Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A causal bandit approach to learning good atomic interventions in presence of unobserved confounders

We study the problem of determining the best intervention in a Causal Bayesian Network (CBN) specified only by its causal graph. We model this as a stochastic multi-armed bandit (MAB) problem with side-information, where the interventions correspond to the arms of the bandit instance. First, we propose a simple regret minimization algorithm that takes as input a semi-Markovian causal graph with atomic interventions and possibly unobservable variables, and achieves $\tilde{O}(\sqrt{M/T})$ expected simple regret, where $M$ is dependent on the input CBN and could be very small compared to the number of arms. We also show that this is almost optimal for CBNs described by causal graphs having an $n$-ary tree structure. Our simple regret minimization results, both upper and lower bound, subsume previous results in the literature, which assumed additional structural restrictions on the input causal graph. In particular, our results indicate that the simple regret guarantee of our proposed algorithm can only be improved by considering more nuanced structural restrictions on the causal graph. Next, we propose a cumulative regret minimization algorithm that takes as input a general causal graph with all observable nodes and atomic interventions and performs better than the optimal MAB algorithm that does not take causal side-information into account. We also experimentally compare both our algorithms with the best known algorithms in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this work gives the first simple and cumulative regret minimization algorithms for CBNs with general causal graphs under atomic interventions and having unobserved confounders.
Bayesian Negative Sampling for Recommendation

How to sample high quality negative instances from unlabeled data, i.e., negative sampling, is important for training implicit collaborative filtering and contrastive learning models. Although previous studies have proposed some approaches to sample informative instances, discriminating false negative from true negative for unbiased negative sampling remains an unsolved problem. On the basis of our order relation analysis of negatives’ scores, we first derive the class conditional density of true negatives and that of false negatives. We next design a Bayesian classifier for negative classification, from which we define a model-agnostic posterior probability estimate of an instance being true negative as a quantitative negative signal measure. We also propose a Bayesian optimal sampling rule to sample high-quality negatives. The proposed Bayesian Negative Sampling (BNS) algorithm has a linear time complexity. Experimental studies validate the superiority of BNS over the peers in terms of better sampling quality and better recommendation performance. 1
Shape modifying and controlling with sensor glove in virtual reality

A bicubic B-spline surface, so-called hand surface, is constructed, which interpolates or approximates the key data of a sensor glove or user's hand and is used to control and deform the shapes of surfaces and sohds in a virtual reality (VR) environment. Because a corresponding mapping, a region filter function, an a. blend and an incremental method are adopted, the shape modification becomes very easy and intuitive as if the user was- using his hand to modify and control objects. Experimental results show the potential of the proposed method
A Deep Learning-based Accurate Drug Detection, Identification and Confirmation Mechanism for Medication Dispensing Package of Inpatients

In this study, a deep learning based accurate drug detection, identification and confirmation mechanism (DLADDICM) for medication dispensing package is proposed for inpatients. In this proposed DLADDICM, a medication dispensing package with a printed QR code is photo taken and drugs in the image are detected and identified using a deep learning object detection algorithm, namely You Only Look Once (YOLO). The QR code information is deciphered and compared with the detected drugs to confirm the correctness of the medication dispensing. If there are mismatch situation(s), the computer with the proposed DLADDICM will generate different warning sound in responding to different incorrect situations. A data set with 30 drugs form the National Library of Medicine of NIH, USA is used for testing the DLADDICM using the object tracking and detection deep learning algorithm YOLOv3. Experimental results shown that the DLADDICM can detect and identify the incorrect drugs and generate the appropriate warning sound for the incorrect drug in pharma package for further human inspection. The experimental results also exhibits that by using the AI-enabled mechanism an accurate, safer, healthier with precision medication environment for the medical industries could also be achieved.
‘Abba Kyari did not die of Coronavirus’: Social media and fake news during a global pandemic in Nigeria

This study examined the influence of fake news online on how social media users viewed and reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Analyses of an online survey (N = 254) and contents from Twitter users in Nigeria from the hashtags: ‘#coronavirusNigeria’ and ‘#covid19Nigeria’ (N = 10,408), reveal that social media users in Nigeria used Twitter to inform and educate Twitter users as well as debunking fake news stories about the virus to prevent purveyors of fake news from misleading Twitter users in Nigeria. Findings further indicate that those who use social media platforms and national television as main sources of news and are less educated, are statistically more likely to believe fake news about the virus than those who are educated and used newspapers as main sources of news. Consequently, the study recommends that Nigerian political leaders enact policies that they can observe as their inability to adhere to their own lockdowns powered fake news about COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Changes in Sex Steroids and Relation With Menopausal Complaints in Women Undergoing Risk-reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy

Abstract Context Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is performed in BRCA1 or 2 mutant carriers to minimize ovarian cancer risk. Although studies have been performed investigating sex steroid levels, menopausal complaints, and sexual functioning in relation to RRSO, their exact relationship remains unknown. Objectives To investigate the impact of RRSO on serum sex steroid levels and their association with menopausal complaints and sexual functioning. Methods This prospective observational cohort study included 57 premenopausal and 37 postmenopausal women at risk of ovarian cancer and opting for RRSO. Data collection involved validated questionnaires on sexual functioning and menopausal complaints. Testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, and estrone levels in serum determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were obtained 1 day before, 6 weeks, and 7 months after RRSO. Results In premenopausal women, all 4 steroids were decreased both 6 weeks (P < 0.01) and 7 months (P < 0.01) after RRSO. Furthermore, in these women, decreases in estrogens were associated with a decrease in sexual functioning 7 months after RRSO (P < 0.05). In postmenopausal women, only testosterone was decreased 6 weeks and 7 months (P < 0.05) after RRSO, which was associated with an increase in menopausal complaints at 7 months post-RRSO (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest that in premenopausal women, decreases in estrogens are related to a decrease in sexual functioning and that in postmenopausal women, testosterone is decreased after RRSO, which indicates that postmenopausal ovaries maintain some testosterone production. Furthermore, in postmenopausal women, a large decrease of testosterone was associated with more menopausal complaints, indicating that future studies investigating testosterone supplementation are warranted.
The histone H3K27 demethylase REF6/JMJ12 promotes thermomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis

Abstract Dynamic trimethylation of histone H3 at Lys27 (H3K27me3) affects gene expression and controls plant development and environmental responses. In Arabidopsis thaliana, RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 (REF6)/JUMONJI DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN 12 demethylates H3K27me3 by recognizing a specific DNA motif. However, little is known about how REF6 activates target gene expression after recognition, especially in environmental responses. In response to warm ambient temperature, plants undergo thermomorphogenesis, which involves accelerated growth, early flowering and changes in morphology. Here we show that REF6 regulates thermomorphogenesis and cooperates with the transcription factor PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 to synergistically activate thermoresponsive genes under warm ambient temperature. The ref6 loss-of-function mutants exhibited attenuated hypocotyl elongation at warm temperature, partially due to downregulation of GIBBERELLIN 20-OXIDASE 2 and BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX 87. REF6 enzymatic activity is necessary for warm ambient temperature responses. Together, our results provide direct evidence of an epigenetic modifier and a transcription factor working together to respond to the environment.
Connecting Through Conversation: A Novel Video-Feedback Intervention to Enhance Long-Term Care Aides’ Person-Centred Dementia Communication

Objective To pilot test a novel communication intervention incorporating a video-feedback component on the person-centred dementia communication skills of long-term care aides. Methods Effectiveness was assessed using a single group pre-test/post-test design. 11 care aide-resident dyads participated in the study. Objective outcomes included provider statements demonstrating linguistic (i.e., reciprocity, clarity/coherence, and continuity categories) and relational elements of person-centred dementia communication, measured via video-recorded observations of usual care interactions. Subjective outcomes of care aide communication confidence/competence, satisfaction with the resident relationship, relationship closeness, and self-reflection at work were measured using self-report questionnaires. Results In respect to observed person-centred dementia communication skills, there was an increase in the use of linguistic statements in the reciprocity and continuity categories, as well as total linguistic statements overall. Relational statements and overall person-centred dementia communication (i.e., linguistic plus relational strategies) increased. Care aide-reported communication confidence and competence, relationship closeness with the resident, and self-reflection at work also increased after the communication intervention. Discussion The communication intervention showed promise as an effective approach to enhance person-centred dementia communication behaviours in care aides. These results support undertaking a larger trial to examine the intervention’s effectiveness more fulsomely.
Transient Liver Damage and Hemolysis Are Associated With an Inhibition of Ebola Virus Glycoprotein-Specific Antibody Response and Lymphopenia

Abstract Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of the adaptive immunity for survival following Ebola virus (EBOV) infection. To evaluate the contribution of tissue damage to EBOV-induced immune suppression, acute liver damage or hemolysis, 2 symptoms associated with lethal EBOV infection, were chemically induced in vaccinated mice. Results show that either liver damage or hemolysis was sufficient to inhibit the host humoral response against EBOV glycoprotein and to drastically reduce the level of circulating T cells. This study thus provides a possible mechanism for the limited specific antibody production and lymphopenia in individuals with lethal hemorrhagic fever infections.
Size-dependent aggression towards kin in a cannibalistic species

