Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Software Framework to Encode the Psychological Dimensions of an Artificial Agent.

Robotic personalities broaden the social dimension of an agent creating feelings of comfort in humans. In this work, we propose a taxonomy model to generate synthetic personalities based on the Big Five model. In particular, this paper describes a generalized framework for artificial personalities whose core is a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model capable of associating behaviors tailored to each personality trait. The generator is fully integrated within a modular software architecture capable of performing social interaction tasks, being at the same time task-and platform-independent. The proposed framework has been tested in a pilot experiment where human subjects were asked to interact with a humanoid robot displaying different personality traits. Results obtained by the statistical analysis of validated questionnaires show interesting insights about the capability of the framework of generating personalities that are clearly perceived by users, and whose personality dimensions are strongly distinguishable.
Machine learning to characterize bone biomarkers profile in rheumatoid arthritis

Background Bone metabolism is disrupted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the bone metabolic signature of RA is poorly known. The objective of the study is to further characterize the bone metabolic profile of RA and compare it to psoriatic arthritis (PsA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy controls. Methods We did a cross-sectional case-control study on consecutively enrolled patients and age-matched controls. We collected clinical characteristics, serum biomarkers related to bone metabolism and Bone Mineral Density (BMD). A multiple correlation analysis using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was conducted within the RA patient group to investigate associations between biomarker levels and clinical variables. Machine learning (ML) models and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to evaluate the ability of bone biomarker profiles to differentiate RA patients from controls. Results We found significantly lower BMD in RA patients compared to PsA, and Systemic Sclerosis SSc groups. RA patients exhibited higher Dkk1, sclerostin and lower P1nP and B-ALP levels compared to controls. No significant differences in CTX levels were noted. Correlation analysis revealed associations between bone biomarkers and clinical variables. PCA and ML highlighted distinct biomarker patterns in RA which can effectively discriminated bone biomarkers profile in RA from controls. Conclusion Our study helped uncover the distinct bone profile in RA, including changes in bone density and unique biomarker patterns. These findings enhance our comprehension of the intricate links between inflammation, bone dynamics, and RA activity, offering potential insights for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in managing bone involvement in this challenging condition.
Irrigation investment trends and economic performances in the Sahelian countries of West Africa

Irrigation development is crucial to ensure food security and reduce climate vulnerability in Sahelian countries. However, 'irrigation' covers a wide variety of systems and practices, some of which are little known to policymakers and scientists. In this paper, we discuss various technical and managerial options, including free or controlled flooding, improved inland valley, flood recession cropping, and full water control in small- and large-scale irrigation schemes. Over the last few decades, planners promoted two contrasting strategies. One is based on large schemes, commercial or public, where yields have been improved but water is still over-used. The other strategy is based on small private irrigation which is expanding fast throughout West Africa. It is necessary to better understand the various systems used by farmers throughout the Sahel region to select the less costly and most relevant strategies for irrigation development. (Resume d'auteur)
Age and vascular aging: an unexplored frontier

Vascular age is an emerging field in cardiovascular risk assessment. This concept includes multifactorial changes in the arterial wall, with arterial stiffness as its most relevant manifestation, leading to increased arterial pressure and pulsatile flow in the organs. Today, the approved test for measuring vascular age is pulse wave velocity, which has been proven to predict cardiovascular events. Furthermore, vascular phenotypes, such as early vascular aging and “SUPERNOVA,” representing phenotypic extremes of vascular aging, have been found. The identification of these phenotypes opens a new field of study in cardiovascular physiology. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacological therapy have positively affected vascular health, reducing arterial stiffness. This review aims to define the concepts related to vascular age, pathophysiology, measurement methods, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment.
Classifier Discrepancy Guided Soft-Weight Adaptation Network for Machinery Fault Diagnosis Under Domain and Category Shift

Cross-domain diagnosis approaches based on transfer learning have received considerable attention in the past few years. Conventional closed-set diagnosis tasks, where the fault modes of source and target machines are consistent, are effectively addressed by existing methods. However, the closed-set assumption is difficult to hold in actual applications because different machines usually have different fault modes in real industries. To handle the fault diagnosis problem with category shift, this study proposes a novel classifier discrepancy-guided soft-weight adaptation network (CDSAN). The network incorporates two different state classifiers to extract domain-invariant discriminative features from different domains. An outlier classifier is constructed to perform pseudolabel learning on target samples, effectively separating shared-class and unknown-class samples between domains. On the basis of the entropy of the class likelihood, a sample-wise soft-weight term, which can adaptatively measure the similarity of target samples attributed to shared label space, is constructed. After that, a weighted classifier discrepancy loss is designed to bridge the domain shift and to achieve known-class alignment across domains. The experimental results conducted on two real datasets with diverse diagnostic tasks demonstrate that the proposed network offers a promising solution for fault diagnosis problems in the presence of domain and category shift.
Autonomy-supportive environments for people with dementia: an evidence-based review

