Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structured Representations for Reviews: Aspect-Based Variational Hidden Factor Models

We present Variational Aspect-Based Latent Dirichlet Allocation (VALDA), a family of autoencoding topic models that learn aspect-based representations of reviews. VALDA defines a user-item encoder that maps bag-of-words vectors for combined reviews associated with each paired user and item onto structured embeddings, which in turn define per-aspect topic weights. We model individual reviews in a structured manner by inferring an aspect assignment for each sentence in a given review, where the per-aspect topic weights obtained by the user-item encoder serve to define a mixture over topics, conditioned on the aspect. The result is an autoencoding neural topic model for reviews, which can be trained in a fully unsupervised manner to learn topics that are structured into aspects. Experimental evaluation on large number of datasets demonstrates that aspects are interpretable, yield higher coherence scores than non-structured autoencoding topic model variants, and can be utilized to perform aspect-based comparison and genre discovery.
Spectrophotometry

Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction of light with matter. By observing how light interacts with matter—through reflection, refraction, elastic scattering, absorbance, inelastic scattering, and emission—it is possible to (1) identify the wavelengths of light that interact with atoms and molecules, or (2) quantify the amount of light being absorbed, reflected, scattered, or emitted at a particular wavelength. This unit describes the background and basic principles of spectrophotometry (the study of the reflection or transmission properties of a substance as a function of wavelength), in particular, absorbance spectrophotometry. Also included is discussion of key spectrophotometer components and their functions, the relationship between absorbance and transmittance, experimental considerations, and the steps necessary in preparing a standard curve for determining absorbance concentration. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 6:2.1. 1‐2.1. 28. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Contracting with Enemies? Vertical FDI with Outsourcing Contracts

An exploration of Korean MNCs' foreign affiliate-level data reveals that a significant portion of manufacturing foreign affiliates sell both to related and unrelated firms at the same time. We refer to this as hybrid vertical FDI. We rationalize the presence of hybrid vertical FDI by modifying the otherwise standard property-rights model of global sourcing with the subsidiary-level option of supplying inputs to unrelated customers in addition to related firms. Given the positive production externality from serving additional customers (that is proportional to the MNC's productivity) and the costs of getting such benefit (that are increasing in relationship-specificity of the outsourced inputs), the model generates following testable hypotheses: Both MNCs' likelihood of choosing hybrid over pure vertical FDI and their foreign affiliate firms' related-firm sales ratio over unrelated-firm go up when the productivity of foreign affiliates increases (but such tendencies weaken when contractual complexity goes up), which our subsequent empirical analysis robustly confirms.
Whimbrel Tracked with Satellite Transmitter on Migratory Flight across North America

Wader Study Group Bulletin 115(2): 119 Two disjunct breeding populations of Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus have been described in the western hemisphere (American Ornithologists’ Union 1983). The western population breeds in portions of Alaska and across the Yukon and Northwest Territories of Canada while the eastern population breeds west and south of Hudson Bay (Skeel & Mallory 1996). Most of what we believe we know about the migratory pathways of these populations has been pieced together from circumstantial evidence gleaned from decades of field observations (Skeel & Mallory 1996, Taverner 1942). The populations have been thought to have separate migratory routes with little mixing where the western and eastern populations were confined to the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts, respectively. Here we present evidence of a transcontinental migration route that brings portions of the two Whimbrel populations into contact during spring migration. We captured 26 Whimbrels between 30 April and 20 May 2008 within the barrier island–lagoon system of the lower Delmarva Peninsula in Virginia (37°39'S, 75°87'W). Birds were captured using rocket nets set on known loafing or roosting sites in cordgrass Spartina alterniflora marshes. We fitted birds with Incoloy® tarsal bands on the right leg and yellow color bands over alpha–numeric green flags on the left leg. All birds captured were in adult plumage and varied in mass between 360 and 645 g (X±S.E. = 480±14.6). One Whimbrel captured on 20 May was fitted with a satellite transmitter or PTT (Platform Transmitter Terminal). The PTT used in this study was a 9.5 g, solar–powered unit produced by Microwave Telemetry Inc (Columbia, MD). We glued the transmitter to a larger square of neoprene to give it elevation above the body and to prevent the bird from preening feathers over the solar panels. We attached the transmitter using a modification of the leg–loop harness (Rappole & Tipton1991, Sanzenbacher et al. 2000). Instead of elastic cord, we used Teflon® ribbon (Bally Ribbon Mills, Bally, PA) that was fastened with brass rivets (Fig. 1). The bird was located using satellites of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites with onboard tracking equipment operated by Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS America, Inc., Largo, MD) (Collecte Localisation Satellites 2008, Fancy et al. 1988). The Whimbrel tracked with satellite transmitter on migratory flight across North America
Smart Sensing and Communication Co-Design for IIoT-Based Control Systems

