Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Gaussian mixture latent variable model convergence with Optimal Transport

Generative models with both discrete and continuous latent variables are highly motivated by the structure of many real-world data sets. They present, however, subtleties in training often manifesting in the discrete latent variable not being leveraged. In this paper, we show why such models struggle to train using traditional log-likelihood maximization, and that they are amenable to training using the Optimal Transport framework of Wasserstein Autoencoders. We ﬁnd our discrete latent variable to be fully leveraged by the model when trained, without any modiﬁcations to the objective function or signiﬁcant ﬁne tuning. Our model generates comparable samples to other approaches while using relatively simple neural networks, since the discrete latent variable carries much of the descriptive burden. Furthermore, the discrete latent provides signiﬁcant control over generation.
Establishment of a Rat Model of Alcoholic Liver Fibrosis with Simulated Human Drinking Patterns and Low-Dose Chemical Stimulation

Although alcohol is a well-known causal factor associated with liver diseases, challenges remain in inducing liver fibrosis in experimental rodent models. These challenges include rodents’ natural aversion to high concentrations of alcohol, rapid alcohol metabolism, the need for a prolonged duration of alcohol administration, and technical difficulties. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an experimental model that can replicate the features of alcoholic liver fibrosis. The objective of this study was to develop a feasible rat model of alcoholic liver fibrosis that emulates human drinking patterns and combines low-dose chemicals within a relatively short time frame. We successfully developed an 8-week rat model of alcoholic liver fibrosis that mimics chronic and heavy drinking patterns. Rats were fed with a control liquid diet, an alcohol liquid diet, or alcohol liquid diet combined with multiple binges via oral gavage. To accelerate the progression of alcoholic liver fibrosis, we introduced low-dose carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) through intraperitoneal injection. This model allows researchers to efficiently evaluate potential therapeutics in preclinical studies of alcoholic liver fibrosis within a reasonable time frame.
Proteomics in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Challenges and Opportunities

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and one of the success stories in cancer therapeutics. Risk-directed therapy based on clinical, biologic and genetic features has played a significant role in this accomplishment. Despite the observed improvement in survival rates, leukemia remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Implementation of next-generation genomic and transcriptomic sequencing tools has illustrated the genomic landscape of ALL. However, the underlying dynamic changes at protein level still remain a challenge. Proteomics is a cutting-edge technology aimed at deciphering the mechanisms, pathways, and the degree to which the proteome impacts leukemia subtypes. Advances in mass spectrometry enable high-throughput collection of global proteomic profiles, representing an opportunity to unveil new biological markers and druggable targets. The purpose of this narrative review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of studies that have utilized applications of proteomics in an attempt to gain insight into the pathogenesis and identification of biomarkers in childhood ALL.
An Intelligent Robotic System Capable of Sensing and Describing Objects Based on Bimodal, Self‐Powered Flexible Sensors

This study presents an intelligent soft robotic system capable of perceiving, describing, and sorting objects based on their physical properties. This work introduces a bimodal self‐powered flexible sensor (BSFS) based on the triboelectric nanogenerator and giant magnetoelastic effect. The BSFS features a simplified structure comprising a magnetoelastic conductive film and a packaged liquid metal coil. The BSFS can precisely detect and distinguish touchless and tactile models, with a response time of 10 ms. By seamlessly integrating the BSFSs into the soft fingers, this study realizes an anthropomorphic soft robotic hand with remarkable multimodal perception capabilities. The touchless signals provide valuable insights into object shape and material composition, while the tactile signals offer precise information regarding surface roughness. Utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN), this study integrates all sensing information, resulting in an intelligent soft robotic system that accurately describes objects based on their physical properties, including materials, surface roughness, and shapes, with an accuracy rate of up to 97%. This study may lay a robotic foundation for the hardware of the general artificial intelligence with capacities to interpret and interact with the physical world, which also serves as an interface between artificial intelligence and soft robots.
APRI and FIB-4 indices as diagnostic noninvasive scores for prediction of severe fibrosis in patients with biliary atresia

