Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep Sensory Substitution: Noninvasively Enabling Biological Neural Networks to Receive Input from Artificial Neural Networks

As is expressed in the adage"a picture is worth a thousand words", when using spoken language to communicate visual information, brevity can be a challenge. This work describes a novel technique for leveraging machine-learned feature embeddings to sonify visual (and other types of) information into a perceptual audio domain, allowing users to perceive this information using only their aural faculty. The system uses a pretrained image embedding network to extract visual features and embed them in a compact subset of Euclidean space -- this converts the images into feature vectors whose $L^2$ distances can be used as a meaningful measure of similarity. A generative adversarial network (GAN) is then used to find a distance preserving map from this metric space of feature vectors into the metric space defined by a target audio dataset equipped with either the Euclidean metric or a mel-frequency cepstrum-based psychoacoustic distance metric. We demonstrate this technique by sonifying images of faces into human speech-like audio. For both target audio metrics, the GAN successfully found a metric preserving mapping, and in human subject tests, users were able to accurately classify audio sonifications of faces.
Integration with filters

We introduce a notion of integration defined from filters over families of finite sets. This procedure corresponds to determining the average value of functions whose range lies in any algebraic structure in which finite averages make sense. The most relevant scenario involves algebraic structures that extend the field of rational numbers; hence, it is possible to associate to the filter integral an upper and lower standard part, which can be interpreted as upper and lower bounds on the average value of the function that one expects to observe empirically. We discuss the main properties of the filter integral and we show that it is expressive enough to represent every real integral. As an application, we define a geometric measure on an infinite-dimensional vector space that overcomes some of the known limitations of real-valued measures. We also discuss how the filter integral can be applied to the problem of non-Archimedean integration, and we develop the iteration theory for these integrals.
Valuation of contingent claims with short selling bans under an equal-risk pricing framework

This paper studies the valuation of European contingent claims with short selling bans under the equal risk pricing (ERP) framework proposed in Guo and Zhu (2017) where analytical pricing formulae were derived in the case of monotonic payoffs under risk-neutral measures. We establish a unified framework for this new pricing approach so that its range of application can be significantly expanded. The results of Guo and Zhu (2017) are extended to the case of non-monotonic payoffs (such as a butterfly spread option) under risk-neutral measures. We also provide numerical schemes for computing equal-risk prices under other measures such as the original physical measure. Furthermore, we demonstrate how short selling bans can affect the valuation of contingent claims by comparing equal-risk prices with Black-Scholes prices.
Adapting Language Models for Zero-shot Learning by Meta-tuning on Dataset and Prompt Collections

Large pre-trained language models (LMs) such as GPT-3 have acquired a surprising ability to perform zero-shot learning. For example, to classify sentiment without any training examples, we can"prompt"the LM with the review and the label description"Does the user like this movie? ", and ask whether the next word is"yes"or"no". However, the next word prediction training objective is still misaligned with the target zero-shot learning objective. To address this weakness, we propose meta-tuning, which directly optimizes the zero-shot learning objective by fine-tuning pre-trained language models on a collection of datasets. We focus on classification tasks, and construct the meta-dataset by aggregating 43 existing datasets and annotating 441 label descriptions in a question-answering (QA) format. When evaluated on unseen tasks, meta-tuned models outperform a same-sized QA model and the previous SOTA zero-shot learning system based on natural language inference. Additionally, increasing parameter count from 220M to 770M improves AUC-ROC scores by 6.3%, and we forecast that even larger models would perform better. Therefore, measuring zero-shot learning performance on language models out-of-the-box might underestimate their true potential, and community-wide efforts on aggregating datasets and unifying their formats can help build models that answer prompts better.
Regeneration and growth in crowns and rhizome fragments of Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and desiccation as a potential control strategy

Reynoutria japonica (Japanese knotweed) is a problematic invasive plant found in many areas of Europe and North America. Notably, in the UK, the species can cause issues with mortgage acquisition. Control of R. japonica is complicated by its ability to regenerate from small fragments of plant material; however, there remains uncertainty about how much (in terms of mass) rhizome is required for successful regeneration. This study investigated the ability of crowns and rhizomes with different numbers of nodes to regenerate successfully from three sites in the north of England, UK. Two of the sites had been subject to herbicide treatment for two years prior to sampling and the third site had no history of herbicide treatment. No significant differences were observed in regenerated stem diameter, maximum height of stem and maximum growth increments among crowns. All traits measured from the planted crowns were significantly greater than those of the planted rhizome fragments and at least one node was necessary for successful regeneration of rhizomes. The smallest initial fragment weight to regenerate and survive the experiment was 0.5 g. Subjecting all plant material to desiccation for 38 days resulted in no regrowth (emergence or regeneration) after replanting. These findings suggest that desiccation could be a valuable management strategy for small to medium scale infestations common in urban settings.
Rapid Elemental Analysis of Sugarcane Spirits by Inductively Coupled Plasma: Optical Emission Spectrometry

