Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparing a Dataset for Extracting Decision Elements from a Meeting Transcript Corpus

This work describes the construction of a new dataset for the purpose of decision element extraction from a meeting corpus. Specifically, the corpus consists of annotated text spans of alternatives and criteria of decisions undertaken during spoken conversations. The annotations were conducted with the help of crowd sourcing and finally curated by a domain expert. Our experiments show that the curated dataset can lead to more consistent predictions in comparison to the crowdsourced one. The aim of the released dataset is to encourage further studies in automated information extraction for decision analysis, e.g. evaluating the effectiveness of supervised models for this
Language Modeling for Morphologically Rich Languages: Character-Aware Modeling for Word-Level Prediction

Neural architectures are prominent in the construction of language models (LMs). However, word-level prediction is typically agnostic of subword-level information (characters and character sequences) and operates over a closed vocabulary, consisting of a limited word set. Indeed, while subword-aware models boost performance across a variety of NLP tasks, previous work did not evaluate the ability of these models to assist next-word prediction in language modeling tasks. Such subword-level informed models should be particularly effective for morphologically-rich languages (MRLs) that exhibit high type-to-token ratios. In this work, we present a large-scale LM study on 50 typologically diverse languages covering a wide variety of morphological systems, and offer new LM benchmarks to the community, while considering subword-level information. The main technical contribution of our work is a novel method for injecting subword-level information into semantic word vectors, integrated into the neural language modeling training, to facilitate word-level prediction. We conduct experiments in the LM setting where the number of infrequent words is large, and demonstrate strong perplexity gains across our 50 languages, especially for morphologically-rich languages. Our code and data sets are publicly available.
A mixed method study to validate a two-way feedback between student and faculty to improve learning of anatomy

Although the students are subjected to some formative exams throughout the problem based learning units, feedback is not given appropriately and timely. Students want to know and use the reasoning behind judgments and always complain that assessment criteria need to be explained. The aim of this project is to implement a two-way feedback delivery (TWFD), in which both faculty and students have an opportunity to discuss their reflections on learning and examination processes. An Anatomy formative assessment is introduced to 100 students followed by implementation of TWFD. Faculty members provided the students with a structured and timely feedback on their performance. Also, the students reflected on the whole learning process, including real examination experience. The reaction was measured using quantitative and qualitative instruments through a questionnaire, focus group discussion, and semi-structured interviews. Ninety students (90%) participated in the questionnaire with high satisfaction toward implementation of TWFD. Ninety-four percent (n=85) admitted that the time of the session was appropriate. Ninety percent (n=81) of the students demonstrated that the TWFD helped them to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Eighty-five percent (n=77) of the students admitted that TWFD promotes active reflection on the effectiveness of teaching. Most of the students and teachers' comments in the focus group discussions and the interviews supported these results. TWFD seems to be a good approach to implement an effective and timely feedback process between the faculty and the students. Students and the faculty recommended the implementation of this session in different courses and units.
A classification modeling approach for determining metabolite signatures in osteoarthritis

Multiple factors can help predict knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients from healthy individuals, including age, sex, and BMI, and possibly metabolite levels. Using plasma from individuals with primary OA undergoing total knee replacement and healthy volunteers, we measured lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) analogues by metabolomics. Populations were stratified on demographic factors and lysoPC and PC analogue signatures were determined by univariate receiver-operator curve (AUC) analysis. Using signatures, multivariate classification modeling was performed using various algorithms to select the most consistent method as measured by AUC differences between resampled training and test sets. Lists of metabolites indicative of OA [AUC > 0.5] were identified for each stratum. The signature from males age > 50 years old encompassed the majority of identified metabolites, suggesting lysoPCs and PCs are dominant indicators of OA in older males. Principal component regression with logistic regression was the most consistent multivariate classification algorithm tested. Using this algorithm, classification of older males had fair power to classify OA patients from healthy individuals. Thus, individual levels of lysoPC and PC analogues may be indicative of individuals with OA in older populations, particularly males. Our metabolite signature modeling method is likely to increase classification power in validation cohorts.
Immediate action required to prevent another Australian avian extinction: the King Island Scrubtit