Abstract Objective: As one of the core principles of person-centered care, supporting the autonomy of residents with dementia has received increasing attention worldwide. Supportive physical environments play an important role in promoting autonomy in the everyday life of residents in care facilities. However, there is no universal definition for autonomy in everyday life nor focused research on autonomy-supportive environments. Thus, this study aims to systematically review the existing evidence of autonomy-supportive design features based on a synthesized concept analysis of autonomy in everyday life. Methods: A synthesized concept analysis on autonomy was conducted based on related definitions of autonomy in design guidelines and environmental assessment tools of elderly care facilities. Using keywords from the concept analysis, multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Dementia Design Info were used to carry out a systematic review of autonomy-supportive environmental design features for people with dementia. Additional guidelines and standards were manually searched. The design features supported by empirical studies and studies based on experts’ experience were extracted from the literature. The evidence intensity of each feature was assessed according to the quality and quantity of related studies. Results: Four domains of autonomy, freedom, independence, control, and choice emerged based on the concept analysis. Seventy-eight autonomy-supportive design features were extracted from the literature. Features are summarized into 8 categories: building layout, circulation space, living room, dining space, bathroom, bedroom, outdoor space, and details. Of design features, 60% in the category of building layout have been cross-validated by empirical studies, whereas only 25% of the overall design features have. Conclusions: The results of this review show that numerous design features of the physical environment can support the autonomy of people with dementia in the 4 domains. Features of building layout are well researched and the evidence intensity for the rest of design features still needs to be improved through future empirical studies.
Non-invasive and probeless rapid in-vitro monitoring and quantification of HUVECs counts based on FFT impedimetery

Introduction: The endothelial cells derived from the human vein cord (HUVECs) are used as in-vitro models for studying cellular and molecular pathophysiology, drug and hormones transport mechanisms, or pathways. In these studies, the proliferation and quantity of cells are important features that should be monitored and assessed regularly. So rapid, easy, noninvasive, and inexpensive methods are favorable for this purpose. Methods: In this work, a novel method based on fast Fourier transform square-wave voltammetry (FFTSWV) combined with a 3D printed electrochemical cell including two inserted platinum electrodes was developed for non-invasive and probeless rapid in-vitro monitoring and quantification of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The electrochemical cell configuration, along with inverted microscope images, provided the capability of easy use, online in-vitro monitoring, and quantification of the cells during proliferation. Results: HUVECs were cultured and proliferated at defined experimental conditions, and standard cell counts in the initial range of 12 500 to 175 000 were prepared and calibrated by using a hemocytometer (Neubauer chamber) counting for electrochemical measurements. The optimum condition, for FFTSWV at a frequency of 100 Hz and 5 mV amplitude, were found to be a safe electrochemical measurement in the cell culture medium. In each run, the impedance or admittance measurement was measured in a 5 seconds time window. The total measurements were fulfilled at 5, 24, and 48 hours after the seeding of the cells, respectively. The recorded microscopic images before every electrochemical assay showed the conformity of morphology and objective counts of cells in every plate well. The proposed electrochemical method showed dynamic linearity in the range of 12 500-265 000 HUVECs 48 hours after the seeding of cells. Conclusion: The proposed electrochemical method can be used as a simple, fast, and noninvasive technique for tracing and monitoring of HUVECs population in in-vitro studies. This method is highly cheap in comparison with other traditional tools. The introduced configuration has the versatility to develop electrodes for the study of various cells and the application of other electrochemical designations.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Regulation of Aureobasidium pullulans under Different pH Stress

Aureobasidium pullulans (A. pullulans), a commonly found yeast-like fungus, exhibits adaptability to a wide range of pH environments. However, the specific mechanisms and regulatory pathways through which A. pullulans respond to external pH remain to be fully understood. In this study, we first sequenced the whole genome of A. pullulans using Nanopore technology and generated a circle map. Subsequently, we explored the biomass, pullulan production, melanin production, and polymalic acid production of A. pullulans when cultivated at different pH levels. We selected pH 4.0, pH 7.0, and pH 10.0 to represent acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments, respectively, and examined the morphological characteristics of A. pullulans using SEM and TEM. Our observations revealed that A. pullulans predominantly exhibited hyphal growth with thicker cell walls under acidic conditions. In neutral environments, it primarily displayed thick-walled spores and yeast-like cells, while in alkaline conditions, it mainly assumed an elongated yeast-like cell morphology. Additionally, transcriptome analysis unveiled that A. pullulans orchestrates its response to shifts in environmental pH by modulating its cellular morphology and the expression of genes involved in pullulan, melanin, and polymalic acid synthesis. This research enhances the understanding of how A. pullulans regulates itself in diverse pH settings and offers valuable guidance for developing and applying engineered strains.
Evaluation of the Feasibility of 2D-SWE to Measure Liver Stiffness in Healthy Dogs and Analysis of Possible Confounding Factors

