Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solving optimization problems with generalized orthogonality constraints

This thesis focuses on optimization problems with generalized orthogonality constraints, which may also contains linear equality constraints. These problems appear in many areas, such as machine learning, signal processing, computer vision and so on. Many problems in this form are NP hard. One challenge posed by generalized orthogonality constraints is local minimizers loaded by nonconvex constraints. Moreover, the generalized orthogonality constraints are numerically expensive to preserve during iterations. This thesis is mainly divided into two parts. The first part is focused on solving generalized orthogonality constrained optimization problems with differentiable objective functions. For this class of optimization problems, a generalized gradient flow is proposed, which is contained on the constraints set if the initial condition satisfies generalized orthogonality constrains. The week convergence of the generalized gradient flow is given. A discrete iterative scheme is also proposed to make the gradient flow method computable. In addition, we analyze the relationship between our discrete iteration scheme and some existing constraint preserving methods, and the relationship between our discrete iteration scheme and the inexact forward-backward method, respectively. Several problems which also can be solved by the generalized gradient flow are given. Furthermore, we also propose an optimal gradient flow by analyzing the first order optimality condition. The second part of this thesis is devoted to study of the generalized orthogonality constrained optimization problems with nondifferentiable objective functions. An approximate augmented Lagrangian method is used to deal with this class of problems. The global convergence is presented. We also extend the proximal alternating linearized minimization method (EPALM) to deal with the generalized orthogonality constraints appeared in the subproblem of the approximate augmented Lagrangian method. Moreover, to accelerate the EPALM method, an inertial proximal alternat-
Understand Fiscal Decentralization and the Potential Moral Hazard in Indonesia

Fiscal decentralization as a product form of political economy policy is a determinant of a country's economic growth. However, the implementation of these policies is considered vulnerable due to a lack of transparency and accountability, so that abuse of authority at the local government level often occurs which causes moral hazard and triggers fiscal policy inefficiencies. We describe the search related to fiscal decentralization through this research and how the potential for moral hazard can occur in Indonesia. This type of research is a literature study using a descriptive qualitative approach. The data collected is in the form of results from literature reviews, journals, books, newspapers, and documentation that are considered relevant. After reviewing, criticizing, and synthesizing representative literature in such a way, we are able to find several facts indicating that fiscal decentralization can be a solution to overcome economic inequality, on the other hand it can also be utilized by various parties for personal gain. With various polarizations built by the authorities, moral hazard has the potential to occur at any time.
Generating wreath products and their augmentation ideals

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Clinical Outcomes of Radiation Therapy for Angiosarcoma of the Scalp and Face: A Multi-Institutional Observational Study

Simple Summary Angiosarcoma of the scalp and face (ASF) is a rare, aggressive tumor often treated with multimodal therapy, including radiation therapy (RT). This study analyzed RT outcomes and prognostic factors in 68 non-metastatic ASF patients. Median radiation dose was 66 Gy in 33 fractions (interquartile range 60–70 Gy in 28–35 fractions). Local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were assessed. Higher LC rates were associated with an equivalent dose in a 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) >66 Gy. Combining chemotherapy or surgery with RT improved PFS rates. No factors affected OS. Late grade 3+ toxicities occurred in 1% of patients, including one with a grade 4 skin ulcer. These findings suggest that higher EQD2 (>66 Gy) and combination therapies enhance LC and PFS in ASF. Further studies are needed to optimize treatment strategies for this rare malignancy, particularly in elderly patients. Abstract Angiosarcoma of the scalp and face (ASF) is a rare, aggressive tumor often treated with multimodal therapy, including radiation therapy (RT). This study assessed RT outcomes for ASF and identified prognostic factors. Data from 68 non-metastatic ASF patients undergoing RT with or without other therapies were analyzed. Median radiation dose was 66 Gy in 33 fractions (interquartile range (IQR) 60–70 Gy in 28–35 fractions). Local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Multivariate analyses and adverse event evaluation were conducted. Median patient age was 75 years (IQR 71–80 years), with a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR 11–42 months). One-/three-year LC rates were 57/37%, PFS rates were 44/22%, and OS rates were 81/44%. Multivariate analyses showed that an equivalent dose in a 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) >66 Gy correlated with improved LC (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.03–5.32, p = 0.041). Combining chemotherapy (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.08–5.46, p = 0.032) or surgery (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.03–5.59, p = 0.041) improved PFS. No factors influenced OS. Late grade 3+ toxicities occurred in 1%, with one patient developing a grade 4 skin ulcer. These findings suggest that EQD2 > 66 Gy and combining chemotherapy or surgery can enhance LC or PFS in ASF. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for this rare malignancy, particularly in elderly patients.
Why Does Academic Enjoyment Affect Foreign Language Proficiency? The Mediating Role of Elaboration Strategies

