Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-lingual Argumentation Mining

Argumentative structures are one of the fundamental elements composing natural language utterances, since these aim at giving coherence and structure to the documents, especially if the goal of a given natural language utterance is to persuade or inform. The extraction of this kind of structures from natural language texts is a task with great potential in the current Web context, given the significant increase in news streams brought by the Web, or in the possibility to share written opinion, in fora or social networks. This task, however, has a significant complexity, due to both the multiple arrangements that argumentative structures can have, and the uneven availability of supporting resources, according to the languages chosen. In the present dissertation, we present a system capable of extracting argumentative structures from natural language texts, through the use of a deep neural network, with parameters infered through supervised machine learning techniques. Two datasets were used to support the experiments, differing both in the type of texts (i.e., news vs essays) and in the language (i.e., Portuguese vs English). We also tested the possibility to improve the performance of the Portuguese models through the usage of cross-lingual and/or multi-task learning approaches, by combining texts on different languages/tasks during model training. The achieved results show the validity of a neural network based approach, in comparison to other systems using different types of models. They also show that the performance of a model depends on the amount of text available to its training. Palavras Chave Keywords
AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CAMCER ON PATIENT-LEVEL VIA DEEPLAB-V3+

Breast cancer’s automatic diagnosis is an essential task that promises more accessible healthcare. In this paper, based on the machine learning algorithm, we describe the process of predicting patient-level cancer metastasis. Firstly, the region of interest is extracted from the whole slide image. Next, the foreground region is split into smaller patches which are classified in pixel-level with Deeplab-v3+ model. Then, based on pixel-level predicting probabilities, slide-level heatmap is generated and features are extracted. Moreover, with XGBoost classification, the slide is classified into negative, itc, micro and macro. Finally, patient-level pN stage are determined by 5 slide-level predictions.
USING PISTON PRESS TESTS FOR DETERMINING OPTIMAL ENERGY INPUT FOR AN HPGR OPERATION

Multiple trade-off studies have shown that grinding circuits with high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) can be more energy efficient than the circuits with semi-autogeneous (SAG) mills. However, such studies are difficult to conduct because the current practice of sizing and selecting the HPGR requires large samples for pilot-scale testing that are expensive and difficult to obtain. There is therefore a need for a small scale test procedure that can reliably predict the energy requirements of the HPGR for a given orebody. Three methodologies involving piston press tests were developed recently at the Norman B. Keevil (NBK) Institute of Mining: 1. The “Direct Calibration Methodology” calibrates piston press test results to pilot-scale HPGR results on a representative composite sample from a deposit. Piston press tests can then be used to determine the energy–size reduction relationship for a range ore types within the deposit. 2. Similarly, the “Database-Calibrated Methodology” calibrates piston press tests against a database of pilot-scale HPGR and piston press tests. The database includes results from pilot scale HPGR tests on 15 different ores for which piston press testing was also conducted. 3. The “Simulation Methodology” involves piston press testing on five narrow size classes of particles at three energy levels from a mineral deposit. The results are used to define the energy–breakage relationship that can be used for circuit simulation. All three test methods are valuable tools for predicting the energy-size reduction relationship for the HPGR. The ability to conduct simple piston press tests requiring less than 10 kg of sample greatly assists assessment of the HPGR for early stage projects.
Assessment of genetic diversity in main local sheep breeds from Romania using microsatellite markers

Abstract The state of the local breeds of farm animals is increasingly precarious worldwide because of the aggressive introduction of breeds with improved economical traits. The preference of the breeders for local breeds is due to their higher adaptability to the particular climate and relief conditions of the mountain areas, to the high rate of assimilation of the feeds from these regions and to their increased resistance to diseases. This study analyzes the genetic variation of the main four local Romanian sheep breeds (Tsurcana, Tsigai, Ratska and Teleorman Blackhead) in terms of stock and economic importance, using 18 microsatellite markers. The mean number of alleles per locus was of 9.764. The values of genetic diversity parameters exhibited a high degree of polymorphism for the analyzed breeds, although inbreeding was highlighted particularly in Tsurcana and Tsigai. These breeds also showed an intense gene flow among them and were less differentiated in comparison with Ratska and Teleorman Blackhead. The results of this study may be useful for breeding programs and conservation plans since the genetic resources of the local breeds must be preserved so as to maintain an adequate level of biodiversity in animal husbandry.
TECHNIQUE IN RNA ISOLATION OF DIGESTIVE TRACT FROM Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) or also known as Red Palm Weevil (RPW) is a common pest which cause serious problem in palms. Deep understanding towards physiology of its feeding system might provide meaningful insight in managing this pest infestation. This short note was aimed to isolate good quality RNA from salivary glands, midgut and hindgut of R. ferrugineus to be used for gene expression study. A total of four weevils were used to extract RNA from salivary gland while one weevil was used for RNA extraction from midgut and hindgut. Several key measures were taken during tissue harvesting and RNA extraction such as RNAse decontamination of working area, tissue storage in liquid nitrogen and RNA later ® upon dissection and slight modification during tissue disruption. Total yield for RNA of salivary glands, midgut and hindgut were 6.9 µg, 46.1 µg and 7.2 µg in 20 µL respectively. Quality of the RNA from all tissues were also good with 260/280 ratio being above 2. In addition, Bioanalyzer analysis also gave high RIN number for all RNA. In conclusion, the techniques utilised for RNA extraction from salivary gland, midgut and hindgut of red palm weevil able to yield good quality and quantity of RNA.
UHI Research Database pdf download summary Daily rhythms of expression in reproductive genes along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis and liver of zebrafish Paredes,

The brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG) axis regulates the activation of the endocrine machinery that triggers reproduction, which is a typical rhythmic process. In this research we focused on investigating the daily expression rhythms of the key reproductive genes involved in the BPG axis and the liver of zebrafish. To this end, male and female zebrafish were subjected to a stimulating photoperiod with a 14h light:10h dark cycle. Brain, pituitary and gonads, as well as female liver samples, were taken every 4 hours during a 24 h cycle. The results revealed that most genes exhibited statistically significant daily rhythms. Most of the brain reproductive genes (gnrh2, gnrh3, kiss1, kiss2 and gnrhr3) displayed a daily rhythm of expression with a nocturnal acrophase (between Zeitgeber Time [ZT] 14:34h and ZT18:34h, lights off at ZT=14h). The male kiss2 gene presented neither significant rhythms nor daily variations, while the male gnrh3 and female kiss2 genes exhibited diurnal peaks of expression at ZT06:34h and ZT04:34h, respectively. In contrast, the pituitary genes (fshβ, lhβ, gnrhr2) showed daily rhythms of expression with an acrophase during the light phase (between ZT02:10h and ZT10:35h). The female gnrhr3 gene exhibited neither significant rhythms nor daily variations. The male gnrhr3 gene presented a nocturnal acrophase (ZT14:32h). The gonad genes (star, cyp17a1, 20βhsd, lhr, fshr, cyp19a1a, foxl2, amh, dmrt1 and 11βhsd) revealed statistically significant daily rhythms with nocturnal acrophases, except for female cyp17a1a (ZT06:21h) and 20βhsd (ZT05:19h). Lastly, the female liver genes presented daily rhythms with a maximum peak of expression around the transition phase from darkness to light (ZT01:00h for erα and at ZT23:09h for vtg2). These findings are consistent with the daily reproduction rhythms displayed by zebrafish, which are timed by the reproductive axis. Considering that reproductive success is critical for survival of the species, the knowledge of the rhythms of the endocrine BPG machinery provides useful information to understand the reproduction process and to establish optimal protocols and conditions for reproductive treatments.
Prediction of body composition in mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) by using linear measurements in vivo and computed tomography post-mortem

Abstract The mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) belongs to the cyprinids, the world's largest and most important fish family in aquaculture. The fat content and the fillet yield are important parameters in the marketing of carp. Although the influence of the environment on the body composition of the carp has been well studied, there is little research in the field of breeding. For this purpose, precise phenotyping is indispensable. Therefore, during this study a total of 33 mirror carps were examined using computed tomography (CT) technology. First, the fish were examined alive. Total body weight and linear measurements such as lengths, height and circumferences were measured, and ultrasound was used to determine the back-fat thickness. The fish were then slaughtered and whole body scans of all fish using CT were made. The carps were filleted and the fillets with skin were chemically analyzed. In order to predict the chemical fillet fat content, thickness measurements and volume calculations of the back fat were carried out using CT. Compared to the CT-based back-fat thickness measurement correlated with the results from the chemical analysis (R2=0.62), the CT-based volume measurement of the back fat leads to a higher coefficient of determination (R2=0.85). Prediction results can still be improved by adding linear measurements. The in vivo ultrasound (US) examination of the back-fat thickness was compared with the CT back-fat thickness results. The measurements of the back-fat thickness took place at similar positions in the fish. Coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.63 to 0.77 were obtained. The back fat in mirror carp proved to be an interesting area for determining the fillet fat content. The evaluation of the fillet yield resulted in a mean value of 42.89 % with a standard deviation of ±2.43. Fillet yield (%) correlated with CT-based fillet thickness measurement resulted in a moderate coefficient of determination (R2 of 0.45). A similar coefficient of determination was achieved with selected linear measurements.
Real-Time Visualization of 4D Scalar Data using Hardware Accelerated Volume Rendering

