Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic change detection in topics based on rolling LDAs

Topic modeling methods such as e.g. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) are popular techniques to analyze large text corpora. With huge amounts of textual data that are collected over time in various fields of applied research, it becomes also relevant to be able to automatically monitor the evolution of topics identified from some sort of dynamic topic modeling approach. For this purpose, we propose a dynamic change detection method that relies on a rolling version of the classical LDA that allows for coherently modeled topics over time that are able to adapt to changing vocabulary. The changes are detected by assessing the intensity of word change in the LDA's topics over time in comparison to the expected intensity of word change under stable conditions using resampling techniques. We apply our method to topics obtained by applying the RollingLDA to Covid-19 related news data from CNN and illustrate that the detected changes in these topics are well interpretable. © 2021 Copyright for this paper by its authors
Amsterdam Oxford joint rescue forces - Team description paper - Virtual Robot competition - Rescue Simulation league - RoboCup 2011

With the progress made in active exploration, the robots of the Joint Rescue Forces are capable of making deliberative decisions about the distribution of exploration locations over the team. Experiments have been done which include information exchange between team-members at rendez-vous points and dynamic role switching between relays and explorers. In the previous competition exploration was demonstrated with large robots with advanced mobility, such as the Kenaf and the AirRobot. This year our mapping algorithms are extended to be able to explore with the smaller AR.Drone, a flying robot used in the International Micro Air Vehicle competition. Further, progress will be demonstrated in automatic victim detection.
Tensile Examination and Strength Evaluation of Latewood in Japanese Cedar

With the crisis awareness of global warming and natural disasters, utilization of local wood has drawn increasing attention in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is necessary to investigate the deformation and fracture of the structural tissue in wood in order to improve the safety and reliability of wood application. However, deformation and fracture mechanisms of the structural tissue in each annual ring are unknown. The mechanical characteristics of wood are reflected in the properties of earlywood and latewood. In the present study, microstructural observation and tensile tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of latewood in the growth direction in Japanese cedar. Brittle fracture behavior of the latewood specimen was confirmed based on the tensile stress–strain curve and features of the fracture surface. Moreover, two fracture modes, tensile fracture and shear fracture, were recognized. Weibull analysis of tensile strength in each fracture mode was performed to evaluate the reliability and utility of brittle latewood. Lastly, two fracture mechanisms were discussed based on the failure observation findings by a scanning electron microscope.
Progress in Bioengineering Strategies for Heart Regenerative Medicine

The human heart has the least regenerative capabilities among tissues and organs, and heart disease continues to be a leading cause of mortality in the industrialized world with insufficient therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Therefore, developing new therapeutic strategies for heart regeneration is a major goal in modern cardiac biology and medicine. Recent advances in stem cell biology and biotechnologies such as human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and cardiac tissue engineering hold great promise for opening novel paths to heart regeneration and repair for heart disease, although these areas are still in their infancy. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent progress in cardiac tissue engineering strategies, highlighting stem cell engineering and cardiomyocyte maturation, development of novel functional biomaterials and biofabrication tools, and their therapeutic applications involving drug discovery, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine for heart disease.
Lysosomes in Stem Cell Quiescence: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Simple Summary Lysosomes are a critical component of the inner membrane system and are involved in various cellular biological processes, including macromolecular degradation, antigen presentation, intracellular pathogen destruction, plasma membrane repair, exosome release, cell adhesion/migration, and apoptosis. Lysosomes are a critical regulator of cellular metabolism, cancer, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer therapy. Additionally, lysosomal activities play a crucial role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) development and progression, as well as maintaining the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) pool. It has been shown that AML cells undergo metabolic alterations due to chemotherapy or targeted treatment. Thus, depending on the molecular subtypes of AML or the treatments involved, lysosomes could have a therapeutic potential. Abstract Lysosomes are cellular organelles that regulate essential biological processes such as cellular homeostasis, development, and aging. They are primarily connected to the degradation/recycling of cellular macromolecules and participate in cellular trafficking, nutritional signaling, energy metabolism, and immune regulation. Therefore, lysosomes connect cellular metabolism and signaling pathways. Lysosome’s involvement in the critical biological processes has rekindled clinical interest towards this organelle for treating various diseases, including cancer. Recent research advancements have demonstrated that lysosomes also regulate the maintenance and hemostasis of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which play a critical role in the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other types of cancer. Lysosomes regulate both HSCs’ metabolic networks and identity transition. AML is a lethal type of blood cancer with a poor prognosis that is particularly associated with aging. Although the genetic landscape of AML has been extensively described, only a few targeted therapies have been produced, warranting the need for further research. This review summarizes the functions and importance of targeting lysosomes in AML, while highlighting the significance of lysosomes in HSCs maintenance.
Effects of Biological and Chemical Degradation on the Properties of Scots Pine Wood—Part I: Chemical Composition and Microstructure of the Cell Wall

