. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether altering top‐down control by manipulating the presence of predators can lead to measurable changes in salt marsh ecosystem properties. Between May and August of 2015 and 2016, we established exclosure and enclosure cages within three New England coastal wetland areas and manipulated the presence of green crab predators to assess how they and their fiddler and purple marsh crab prey affect changes in ecosystem properties. Predator presence was associated with changes in soil nitrogen and aboveground biomass at two of the three field sites, though the magnitude and direction of these effects varied from site to site. Further, path analysis results indicate that across field sites, a combination of bottom‐up and top‐down factors influenced changes in measured variables. These results challenge the growing consensus that consumers have strong effects, indicating instead that predator impacts may be highly context‐dependent.