Simple Summary Currently, there is a lack of diagnostic methods for liver fibrosis in veterinary medicine. Two-dimensional shear wave elastography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique widely used in human medicine. However, there is a limited amount of relevant research in veterinary medicine, with only a few studies available. These studies suffered from small sample sizes, and the results of different experiments contradict each other. The aim of this study was to measure the range of liver stiffness in healthy dogs and to investigate the factors influencing it. We found that liver stiffness in healthy dogs was 3.96 ± 0.53 kPa, which was influenced by anesthesia and measurement site. These findings provided a theoretical basis and data support for its application in veterinary clinical practice. At the same time, the determination of health values contributed to the subsequent study of two-dimensional shear wave elastography in dogs. Abstract (1) Background: Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) is a non-invasive method widely used in human medicine to assess the extent of liver fibrosis but only rarely applied to veterinary medicine. This study aimed to measure liver stiffness in healthy dogs and investigate the factors that impacted 2D-SWE measurement. (2) Methods: In total, 55 healthy dogs were enrolled and subjected to 2D-SWE measurements before and after anesthesia administration. Post-anesthesia 2D-SWE measurements and computerized tomography (CT) scans were obtained. (3) Results: The liver stiffness range in healthy dogs was 3.96 ± 0.53 kPa. In a stratified analysis based on confounding factors, liver stiffness was influenced by measurement site and anesthesia, but not by sex. No correlation was observed between liver stiffness and weight or liver CT attenuation. (4) Conclusions: 2D-SWE is feasible for liver stiffness measurement in dogs. Anesthesia and measurement site are sources of variability. Therefore, these factors should be considered while recording 2D-SWE measurements. Our data on liver stiffness in healthy dogs can serve as the basis for future studies on 2D-SWE to assess pathological conditions in dogs.
Advancements in Research on Prevention and Control Strategies for Maize White Spot Disease

Maize white spot (MWS), caused by the bacterium Pantoea ananatis, is a serious disease that significantly impacts maize production and productivity. In recent years, outbreaks of white spot disease have resulted in substantial maize yield losses in southwest China. Researchers from various countries worldwide have conducted extensive research on this pathogen, including its isolation and identification, the localization of resistance genes, transmission pathways, as well as potential control measures. However, the information related to this disease remains fragmented, and standardized preventive and control strategies have not yet been established. In light of this, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the research findings on MWS, providing valuable insights into understanding its occurrence, prevention, and control measures in the southwestern and southern regions of China while also mitigating the detrimental impact and losses caused by MWS on maize production in China and across the world.
Trichromothrips PRIESNER, Salpingothrips HOOD Y Elixothrips STANDARD AND MITRI (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE), NUEVOS GÉNEROS PARA CUBA

Se informa por primera vez en Cuba, la presencia de los generos Trichromothrips, Salpingothrips y Elixothrips, colectados sobre platano variedad CEMSA, la leguminosa Calopogonium caerulum Hemsl y en hojas de plantas jovenes de Roystonea regia (H.B.K) O.F. Cook, respectivamente, en la localidad de San Antonio de las Vegas, provincia La Habana
REWARDING PROGRAMS AND EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN FOOD INDUSTRY IN THAILAND: THE CASE OF CP ALL & FOOD PASSION

The paper is devoted to rewarding programs and employee motivation in food industry in Thailand. It is explored the relationship between the reward programs practiced by companies in Thailand and their employees’ motivation and/or job satisfaction. The interesting reward programs of CP ALL Company Limited and Food Passion Company Limitedhave been chosen to be analyzed in this research. Strengths and weaknesses of each are identified, as well as threats and opportunities of the recognition and reward programs. External factors that may prevent companies to reward their employees are also analyzed, and last but not least the cause and effect diagram will be observed. Moreover, the research paper also covers the countermeasures of the hurdles that companies might face.
Some advances in mechanization options for Conservation Agriculture systems: reflections from the V World Congress of Conservation Agriculture, Brisbane, Australia, September 2011