Research on new conservation treatment for archaeological wood requires large amounts of wooden material. For this purpose, artificial wood degradation (biological—using brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana, and chemical—using NaOH solution) under laboratory conditions was conducted to obtain an abundance of similar samples that mimic naturally degraded wood and can serve for comparative studies. However, knowledge about its properties is necessary to use this material for further study. In this study, the chemical composition and microstructure of degraded cell walls were investigated using FT-IR, XRD, helium pycnometry and nitrogen absorption methods. The results show that biological degradation caused the loss of hemicelluloses and celluloses, including the reduction in cellulose crystallinity, and led to lignin modification, while chemical degradation mainly depleted the amount of hemicelluloses and lignin, but also affected crystalline cellulose. These changes affected the cell wall microstructure, increasing both surface area and total pore volume. However, the chemical degradation produced a greater number of mesopores of smaller size compared to fungal decomposition. Both degradation processes weakened the cell wall’s mechanical strength, resulting in high shrinkage of degraded wood during air-drying. The results of the study suggest that degraded wood obtained under laboratory conditions can be a useful material for studies on new consolidants for archaeological wood.
The conditioned medium from mesenchymal stromal cells pretreated with proinflammatory cytokines promote fibroblasts migration and activation

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) play important roles in all stages of wound healing. However, in nonhealing wounds, fibroblasts are prone to aging, resulting in insufficient migration, proliferation and secretion functions. Recent studies have suggested that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are conducive to wound healing and cell growth through paracrine cytokine signaling. In our studies, we found that conditioned medium of MSCs pretreated with IFN-γ and TNF-α (IT MSC-CM) has abundant growth factors associated with wound repair. Our in vitro results showed that the effects of IT MSC-CM on promoting cell migration, proliferation and activation in HDFs were better than those of conditioned medium from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-CM). Moreover, we embedded a scaffold material containing IT MSC-CM and reconfirmed that cell migration and activation were superior to that in the presence of MSC-CM in vivo. Generally, PDGF-BB is perceived as a promoter of the migration and proliferation of HDFs. Moreover, a high level of PDGF-BB in IT MSC-CM was detected, according to which we guess that the effect on HDFs may be mediated by the upregulation of PDGF-BB. These studies all showed the potential of IT MSC-CM to promote rapid and effective wound healing.
Control of HBV infection in HIV/HBV co-infected patients treated with antiretroviral therapy – experience of Lodz Centre

Aim of the study To analyse the impact of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on selected markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as assessment of the degree of fibrosis in antiretroviral patients who had HIV/HBV co-infection. Material and methods Analysis of HBs antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs, HBsAg levels, anti-HDV, anti-HCV, as well as assessment of HBV DNA viraemia and liver fibrosis by elastography in people with HIV/HBV co-infection. Results Among 515 people under the care of the Lodz Centre at the time of treatment initiation 28 people (5.4%) HBsAg was detected. In HIV/HBV coinfected patients 14 people (50%) had anti-HCV and 6 (21.6%) had anti-HDV. In the group of 23 people treated with antiretroviral therapy for more than 12 months, all but one patient achieved HBV viraemia below the detection threshold. Six (26.1%) eliminated HBsAg, 3 (13%) produced anti-HBs. In the group we examined, four patients has fibrosis at level F4 on the Metavir scale – 3 patients were treated for more than 12 months and one patient was treated for less than 12 months. Conclusions Antiretroviral treatment of patients co-infected with HIV/HBV based on tenofovir (in the form of disoproxil or alafenamide) with emtricitabine or lamivudine leads to virological control of HBV infection.
Retrospective analysis of adjuvant radiotherapy in oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer: Feasibility of omitting lower-neck irradiation

