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L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser l’utilisation des adjectifs évaluatifs dans le cadre des recherches quantitatives et qualitatives fondées sur le corpus du discours juridictionnel français. Dans cette analyse, nous adopterons l’approche Appraisal (Martin & White 2005) qui s’intéresse aux marques linguistiques laissant entrevoir la présence subjective du sujet parlant dans le texte. Notre corpus comprend 100 arrêts de la Cour de cassation de 2018 à 2022 inclus. Nous utiliserons la plateforme AnaText pour l’analyse quantitative et ChatGPT pour l’analyse qualitative. Cette recherche nous permettra d’identifier les adjectifs évaluatifs les plus souvent utilisés par les juges et d’indiquer les cibles et la polarité de l’argumentation judiciaire.This article aims to analyse the use of evaluative adjectives in quantitative and qualitative research based on the corpus of French jurisdictional discourse. In this analysis, we adopt the Appraisal approach (Martin & White 2005), which focuses on linguistic marks that reveal the subjective presence of the speaker in the text. Our corpus comprises 100 judgments of the Court of Cassation from 2018 to 2022 inclusive. We use the AnaText platform for quantitative analysis and ChatGPT for qualitative analysis. This research allows us to identify the evaluative adjectives most often used by judges and to indicate the targets and polarity of judicial argumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Related Articles The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has ignited a debate about its effects on the mis‐ and disinformation landscape. The doomsday scenarios of epistemic and information apocalypse presented for many years are recently being questioned, and the previous fears are called “overblown.” These phenomena are analyzed mostly through the factors of quantity and quality of AI‐powered content and the potential for personalization possessed by AI. We argue that using quantitative arguments carries a high risk of underestimating the threat, especially in the context of the so‐called detection challenge. We point out that this discourse is affected by the narrow conceptualization of how we understand quantity, quality, and personalization with regard to AI. In our opinion, apocalyptic visions are speculative in nature, difficult to quantify, and carry signs of a self‐fulfilling prophecy, but disregarding risks hinders appropriate countermeasures against AI‐powered dis‐ and misinformation, which adversely affects policy‐making activities. We propose a paradigm shift to focus more on social reactions to technology rather than technological attributes. By expanding the understanding of the analyzed phenomena, we indicate that the potential of AI is both overestimated and underestimated and above all—still misunderstood.Norman, Emma R., and Rafael Delfin. 2012. “Wizards under Uncertainty: Cognitive Biases, Threat Assessment, and Misjudgments in Policy Making.” Politics & Policy 40(3): 369–402. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00356.x.Robles, Pedro, and Daniel J. Mallinson. 2023. “Catching Up with AI: Pushing Toward a Cohesive Governance Framework.” Politics & Policy 51(3): 355–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12529.Veloso Meireles, Adriana. 2024. “Digital Rights in Perspective: The Evolution of the Debate in the Internet Governance Forum.” Politics & Policy 52(1): 12–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12571. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The high prevalence of internet addiction (IA) has become a worldwide problem that profoundly affects people's mental health and executive function. Empirical studies have suggested trait anxiety (TA) as one of the most robust predictors of addictive behaviors. The present study investigated the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms underlying the association between TA and IA. Methods: Firstly, we tested the correlation between TA and IA. Then we investigated the longitudinal influence of TA on IA using a linear mixed effect (LME) model. Secondly, connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was employed to explore neuromarkers of TA, and we tested whether the identified neuromarkers of TA can predict IA. Lastly, stressful life events and default mode network (DMN) were considered as mediating variables to explore the relationship between TA and IA. Findings: A significant positive correlation between TA and IA was found and the high TA group demonstrated higher IA across time. CPM results revealed that the functional connectivity of cognitive control and emotion-regulation circuits and DMN were significantly correlated with TA. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the neuromarkers of TA and IA. Notably, the CPM results were all validated in an independent sample. The results of mediation demonstrated that stressful life events and correlated functional connectivity mediated the association between TA and IA. Conclusions: Findings of the present study facilitate a deeper understanding of the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms linking TA and IA and provide new directions for developing neural and psychological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why is animation such a central aesthetic in today's epistemic environment and when did viewers begin to accept animation's veracity, despite looking nothing like photorealism or anything one would witness directly? This article explores the techno-cultural reasons for the rise of animated non-fiction in the last 15 years. The article covers animated non-fiction's relation to image production technologies and image manipulation; documentary and surveillance culture; the information age and big data; machine vision, machine perception and AI; and finally, the virtualization of culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With artificial intelligence (AI) and automation embedded in most aspects of life from healthcare to transportation, this article conceptualizes how increasing automation will benefit or inhibit the therapeutic encounter. Five levels of a model are outlined, from the human analogue to the fully autonomous virtual (AI) therapist. The levels are referenced against key elements of the therapeutic encounter known to contribute to an effective therapeutic outcome, from the working alliance, to collaborative elements, to a confidential setting. Losses and gains are discussed through these and other aspects, such as the neurobiological, and the capability to notice what is not there in the process as well as what is, around the client's aim of change or awareness. The objective is not to pit human therapists against non-human systems, but to propose a human-centred framework for the integration of AI into clinical reality, by introducing a taxonomy model of human–machine interaction (HMI), to see how each contributes, and to evaluate areas of risk and harm. Questions are raised around ethics, therapeutic process and crucially the very nature of what it is to be in a therapeutic encounter for a human client together with a human or AI therapist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation of this research is the identification and exploratory analysis of journalistic projects implemented with artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the