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-based control is growing rapidly, such as smart factories and industrial automation. Sensing and transmitting physical state measurements is the first step and the prerequisite for IIoT-based control. However, sensor interference (e.g., electromagnetic interference on sensing, temperature, and humidity variations in the field) and network interference (e.g., metal obstacles and background noises) may destroy the control performance by interfering with sensing and communication processes. Most of the present upstream “fixed sensors-networking-state estimation” approaches cannot effectively deal with sensor and network interferences due to the fixed measurements/estimation and network resource limitations. To optimize the performance of IIoT-based control, we propose a smart sensing and communication co-design (SSCC) framework to select more potential sensors and establish the corresponding network scheduling. SSCC consists of a smart estimator (SE) and a sensing communication mode switching (SCMS) agent. The SE detects sensor interference and obtains resilient state estimation based on collaborative sensing. SCMS agent dynamically switches sensor selections and network configurations (routing and transmission number) in an integrated manner based on the network and plant states by solving a performance optimization problem. We propose a lightweight SCMS approach by searching a predefined mode table. We perform simulations integrating TOSSIM and MATLAB/Simulink, and semi-physical experiments on a real wireless sensor-actuator network composed of TelosB nodes. The results show that the SSCC framework can effectively improve the control performance and enhance network energy efficiency under various types of interference by dynamically selecting sensors and allocating network resources.
Reference standards for the 6-min walk test in Croatian older adults

Introduction: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to assess the level of functional capacity of individuals with respiratory diseases. Although previous evidence has provided reference standards for the 6MWT in unhealthy older adults, no data have been provided for the Croatian healthy older populations. Therefore, the main purposes of the study were to define sex- and age-specific references for the 6MWT in older adults. Methods: Six-hundred and forty-three older adults (260 men and 383 women) aged 60–80 years were recruited in this observational cross-sectional study. The participants were instructed to walk the maximal distance possible for 6 min. The main outcome was the final score in the 6MWT conducted at a 30-m straight corridor. Results: Men exhibited longer walking distance, compared to women (678.3 ± 59.1 vs. 653.8 ± 49.9 m, p < 0.001) and younger men and women performed better, than their older counterparts (p < 0.001). However, the sex*age interaction effect showed no significant differences between men and women in the same age range (p = 0.865). Discussion: This is the first study with the purpose of providing reference standards for the 6MWT in a large sample of Croatian older adults. Older men and women in lower percentiles may be treated as a “risky group” of individuals with a special attention of implementing interventions to enhance the performance.
Developing and Evaluating An Automated Bed Assignment Algorithm in A Tertiary Hospital: A case study in Singapore

Objectives: The primary aim of this quality improvement project was to develop, implement and evaluate an automated bed assignment algorithm (ABAA) which can offer objective and consistent bed assignment recommendations that comply with the unique operational constraints and prioritization rules of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Methods: Using the classical process improvement framework of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), the quality circle workgroup first developed and tested the ABAA prototype to confirm its feasibility and reliability to meet all hospital operational constraints and prioritization rules. PDSA framework was then also employed in the user interface design and integration of ABAA into existing system setup. The staff satisfaction level of the ABAA was subsequently assessed via an anonymized online survey. Results: In the prototype development phase, the workgroup was able to conclude after nine rounds of review meetings that the ABAA prototype was able to perform bed assignments like hospital staff using data in 64 operational scenarios. Among the 10 eligible staff who completed the online survey, up to 90% of them reported that ABAA was able to generate bed assignment recommendations which met the hospital operational requirements. 90% of these staff also reported that ABAA was easy to use and navigate, while all respondents reported using ABAA before attempting to assign beds manually. 80% of staff felt ABAA was able to reduce human error, while 50% of staff felt ABAA had reduced their time taken for bed assignments by 30 minutes to 2 hours per shift. Conclusions: Evidently, the user-centric design of ABAA has enabled its high adoption and acceptance rate among staff. Overall, it has allowed the staff to make faster, consistent and objective bed assignment decisions which complied with hospital operational constraints and prioritization rules so that newly admitted patients received the most appropriate care at their point of admission.
Deep Learning for Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis and Prediction Using Histological and Cytological Images: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly malignancies worldwide. Microscopic examination of histological and cytological lung specimens can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Most of the time, accurate diagnosis and classification require histochemical and specific immunohistochemical staining. Currently, Artificial Intelligence-based methods show remarkable advances and potential in Pathology and can guide lung cancer diagnosis, subtyping, prognosis prediction, mutational status characterization, and PD-L1 expression estimation, performing with high accuracy rates. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current advances in Deep Learning-based methods on lung cancer by using histological and cytological images. Abstract Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with a high incidence rate, especially in tobacco smokers. Lung cancer accurate diagnosis is based on distinct histological patterns combined with molecular data for personalized treatment. Precise lung cancer classification from a single H&E slide can be challenging for a pathologist, requiring most of the time additional histochemical and special immunohistochemical stains for the final pathology report. According to WHO, small biopsy and cytology specimens are the available materials for about 70% of lung cancer patients with advanced-stage unresectable disease. Thus, the limited available diagnostic material necessitates its optimal management and processing for the completion of diagnosis and predictive testing according to the published guidelines. During the new era of Digital Pathology, Deep Learning offers the potential for lung cancer interpretation to assist pathologists’ routine practice. Herein, we systematically review the current Artificial Intelligence-based approaches using histological and cytological images of lung cancer. Most of the published literature centered on the distinction between lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung carcinoma, reflecting the realistic pathologist’s routine. Furthermore, several studies developed algorithms for lung adenocarcinoma predominant architectural pattern determination, prognosis prediction, mutational status characterization, and PD-L1 expression status estimation.
Loss or Dilution—A New Diagnostic Method to Assess the Impact of Dilution on Standard Laboratory Parameters

