Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Encoder-Decoder Neural Network for Indefinite Length Digit Sequences in Natural Scene Recognition

Extracting text information from raw images has always been a hot and difficult problem in computer vision research. Due to blurred image, uneven illumination and complex backgrounds, etc., the recognition of natural scene digit is difficult to achieve desired results. In this paper, an encoder-decoder neural network model is proposed to solve the problem of recognition of indefinite length digit sequences in natural scene. The encoder is convolutional neural network (CNN), and the decoder is long short-term memory (LSTM). The encoder accepts a fixed-format image and outputs a fixed-length feature vector; the decoder accepts the feature vector and outputs a predictive sequence of indefinite length. The verification based on Google Street View house number Dataset (SVHN) shows that our method has a good performance. After 10 hours of training, whose accuracy is 96.57%.
Apiculture and Poverty Reduction Nexus: Evidence From Rural Households in Sikasso Region of Mali

Introduction Beekeeping is traditionally an age-long and environmentally friendly agricultural activity. Beekeeping can provide economic and social benefits through the provision of employment opportunities and the generation of income especially among rural households (Adgaba et al., 2014). In many parts of the world, climate change is manifested by insufficient or intermittent rainfall, which hinders crop production and thus makes rural livelihood options limited. However, beekeeping can serve as an alternative means of generating income to improve the quality of life of rural communities in the face of climate variability. Beekeeping is less affected by erratic rainfall conditions than the growing of annual crops, as honey bees can produce honey following any opportunistic rainfall and subsequent flowerings (Clauss, 1983).
Putatively cancer-specific exon–exon junctions are shared across patients and present in developmental and other non-cancer cells

Abstract This study probes the distribution of putatively cancer-specific junctions across a broad set of publicly available non-cancer human RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets. We compared cancer and non-cancer RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project and the Sequence Read Archive. We found that (i) averaging across cancer types, 80.6% of exon–exon junctions thought to be cancer-specific based on comparison with tissue-matched samples (σ = 13.0%) are in fact present in other adult non-cancer tissues throughout the body; (ii) 30.8% of junctions not present in any GTEx or TCGA normal tissues are shared by multiple samples within at least one cancer type cohort, and 87.4% of these distinguish between different cancer types; and (iii) many of these junctions not found in GTEx or TCGA normal tissues (15.4% on average, σ = 2.4%) are also found in embryological and other developmentally associated cells. These findings refine the meaning of RNA splicing event novelty, particularly with respect to the human neoepitope repertoire. Ultimately, cancer-specific exon–exon junctions may have a substantial causal relationship with the biology of disease.
How different code-switching types modulate bilinguals’ executive functions: A dual control mode perspective

Most existing studies on the relationship between code-switching and executive functions have focused on experimentally induced language-switching, which differs fundamentally from naturalistic code-switching. This study investigated whether and how bilinguals’ code-switching practices modulate different aspects of executive functioning. Our findings suggest that existing processing models of code-switching should be extended by a dual control mode perspective, differentiating between reactive and proactive monitoring. Bilinguals engaging in code-switching types that keep languages more separate (Alternation) displayed inhibitory advantages in a flanker task inducing reactive control. Dense code-switching, which requires bilinguals to constantly monitor cross-linguistic competition, explained performance in proactive monitoring conditions. Furthermore, a correlation between Dense code-switching and response inhibition suggests that linguistic co-activation may persist during articulatory stages of language processing. Crucially, bilinguals outperformed monolinguals at those aspects of the executive system that were trained by their most frequent code-switching habits. This underlines the importance of sociolinguistic variables in bilingualism research.
Focus, Uncertain Needs, and Consumer Choice in the Hospital Industry

Problem definition : This study examines the relationship between organizational focus, diversification of services, and consumer choice in the market for healthcare services. Academic/practical relevance : While previous studies have examined the roles of focus and diversification in efficiency and quality of care, their role in patient choice has received less attention. Methods : We use hospital inpatient data from the state of Florida for the years 2006–2010 to examine this problem in the context of obstetrics services. Results : Patients are more likely to choose hospitals that specialize in obstetrics services. They also show preferences for diversification across hospital units but not diversification within the focal unit. Specifically, they prefer hospitals offering wider ranges of services for newborns, which often involve different departments in the hospital but do not prefer hospitals offering wider ranges of obstetrics services. Managerial implications : Hospitals can gain an advantage by focusing on a small set of services. However, focus has important limits, as patients may have needs that cut across medical specialties and prefer facilities that can serve these sometimes complex needs. We discuss potential implications for hospital performance.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia : a personalized approach