The 5 th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture was held in Brisbane, Australia in September 2011. During the Congress, and especially during the field day, equipment for CA at several levels of sophistication was discussed and demonstrated. This account reflects on some of the technology on view. No till planters for two-wheeled tractors are becoming increasingly demanded in Asian and African CA systems. The ACIAR Rogro and strip-tillage machines were on view. CA planters suitable for smaller farms include the Turbo Happy Seeder and chain-driven residue management system planters. For smaller farms yet there is the novel Yunfan jab planter from China which may be set to challenge the Brazilian domination of the market. Narrow tine openers for no-till planters have been the norm in Australia. But times are changing with both double and single disc openers increasingly being incorporated in commercial no-till machines. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) is a natural partner for CA as it eliminates wheeling compaction in the cropped area. Aspects of precision farming are also relevant to CA systems as they can ensure more precise application of inputs and amelioration of problem areas. Crop mapping with tractormounted red and near infrared light reflectance, motorcycle-mounted soil parameter sensors and helicopter-mounted cameras are all playing a part in improving the efficacy and efficiency of CA.
Lower cortical thickness and increased brain aging in adults with cocaine use disorder

Background Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a global health issue with severe behavioral and cognitive sequelae. While previous evidence suggests a variety of structural and age-related brain changes in CUD, the impact on both, cortical thickness and brain age measures remains unclear. Methods Derived from a publicly available data set (SUDMEX_CONN), 74 CUD patients and 62 matched healthy controls underwent brain MRI and behavioral-clinical assessment. We determined cortical thickness by surface-based morphometry using CAT12 and Brain Age Gap Estimate (BrainAGE) via relevance vector regression. Associations between structural brain changes and behavioral-clinical variables of patients with CUD were investigated by correlation analyses. Results We found significantly lower cortical thickness in bilateral prefrontal cortices, posterior cingulate cortices, and the temporoparietal junction and significantly increased BrainAGE in patients with CUD [mean (SD) = 1.97 (±3.53)] compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.58). Increased BrainAGE was associated with longer cocaine abuse duration. Conclusion Results demonstrate structural brain abnormalities in CUD, particularly lower cortical thickness in association cortices and dose-dependent, increased brain age.
Influence of Models Discovery Learning to Critical Thinking Ability and Scientific Attitude of Students

This study aims to determine critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes, determine students critical thinking skills, determine attitudes scientific, know the effectiveness of the discovery learning model to students' critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes and know the comparison of scientific attitudes. This research is included in the type of quasi-experimental research. The research design used was a posttest only design. The population in this study were all students in class XI IPA in Senior High School. The sample in this study were students of class XI IPA at SMAN 1 Selong. The research sample was taken by random sampling to class. The research instruments used were critical thinking ability questions, scientific attitude used questionnaires and observation sheets. The results of the research show that there are differences in the ability to think critically and the scientific attitude, there is a differen in the ability to think critically, there is a difference in scientific attitudes, the percentage contribution of model to student' critical thinking ability and scientific attitude 31.9%, critical thinking ability 26.1% and scientific attitude 6.7%, scientific attitude profile of discovery learning model is better than 5M scientific approach
A Systematic Immune and Prognostic Analysis of CD48 Interaction with Tumor Microenvironment in Pan-Cancer

Background The cluster of differentiation 48 (CD48) is a member of the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family, constitutively expressed on most hematopoietic cells. CD48 was reported to affect immune regulation in certain tumors, thereby influencing tumor development and prognosis, but its impact on the prognosis and immune infiltration in pan-cancer remains unclear. Material and Methods We systematically analyzed the raw data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) databases. Initially, we investigated the differences in CD48 expression between pan-cancer and adjacent normal tissues. Then, the correlation analysis of CD48 with tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune-related genes was evaluated. Moreover, bioinformatics tools: ESTIMATE and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used for tumor immunology analysis in pan-cancer. We performed validation studies including quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. Results Differential analysis revealed that CD48 was significantly altered in pan-cancer as compared with normal tissues. Meanwhile, the survival analysis demonstrated that CD48 strongly correlated with overall survival (OS), disease-free interval (DFI), progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS), indicating its crucial role in the tumor patients’ prognosis. CD48 expression was also associated with TMB and MSI levels in 17 and 14 types of pan-cancers, respectively. Moreover, CD48 was linked to immune infiltrating cells and stromal components in the TME. Conclusion Concludingly, patients with pan-cancer may benefit from evaluating CD48 as a prognostic and immunotherapy response biomarker.