Objectives Adjuvant radiotherapy is the standard of care in locally advanced head and neck cancers. The radiation field is correlated with the surgical field in the adjuvant radiotherapy setting; therefore, tailoring the irradiation field is reasonable. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers included in the cancer registry between 2015 and 2019 in the study hospital. Patients who underwent whole-neck irradiation (WNI) were compared with those who underwent lower-neck–sparing (LNS) irradiation. Results A total of 167 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers were included in the study. Cancer recurrence was recorded in 33% of the patients. The rate of recurrence of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer at neck level IV was 8%. The 2-year incidence of level IV recurrence was lower in the WNI group than in the LNS group (2% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). The 2-year disease-free survival rates were 75% and 63% in the WNI and LNS groups, respectively (p = 0.08). Conclusion The rate of level IV recurrence was higher in the LNS group than in the WNI group. Trends of improvement in disease-free survival with lower-neck irradiation suggested that it is premature to consider LNS irradiation as daily practice in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
Psychological counseling in the Italian academic context: Expected needs, activities, and target population in a large sample of students

University psychological counseling (UPC) is receiving growing attention as a means to promote mental health and academic success among young adults and prevent irregular attendance and dropout. However, thus far, little effort has been directed towards the implementation of services attuned to students’ expectations and needs. This work intends to contribute to the existing literature on this topic, by exploring the perceptions of UPC among a population of 39,277 students attending one of the largest universities in the South of Italy. Almost half of the total population correctly identified the UPC target population as university students, and about one third correctly expected personal distress to be the main need that UPC should target. However, a large percentage did not have a clear idea about UPC target needs, activities, and population. When two specific student subsamples were analyzed using a person-centered analysis, namely (i) those who expressed their intention to use the counseling service but had not yet done so and (ii) those who had already used it, the first subsample clustered into two groups, characterized by an “emotional” and a “psychopathological” focus, respectively, while the second subsample clustered into three groups with a “clinical”, “socioemotional”, and “learning” focus, respectively. This result shows a somewhat more “superficial” and “common” representation of UPC in the first subsample and a more “articulated” and “flexible” vision in the second subsample. Taken together, these findings suggest that UPC services could adopt “student-centered” strategies to both identify and reach wider audiences and specific student subgroups. Recommended strategies include robust communication campaigns to help students develop a differentiated perception of the available and diverse academic services, and the involvement of active students to remove the barriers of embarrassment and shame often linked to the stigma of using mental health services.
Investigation of Ramped Compression Effect on the Dielectric Properties of Silicone Rubber Composites for the Coating of High-Voltage Insulation

The incorporation of inorganic oxide fillers imparts superior dielectric properties in silicone rubber for high-voltage insulation. However, the dielectric characteristics are influenced by the mechanical stress. The effects of ramped compression on the dielectric properties of neat silicone rubber (NSiR), 15% SiO2 microcomposite (SSMC), 15% alumina trihydrate (ATH) microcomposite (SAMC) and 10% ATH + 2% SiO2 hybrid composite (SMNC) are presented in this study. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor were measured before and after each compression especially in the frequency range of 50 kHz to 2MHz. Before the compression, SSMC expressed the highest dielectric constant of 4.44 followed by SMNC and SAMC. After the compression cycle, SAMC expressed a better dielectric behavior exhibiting dielectric constant of 7.19 and a dissipation factor of 0.01164. Overall, SAMC expressed better dielectric response before and after compression cycle with dielectric constant and dissipation factor in admissible ranges.
Stevioside Enhances the Anti-Adipogenic Effect and β-Oxidation by Activating AMPK in 3T3-L1 Cells and Epididymal Adipose Tissues of db/db Mice

Stevioside, the primary sweetener in stevia, is a glycoside with numerous beneficial biological activities. However, its anti-adipogenic effects on tissue differentiation and adipose tissues remain to be thoroughly investigated. In this study, the anti-adipogenic effects of stevioside during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and epididymal adipose tissues of db/db mice were investigated by measuring the lipid droplets stained with Oil Red O and an immunoblot assay. Immunoblot analysis revealed that stevioside downregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Additionally, the protein expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) increased following treatment with stevioside. Furthermore, stevioside increased the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), both in vitro and in vivo. The activity of AMPK in stevioside-treated 3T3-L1 cells was further confirmed using agonists and antagonists of AMPK signaling. Our data indicate that stevioside ameliorates anti-adipogenic effects and promotes β-oxidation in adipocytes by activating AMPK-mediated signaling. The results of this study clearly demonstrated the inhibitory effect of stevioside on the differentiation of adipocytes and the reduction of lipid accumulation in the epididymal adipose tissues of db/db mice.
Influence of Climatic Factors and Nest Tree Characteristics on the Nest Structures of the Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) in Peninsular Malaysia