Intraoperative fluid therapy is regularly used in patients undergoing cardiac surgery procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Although fluid administration has several advantages, it unavoidably leads to hemodilution. The hemodilution may further influence the interpretation of concentration-based laboratory parameters like hemoglobin (Hgb), platelet count (PLT) or prothrombin time (PT). These all parameters are commonly used to guide blood product substitution. To assess the impact of dilution on these values, we performed a prospective observational study in 174 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. We calculated the total blood volume according to Nadler’s formula, and fluid therapy was correlated with a newly developed dilution coefficient formula at the end of CPB. Intravenously applied fluids were measured from the beginning of the anesthesia (baseline, T0) and 15 min after the end of protamine infusion (end of CPB, T1). The amount of the administered volume (crystalloids or colloids) was calculated according to the percentage of the intravascular fluid effect, and intraoperative diuresis was further subtracted. The median blood volume increased by 148% in all patients at T1 compared to the calculated total blood volume at T0. This led to a dilution-dependent decrease of 38% in all three parameters (Hgb 24%, corrCoeff = 0.53; PLT 41%, corrCoeff = 0.68; PT 44%, corrCoeff = 0.54). The dilution-correlated decrease was significant for all parameters (p < 0.001), and the effect was independent from the duration of CPB. We conclude that the presented calculation-based approach could provide important information regarding actual laboratory parameters and may help in the guidance of the blood product substitution and potential transfusion thresholds. Further research on the impact of dilution and related decision-making for blood product substitution, including its impact on morbidity and mortality, is warranted.
Mode selection schemes for D2D enabled unmanned aerial vehicle-based wireless networks

In this study, the authors present and evaluate the performance of two mode selection schemes for device-to-device (D2D) enabled unmanned aerial vehicle-based wireless networks. The proposed schemes are based on a threshold received signal strength and an average threshold D2D distance to select the D2D mode. The focus of the two schemes is either to enhance the quality of the signal or the connectivity in case of emergency situations. To evaluate the performances of the schemes, they derive the corresponding expressions of the probability of using D2D mode and ergodic capacity. Numerical results show the advantage of the presented schemes in off-loading traffic from aerial platforms and shed lights on the effect of the environment on the performance of D2D enabled aerial networks.
INDOOR LOCALIZATION SYSTEMS FOR PASSIVE UHF RFID TAG BASED ON RSSI RADIO MAP DATABASE

A classification algorithm is applied to UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) system to estimate the indoor position of a passive tag utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). Passive tag signals are collected by conventional UHF RFID reader antenna located at two different positions. K-NN and curve fitting are used for distance estimation and examined at different frequencies within the range 902–928 MHz to find suitable frequencies which can minimize the average error. In the proposed method, the measured RSSI values are compared with the fingerprint database in different frequencies to find the nearest neighbor. The best accuracy achieved at frequency range 926–928 MHz is 18.3 cm. The monitoring system is composed of a reader and tags under test, which makes the proposed system robust, easy to set up, and with low cost. The limitation of the proposed method is also discussed.
EGFR alterations in glioblastoma play a role in antitumor immunity regulation

