Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Disorders and Dementia Risk

Background and Objectives Dementia has been gaining attention in aging societies and is estimated to affect 50 million adults globally in 2020, and 12% of the US population may develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetime. There have been limited studies investigating the correlation between thyroid disorder and dementia in the Asian population. Methods Our large nationwide population-based case-control study used the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 7,843 adults with newly diagnosed dementia without a history of dementia or neurodegenerative disease between 2006 and 2013 were identified and included in our study. In addition, 7,843 adults without dementia diagnosis before the index date were age and sex-matched as controls. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism before the diagnosis of dementia or the same index date was identified. Results were obtained from logistic regression models and adjusted for sex, age, history of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, depression, hyperlipidemia, alcohol dependence syndrome, tinnitus, hearing loss, and radioactive iodine treatment. Results A total of 15,686 patients were included in the study. Both case and control groups were slightly predominantly female (4,066 [51.8%]). The mean (SD) age for those with dementia was 74.9 (11.3) years and for those without dementia was 74.5 (11.3) years. Among patients aged 65 years or older, a history of hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.81; 95% CI 1.14–2.87; p = 0.011), which was an association not present in patients older than 50 years but younger than 65 years. We found that this association was most significant among patients aged 65 years or older with a history of hypothyroidism who received hypothyroidism medication (aOR 3.17; 95% CI 1.04–9.69; p = 0.043). Discussion Our large-scale case-control study found that among people aged 65 years or older, those with a history of hypothyroidism were associated with an 81% increased risk of having dementia and among those, there was a more than 3-fold increased dementia risk with thyroid conditions that required thyroid hormone replacement treatment. Future well-controlled prospective longitudinal studies should be conducted to elucidate these potential mechanisms and relationships. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class III evidence that among patients aged 65 years or older, a history of hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia.
Reliability and factorial validity of long and brief versions of the inventory of personality organization in a Latvian sample

The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity and reliability of long and brief versions (57 and 16 items) of the inventory of personality organization (IPO) in a Latvian nonclinical sample. The actuality of this study is dictated by the number of persons suffering from personality disorders, and the excessive need for reliable constructs for the assessment of personality in the normality-abnormality range. The total number of participants of the study was 1118, recruited in several subsamples, which were employed for the investigation of the factor structure, psychometric properties, test-retest, and convergent validity of the IPO-57 and IPO-16 scales. The 3-factor structure, obtained by confirmatory factor analysis, was replicated in the Latvian-speaking sample for long and brief IPO versions. Both constructs achieved adequate model fit psychometric indices and sufficient internal consistency, and the test-retest reliability was also approved. The convergent validity of IPO with aggressivity, negative affectivity, and non-adaptive personality measures was established. In the current study, we adapted a very fundamental psychodynamic/psychoanalytic construct in the Latvian language and replicated the previously empirically established IPO three-dimensional model, whereas the novelty in IPO construct convergent validity research was the establishment of convergent validity with non-adaptive personality traits measured by the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF). Both versions of IPO are recommended for further use in the research in Latvian language samples, for clinical purposes to assess the level of psychic functioning, and for treatment planning and evaluation purposes.
Polymeric systems for colon-specific Mesalazine delivery in the intestinal bowel diseases management.

The anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the main therapeutic option used in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The upper intestinal tract performs rapid and almost complete absorption of this drug when administered orally. , making local therapeutic levels of the molecule in the inflamed colonic mucosa difficult to achieve. Micro and nanoparticle systems are promising for 5-ASA incorporation because the reduced dimensions of these structures can improve the drug's pharmacodynamics and contribute to more efficient and localized therapy. Together, the association of these systems with polymers will allow the release of 5-ASA through specific targeting mechanisms to the colon, as demonstrated in mesalazine modified-release dosage form. In this review, the challenges for the oral administration of 5-ASA and the different colon-specific delivery strategies using polymers will be summarized and discussed.
Prevalence and determinants of obesity and abdominal obesity among rural workers in Southeastern Brazil

The objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional status of rural workers from a municipality in Southeastern Brazil and estimate the association of sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle, and dietary pattern factors with obesity and abdominal obesity of men and women of this rural area. This is a cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 740 farmers (51.5%, n = 381 males; 48.5%, n = 359 females). The sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle and dietary patterns determinants were assessed. Food intake data were obtained by applying three 24-hour recalls and dietary patterns were determined by Principal Component Analysis with Varimax orthogonal rotation. Poisson regression with robust variance stratified by sex was applied. The general prevalence of overweight status was 31.5% (95% CI 28.2–34.8%), 19.7% of obesity (95% CI 16.8–22.6%) and 31.5% of abdominal obesity (95% CI 28.2–34.8%), with higher rates in women (P < 0.001). Men of higher socioeconomic class had a 2.3 times higher prevalence of obesity (95% CI 1.08–4.90). In addition, the shorter travel time to purchase food increased the prevalence of abdominal obesity in males. For women, the older the age group, the greater the general and central obesity. A lower adherence to traditional dietary patterns (approximately PR [prevalence ratio] 1.6 for general obesity and PR 1.3 for abdominal obesity) and a greater number of places to buy food were associated with higher rates of obesity in women. Finally, women farmers with a higher workload had a 20% lower prevalence of central obesity (PR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65–0.97). Such findings demonstrate that obesity must be an issue in the health care of remote and rural populations. There is a need to promote healthier environments that respect traditional food culture through multiple approaches that consider the heterogeneity of rural areas and the differences between sexes.
Predictive Efficacy of Circulating Tumor Cells in First Drainage Vein Blood from Patients with Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis

Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with metastasis. However, the low rate of detection of CTCs in peripheral vein blood (PVB) limits their clinical application. In this study, we observed higher positive rates of CTC in first drainage vein blood (FDVB) relative to peripheral venous blood (p < 0.001). Moreover, the CTC content was related to liver metastasis, T stage, and CA19-9 levels. Our collective data suggest that CTCs in FDVB have good predictive utility for the risk of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), in particular, metachronous liver metastasis.
Wielding Occam's razor: Fast and frugal retail forecasting

The algorithms available for retail forecasting have increased in complexity. Newer methods, such as machine learning, are inherently complex. The more traditional families of forecasting models, such as exponential smoothing and autoregressive integrated moving averages, have expanded to contain multiple possible forms and forecasting profiles. We question complexity in forecasting and the need to consider such large families of models. Our argument is that parsimoniously identifying suitable subsets of models will not decrease forecasting accuracy nor will it reduce the ability to estimate forecast uncertainty. We propose a framework that balances forecasting performance versus computational cost, resulting in the consideration of only a reduced set of models. We empirically demonstrate that a reduced set performs well. Finally, we translate computational benefits to monetary cost savings and environmental impact and discuss the implications of our results in the context of large retailers.
A Study of All-fiber Different Bandwidth Interleaver Based on Linear Chirped Fiber Grating

To improve the utilization efficiency of interleaver bandwidth in 10Gbit/s plus 40Gbit/s mixed system, an all-fiber MZI different bandwidth optical interleaver based on linear chirped fiber grating is proposed and discussed in this paper. The same two linear chirped fiber gratings are written at the output of conventional Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), which constitute a reflective cascaded MZI filter. Based on its structure, the output spectrum expression is established and described by using the principle of fiber transmission, reflex theory of fiber grating and the matrix transfer function. Influences on its transmission characteristics by such factors as the coupling coefficients of the couplers, structure parameters of fiber grating and the length differences of the interferometer arms are numerically analyzed and optimized. The results of numerical simulation indicate that when the above parameters are some certain values, 50GHz input single of device is separated into channel spacing of 100GHz odd-even two output signals. Their spectrum bandwidth are 64.67GHz and 36.98GHz at 3dB, they satisfy the requirement of different transmission rates on bandwidth in 10Gbit/s plus 40Gbit/s mixed system and implements different bandwidth transmission. The device has a certain ability to resist the deviation. Compared with the ordinary cascaded MZI interleaver, the advantage of the new interleaver is that reduced numbers of coupler. It has higher bandwidth utilization that compared with the equal bandwidth interleaver, and achieves different bandwidth transmission within 100GHz.
Using artificial neural network-self-organising map for data clustering of marine engine condition monitoring applications

ABSTRACT Condition monitoring is the process of monitoring parameters expressing machinery condition, interpreting them for the identification of change which could indicate developing faults. Data processing is important in a ship condition monitoring software tool, as misinterpretation of data can significantly affect the accuracy and performance of the predictions made. Data for key performance parameters for a PANAMAX container ship main engine cylinder are clustered using a two-stage approach. Initially, the data is clustered using the artificial neural network (ANN)-self-organising map (SOM) and then the clusters are interclustered using the Euclidean distance metric into groups. The case study results demonstrate the capability of the SOM to monitor the main engine condition by identifying clusters containing data which are diverse compared to data representing normal engine operating conditions. The results obtained can be further expanded for application in diagnostic purposes, identifying faults, their causes and effects to the ship main engine.
The Identification of Parasite Babesia Form on Cow Blood by Using Active Contour Model