Abstract In juveniles extreme intraspecies aggression can seem counter-intuitive, as it might endanger their developmental goal of surviving until reproductive stage. Ultimately, aggression can be vital for survival, although the factors (e.g., genetic or environmental) leading to the expression and intensity of this behavior vary across taxa. Attacking (and sometimes killing) related individuals may reduce inclusive fitness; as a solution to this problem, some species exhibit kin discrimination and preferentially attack unrelated individuals. Here, we used both experimental and modeling approaches to consider how physical traits (e.g., size in relation to opponent) and genetic relatedness mediate aggression in dyads of cannibalistic Dendrobates tinctorius tadpoles. We paired full-sibling, half-sibling, and non-sibling tadpoles of different sizes together in an arena and recorded their aggression and activity. We found that the interaction between relative size and relatedness predicts aggressive behavior: large individuals in non-sibling dyads are significantly more aggressive than large individuals in sibling dyads. Unexpectedly, although siblings tended to attack less overall, in size-mismatched pairs they attacked faster than in non-sibling treatments. Using a theoretical model to complement these empirical findings, we propose that larval aggression reflects a balance between relatedness and size where individuals trade-off their own fitness with that of their relatives.
Compact multi‐mode UWB microstrip filter using meander resonator

In this paper, traditional microstrip resonator is meandered to construct a compact multi‐mode resonator (MMR). The meander resonator is very simple but convenient for ultra‐wide band (UWB) passband filter. And then, a UWB microstrip filter with six transmission poles in the passband is achieved by using only two resonators. The filter has an amplitude frequency response with a passband from 1.8 GHz to 4.7 GHz, the simulated return loss in passband is better than −20dB, and the measured one is better than −19dB. The tested insertion loss at center frequency is about 0.38 dB. Methods of adjusting the bandwidth of this new kind of UWB filter is also discussed in this paper. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2026–2029, 2016
DESIGN, SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY: THE PRAXIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACf. This paper examines mutual relationships between members of a triad: design, science (or sciences rather), and philosophy (of science and technology as well as action and value theories, i.e., praxiology and axiology). Part one attempts to recall praxiological issues as related to design. Part two discusses preliminaries related to the concepts of methodology and design. In part three a programme of the methodology of design is presented while part four ventures a collection of general theory (praxiology) of design. In this part some relevant epistemological questions are discussed. Part five taking into account that designing as a meta-action takes the precedence of actions it serves a conceptual preparation should serve a new methodological insight of science activity.
DYNAMICAL ANALYSIS OF EMOTIONAL STATES FROM ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM SIGNALS

The current study evaluates the dynamics of the electroencephalogram signals during specific emotional states in order to obtain a detailed understanding of the affective EEG patterns. Employing recurrence analysis, the dynamical states of the emotional brain during visual stimuli is evaluated. Three channels of electroencephalogram time series (Fz, Cz, and Pz) available in eNTERFACE06_EMOBRAIN database are used in this study. Electroencephalogram signals are recorded from 5 subjects in three emotional categories: exciting negative (disgust), neutral and exciting positive (happy). Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) was applied to study electroencephalogram morphological changes in different emotional states (happy, disgust, neutral). The ANOVA and t-test are done to detect significant differences in RQA measures of the EEGs. It has shown that the phase space trajectory becomes more periodic during exciting negative. In addition, the results reveal that in comparison with negative emotion and neutral, the behavior of EEGs in positive emotion is highly chaotic. Performing statistical analysis, significant differences were observed in recurrence rate, determinism, average diagonal, line length, Shannon entropy, laminarity, trapping time among three emotional evoked groups. Although these changes occurred in all EEG channels, a better distinction between each emotional state can be observed in Pz location. It seems that recurrence analysis is a promising non-linear approach for detecting instantaneous changes in the emotional EEG induced by visual stimuli. RQA has the potential to discover differences of signal features in response to an emotional stimulus.
Measuring conductance switching in single proteins using quantum tunneling

Interpreting the electrical signatures of single proteins in electronic junctions has facilitated a better understanding of the intrinsic properties of proteins that are fundamental to chemical and biological processes. Often, this information is not accessible using ensemble and even single-molecule approaches. In addition, the fabrication of nanoscale single-protein junctions remains challenging as they often require sophisticated methods. We report on the fabrication of tunneling probes, direct measurement, and active control (switching) of single-protein conductance with an external field in solution. The probes allowed us to bridge a single streptavidin molecule to two independently addressable, biotin-terminated electrodes and measure single-protein tunneling response over long periods. We show that charge transport through the protein has multiple conductive pathways that depend on the magnitude of the applied bias. These findings open the door for the reliable fabrication of protein-based junctions and can enable their use in future protein-embedded bioelectronics applications.
Regulated targeting of the monotopic hairpin membrane protein Erg1 requires the GET pathway