The majority of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) obtain complete hematological remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy, but the incidence of relapse is considerable despite chemotherapeutic consolidation therapy. Currently, post-remission treatment (PRT) for the prevention of relapse may include continued chemotherapy, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or allogeneic HSCT (alloHSCT). Although alloHSCT is associated with the lowest incidence of relapse, counterbalancing non-relapse mortality (NRM) may compromise overall outcome. The decision to perform an alloHSCT for patients with AML in first CR depends on the assessment of risks and benefits (ie, mortality and relapse risk reduction), which is based on disease features, but also factors related to patient characteristics, transplantation procedures and type of donor. Such a risk versus benefit evaluation of alloHSCT has evolved into a personalized approach for patients with AML in first CR. The studies described in this thesis address the benefits of alloHSCT identifying different AML patient subgroups with improved outcome following alloHSCT. Secondly, the studies in this thesis addressed morbidity and mortality following alloHSCT. Lastly, this thesis discussed the value of alloHSCT as PRT in specific AML subgroups, potential challenges with respect to alloHSCT-related NRM, and statistical considerations analyzing PRT for AML. A personalized transplant decision approach for patients with AML in first CR was presented, which may be applied in daily clinical practice.
Life Satisfaction in Retirement: The Direct Influence of Gender, Self-esteem and Health Locus of Control in Southwestern Parts of Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study investigates the direct influence of gender, self-esteem and health locus of control on life satisfaction among retirees in two states in the South-western part of Nigeria. Using ex-post facto research design, 592 retirees conveniently completed copies of a questionnaire that comprised demographics and measures of variables of interest. Three hypotheses were tested by t-test for independent groups. Self-esteem significantly influenced life satisfaction t(590) = 3.39, p<. 05. Similarly, health locus of control significantly influenced life satisfaction t(590) = 3.87, p<. 05. However, no significant influence of gender on life satisfaction t(590) = 0.08, p>. 05. Living a more satisfied life in retirement is a function of having positive self-regards or being responsible for health-related behaviour. Harnessing the influencing variables may help in the provision of self-development programmes, therefore ensuring care and support for retirees to enjoy and live a fulfilled life after selfless service to their nation.
Structural Changes of Compacted Soil Layers in Northeast China due to Freezing-Thawing Processes

Soil compaction has become a global concern that reduces soil quality and may jeopardize agricultural sustainability. The objective of this study is to evaluate if the freezing–thawing process can alleviate the negative effects of soil compaction during overwinter time in Northeast China. The field experiment was a split plot design including two surface treatments (bare and mulch) and three compaction levels (low, moderate, and high compactions with initial bulk densities of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 g cm−3). Results showed that compared with initial values in the fall, freezing–thawing events increased soil porosity (by 4.28% to 25.68%) and the ratio of large-size pores (by 44.5% to 387.6%) after thawing in the spring. The greatest changes were observed in the high compaction treatment, and mulch-enhanced soil structural transformation. Additionally, the ratio of large-size aggregates (>1 mm) was increased and the fraction of small-size aggregates (<1 mm) was decreased. These changes in soil structural characteristics were attributed mainly to the modification of ice-filled pores space during the overwinter period. We concluded that the freezing–thawing process was an effective natural force for ameliorating soil compaction in Northeast China.
PEER REVIEW, CRITICAL REVIEW AND WRITING OF MANUSCRIPTS

Peer Review is generally considered as a necessary and essential component of the process of research dissemination and publication, yet one which is far from being efficiently, or even sometimes fairly implemented on a consistent uniform basis. Many have stressed the need to improve the process, yet there is still no consensus on whether or how the process should be modified (1-3). Although online guidelines are now available (4-5), in most cases peer reviewers have never received formalized guidance. It is generally assumed that researchers, once attaining a certain level of expertise in proposing, conducting and writing up their research for publication, basically “know how to do it”.
Molecular Study for Diagnosis of Ureaplasma parvum in Women with Recurrent Miscarriage

The objects of study is concerted to investigate the occurrence of Ureaplasma parvum in women with recurrent abortion and to determine the distribution of U. parvum serovars (1, 3, 6, 14) in women with recurrent abortion by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. In total, 130 samples included vaginal bleeding, vaginal swab, and urine, were collected from women with recurrent abortion and 40 samples included vaginal swab and urine from control women without recurrent abortion. Through the study, two types of media were used, Ureaplasma broth (IH Broth) and Ureaplasma agar (IH Agar). The positive isolates for Ureaplasma spp. were investigated by conventional PCR technique for identifi cation of U. parvum and subtyping to their serovars (1, 3, 6, 14). The results revealed the U. parvum was identified in 29.6% from patient group and 11% from the control group. U. parvum isolates were further subtyped by using PCR, the results showed the serovar 3 was the most frequent isolate in proportion (42.8%), whereas serovar 1 (28.5%), serovar 6 (14.2%), and serovar 14 (14.2%) in patient group but in the control group only serovar 1 was isolated in rate (11%). These results evidently indicate that U. parvum may be an important etiologic agent for recurrent abortion.
Acceptabilité des technologies d’apprentissage mobile : le cas des tablettes