(cid:151)We present a visualization framework using direct volume rendering techniques that achieves real-time performance and high image quality. The visualization program runs on a desktop as well as in an immersive environment. The application is named HurricaneVis, and it uses OpenGL, GLSL and VTK. For immersive visualization VRJuggler is added. The initial use was visualization of scalar data from numerical weather model simulations of tropical cyclones, namely Hurricanes Isabelle and Lili. We are expanding that to include visualization of other types of scalar and time-varying data sets.
The hidden costs of abusive supervision RUNNING HEAD: The hidden costs of abusive supervision THE INFLUENCE OF ABUSIVE SUPERVISORS ON FOLLOWERS’ ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIORS: THE HIDDEN COSTS OF ABUSIVE SUPERVISION

In this paper, we identified an expanded array of mediators including interactional justice, organizational-based self-esteem, and the meaning of work, which link abusive supervision to two organizational citizenship behaviors – prosocial silence and prosocial voice. Data from 175 employee-supervisor dyads in the Philippines were collected. Results of structural equation modeling revealed that abusive supervision was significantly negatively associated with followers’ perceptions of interactional justice, which in turn was negatively associated with supervisor-rated prosocial voice behaviors. In addition, abusive supervision was negatively associated with followers’ beliefs that they are engaged in meaningful work and with organizational-based selfesteem, which in turn negatively influenced self-rated prosocial silence. The discussion focuses on the implications of the hidden costs of abusive supervision in organizations.
ADVERSE EFFECT OF ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION THERAPY ON METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS COMPONENTS IN METASTATIC PROSTATE CARCINOMA PATIENTS

Objective: Study was done to investigate the adverse effects of androgen-deprivation therapy on metabolic syndrome and its components in metastatic prostate carcinoma patients. Material and Methods: It was a hospital-based prospective study comprising fifty-one subjects with diagnosed metastatic prostate carcinoma. The subjects receiving androgen deprivation therapy were classified into two groups, one group including patients who have received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (n=18) and another group including patients with bilateral orchiectomy (n=33) on the basis of the modalities of androgen deprivation therapy. Measurement of the anthropometric parameters viz. blood pressure, body weight, height, body mass index and biochemical parameters viz. fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity, total lipids, phospholipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acid, levels of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen were done and the subjects were examined for Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) criteria for metabolic syndrome. Results: A significant rise was observed in the waist circumference and biochemical parameters and insulin sensitivity and also the level of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen were significantly decreased after the androgen deprivation therapy (i.e. orchiectomy and medical therapy) of 18 months. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that androgen deprivation therapy adversely affects the metabolic risk factors as identified by Adult Treatment Panel III and also increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Author Affiliations: 1,2,3 Department of Biochemistry, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan(India) 4 Department of Medical Oncology, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan (India).
Cheng Yan, Yiu-Wing Mai and Lin Ye

To study the fracture behaviour of an adhesive joint, a thorough understanding of the crack tip stress field is essential. In this study, large deformation finite element analysis has been carried out for compact tension (CT) specimen with different bond thickness. Numerical results indicate a higher opening stress is observed in the joint with a smaller bond thickness (h) when loaded to the same applied J-integral value. Beyond the crack tip region, a self-similar stress field can be described by the normalized loading parameter J/hσo. The relationship between J and crack tip opening displacement is dependent on the bond thickness. For small bond thickness, toughness is linearly proportional to bond thickness caused by the high constraint. Beyond a critical bond thickness, the toughness decreases due to the rapid opening (blunting) of the crack tip with loading.
The Anatomy of Knowledge: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Evolution of Ideas in Space Syntax Conference Articles (1997-2017)

Since its inception in the 1970s, space syntax has matured into a theory and a method comprising a set of recurring theoretical and analytical concepts, as well as new ones emerging through the years. How can we trace the evolution of the field through language? How can we analyse the development of ideas in space syntax research? What can we learn from this evolution about knowledge creation in this area? Recognising that language is central to the development of ideas in any field, this paper uses automated text-analyses, focusing more specifically on all papers published in the space syntax symposia proceedings from 1997 to 2017. The purpose is to trace the trajectory of ideas as they were elaborated, used and perhaps changed in the collective work of authors researching within this field in different parts of the world. Firstly, we identify concepts and technical terminology in the field through a combined quantitative and qualitative text analysis. Secondly, we statistically assess the use of these terms, revealing patterns and trends in the evolution of knowledge in space syntax. Thirdly, we compare patterns between established concepts and categories that stabilise over time with concepts emerging more recently. The results from our analysis of networks of concept relationships suggest that: (i) concepts and terms evolve in dependent trajectories; (ii) ideas have evolutionary developments, with some emerging and gaining growing attention, while others showing clear signs of stability, and others losing centrality over time, including networks of what can be termed as ‘canonical’ concepts. We have also identified (iii) an overall decline in the use of early space syntax concepts rooted in social theory and anthropology; (iv) a trend of decreasing conceptual novelty over time; (v) traces of increasing influence by other fields; and finally (vi) signs of a clear ‘technological turn’ in the field.
A SOFTWARE TOOL FOR ASSESSING MULTI-FRAMEWORKS ENVIRONMENTS