Abstract For small and rapidly declining populations acting fast to prevent extinction is crucial. However, many endangered species receive little attention or management action. Action paralysis can prevail for several reasons, particularly for data deficient species when conservation resources are scarce. Here we draw attention to one of the world's rarest birds, the King Island Scrubtit (Acanthornis magnus greenianus), a subspecies of a monotypic genus. Recognised as critically endangered for more than two decades, conservation action is virtually non-existent despite a rapid population decline. To establish current baseline information using a repeatable cost-effective monitoring methodology we surveyed 154 sites at eight locations as well as additional sites within the agricultural matrix. We detected the King Island Scrubtit at 28 sites in three locations (Nook Swamp, Colliers Swamp and Pegarah State Forest). At these locations, we estimated overall occupancy to be 0.35 (s.e. 0.05) and detectability to be 0.68 (s.e. 0.05) during a single site visit. We estimate the current area of occupancy of the bird to be <1 km2, declining. This study documents previously unrecognised threats (acid sulfate soils, macropod browsing and wind-throw) and provides a path forward to population recovery. Our results highlight the need for urgent action to prevent Australia’ s next avian extinction.
Infarct location is associated with quality of life after mild ischemic stroke

Background In patients with mild ischemic stroke, small but eloquent infarcts may have devastating effects, particularly on health-related quality of life. Aim This study investigates the association between acute infarct location and three-month health-related quality of life in patients with mild ischemic stroke. Methods We evaluated consecutively enrolled patients from a single center between August 2012 and July 2013. Our primary outcome at three months was impairment in any health-related quality of life domain (upper extremity, lower extremity, executive function, and general concerns) defined by a T-score <45. We analyzed the association between acute infarct locations and impaired health-related quality of life at three months in univariate and multivariable analysis. Results Among 229 patients (mean age 64.9 years, 55% male, 29.7% black, and median initial NIHSS score 1), impaired health-related quality of life was noted in 84 (36.2%) patients at three months. In univariate analysis, patients with subcortical infarcts (56.0% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.02) and brainstem infarcts (21.4% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.02) were more likely to have impaired health-related quality of life. In multivariable analysis, patients with subcortical and/or brainstem infarcts had increased odds of impaired health-related quality of life (adjusted OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.29–5.01, p = 0.01). Conclusions After mild ischemic stroke, subcortical and brainstem infarct locations predict impairment in health-related quality of life.
Quality of life after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic cancer: Findings from a qualitative study

Pelvic exenteration (PE) in carefully selected gynecologic cancer patients has a 5‐year survival rate as high as 60%. Thus, there is a growing number of PE survivors dealing with the effects of this radical surgery. The current study sought to explore women's physical, psychological, and social quality of life (QOL) after PE.
Impact of frequency of internet use on development of brain structures and verbal intelligence: Longitudinal analyses

Excessive internet use is shown to be cross sectionally associated with lower cognitive functioning and reduced volume of several brain areas. However, the effects of daily internet use on the development of verbal intelligence and brain structures have not been investigated. Here, we cross sectionally examined the effects of the frequency of internet use on regional gray/white matter volume (rGMV/rWMV) and verbal intelligence as well as their longitudinal changes after 3.0 ± 0.3 (standard deviation) years in a large sample of children recruited from the general population (mean age, 11.2 ± 3.1 years; range, 5.7–18.4 years). Although there were no significant associations in cross sectional analyses, a higher frequency of internet use was found to be associated with decrease of verbal intelligence and smaller increase in rGMV and rWMV of widespread brain areas after a few years in longitudinal analyses. These areas involve areas related to language processing, attention and executive functions, emotion, and reward. In conclusion, frequent internet use is directly or indirectly associated with decrease of verbal intelligence and development to smaller gray matter volume at later stages.
Implementing Evidence‐Based Interventions With Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE. With the rapid growth of the community‐dwelling older adult population, evidence‐based occupational therapy interventions targeting older clients need to be effectively implemented. However, little is understood about the factors influencing effective intervention implementation into practice. METHOD. We performed a scoping review to explore what strategies and factors relate to the uptake of older adult interventions into practice. Concepts from implementation science literature guided our review. RESULTS. Our review yielded 13 articles that met our search criteria. Study designs examined barriers, facilitators, and strategies related to the implementation of evidence‐based older adult interventions into practice. Effective implementation strategies included training sessions, workshops, consultations, and outreach meetings. CONCLUSION. Our findings suggest that practitioners, administrators, and researchers should adopt strategies such as workshops, consultations, fidelity vignettes, peer mentoring, and standardized training to effectively implement research into practice with older adults. &NA; Findings suggest that practitioners, administrators, and researchers should adopt strategies such as workshops, consultations, fidelity vignettes, peer mentoring, and standardized training to integrate research into practice with older adults.
ATLANTIC AMPHIBIANS: a data set of amphibian communities from the Atlantic Forests of South America.