From the perspective of positive psychology, academic enjoyment, a positive achievement emotion, positively impacts school outcomes. However, studies have yet to explore the mediating mechanism between academic enjoyment and achievement. This research investigated the direct and indirect effects of academic enjoyment on foreign language (FL) proficiency. Specifically, this study endeavored to test the role of FL enjoyment on FL elaboration strategies and whether FL elaboration strategies, in turn, affects FL proficiency. Data were collected from 505 Chinese secondary school students aged 12 to 15 using convenience sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analyses found that FL elaboration strategies partially mediated the relationship between FL enjoyment and FL proficiency. Implications, shortcomings, and directions for further studies are also discussed.
Risk Factors for the In-Hospital Mortality in Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Cross-Sectional Study on 9753 Patients

Background: Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis represents a clinical challenge associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze potential risk factors for the in-hospital mortality of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) patients. Methods: Based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for VO (“M46.2-”, “M46.3-”, and “M46.4-”) data for total case numbers, secondary diagnoses, and numbers of in-hospital deaths were extracted from the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK GmbH). Odds ratios (OR) for death were calculated for several secondary diseases and factors of interest. Results: Despite age, certain comorbidities were found to be strongly associated with increased mortality risk: Heart failure (OR = 2.80; 95% CI 2.45 to 3.20; p < 0.01), chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.57 to 2.13; p < 0.01), and diabetes with complications (OR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.46 to 2.38; p < 0.01). Among the complications, acute liver failure showed the highest risk for in-hospital mortality (OR = 42.41; 95% CI 23.47 to 76.62; p < 0.01). Additionally, stage III kidney failure (OR = 9.81; 95% CI 7.96 to 12.08; p < 0.01), sepsis (OR = 5.94; 95% CI 5.02 to 7.03; p < 0.01), acute respiratory failure (OR = 5.31; 95% CI 4.61 to 6.12; p < 0.01), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (OR = 5.19; 95% CI 3.69 to 5.19; p < 0.01) were associated with in-hospital mortality. When analyzing the influence of pathogens, documented infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest risk for mortality (OR = 2.74; 95% CI 2.07 to 3.63; p < 0.01), followed by Streptococci, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus infections. Conclusions: An early assessment of individual patient risk factors may be beneficial in the care and treatment of VO to help reduce the risks of mortality. These findings emphasize the importance of closely monitoring VO patients with chronic organ diseases, early detection and treatment of sepsis, and tailored empirical antibiotic therapy. The identification of specific pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility testing should be prioritized to improve patient outcomes in this high-risk population.
Phase retrieval via randomized block Kaczmarz by averaging with heavy ball momentum

We propose a variant of the randomized Kaczmarz method for solving phase retrieval problems called randomized block Kaczmarz with heavy ball momentum (RBK-HB). It achieves effective acceleration compared to the Kaczmarz methods by combining block and heavy ball momentum techniques. In the theoretical part, by assuming that the loss function is strongly convex near the true solution, the RBK-HB method converges linearly with high probability. Numerical experiments show that compared with the Kaczmarz methods, the RBK-HB method is less sensitive to the initial point, the number of measurements required for successful recovery is less and has a faster convergence rate.
Remote sensing and environmental assessment of wetland ecological degradation in the Small Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China

The plain marsh wetland ecosystems are sensitive to changes in the natural environment and the intensity of human activities. The Sanjiang Plain is China’s largest area of concentrated marsh wetland, the Small Sanjiang Plain is the most important component of the Sanjiang Plain. However, with the acceleration of the urbanization and development of large-scale agricultural reclamation activities in the Small Sanjiang Plain in Northeast China, the wetland has been seriously damaged. In light of this degradation this study examines the Small Sanjiang Plain.From the four aspects of area, structure, function, and human activities, we try to construct a wetland degradation comprehensive index (WDCI) in cold region with expert scoring methods and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), coupled with network and administrative unit. The objective was to reveal the degradation of wetlands in Northeast China over three decades at a regional scale.The results showed that (1) the overall wetland area decreased between 1990 and 2020 by 39.26×103 hm2. Within this period a significant decrease of 336.56×103 hm2 occurred between 1990 and 200 and a significant increase of 214.62×103 hm2 occurred between 2010 and 2020. (2) In terms of structural changes, the fractal dimension (FRAC) has the same trend as the Landscape Fragmentation Index (LFI) with little change. (3) In terms of functional changes, the average above-ground biomass (AGB) increased from 1029.73 kg/hm2 to 1405.38 kg/hm2 between 1990 and 2020 in the study area. (4) In terms of human activities, the average human disturbance was 0.52, 0.46, 0.57 and 0.53 in 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020, with the highest in 2010. (5) The composite wetland degradation index shows that the most severe wetland degradation was 49.61% in 2010 occurred between 1990 and 2020. (6) Among the severely deteriorated trajectory types in 2010–2020, mild degradation → serious degradation accounted for the largest area of 240.23×103 hm2, and the significant improvement trajectory type in 1990–2000 accounted for the largest area of 238.50×103 hm2.In brief, we conclude that the degradation of the Small Sanjiang Plain wetland was caused mainly by construction, overgrazing, deforestation, and farmland reclamation. This study can also provide new views for monitoring and managing wetland degradation by remote sensing in cold regions.
Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Outpatients Adolescents Diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study