Franck Amadieu, Professeur de Psychologie Cognitive et Ergonomie, Laboratoire CLLE (CNRS-UT2J), Université de Toulouse, France, franck.amadieu@univ-tlse2.fr Julie Mulet, Docteur en Psychologie Cognitive, Laboratoire CLLE (CNRS-UT2J), Université de Toulouse, France, julie.mulet@univ-tlse2.fr Jan Van der Linden, Doctorant en Psychologie, Centre de Recherche en psychologie du travail et de la consommation, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgique, Jan.Van. Der.Linden@ulb.ac. be Jordan Lombard, Doctorant en Psychologie Cognitive, Laboratoire CLLE (CNRS-UT2J), Université de Toulouse, France, jordan.lombard@univ-tlse2.fr Cécile van de Leemput, Professeur Ordinaire en Psychologie, Centre de Recherche en psychologie du travail et de la consommation, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgique, cecile.van. de.leemput@ulb.ac. be
Early failure of mitral valve repair with anterior leaflet pericardial patch augmentation in rheumatic and radiation-induced valvulitis

Rheumatic mitral valve disease remains an important cause of mitral regurgitation (MR), accounting for 7% to 15% of organic MR cases in large epidemiologic studies (1,2). Similarly, a history of radiation to the mediastinum, as is common in the treatment of several malignancies, is associated with future valve dysfunction in up to onethird of patients. Mitral valve repair (MVr) is favored over replacement for severe primary MR; this is due to a significant 30-day and mid to long-term mortality benefit, as well as a reduction in peri-operative complications (3,4). However, due to ongoing inflammation and leaflet infiltration, MVr in rheumatic or radiation-induced valvulitis may be associated with decreased durability and an increased risk of reoperation (5). In order to improve outcomes of MVr in these populations, adjunctive reparative procedures have been introduced. One such technique involves the use of autologous or bovine pericardium to reconstruct or enlarge the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) and normalize its coaptation with the posterior leaflet, with further reinforcement from a supporting annuloplasty ring (Figure 1) (6). While small studies suggest excellent mid-term survival with this approach, moderate or greater recurrent MR and reoperation occurs in 11.2% and 4.6% of patients, respectively, with rheumatic MR. Poor outcome data exists in the literature regarding MVr techniques for radiation-induced valvulitis (6,7). Herein, we provide an in-depth clinical and imaging appraisal of two such cases, with a focused review on pathophysiology and management. Methods and results
Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus in Ethiopia

High viral load and positive hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) results are risk factors for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV). In sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the distribution of these risk factors, as well as early childhood HBV transmission. In this study, Ethiopian women aged 18–45 years with chronic hepatitis B were assessed for the presence of HBeAg and high viral load. Their children below 4 years of age were invited for assessment of viral markers, defining active HBV infection as a positive hepatitis B s-antigen (HBsAg) and/or detectable HBV DNA. In total, 61 of 428 HBV-infected women (14.3%) had a positive HBeAg result and/or a high viral load. Of note, 26 of 49 women (53.1%) with viral load above 200,000 IU/mL were HBeAg negative. Among 89 children born of HBV-infected mothers (median age 20 months), 9 (10.1%) had evidence of active HBV infection. In conclusion, one in seven women with chronic hepatitis B had risk factors for MTCT, and HBeAg was a poor predictor of high viral load. One in ten children born of HBV-infected women acquired HBV-infection despite completing their scheduled HBV vaccination at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
A Review of the Measures to Enhance Power Systems Resilience

Rare and extreme climate events may result in wide power outages or blackouts. The concept of power system resilience has been introduced for focusing on high-impact and low-probability (HILP) events such as a hurricane, heavy snow, and floods. Power system resilience is the ability of a system to reduce the likelihood of blackout or wide power outages due to HILP events. Indeed, in a resilient power system, as the severity of HILP events increases, the rate (but not the amount) of unserved loads diminishes. Suitable measures for managing power system resilience can be classified into three categories in terms of time, known as “resilience-based planning,” “resilience-based response,” and “resilience-based restoration. ” The most widely used approaches, methods, and techniques in each of these categories, as well as the future trends for improving the power system resilience are reviewed in this article. The challenges of resilience in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy sources are also discussed in each of these categories.
Efficient Immune Cell Genome Engineering with Improved CRISPR Editing Tools