Aim of the study Biliary atresia (BA) is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. The aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI), and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores are commonly used compound surrogates for advanced fibrosis. However, the use of APRI and FIB-4 entails a risk of overestimating the fibrosis stage due to the impact of necroinflammatory activity on transaminases. So, we determined the optimal cutoff values of the APRI and FIB-4 indices in prediction of fibrosis in BA patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of the APRI and FIB-4 indices in prediction of fibrosis in patients with BA. Material and methods A cross sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 121 children complaining of BA attending the National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt, during the period from January 2022 to February 2023. Results The APRI score was significantly higher among neglected BA than BA type II a, BA type III, type II b and type I (p = 0.001). Also FIB-4 was significantly higher among neglected BA than BA type II a, BA type II b, type III and type I (p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the cutoff point of the APRI score in prediction of fibrosis in patients with BA was 1.29, with sensitivity of 88.6% and specificity of 76.0%, while the cutoff point of FIB-4 in prediction of fibrosis in patients with BA was 9.82 with sensitivity of 89.0% and specificity of 70.0%. Conclusions Our study confirms that FIB-4 and APRI scores are both able to predict severe fibrosis. APRI score and FIB-4 are good non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy in the detection of liver fibrosis and its extent in patients with BA.
Editorial: Cardiorenal dysregulation in endocrine disorders: innovative mechanisms and therapeutic interventions

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, Women’s Health Research Center, Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
Sectional Modular Technology for Reducing Detent Force of Linear Unit in Linear-rotary Flux-switching Permanent-magnet Generator for Wind-wave Combined Energy Conversion

A linear-rotary flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) generator (LRFSPMG) is a potential candidate for a wind-wave combined energy conversion (WWCEC) system. The linear unit of the LRFSPMG is a tubular FSPM linear generator (TFSPMLG), which like other permanent magnet linear generators, has an inherent detent force problem. To alleviate this problem, a sectional modular technology scheme is investigated to reduce the detent force of the TFSPMLG. Firstly, the structure is briefly introduced and the detent force analyzed. Secondly, the sectional modular TFSPMLGs are presented and their feasibility verified with respect to the stator of the TFSPMLG being split into two and three sections, forming Modulars I and II, respectively. After that, the detent force suppression principle, and the effects that the sectional modular structures exert on the detent force are analyzed. According to the analysis results, two methods are presented to suppress the detent force: one is to suppress the magnetic coupling effect; the other is to reduce the remaining harmonics. Finally, the three TFSPMLGs, including the initial TFSPMLG, Modular I, and Modular II, are comparatively analyzed by finite-element analysis (FEA). The results show that both the detent forces are greatly reduced without sacrificing the back electromotive force (EMF) and average electromagnetic force, thereby proving the effectiveness of the TFSPMLG with a sectional modular structure.
Point-of-care ultrasound for monitoring catheter tip location during umbilical vein catheterization in neonates: a prospective study

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can guide umbilical vein catheter placement in real time and monitor catheter tip position, allowing avoidance of severe complications due to catheter malposition. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of POCUS in guiding venous catheter insertion and monitoring complications. Methods Sixty-eight neonates with ultrasound-guided venous catheter insertion at the Neonatal Department of Dongguan Children's Hospital between December 2020 and February 2022 were included. POCUS was applied to monitor catheter tip location daily until catheter removal. A displacement range exceeding the intersection of the inferior vena cava and right atrium by ±0.5 cm was considered misalignment. Results Sixty-four neonates had a displaced catheter tip (94.1%, 64/68), with a median displacement distance of 0.4 cm (minimum −0.2 cm, maximum 1.2 cm). Ten neonates had a misalignment (14.7%, 10/68) caused by displacement. Displacement usually occurs within 2–4 days after placement, with displacement rates of 94.1% (64/68), 90.6% (58/64), and 98.3% (59/60) on days 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and could still occur on day 9 post-placement. In addition, misalignment mainly occurs on the second day after placement. During the monitoring process, 58 neonates had catheter tip displacement ≥2 times, resulting in 252 displacement and 22 misalignment incidents. Among them, the catheter tip migrated outward from the inferior vena cava seven times, all of which were removed in time. Ultrasound was used for positioning 486 times, and x-ray was indirectly avoided 486 times. Conclusion The catheter tip is prone to displacement and misalignment after umbilical vein catheterization, which most commonly occurs on days 2–4. POCUS is recommended for daily monitoring of the tip location during umbilical vein catheterization until catheter removal.
TSGAN: Individual treatment effect estimation for multi-intervention with continuous dosage