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates in the world and this is also true for those inhabiting the Atlantic Forest hotspot, living in ecosystems that are highly degraded and threatened by anthropogenic activities. We present a data set containing information about amphibian communities sampled throughout the Atlantic Forest Biome in South America. The data were extracted from 389 bibliographic references (articles, books, theses, and dissertations) representing inventories of amphibian communities from 1940 to 2017. The data set includes 17,619 records of 528 species with taxonomic certainty, from 1,163 study sites. Of all the records, 14,450 (82%) were classified using the criterion of endemism; of those, 7,787 (44%) were considered endemic and 6,663 (38%) were not. Historically, multiple sampling methods were used to survey amphibians, the most representative methods being active surveys (82.1%), surveys at breeding sites (20%), pitfall traps (15.3%), and occasional encounters (14.5%). Species richness averaged 15.2 ± 11.3 (mean ± SD), ranging from 1 to 80 species per site. We found a low dominance in the communities, with 10 species occurring in about 26% of communities: Physalaemus cuvieri (4.1%), Dendropsophus minutus (3.8%), Boana faber (3.1%), Scinax fuscovarius (2.8%), Leptodactylus latrans (2.7%), Leptodactylus fuscus (2.6%), Boana albopunctata (2.3%), Dendropsophus nanus (1.6%), Rhinella ornata (1.6%), and Leptodactylus mystacinus (1.6%). This data set represents a major effort to compile inventories of amphibian communities for the Neotropical region, filling a large gap in the data on the Atlantic Forest hotspot. We hope this data set can be used as a credible tool in the proposal of new studies on amphibian sampling and even in the development of conservation planning for these taxa. This information also has great relevance for macroecological studies, being foundational for both conservation and restoration strategies in this biodiversity hotspot. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications or teaching events.
Long noncoding RNA‐RNCR3 overexpression deleteriously affects the growth of glioblastoma cells through miR‐185‐5p/Krüppel‐like factor 16 axis

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating and highly aggressive tumor, which is apoptosis resistant and difficult to cure. Recently, long noncoding RNAs have been shown to play a pivotal role in GBM progression. Evidence has suggested that retinal noncoding RNA3 (RNCR3) is a GBM‐associated noncoding RNA and is under‐expressed in GBM. However, the function and mechanism of RNCR3 on GBM cell growth and apoptosis are still uncertain. In the current study, we found that the level of RNCR3 is decreased in U87, U251, U373, and A172 GBM cell lines when compared with the normal human astrocytes. Elevating long noncoding RNA RNCR3 expression markedly inhibits U87 and U251 cell survival and proliferation. Further studies indicated that RNCR3 overexpression promotes U87 and U251 cell apoptosis and activity caspase‐3/7. Moreover, we found that RNCR3 overexpression promotes Krüppel‐like factor 16 (KLF16) expression through inhibiting the level of miR‐185‐5p. We demonstrated that KLF16 is a direct target of miR‐185‐5p. An increased miR‐185‐5p level by a miR‐185‐5p mimic or decreased KLF16 by KLF16 small interfering RNA both reversed the function of RNCR3 overexpression on GBM cell growth and apoptosis. In summary, this study focuses on investigating the key molecular mechanisms of RNCR3 involved in GBM cell growth and apoptosis. Our data indicated that RNCR3 overexpression inhibits cell growth and induces its apoptosis through the miR‐185‐5p/KLF16 axis.
Reliability and accuracy of a novel classification system using peroral cholangioscopy for the diagnosis of bile duct lesions