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-based methods have revolutionized genome engineering and the study of gene-phenotype relationships. However, modifying cells of the innate immune system, especially macrophages, has been challenging because of cell pathology and low targeting efficiency resulting from nucleic acid activation of sensitive intracellular sensors. Likewise, lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system are largely refractory to CRISPR-enhanced homology-directed repair (HDR) due to inefficient or toxic delivery of donor templates via transient transfection methods. To overcome these challenges and limitations, we developed three improved methods for CRISPR-based genome editing using a hit-and-run transient expression strategy to minimize off-target effects and generate more precise genome editing. Overall, our enhanced CRISPR tools and strategies designed to tackle both murine and human immune cell genome engineering are expected to be widely applicable not only in hematopoietic cells but also other mammalian cell types of interest. All animal experiments were done in accordance with the guidelines of the NIAID/NIH Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Integrated decoding hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis at single-cell resolution and its clinical implication

Integrated analyses of hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis could provide new biological and clinical insights1,2. Here we constructed a comprehensive cell atlas using ∼100,000 single cell transcriptomes of bone marrow mononuclear cells and its subsets from 5 healthy samples and 13 leukemia samples. Trajectory analysis showed hematopoietic stem cells continuously differentiated through tree-like structure into 7 lineages. Although our single cell analyses showed the major cellular heterogeneity were inter-patients, there were distinct leukemia cell subpopulations within patient. We developed counterpart composite index (CCI) for projecting leukemia cell subpopulation into reference hematopoietic cells, to identify their healthy counterparts that could predict leukemia subtype and clinical outcome. Interestingly, we found the trajectories of leukemogenesis were similar to that of their healthy counterparts, indicating lineage relationship of leukemia cell subpopulations. Single cell analyses of leukemia patient at diagnosis, refractory, remission and relapse vividly presented dynamics of cell population and the underlying genes. Single cell transcriptomic variants analyses showed the relapsed leukemia cells, whose healthy counterparts were closer to the root of hematopoietic tree, were derived from an early minor leukemia cell population. This study not only increased our understanding of hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, but also provided an approach for leukemia classification and clinical outcome prediction.
Specificity of the discount rate application for agricultural business valuation

The purpose of the article is to determine which method of beta coefficient calculation for agricultural companies gives the most correct result. The article also describes the peculiarities, problematic issues and ways of their solution that arise during the calculation of an agricultural company discount rate in the process of business valuation. Research methods. The study was conducted on the example of agricultural holdings IMC S.A. and Astarta Holding N.V. , listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE). The beta coefficients of agroholdings were calculated by various methods and the data used to determine the value of the agricultural business by an income methodological approach, a discounted cash flow method. Research results. The necessity of calculating company beta instead of using pre-calculated industry beta coefficients of agricultural company from different sources in business valuation for the investment purpose has been proved. The obtained results indicate that methodology, which substantiated in the article provides a value of one company's share as close as possible to its current quotation on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Elements of scientific novelty. The statement that the use of pre-calculated beta coefficients leads in distorting the result of business valuation was further developed. This article provides a rationale for calculating all the components of the Build-up method modified formula to calculate the discount rate of agricultural companies in the process of business valuation for investment purposes for the first time. Practical significance. The results of this research will be useful for valuation specialists (professional appraisers) during the calculation of the discount rate for agricultural business valuation for investment purposes. Tabl. : 8. Figs.: 8. Refs.: 25.
Cardiovascular and Other Risk Factors Among Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Students

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors can be classified as non-modifiable risk factors such as age and a family history of premature CVD and modifiable risk factors including hypertension, obesity, smoking, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits, including low consumption of vegetable and fruits. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular and other risk factors as well as the association between these risk factors among students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. This cross sectional study enrolled 100 apparently healthy students aged 19 and 25 years. A questionnaire was filled and anthropometric measurements were taken. Fasting blood glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) were determined on venous blood samples. The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) was calculated using the Friedwald formula. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Family history of DM (24.0%) and hypertension (21.0%) were common. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 7%, high waist-hip ratio 6%, BMI  30 3%, hypertension 9%, DM 3%, impaired fasting glucose 4%, high TC 37%, high LDL 15%, low HDL 1% and hyperuricaemia 9%. Only one female had eGFR 30 – 59, 17% had eGFR 60 – 89 while 82% had eGFR > 90. None of the students had ever smoked and there were no cases of high TG and high waist circumference. There were clustering of these risk factors with 74 participants having at least one of these risk factors and 26 with no risk factor. These risk factors were therefore common among these students and there is the need for more frequent assessment. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment may be necessary for some of these conditions.