Babesia parasite is one of the parasites that infect the cow blood and it can cause death. Observation of blood data sample in the laboratory used a microscope equipped by optilab cameras. The form of microscopic observation of a blood must be supported by the skill of the observer to determine whether the blood is parasitic or not. This study aims to find the method of automatic search of parasite Babesia sp form by using the method of active contour model (ACM). Parasite in the blood is very likely to be detected by utilizing the science of image processing. One of the science image processing is Active Contour Model. Initial data in the form of image file was the result from the shoot using camera optilab and it had RGB color. The first data processing was done by doing the color conversion to be homogeneous and facilitated the Active Contour Model works. The preprocessing process invented the RGB-HSV-grayscale-binary/ BW conversion method. HSV was used to remove colors considered as noise. To reinforce the parasite object, the background was converted to grayscale, then the removed image of the noise color and the grayscale back-ground were converted to binary imagery. This research finds the method of Active Contour Model which can do maximum cropping on the binary image. In the grayscale image, there were still constraints with the edges of the contrast blood form with the background. The result of the implementation of Active Contour Model had accuracy 0.997, Sensitivity 0.99, Specificity 74%.
Focused Semi-Automatic Content Retrieval for Persistent Information Needs *

The web is a vast repository of human knowledge that is much ex- plored as an information source; however, web characteristics, such as volume, dynamics and heterogeneity require significant amounts of effort to satisfy pri- vate or institutional information needs. Topic focused portals try to reduce the effort that is required to end-users at the expense of extra time and effort that is required to an editor, who manages the portal on behalf of all its end-users. This editorial effort can be reduced by semi-automating some of editor's tasks. The higher aim of this work is to contribute to the development of a computational framework able to assist web site editors to retrieve and manage web content. We expect to reduce the cost of maintaining web sites and also to improve end-user satisfaction.
Advanced aircraft power electronics systems — The impact of simulation, standards and wide band-gap devices

The rapid pace of change in the wide band gap (WBG) power semiconductor area has led to an explosion in potential uses for WBG devices in a huge variety of applications. The applications include automotive, aerospace and traction applications, as well as grid related or charging systems, with the potential to provide paradigm shifts in performance and efficiency over Silicon devices in current use today. Despite these exciting developments, however, there are still many outstanding challenges for both researchers and industry to solve before WBG technology becomes pervasive. In this paper we will explore some of these challenges and highlight the strengths of WBG devices, some of the specific issues for machine drives and develop some potential solutions for future developments in power electronics.
Design and Experimental Validation of an Active Catheter for Endovascular Navigation

Endovascular technique has many advantages but relies strongly on operator skills and experience. Robotically steerable catheters have been developed but few are clinically available. We describe here the development of an active and efficient catheter based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) actuators. We first establish the specifications of our device considering anatomical constraints. We then present a new method for building active SMA-based catheters. The proposed method relies on the use of a core body made of three parallel metallic beams and integrates wire-shaped SMA actuators. The complete device is encapsulated into a standard 6F catheter for safety purposes. A trial-error campaign comparing 70 different prototypes is then conducted to determine the best dimensions of the core structure and of the SMA actuators with respect to the imposed specifications. The final prototype is tested on a silicon-based arterial model and on a 23-kg pig. During these experiments we were able to cannulate the supra-aortic trunks and the renal arteries with different angulations and without any complication.
Analysis of the Gas Phase in Flotation Process. Part 2, Empirical Functions of Occurrence Frequency of Tested Parameters

Mineralization of air bubbles, the most important part of the froth flotation process, depends on a number of factors which affect the conditions in the flotation chamber’s work space. They can be defined as physico-chemical parameters and hydrodynamic parameters. The latter depend on the operating conditions of the floatation machine during the enrichment process. The process of forming of durable flotation aggregates is preceded by generation and dispersion of gas bubbles in the flotation machine tank which also depend on the aforementioned parameters. The paper presents the results of experimental analyses of changes of selected values which define the size of air bubbles generated in the flotation chamber.
Reducing the scenarios of network topology changes for adaptive coordination of overcurrent relays using hybrid GA–LP

In this study, using the concept of setting groups (SGs), an adaptive protection scheme is proposed to increase the reliability of the system. Connection and disconnection of switches and distributed generators result in various scenarios for network topology changes. A hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) and linear programming (LP) method is utilised to solve the problem, where the GA, in a near-optimal manner, classifies the scenarios of the network topology changes into a limited number of SGs and the LP algorithm optimally coordinates the overcurrent relays within the SGs. Simulations are performed on a radial distribution network and a meshed distribution network. Although by increasing the number of SGs the average operating time of the relays is decreased, the number of changes in the relay settings is increased. Therefore, the multi-objective optimisation algorithm is used to determine, the desired number of SGs. The results show the efficiency of the proposed adaptive protection scheme.
Digital Modeling