Abstract A simple, direct, and rapid method was developed and employed to determine arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and nickel in sugarcane spirits by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The samples were analyzed directly, avoiding the need for sample treatment or the use of toxic chemicals in agreement with the green chemistry principles. The accuracy was evaluated using spiked trials at three levels for each contaminant, with recoveries between 83 and 115%. High sensitivity was obtained, with limits of detection less than 0.008 mg L−1 for all elements but copper (0.05 mg L−1), in agreement with Brazilian and The Common Market of the South regulations. Low values of coefficient of variation were also observed, 0.4 to 7.7% for all analytes. The analysis time and sample amount required for the direct method were lower than methods that use sample treatment procedures, which is very positive for routine laboratory analysis.
Complex coacervates as extraction media

Various solvents such as ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and aqueous two phase systems have been suggested as greener alternatives to existing extraction processes. We propose to add macroscopic complex coacervates to this list. Complex coacervates are liquid-like forms of polyion condensates and consist of a complex of oppositely charged polyions and water. Previous research focussing on the biological significance of these polyion-rich phases has shown that polyion condensates have the ability to extract certain solutes from water and back-extract them by changing parameters such as ionic strength and pH. In this study, we present the distribution coefficients of five commonly used industrial chemicals, namely lactic acid, butanol, and three types of lipase enzymes in poly(ethylenimine)/poly(acrylic acid) complex coacervates. It was found that the distribution coefficients can vary strongly upon variation of tunable parameters such as polyion ratio, ionic strength, polyion and compound concentrations, and temperature. Distribution coefficients ranged from approximately 2 to 50 depending on the tuning of the system parameters. It was also demonstrated that a temperature-swing extraction is possible, with back-extraction of butanol from complex coacervates with a recovery of 21.1%, demonstrating their potential as extraction media.
Spatial scales, patterns, and positivity trends of SARS-CoV-2 pandemics in mass rapid antigen testing in Slovakia

We study geographical epidemic scales and patterns and positivity trends of SARS-CoV-2 pandemics in mass antigen testing in Slovakia in 2020. The observed test positivity was exponentially distributed with a long scale exponential spatial trend, and its characteristic correlation length was approximately 10 km. Spatial scales also play an important role in test positivity reduction between two consecutive testing rounds. While test positivity decreased in all counties, it increased in individual municipalities with low test positivity in the earlier testing round in a way statistically different from a mean-reversion process. Also, non-residents testing influences the mass testing results as test positivity of non-residents was higher than of residents when testing was offered only in municipalities with the highest positivity in previous rounds. Our results provide direct guidance for pandemic geographical data surveillance and epidemic response management.
Factors influencing the articular eminence of the temporomandibular joint (Review)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the most complex and evolved joint in humans, presents two articular surfaces: the condyle of the mandible and the articular eminence (AE) of the temporal bone. AE is the anterior root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and has an anterior and a posterior slope, the latter being also known as the articular surface. AE is utterly important in the biomechanics of the TMJ, as the mandibular condyle slides along the posterior slope of the AE while the mandible moves. The aim of this review was to assess significant factors influencing the inclination of the AE, especially modifications caused by aging, biological sex or edentulism. Studies have reported variations in the angles of the slopes of the AE between medieval and recent human dry skulls, as well as between subjects of different racial origin. Recent articles have emphasized the significant role that tooth loss has on the flattening of the AE. Although some papers have described biological sex or age as factors which could be associated with differences in AE angulations, edentulism seems to be a significant factor impacting on the inclination of the AE.
Social Awareness of Whole Grains and the Feasibility of Replacement with Refined Grains: A Qualitative Study