In recent years, causal inference has achieved great results in recommendation systems, causal chain analysis, and individual treatment effects. The individual treatment effect (ITE), also known as the complier average treatment effect (CATE), is the focus of research in the medical, economic, and political fields. Its purpose is to solve the problem that it is impossible to predict an intervention's impact on individuals when interventions effects vary due to individual differences. Today's research focuses on estimating the counter-fact, that is, predicting the difference in treatment effect between individuals receiving one treatment and receiving another treatment. However, the above study was limited to two interventions and did not consider the issue of therapeutic dose. In this paper, a method combining both the idea of matching that prevalent in traditional ITE estimation, and a generative adversarial neural network (GAN) is proposed to achieve individual effect estimation under multi-intervention with continuous dosage intervention. This paper first proposes the idea of treatment effect space (TES), and proposes a neural network based on GAN, uses an improved discriminator, which takes a different approach from common GAN, using multiple discriminators in parallel structure to achieve discrimination of true samples from treatment space. The model was tested and validated under semi-simulated data.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Poverty Reduction and Economic Development

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of foreign direct investment on poverty reduction and economic development Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that FDI significantly contributes to poverty reduction and economic development. FDI is linked to higher economic growth rates, driven by its infusion of capital, technology, and market access. This influx of investment creates jobs in host countries, particularly in labor-intensive sectors, effectively reducing unemployment and improving living standards. Additionally, FDI promotes technology transfer and innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of domestic industries. Furthermore, FDI's positive spillover effects extend to human capital development through skill training and improved employability, leading to higher wages and overall poverty reduction. These findings underscore FDI's multifaceted role in fostering sustainable economic growth and social progress. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Dependency Theory and Resource-Based may be used to anchor future studies on Foreign Direct Investment. Investment Promotion Agencies should establish effective investment promotion agencies to attract quality FDI, offering incentives, streamlined regulations, and investor support services. Stringent environmental regulations should be enforced to prevent FDI from causing negative environmental externalities and promote sustainable development practices.
The Role of Back Muscle Dysfunctions in Chronic Low Back Pain: State-of-the-Art and Clinical Implications

Changes in back muscle function and structure are highly prevalent in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Since large heterogeneity in clinical presentation and back muscle dysfunctions exists within this population, the potential role of back muscle dysfunctions in the persistence of low back pain differs between individuals. Consequently, interventions should be tailored to the individual patient and be based on a thorough clinical examination taking into account the multidimensional nature of CLBP. Considering the complexity of this process, we will provide a state-of-the-art update on back muscle dysfunctions in patients with CLBP and their implications for treatment. To this end, we will first give an overview of (1) dysfunctions in back muscle structure and function, (2) the potential of exercise therapy to address these dysfunctions, and (3) the relationship between changes in back muscle dysfunctions and clinical parameters. In a second part, we will describe a framework for an individualised approach for back muscle training in patients with CLBP.
Comparison of the Optimization of the Coagulation-Flocculation and Electrocoagulation Treatment of Slaughterhouse Wastewater Using the Response Surface Method

In this work, the coagulation-flocculation and electrocoagulation treatments were compared in the removal of pollutants from wastewater from the Conchucos slaughterhouse, Lima. For the coagulation-flocculation treatment, we worked with 4 independent variables with their respective experimental ranges, coagulant dose (600-1000 mg / L), flocculant dose (4-8 mg/L), fast stirring speed (250-350 rpm), slow stirring speed (80-100 rpm), for electrocoagulation the parameters of stirring speed (250-350 rpm) and stirring time (15-30 rpm). The central compound design method (DCC) optimizing by response surface (RSM) was used as an experimental method for the reduction of pollutants as a function of chemical oxygen demand (% COD), a jar test equipment was used for the coagulation-flocculation and a one-liter shaker with aluminum plate electrodes at 30 V. The results show that coagulation/flocculation and electrocoagulation presented statistical models with F-values of 5.33, 20.30, significance p<0.05, with adjustments of R2 of 0.6179, and 0.7571 for an optimal arrangement with %COD reduction prediction, respectively. The electrocoagulation treatment presented a reduction of 75.43% similar to the predicted model, of the 2 treatments compared, the electrocoagulation is below the maximum admissible values (VMA) in COD, BOD and Oils and Fats, complying with the necessary parameters for the discharge to the sewerage system.
Gold Nanomaterial System That Enables Dual Photothermal and Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