Weight restoration is the primary goal of treatment for patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). This observational pilot study aims to describe adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the consequent process of weight and functional recovery in outpatient adolescents diagnosed with AN. Eight patients with a median age of 15.1 (14.0–17.1) years were seen at baseline and after six months. Anthropometrics, body composition, and resting energy expenditure (REE) were assessed. The KIDMED questionnaire, the 24 h recall, and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire were used to evaluate adherence to the MD. The median KIDMED score increased from 5.5 (T0) to 10 (T1), which was not significant. Intakes of grams of carbohydrates, lipids, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber increased (p = 0.012, p = 0.036, p = 0.036, p = 0.025). Weight significantly increased (p = 0.012) as well as lean body mass (p = 0.036), with a resulting improvement of the REE (p = 0.012). No association between anthropometrics and body composition and the KIDMED score was found. The MD could represent an optimal dietary pattern for weight gain and nutritional restoration in patients with AN, and it could lead to an improvement in body composition and resting energy expenditure.
The use of quantitative T1-mapping to identify cells and collagen fibers in rectal cancer

Aim This study aimed to explore the value of T1 mapping in assessing the grade and stage of rectal adenocarcinoma and its correlation with tumor tissue composition. Methods Informed consent was obtained from all rectal cancer patients after approval by the institutional review board. Twenty-four patients (14 women and 10 men; mean age, 64.46 years; range, 35 – 82 years) were enrolled in this prospective study. MRI examinations were performed using 3.0T MR scanner before surgery. HE, immunohistochemical, and masson trichrome-staining was performed on the surgically resected tumors to assess the degree of differentiation, stage, and invasion. Two radiologists independently analyzed native T1 and postcontrast T1 for each lesion, and calculated the extracellular volume (ECV) was calculated from T1 values. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were applied to analyze the interobserver agreement of native T1 values and postcontrast T1 values. Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the differences between T1 mapping parameters and differentiation types, T and N stages, and venous and neural invasion. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the correlation of T1 mapping extraction parameters with caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX-2), Ki-67 index, and collagen expression. Results Both the native and postcontrast T1 values had an excellent interobserver agreement (ICC 0.945 and 0.942, respectively). Postcontrast T1 values indicated significant differences in venous invasion (t=2.497, p=0.021) and neural invasion (t=2.254, p=0.034). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between native T1 values and Ki-67 (r=-0.407, p=0.049). There was a significant positive correlation between ECV and collagen expression (r=0.811, p=.000) and a significant negative correlation between ECV and CDX-2 (r=-0.465, p=0.022) and Ki-67 (r=-0.549, p=0.005). Conclusion Postcontrast T1 value can be used to assess venous and neural invasion in rectal cancer. ECV measurements based on T1 mapping can be used to identify cells and collagen fibers in rectal cancer.
In vitro and molecular docking studies on a novel Brevibacillus borstelensis NOB3 bioactive compounds as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity

ABSTRACT Cancerous tumor growth and inflammation stimulate the search for novel anticancer drugs. This pioneering study isolated Brevibacillus borstelensis NOB3 from a solar saltern and tested its bioactive substances for anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. An in-silico test against HeLa cells was followed by an in-vitro MTT test. Agar well diffusion was used to examine the activity of the bioactive compounds of B. borstelensis NOB3 against spectrum human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The highest clear zone was found with Bacillus subtilis (30 mm), followed by Escherichia coli and Candida albicans (28 mm); Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus had a smaller zone of inhibition (25 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), was 31.25 g/ml against E. coli, followed by 62.5 g/ml against B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. Twenty-two bioactive substances were identified by (GC-MS). The binding energy of pyrazine, n-hexadecenoic acid, and oleic acid was measured for the cervical cancer target protein, and the findings were ‒5.1 kcal/mol, ‒4.6 kcal/mol, and ‒4.7 kcal/mol, respectively. In-vitro tests revealed potential action against the HeLa cell line with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 68.46 g/ml. The novel halophilic B. borstelensis NOB3 has the potential to produce bioactive compounds for drug development.
Response of varieties of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) to organic management