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to propose a novel, comprehensive, macroscopic classification for bile duct lesions. Methods A two-stage protocol was designed. In Stage I, a retrospective study (September 2013 to September 2015) of patients with bile duct lesions detected by peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) was performed. A total of 315 images with at least 6 months of follow-up were recorded, analyzed, and correlated to histology, and were classified as non-neoplastic (one of three types, 1 – 3) or neoplastic (one of four types, 1 – 4) based on morphological and vascular patterns. In Stage II, a prospective, nonrandomized, double-blind study was performed from December 2015 to December 2016 to validate the proposed classification. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR + and LR – , respectively) were calculated (gold standard: 6-month follow-up). Inter- and intraobserver agreement (kappa value, κ) among experts and non-experts were calculated. Results 171 patients were included (65 retrospective; 106 prospective). In Stage I, 28/65 cases were neoplastic and 37 /65 were non-neoplastic, according to the final diagnosis. In Stage II, 56/106 were neoplastic with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR + , and LR – for neoplastic diagnosis of 96.3 %, 92.3 %, 92.9 %, 96 %, 12.52, and 0.04, respectively. The proposed classification presented high reproducibility among observers, for both neoplastic and subtypes categories. However, it was better for experts (κ > 80 %) than non-experts (κ 64.7 % – 81.9 %). Conclusion The novel classification system could help physicians to distinguish non-neoplastic from neoplastic bile duct lesions.
Quadratic linearization of three phase horizontal gravity separator

The linearization of nonlinear control system has gained importance in the control arena. There are several works done by mathematicians and control engineers to linearize nonlinear systems so that the control can be effectively applied. Here we apply approximate linearization method by Kang and Krener to linearize the state space model of the three phase horizontal gravity separator and suppress the nonlinearities. The separator dynamic equations are transformed to avoid singularities. Using Binomial series expansion, a state space model of the separator is derived. The model is further transformed in terms of deviation about a steady state operating point which results in a control affine system. The linearization of the model is then performed by eliminating the quadratic terms in the derived state space equations. The elimination of second order terms is done by satisfying the necessary and sufficient conditions for quadratic linearization. The approximate quadratic linearization is effective as it eliminates the dominant quadratic terms while avoiding the zero dynamics issues which could arise in feedback linearization.
A Ten-Year Summary of a SOA-based Micro-services Infrastructure for Linguistic Services

In the mid 1990s, the Natural Language Processing Group at the University of Leipzig began work on the Wortschatz project which aims to provide corpora in hundreds of languages and in different size-normalisations, be that 100K, 300K or 1M sentences. As the resources grew in size, so did the number of requests for the data. In the early stages of the project a specific dump was created, parts of which even came with a small user-interface. The database dump was shared with interested researchers and partners in the business sector. After some time, however, the personnel costs of this kind of collaboration became unsustainable. For this reason, a new plan was put into motion in 2004, consisting of the development of a SOAP-based API the Leipzig Linguistic Services (LLS) that enabled any interested person to access the data of the Wortschatz databases in any provided language (Quasthoff et al. 2006, Eckart et al. 2012). Overall 20 services were provided, delivering specific information such as baseform, category classifications, and thesaurus data. The aim of the LLS was to establish a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for linguistic resources based on small and atomic micro-services that could be combined by users for particular needs. Users were then not only able to browse through the Wortschatz website, but also to integrate those services with their own existing digital ecosystems. In 2005 these services were made publicly available and by September 2006 all requests were systematically logged. In July 2014 the number of logged requests reached nearly one billion. While at the beginning the use was limited to academia, over time the services were increasingly used by the private and business sectors as well.
Layout Analysis on Newspaper Archives

The study of newspaper layout evolution through historical corpora has been addressed by diverse qualitative and quantitative methods in the past few years (Antonacopoulos et al, 2013; Gonzalez et al, 2001; Liu et al, 2001; Mitchell and Hong, 2004; Singh and Bhupendra, 2014). The recent availability of large corpora of newspapers is now making the quantitative analysis of layout evolution ever more popular. This research investigates a method for the automatic detection of layout evolution on scanned images with a factorial analysis approach. The notion of eigenpag-es is defined by analogy with eigenfaces used in face recognition processes. The corpus of scanned news-papers that was used contains 4 million press articles, covering about 200 years of archives. This method can automatically detect layout changes of a given newspaper over time, rebuilding a part of its past publishing strategy and retracing major changes in its history in terms of layout. Besides these advantages, it also makes it possible to compare several newspapers at the same time and therefore to compare the layout changes of multiple newspapers based only on scans of their issues.
What Is Going on in the World? A Display Platform for Media Understanding

News broadcasters and on-line publishers daily generate a large amount of articles and videos describing events currently happening in the world. In this work, we present a system that automatically indexes videos from a library and links them to stories developing in the news. The user interface displays in an intuitive manner the links between videos and stories and allows navigation through related content by using associated tags. This interface is a powerful industrial tool for publishers to index, retrieve and visualize their video content. It helps them identify which topics require more attention or retrieve related content that has already been published about the stories.