Professional modeling is the foundation of every aspect of the 3D production pipeline and is essential to the success of any 3D computer graphics project. [digital] Modeling is unlike any other modeling book youve seenit gets to the core of what it takes to create efficient production-ready models and demystifies the process of producing realistic and jaw-dropping graphics. Taking a software-neutral approach, it teaches you the essential skills and concepts that you can apply to modeling in any industry 3D software, such as 3ds Max, LightWave 3D, Maya, Modo, Silo, XSI, ZBrush and other leading programs. Modelers, animators, texture artists, and technical directors can all benefit from the valuable information covered in this jam-packed guide containing years of industry knowledge. Simply put, if you work in 3D, you must have this book.In this inspiring and informative guide to modeling, industry veteran William Vaughan teaches you how to:Master modeling techniques to produce professional results in any 3D applicationUse the tools of a professional digital modelerControl your models polygon-count as well as polygon-flowCreate both organic and hard surface modelsUnderstand a modelers role in a production environmentGain the knowledge to land a job in the industry as a digital modelerModel using specific tools such as LightWave and 3ds Max in over 6 hours of video training on the accompanying DVDAnd much more!
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Pseudoalteromonas sp. Strain KAN5, an Agar-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from the Gut of an Alga-Eating Fish

A strain of Pseudoalteromonas that degrades agar was isolated from the intestines of an alga-eating fish (Andamia tetradactyla). We named the strain KAN5 and report on the genome sequenced with the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. The 3.8-Mbp genome contains 3,428 protein-coding genes, and the genes involved in agar degradation were confirmed. ABSTRACT A strain of Pseudoalteromonas that degrades agar was isolated from the intestines of an alga-eating fish (Andamia tetradactyla). We named the strain KAN5 and report on the genome sequenced with the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. The 3.8-Mbp genome contains 3,428 protein-coding genes, and the genes involved in agar degradation were confirmed.
Critical Essay: Wicked problems in the Age of Uncertainty

We are, apparently, living in unprecedented times, an Age of Uncertainty, when wicked problems whirl all around as we struggle to cope with Covid-19, environmental catastrophe and the right-wing populism that threatens to unravel all kinds of international agreements. In this personal reflection, 15 years after I wrote an article on wicked problems and the social construction of leadership, I take a look back, and forward, to see whether there ever was an Age of Certainty when only tame problems temporarily troubled us, or whether our understanding of the world is itself a social construction, open to dispute and thus we have always lived in uncertain times. In the process of this evaluation, I consider whether collaborative leadership, often associated with wicked problems, is as ubiquitous and effective as some proponents make out, and if it isn’t, what this says about our ability to address such problems.
BiTe-REx: An Explainable Bilingual Text Retrieval System in the Automotive Domain

To satiate the comprehensive information need of users, retrieval systems surpassing the boundaries of language are inevitable in the present digital space in the wake of an ever-rising multilingualism. This work presents the first-of-its-kind Bilingual Text Retrieval Explanations (BiTe-REx) aimed at users performing competitor or wage analysis in the automotive domain. BiTe-REx supports users to gather a more comprehensive picture of their query by retrieving results regardless of the query language and enables them to make a more informed decision by exposing how the underlying model judges the relevance of documents. With a user study, we demonstrate statistically significant results on the understandability and helpfulness of the explanations provided by the system.
DepreST-CAT

The rates of mental illness, especially anxiety and depression, have increased greatly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional mental illness screening instruments are too cumbersome and biased to screen an entire population. In contrast, smartphone call and text logs passively capture communication patterns and thus represent a promising screening alternative. To facilitate the advancement of such research, we collect and curate the DepreST Call and Text log (DepreST-CAT) dataset from over 365 crowdsourced participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The logs are labeled with traditional anxiety and depression screening scores essential for training machine learning models. We construct time series ranging from 2 to 16 weeks in length from the retrospective smartphone logs. To demonstrate the screening capabilities of these time series, we then train a variety of unimodal and multimodal machine and deep learning models. These models provide insights into the relative screening value of the different types of logs, lengths of log time series, and classification methods. The DepreST-CAT dataset is a valuable resource for the research community to model communication patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and further the development of machine learning algorithms for passive mental illness screening.