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most frequently altered gene in glioblastoma (GBM), which plays an important role in tumor development and anti-tumor immune response. While current molecular targeted therapies against the EGFR signaling pathway and its downstream key molecules have not demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes in GBM. Whereas tumor immunotherapies, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown durable antitumor responses in many cancers. However, the clinical efficacy is limited in patients carrying EGFR alterations, indicating that EGFR signaling may involve tumor immune response. Recent studies reveal that EGFR alterations not only promote GBM cell proliferation but also influence immune components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells (e.g., M2-like TAMs, MDSCs, and Tregs), and inhibition of T and NK cell activation. Moreover, EGFR alterations upregulate the expression of immunosuppressive molecules or cytokines (such as PD-L1, CD73, TGF-β). This review explores the role of EGFR alterations in establishing an immunosuppressive TME and hopes to provide a theoretical basis for combining targeted EGFR inhibitors with immunotherapy for GBM.
SISTEMAS TRIBUTARIOS Y EL MODELO DE DESCUENTO DE FLUJOS DE FONDOS: UN ANALISIS DEL MODELO GENERAL

La determinación del valor de los ahorros fiscales y el impacto del impuesto a la renta en la valuación de empresa, depende del sistema tributario vigente en el mercado. Los efectos fiscales que implican pagos y ahorros, y, deben analizarse con el sistema tributario donde opera la firma. Los trabajos de Modigliani y Miller (1963) y Miller (1977) suponen un sistema clásico de imposición a la renta. La Organización Mundial del Comercio (OCDE) identifica siete sistemas tributarios clasificados en dos grandes grupos: integrados y clásicos. El uso de las propuestas tradicionales para cuantificar ahorros fiscales sin analizar características del sistema, conduce a errores de especificación y de valuación de la firma. En tal sentido, el trabajo revisa los modelos existentes, particularmente el Modelo General. Seguidamente, expone las ecuaciones de valor correspondientes a los diferentes sistemas tributarios. Mediante un análisis de casos son aplicados los modelos para los sistemas clasificados por la OCDE. Se presentan resultados relacionados con el valor de la firma, errores de medición de las propuestas clásicas y las ventajas del Modelo General. Finalmente, se comparan a iguales alícuotas los efectos fiscales sobre el costo de capital, el valor de la firma e impuestos pagados en cada sistema.
Biocultural calendars in southwestern South America

To integrate temporal and spatial dimensions of seasonal cycles, we combine two conceptual frameworks: ecological calendars and the “3Hs” model of the biocultural ethic. The latter values the vital links between human and other-than-human coinhabitants, their life habits (e.g., cultural practices of human communities or life cycles of other-than-human species) and the structure, patterns and processes of their shared habitats. This integration enhances an understanding of core links between cultural practices and the life cycles of biocultural keystone species. As a synthesis, we use the term biocultural calendars to emphasize the co-constitutive nature of calendars that result from continuous interactions between dynamic biophysical and cultural processes. We apply biocultural calendars to examine cultural practices and socio-environmental changes in southwestern South America, specifically in Chile, spanning from (1) Cape Horn at the southern of the Americas in subAntarctic habitats inhabited by the Yagan indigenous community, (2) artisanal fisher communities in Chiloe; archipelagoes, (3) coastal regions of central-southern Chile inhabited by Lafkenche and Williche indigenous communities, to (4) high Andean habitats in northern Chile co-inhabited by Aymara communities along with domesticated camelids and a rich biodiversity. To illustrate biocultural calendars, we designed analemma diagrams that show the position of the Sun in the sky as seen from a fixed time and location, and linked to continuous renewal of astronomical, biological and cultural, seasonal cycles that sustain life. These biocultural calendars enhance the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge to confront complex challenges of climate change faced by local communities and global society.
Role of Neurotrophins in Orofacial Pain Modulation: A Review of the Latest Discoveries

Orofacial pain represents a multidisciplinary biomedical challenge involving basic and clinical research for which no satisfactory solution has been found. In this regard, trigeminal pain is described as one of the worst pains perceived, leaving the patient with no hope for the future. The aim of this review is to evaluate the latest discoveries on the involvement of neurotrophins in orofacial nociception, describing their role and expression in peripheral tissues, trigeminal ganglion, and trigeminal nucleus considering their double nature as “supporters” of the nervous system and as “promoters” of nociceptive transmission. In order to scan recent literature (last ten years), three independent researchers referred to databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to find original research articles and clinical trials. The researchers selected 33 papers: 29 original research articles and 4 clinical trials. The results obtained by the screening of the selected articles show an interesting trend, in which the precise modulation of neurotrophin signaling could switch neurotrophins from being a “promoter” of pain to their beneficial neurotrophic role of supporting the nerves in their recovery, especially when a structural alteration is present, as in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, neurotrophins could be interesting targets for orofacial pain modulation but more studies are necessary to clarify their role for future application in clinical practice.