Simple Summary The baya weavers of South and Southeast Asia, living in colonies, build overhanging nests in partially and fully completed forms on the same trees. The female birds will only select certain nests in which to complete breeding, with nest structure linked to the nest tree characteristics and the surrounding environment. We examined nest structure, nest tree characteristics, and climatic variables for colonies found in two climatically dissimilar sites in Peninsular Malaysia. Our results indicate that nest structure is linked to nest microclimate, possibly being influenced by the surrounding temperature. Abstract The baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus: Ploceidae), found across South and Southeast Asia, is known for its oblique-shaped overhanging nests. During the breeding season, females select from partially built (‘helmet’-stage) nests constructed by the males, after which nests are completed and used by the birds. Reproductive success is linked to an optimal microclimate within these nest structures. We recorded nest tree and nest structure characteristics of 66 fully completed nests for 22 colonies located in two climatically dissimilar sites in Peninsular Malaysia and examined how these factors affected the microclimate within six nests that were randomly selected at each location. Total vertical length of the nests, the height of nests from the ground, and the diameter at breast height of the nest trees recorded for the Selangor and Perlis colonies (in the southwest and north, respectively), were significantly different. The climatic variables inside and outside the nests correlated significantly in both sites. Our findings indicate that nest structures differed in Selangor and Perlis and were linked to nest microclimate, possibly being influenced by the surrounding temperature.
UTILIZATION OF QUALITY TOOLS: DOES SECTOR AND SIZE MATTER?

This research focuses on the influence of company sector and size on the level of utilization of Basic and Advanced Quality Tools. The paper starts with a literature review and then presents the methodology used for the survey. Based on the responses from 202 managers of Portuguese ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certified organizations, statistical tests were performed. Results show, with 95% confidence level, that industry and services have a similar proportion of use of Basic and Advanced Quality Tools. Concerning size, bigger companies show a higher trend to use Advanced Quality Tools than smaller ones. For Basic Quality Tools, there was no statistical significant difference at a 95% confidence level for different company sizes. The three basic Quality tools with higher utilization were Check sheets, Flow charts and Histograms (for Services) or Control Charts/ (for Industry), however 22% of the surveyed organizations reported not using Basic Quality Tools, which highlights a major improvement opportunity for these companies.
A CLLC Resonant Converter Based Bidirectional EV Charger with Maximum Efficiency Tracking

On-board bi-directional chargers for electric vehicles (EV) are important elements of smart grid infrastructure enabling peak load shaving and grid frequency/voltage support. Conventional LLC resonant converter based on-board EV charger incurs large losses in reverse mode of operation and when operating frequency deviates from the resonant frequency which is often the case as battery voltage changes. To over this limitation, this paper presents a bi-directional CLLC resonant converter based battery charger with maximum efficiency tracking. Steady state performance of the converter is first evaluated using fundamental harmonic approximation (FHA) method, in both forward and reverse power flow modes. In order to maintain the operating frequency close to optimum series resonant frequency corresponding to the maximum efficiency point as the battery voltage varies, the DC link voltage is adjusted in the same ratio. Thus the resonant converter is always operating with less circulating current in the resonant tank and transformer, less turn off current in the primary side MOSFETs and less di/dt in the secondary side diodes. Simulation and comparison with the conventional LLC resonant converter with fixed DC link voltage are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Sensitivity analysis for calibrated inverse probability-of-censoring weighted estimators under non-ignorable dropout

Inverse probability of censoring weighting is a popular approach to handling dropout in longitudinal studies. However, inverse probability-of-censoring weighted estimators (IPCWEs) can be inefficient and unstable if the weights are estimated by maximum likelihood. To alleviate these problems, calibrated IPCWEs have been proposed, which use calibrated weights that directly optimize covariate balance in finite samples rather than the weights from maximum likelihood. However, the existing calibrated IPCWEs are all based on the unverifiable assumption of sequential ignorability and sensitivity analysis strategies under non-ignorable dropout are lacking. In this paper, we fill this gap by developing an approach to sensitivity analysis for calibrated IPCWEs under non-ignorable dropout. A simple technique is proposed to speed up the computation of bootstrap and jackknife confidence intervals and thus facilitate sensitivity analyses. We evaluate the finite-sample performance of the proposed methods using simulations and apply our methods to data from an international inception cohort study of systemic lupus erythematosus. An R Markdown tutorial to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed methods is provided.