This study involves the fabrication and characterization of a multifunctional therapeutic nanocomposite system, as well as an assessment of its in vitro efficacy for breast cancer treatment. The nanocomposite system combines gold nanorods (GNRs) and gold nanoclusters (GNCs) to enable a combination of photothermal therapy and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. GNRs of various sizes but exhibiting similar absorbance spectra were synthesized and screened for photothermal efficiency. GNRs exhibiting the highest photothermal efficiency were selected for further experiments. GNCs were synthesized in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and integrated into citrate-capped GNRs using layer-by-layer assembly. Glutaraldehyde crosslinking with the lysine residues in BSA was employed to immobilize the GNCs onto the GNRs, forming a stable “soft gel-like” structure. This structure provided binding sites for doxorubicin through electrostatic interactions and enhanced the overall structural stability of the nanocomposite. Additionally, the presence of GNCs allowed the nanocomposite system to emit robust fluorescence in the range of ~520 nm to 700 nm for self-detection. Hyaluronic acid was functionalized on the exterior surface of the nanocomposite as a targeting moiety for CD44 to improve the cellular internalization and specificity for breast cancer cells. The developed nanocomposite system demonstrated good stability in vitro and exhibited a pH- and near-infrared-responsive drug release behavior. In vitro studies showed the efficient internalization of the nanocomposite system and reduced cellular viability following NIR irradiation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Together, these results highlight the potential of this nanocomposite system for targeted breast cancer therapy.
An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of TVET Career Path Development Model

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) has become important in Malaysian education system to produce skilled workforce for industrial need. Career planning are very crucial for TVET students to guide them for a better career in future. Career path development model has been develop to guide TVET student plan their career path. But, to understanding the structure underlying a set of measures in this model is not easy as to understand the data depicted because actual data will often show notable deviations from their pattern. These can make it difficult to gauge their correlation. Factor analysis is the answer to overcome the problems to determine the number of distinct constructs needed to account for the pattern of correlations among a set of measures. In this study factor analysis was used to determine career path model that could effectively bring TVET graduated for their future career in their sector. As to accessing these validity indicators, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability and correlation analysis were used. The results of the analysis based on 151 local TVET graduated from various institution in Malaysia indicated that all extracted factors having good a values of factor loadings and communalities (i.e. above 0.55) and acceptable level of reliability value (i.e. Cronbach’s alpha above 0.70). These extracted factors also have good discriminant and nomological validity, since the correlation analysis proof that, the directions of relationships among the extracted factors follow the expected theory (Super Theory) and the strength of the correlation is moderately strength. Therefore, the designed instruments were valid and reliable for accessing the targeted variables in the context of TVET career in Malaysia.
Are joint implementation and the clean development mechanism opportunities for forest sustainable management through carbon sequestration projects

This background paper summaries the issues raised by the Kyoto Protocol as background information for discussion aimed at assessing whether joint implementation (JI) and the clean development mechanism (CDM) are opportunities for forest sustainable management through carbon sequestration projects. A synthesis of the results of the discussions will be used : - to provide policy-makers with information that will enable them to elaborate the modalities of these instruments and take well-informed decisions whether they should engage into, or encourage, JI or CDM activities in the forestry sector - to identify gaps in knowledge and researchable issues that will permit a better understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, political, scientific, technical and environmental implications of carbon sequestration, taking into account national and global needs for sustainable development; and - to enhance public awareness and facilitate the understanding whether JI or CDM are opportunities for carbon sequestration projects in the forestry sector The first section lists a number of issues derived from Journal Article 6 and 1 of the Kyoto Protocol, with some emphasis on foresty sector issues. These issues re then discussed in the subsequent section under (i) methodological issuess including measurement, verification and certification of climate benefits in the forestry sector; (ii) eligibility criteria for JI and CDM projects; (iii) environmental and financial additionality; and (iv) incentives for participating in JI or CDM projects including sustainable development achievement and cost-effectiveness in implementing emissions reductions. Finally, the paper provides some guidance on broad issues that will be considered at the Policy Dialogue.
Solid-state 
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 nuclear laser with two-photon pumping

The radiative excitation of the 8.3 eV isomeric state of thorium-229 is an outstanding challenge due to the lack of tunable far-ultraviolet (F-UV) sources. In this work, we propose an efficient two-photon pumping scheme for thorium-229 using the optonuclear quadrupolar effect, which only requires a 300 nm UV-B pumping laser. We further demonstrate that population inversion between the nuclear isomeric and ground states can be achieved at room temperature using a two-step pumping process. The nuclear laser, which has been pursued for decades, may be realized using a Watt-level UV-B pumping laser and ultrawide bandgap thorium compounds (e.g., $\rm ThF_4$, $\rm Na_2ThF_6$, or $\rm K_2ThF_6$) as the gain medium.