Consumer awareness regarding the impacts of high-input chemical intensive conventional agriculture on the soil, environment and human health has spurred the growth of organic agriculture systems. Organic agriculture ensures sustainable production, safe food and environmental conservation. It is estimated that more than 95% of organic production is based on crop varieties that were bred for the conventional high-input sector. Such varieties lack important traits required under organic and low-input production conditions. There is dearth of information on the response of varieties to organic management. Field experiments were conducted for two years during 2010 and 2011 at the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, to compare the growth, yield and quality performance of five elephant foot yam [Amorphallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson] varieties (Peerumade local, Gajendra, Sree Padma, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) local and Sree Athira) and soil physicochemical and biological properties under organic vs conventional systems in split plot design. Varieties Ã— production systems interaction was not significant for most of the variables. The elite as well as the local varieties responded equally well to both the systems with average corm yields of 27.72 tonnes/ha under organic and 28.55 tonnes/ha under conventional practice. The var. Gajendra responded well to organic management producing higher yield (+10%). The other varieties had lower yield losses (-2.5-15.0%) under the organic system. The corms of the varieties had slightly higher dry matter, sugar, P, K and Fe contents under organic system. The varieties also exerted similar effects on soil physicochemical and biological properties, when tested under organic and conventional management. However, Gajendra and Sree Padma effected significantly higher organic C status under organic management due to greater biomass addition on account of their innate robust plant type. In general, there was significant improvement in soil pH and bacterial count, slight lowering of bulk density and particle density, improvement in water holding capacity, secondary and micronutrient status, N fixers and dehydrogenase enzyme activity in the organic system.
Rotation invariant deep binary hashing for fast image retrieval

In this paper, we study how to compactly represent image’s characteristics for fast image retrieval. We propose supervised rotation invariant compact discriminative binary descriptors through combining convolutional neural network with hashing. In the proposed network, binary codes are learned by employing a hidden layer for representing latent concepts that dominate on class labels. A loss function is proposed to minimize the difference between binary descriptors that describe reference image and the rotated one. Compared with some other supervised methods, the proposed network doesn’t have to require pair-wised inputs for binary code learning. Experimental results show that our method is effective and achieves state-of-the-art results on the CIFAR-10 and MNIST datasets.
Observation of self-mode-locked noise-like pulses from a net normal dispersion erbium-doped fiber laser

Self-mode-locked noise-like pulses (NLPs) were experimentally investigated from a normal dispersion erbium-doped fiber laser. Different from noise-like pulses with a broadband spectrum, the self-mode-locked NLPs have a narrow optical spectrum of 1–2 nm and hundreds of nanoseconds duration. However, the intra-cavity maximum energy of NLPs is up to 560 nJ without pulse breaking. The higher pulse energy output is promising in the proposed fiber laser. To confirm whether self-mode-locked NLPs are caused by an invisible nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) mechanism owing to slight residual polarization asymmetry of the fiber and components used, we compared the output characteristics between self-mode-locked NLPs and NPR mode-locked pulses in the same cavity. The experimental results show that the formation mechanism of such self-mode-locked NLPs could be related to a weak NPR effect.
How Infection and Vaccination Are Linked to Acute and Chronic Urticaria: A Special Focus on COVID-19

Since more than a century ago, there has been awareness of the connection between viral infections and the onset and exacerbation of urticaria. Our knowledge about the role of viral infection and vaccination in acute and chronic urticaria improved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but it has also highlighted knowledge gaps. Viral infections, especially respiratory tract infections like COVID-19, can trigger the onset of acute urticaria (AU) and the exacerbation of chronic urticaria (CU). Less frequently, vaccination against viruses including SARS-CoV-2 can also lead to new onset urticaria as well as worsening of CU in minority. Here, with a particular focus on COVID-19, we review what is known about the role of viral infections and vaccinations as triggers and causes of acute and chronic urticaria. We also discuss possible mechanistic pathways and outline the unmet needs in our knowledge. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood, it is believed that viral signals, medications, and stress can activate skin mast cells (MCs). Further studies are needed to fully understand the relevance of viral infections and vaccinations in acute and chronic urticaria and to better clarify causal pathways.