Background: A correlation between type 2 diabetes and refined carbohydrates has been proven, while several studies have indicated that Iranian daily diets are poor in term of proper carbohydrates. It was thus considered absolutely critical to conduct a qualitative study in terms of people's attitudes toward whole grains, and the feasibility of their replacing existing refined carbohydrates in their diets. The aim of this study is to probe Iranian awareness of whole grains, to explore barriers to refined-grain substitution with whole grains and legumes, and to assess whole-grain sensory perceptions. Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) and taste tests conducted between July 2016 and March 2017 in urban and rural areas of Kurdistan, Yazd, and Tehran provinces in Iran. A total of 96 healthy men and women (aged 40-65, BMI ≥25 kg/m2) were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. FGDs were categorized by content analysis method. As for taste test, ANOVA analysis with Bonferroni post-hoc was used to determine significant differences (P < 0.05). Results: Four themes and 11 sub-themes emerged. Cultural beliefs, traditional eating patterns, sensory properties, and familial acceptance were the most influential factors in choosing the type of bread and rice. Simultaneously they are the most prominent barriers to consuming whole grains and legumes. Plain cooked brown rice had the lowest mean sensory attribute score and traditional whole-wheat flatbread was the highest. Conclusions: There was a higher acceptance tendency toward using traditional whole-wheat flatbread rather than refined grains, as it was consistent with preference and priority. However, low availability was the largest substitution problem.
Concordance Between Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Susceptibility in Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections

Purpose Studies have shown that multiple genes influence antibiotic susceptibility, but the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility is unclear. We sought to analyze the concordance between the presence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) genes and antibiotic susceptibility results in urine samples collected from patients with symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). Patients and Methods Urine samples were collected from patients presenting to 37 geographically disparate urology clinics across the United States from July 2018 to February 2019. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to detect 27 ABR genes. In samples containing at least one culturable organism at a concentration of ≥ 104 cells per mL, pooled antibiotic susceptibility testing (P-AST), which involves simultaneous growing all detected bacteria together in the presence of antibiotic and then measure susceptibility, was performed against 14 antibiotics. The concordance rate between the ABR genes and the P-AST results was generated for the overall group. The concordance rates for each antibiotic between monomicrobial and polymicrobial infection were compared using chi-square test. Results Results from ABR gene detection and P-AST of urine samples from 1155 patients were included in the concordance analysis. Overall, there was a 60% concordance between the presence or absence of ABR genes and corresponding antimicrobial susceptibility with a range of 49–78% across antibiotic classes. Vancomycin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam showed significantly lower concordance rates in polymicrobial infections than in monomicrobial infections. Conclusion Given the 40% discordance rate, the detection of ABR genes alone may not provide reliable data to make informed clinical decisions in UTI management. However, when used in conjunction with susceptibility testing, ABR gene data can offer valuable clinical information for antibiotic stewardship.
Osteology of an exceptionally well-preserved tapejarid skeleton from Brazil: Revealing the anatomy of a curious pterodactyloid clade

A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) of Tupandactylus navigans is here described for the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil. The new specimen comprises an almost complete skeleton, preserving both the skull and post-cranium, associated with remarkable preservation of soft tissues, which makes it the most complete tapejarid known thus far. CT-Scanning was performed to allow the assessment of bones still covered by sediment. The specimen can be assigned to Tupa. navigans due to its vertical supra-premaxillary bony process and short and rounded parietal crest. It also bears the largest dentary crest among tapejarine pterosaurs and a notarium, which is absent in other representatives of the clade. The new specimen is here regarded as an adult individual. This is the first time that postcranial remains of Tupa. navigans are described, being also an unprecedented record of an articulated tapejarid skeleton from the Araripe Basin.
Construction and Examination of an Early Childhood Development Composite Index: Evidence from Iran's Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Assessing children's early development can help health and social policymakers to improve children's well-being. This study aims to develop an early childhood composite index for measuring early childhood care and education among Iranian children considering each child's geographical area, socioeconomic status and gender. Methods: In this cross-sectional secondary study, the data come from Iran's Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey 2010. Of the 9,345 eligible children whose information had been collected, 3,532 fulfilled the inclusion criterion of being 3 or 4 years old at the time of the interview. We examined a composite index and three subscales of early childhood development including “Quality of Care”, “Early Childhood Care and Education”, and “Overall Developmental Status”. Factor analysis and latent class analysis were used for analyzing the data. Results: The results indicate that of the children in the sample, 47.3% were in the “low early child development” class, 6% were in the “middle early child development” class, and 46.7% were in the “high early child development” class. The means of the three subscales and the composite index were significantly different across geographical areas (P < 0.01) and between the socioeconomic classes (P < 0.0001), with children from poorer families having lower scores. The composite index was significantly higher for girls (M = 11.28, SD = 3.96) than boys (M = 10.99, SD = 3.87, P = 0.029). Conclusions: The study presents significant differences in childhood development based on geographical divisions, quartile classes and gender. We suggest that future research is needed to explore the robustness of findings in this study over time and diversity between and within various Iranian populations.
Virtual Morphometry of the First Lumbar Vertebrae for Estimation of Sex Using Computed Tomography Data in the Turkish Population