Organizations implement and use frameworks to improve organizations competitiveness. Nowadays, approximately 315 standards, guides, handbooks, and other prescriptive documents which were taken as frameworks have been developed over time, adding in that way more instability for process quality, norms and regulations. Taking into account that there is no single reference model that meets all requirements that organizations need to satisfy, organizations currently demand the implementation of practices of several frameworks as support to their needs. However, the assessment of diﬀerent frameworks implies an unreasonable eﬀort because each framework deﬁnes its own scope, structure of process entities, deﬁnitions, terminology quality systems and approach. Therefore, in this thesis abstract we present the developed software assessment tool that uses an Enterprise Architecture platform called EAMS to reduce the needed eﬀort to perform assessments in multiframeworks environments.
Effects of teaching the sampling distribution of the means using simulation with and without stating the central limit theorem

Teaching sampling distribution of the means (SDM) using simulation has the potential to mislead students who might falsely believe that the mean of SDM will more closely approximate the population mean (μ) as the sample size (n) increases. A teaching experiment was conducted involving two Introductory Statistics classes. Both classes were taught the concept of SDM using simulation but the central limit theorem (CLT) was only stated in one class. A questionnaire on assessing students’ thinking and possible misunderstanding about CLT and sampling distribution was administered before and after the experiment to both groups. A statistical analysis comparing both groups were conducted. It was found that the instructions affect students’ understanding of SDM, however, there is no significant difference in students’ understanding of sampling distribution for both classes after the instructions.
Survey of Histoplasma capsulatum in bat guano and status of histoplasmosis in Slovenia, Central Europe

: There have been increasing reports on the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum in some European countries. The study investigated the presence of Histoplasma in bat guanos, speleologists with records of visiting Histoplasma -endemic regions and patients with histoplasmosis. A commercial ALPHA Histoplasma Antigen enzyme immunoassay was tested as an alternative methodology to detect Histoplasma in environment and compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The presence of Histoplasma antigen in bat guanos was not confirmed by PCR. Among 14 healthy speleologists, two were indicated as having the Histoplasma antigen in urine, but expressed negative PCR-specific results for the Histoplasma antigen. Five unequivocal cases of imported acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in Slovenia between years 2005 and 2016 were confirmed in patients returning from North and South America after visiting hazardous localities e.g., caves with guano, and places with dust. Currently there is no evidence of autochthonous histoplasmosis in Slovenia, or that bat guano is a source of H. capsulatum . Involvement of histoplasmosis in travellers’ and cavers’ morbidity might be underestimated in non-endemic areas. It is crucial to ensure the use of appropriate protective equipment in Histoplasma hazardous localities, to spread information about this hazardous microbe to vulnerable populations and to monitor the health of the environment. A differential diagnosis for a febrile respiratory disease outbreak in patients returning from endemic regions should trigger routine consideration of possible histoplasmosis.
How Costly are License Plate-Based Driving Restrictions ? Contingent Valuation Evidence from Beijing

A common policy response to severe air pollution and traffic congestion in developing country megacities is to ban the driving of vehicles with license plates ending in certain numbers on certain days. We use the contingent valuation method to estimate the costs to drivers of Beijing’s driving restrictions program, one of the world’s largest. Our study generates three main findings. First, costs are significant: RMB 353 to 708 (US $53 to $107) per driver per year, which represents 0.5 to 1 percent of annual income, and RMB 1.6 billion to 3.3 billion (US $245 million to $493 million) per year for all drivers. Second, available evidence suggests that the benefits of the program are well above the costs. Finally, the costs per driver are significantly smaller than the costs of Mexico City’s program (estimated using the same method), which by most accounts has had zero or negative benefits. These findings provide some of the strongest evidence to date that driving restrictions programs can have net benefits. They also suggest that relatively high program costs are not a necessary condition for significant program benefits—in fact, the opposite may be true.
Residual Volumetric Network for Segmentation of Prostate from MR Image

In this manuscript, we will describe our automated method for segmentation of the prostate from MR images in PROMISE12 Challenge. As a paper is preparing, we will roughly describe our method and a detailed paper will be uploaded after publication. We propose a 3D convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs) based method for automated segmentation of the prostate from MR images. The proposed 3D network takes advantage of fully convolutional architecture to perform efficient, end-to-end, volume-to-volume prediction. More importantly, we introduce the recent proposed residual learning technique into our network, which can alleviate vanishing gradients problem and improve the performance of our network.