Farkas et al. identify monotopic hairpin proteins as novel clients of the guided entry of tail-anchored proteins (GET) pathway. They demonstrate that high efficiency GET pathway–mediated ER targeting of the budding yeast hairpin protein Erg1, a key enzyme of sterol synthesis, becomes essential under conditions requiring increased Erg1 biogenetic flux.
Effect of first application laboratory values on the prognosis of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of blood values at first admission to the hospital on predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS The blood parameters of 284 intensive care patients, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 via the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA test, at first admission to the hospital, were evaluated. The contribution of these parameters to predicting mortality was analyzed. RESULTS No significant relationship was found between complete blood count and mortality. However, it was determined that the ferritin, ALT, D-dimer, and urea levels significantly affected the mortality rates in intensive care patients. CONCLUSIONS The ferritin, ALT, D-dimer, and urea levels of patients who were admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, at first admission to the hospital, were significant in predicting mortality. Therefore, it is recommended that these parameters will be evaluated at the first application.
The distinctive feature trees of Standard Chinese (Putonghua)

This is a continuation of the paper "The distinctive features for Standard Chinese (Putonghua)". The definition of the distinctive features used for Standard Chinese and the physical reality and psychological reality of the features were discussed in detail. Especially the trouble of the single final /er/, of which the articulator may be not stable during pronunciation, was discussed. Then the distinctive feature tree of Chinese initials and finals were made up separately.
Solid state circuit breaker based DC shipboard distribution protection

This paper discusses SSCB (Solid State Circuit Breaker) based DC shipboard distribution system protection in different perspectives. Unique features of DC distribution faults are analyzed and corresponding protection requirements are discussed. Latest SSCB technologies are presented and suitability for DC shipboard power systems is addressed. An overall evaluation gives out advantages and disadvantages of applicable SSCB based DC distribution protection methods.
Staff perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of quality of life, health, wellbeing, recovery and reduced risk for older forensic mental-health patients: A qualitative interview study

Objectives There is a lack of research informing service delivery for older forensic mental health patients. This study explored service provision in forensic mental health inpatient and community services in England, investigating what is required for progress in terms of quality of life, health, wellbeing, recovery and reduced risk, and the barriers and facilitators associated with this. Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 48 members of staff working with older forensic mental health patients in secure inpatient units or the community in England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two global themes ‘What works’ and ‘What doesn’t work’ were identified comprising themes representing environmental, interpersonal and individual factors. ‘What works’ included: positive social support and relationships; individualised holistic patient-centred care; hub and spoke approach to patient care; and suitable environments. ‘What doesn’t work’ included: absence of/or maladaptive relationships with family and friends; gaps in service provision; and unsuitable environments. Conclusions For older patients to progress to improved quality of life, health, wellbeing and reduced risk, multilevel and comprehensive support is required, comprising a range of services, interventions, and multidisciplinary input, and individualised to each patient’s needs. The physical environment needs to be adapted for older patients and provide a social environment that seeks to include supportive families, friends and expert professional input. A clear patient progression pathway is required; this must be reflected in policy and provision.
Exploring patient experiences of participating in a real and sham dry cupping intervention for nonspecific low back pain: A qualitative study

Background The current quality of evidence supporting dry cupping for individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is low and suggests that nonspecific factors impact experiences reported by patients. Therefore, this study assessed the impacts of social and professional support on the experience of individuals with CLBP treated with dry cupping or sham. Method This is an observational study with qualitative approach. Twenty-four individuals with CLBP who received dry cupping or sham in a previous clinical trial were invited. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview conducted by a trained researcher. Content analysis was used to analyze experiences, systematic procedures, and description of the content of messages. The dimensions of “pain”, “general perceptions”, and “perceived social and professional support” guided the analysis. Results Answers of both groups converged on similar perceptions, especially regarding pain. Physical condition was the most fragile aspect. We also observed an influence of perceived social and professional support on painful symptoms. Thus, the experience of individuals with CLBP treated with dry cupping or sham indicated that factors related to social and professional support impacted results. Conclusions We observed that individuals with CLBP reported similar perceptions of the effects of dry cupping or sham treatment, indicating that contextual factors may influence the perception of these individuals regarding the treatment received.