Introduction It may be necessary to make sex estimation by examining other bones that have been obtained intact. Vertebrae, especially the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, are among the best-preserved skeletal elements from the forensic and archaeological point of view. Therefore, lumbar vertebrae can become an important skeletal element for sex estimation. In our study, measurements were made on the CT images of the first lumbar vertebra, and the accuracy of sex estimation from the L1 vertebra was investigated in the Turkish population. Materials and methods Three dimensional (3D) models of the L1 vertebra were created from CT images of 241 (121 females and 120 males) individuals. Twenty-two linear measurements were taken in lateral, anterior, and superior views of 3D models of the L1 vertebra. Univariate and multivariate discriminant function analyzes were applied to the measured parameters to determine predictive rates of sex. Intra- and interobserver errors were calculated. Results All linear measurements were higher in males than females. All parameters excluding SCD (Spinal canal depth), PLu (Upper pedicle length), PLI (Lower pedicle length), AHi (Inferior articular process height), and SPH (Spinous process height) showed statistically significant differences between sex. The highest rate of 70.5% was obtained for the EPWu (Upper end-plate width) and EPWl (Lower end-plate width) parameters. When all variables of L1 vertebra were included in the stepwise discriminant analysis, correct prediction rates were determined as 72.6%. Conclusion Our study is the first study in which L1 vertebrae are examined with the purpose of sex estimation in the Turkish population and we think that our data will be an important reference for sex estimation from the L1 vertebra in the Turkish population.
Association between Dietary Fat Intake and Odds of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) in Iranian Adults

Background: Most information on the association of dietary fat intake and gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) came from developed countries, where lifestyle and other dietary components might be different from those in developing countries. This cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to investigate the association between dietary fat intake and odds of having GERD in a large group of Iranian population. Study Design: This cross-sectional study was done among 3362 adult population in Isfahan, Iran. Dietary intakes were collected by the use of a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Methods: Assessment of GERD was done using a validated self-administered questionnaire examining the frequency of heartburn in the last 3 months. Individuals with the presence of heartburn symptoms sometimes, often or always during the last 3 months were defined as having GERD. Results: Participants in the top category of dietary fat intake had higher daily intakes of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. Dietary intakes of all food groups were also significantly higher among those in the top quintile as compared with those in the bottom category of dietary fat intake (P < 0.001 for all). There were no significant associations between dietary fat intake and incidence of GERD in general population. Crude and multivariable-adjusted models revealed no significant associations between dietary fat intake and having GERD in either gender. Conclusions: We found no significant association between dietary fat intake and odds of having GERD in this population. Further studies, in particular of prospective designs, are warranted to clarify this association.
“Vitamin D Deficiency Is More Common in Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Retrospective Study”

Background Vitamin D is a hormone that is mainly produced in the skin upon ultraviolet B radiation exposure and has important influence on various organs. In recent years, data have been collected that vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in the development of various nonskeletal diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is one of the most common organ-specific autoimmune endocrine diseases. It is characterized by increased level of antithyroid peroxidase and/or antithyroglobulin antibodies in blood, which often leads to thyroid dysfunction and structural changes of the gland. There is an opinion that vitamin D deficiency may be considered as an important risk factor for development of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, but data of various small studies are controversial. Despite the fact that Georgia is a sunny country, vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem here. Thyroid diseases, including the chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, are also very common in Georgia. The aim of our research was to compare the level of vitamin D between the patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and the healthy subjects. Methods This retrospective study enrolled subjects, who were 18–70 years old and visited the clinics “Cortex” and “National Institute of Endocrinology” in 2018 or in 2019 from mid-spring to mid-summer. Data of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, antithyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid ultrasonography, and 25(OH) vitamin D were retrospectively analysed based on medical history. In total, data of 1295 patients were collected. The statistical processing of data was performed through the SPSS 20 program. Results The negative association between thyroid-stimulating hormone, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, antithyroglobulin antibodies, heterogeneous parenchyma of thyroid gland, and vitamin D was found in women. Statistically significant association was not detected in men. Conclusions Serum vitamin D is lower in women with autoimmune thyroiditis and primary hypothyroidism. Further studies are needed to evaluate the influence of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid autoantibody positivity or primary hypothyroidism.