main objective is to determine how the media is implementing artificial intelligence in newsrooms. The methodology employed is scoping review, which involves systematic exploration of grey literature (reports), complemented by a descriptive analysis of the identified journalistic products. Thanks to this work, not only have different journalistic projects supported by AI been analyzed, but their limitations have also been identified. This research concludes with evidence-based contributions to the debate on the current and future effects of AI in the journalism sector, with a focus on ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lethal autonomous weapon systems -LAW- are cybernetic entities capable of selecting and attacking targets without direct human intervention, supported by Artificial Intelligence -AI-, as opposed to conventional weapons, which are controlled by human beings. The objective of this research is to externalise the legal incompatibility of LAWs with respect to the principles of precaution, proportionality and distinction inserted in International Humanitarian Law that have been configured only for human beings as well as to identify the evident moratorium to filter/optimise -as a new weapon- the current critical use of these systems, evidencing the lack of international criminal power that emerges normatively as a result of the indistinction of technological malice, and the need to configure impartiality in the veto power of the substantial decisions regarding peaceful or non-peaceful settlements of the UN Security Council, as a result of their contemporary legal unpredictability. The conclusions aver that a permanent jurisdiction and universal competence are indispensable for their applicability, which should be governed by a potential international instrument regulating the use of LAWs in correlation with the applicable customary norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science has progressed rapidly, corresponding with artificial intelligence (AI) allowing machines to emulate human thinking. However, they are still far from being able to handle complex administrative tasks, specialists agree that AI will change the way we manage and lead people in the future. This research work aims to analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on the administrative development of the modern company. It is a quantitative study, which used a descriptive and cross-sectional cohort methodology; Among the theoretical methods used to carry out the bibliographic review on the topic are: historical-logical, analysissynthesis, inductive-deductive. It is based on an updated review of the literature and 108 entrepreneurs, employees and business owners were surveyed. As a result of the surveys carried out, it was identified that there is ignorance, uncertainty, and interests related to the implementation of AI, which has the potential to transform business administration, but its adoption must be careful, considered and managed to take advantage of its benefits and mitigate their risks in a globalized world. These results highlight the varied perceptions about the impact of AI on companies that can be useful in the efficiency of business management, as well as perceptions about its future impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of AI, consumer-brand interactions are undergoing a dramatic transformation (Prikshat, Malik, and Budhwar, 2021). Consumer experience with AI is a lesser explored area of study. This research aims to examine how AI may be used in the retail industry to enhance the purchasing experience for AI users. With the trust-commitment theory and the service quality model as our inspiration, we developed our theoretical framework. Customers who have used a YouTube service powered by artificial intelligence were sent an online survey. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data (n=301 replies). Trust and relationship commitment was shown to play a pivotal role in moderating the connections between customers' evaluations of service convenience, individualization, and quality. We also discovered that trust is not the only factor that substantially influences relationship commitment and that relationship commitment acts as a mediator between service quality and AI-enabled customer experiences. This research fills a gap in the literature by identifying the direct influence of perceived convenience, personalization, and service quality on AI-enabled customer experience and the intermediary effects of trust and relationship commitment. Further, the research has real-world consequences for businesses that want to apply AI in the services they provide to YouTube subscribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I argue for a normative reconstruction, from a decolonial perspective of critical theory in Brazil and Latin America, of a democratic ethos that despite its weaknesses and normative deficits is capable of fostering an increasingly deliberative, participatory, and egalitarian democracy by making extensive use of new digital technologies (comprising both AI systems and digital governance). Its argumentative core boils down to the promotion of intersectional egalitarianism (socio-economic, gender, racial-ethnic, environmental) through digital inclusion, which seems only feasible to us from a perspective capable of accommodating the normative claims of a critical decolonial theory combined with a naturalistic view of sustainability, within a research program that I dubbed “mitigated social constructionism” in response to the phenomenological deficit of normative and naturalistic theories (including critical theory and neurophilosophy). If what matters is normativity, then to avoid the divide between naturalism and non-naturalist normativity one nonfoundationalist alternative is to resort to hermeneutical and procedural accounts of normativity as helpful clues to making sense of the naturalism-normativity problem, avoiding reductionist interpretations of both naturalism (Churchland) and normativism (Parfit). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the implementation of new and more sophisticated advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) aimed at improving weapons control systems, new applications and the need for a range of control measures are emerging. Biometric data has evolved in parallel to AI systems, progressing from fingerprints to retina scans and DNA analysis. In this paper we will analyse the importance of these control elements and their implementation in the defensive measures of states, as well as question the ethics of their execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between political polarization and the media in contemporary society. Polarization has become a prevalent phenomenon in many countries, characterized by the increasing division of opinions and extreme attitudes among different political groups. Media, as key actors in disseminating information and shaping public opinion, play a crucial role in perpetuating or mitigating this process. This work presents a conceptualization of the phenomenon and examines its connection with the media landscape, establishing its origins as well as its consequences: audience segmentation, sensationalism, and media bias. Additionally, an exploration is conducted on artificial intelligence, data analysis, message personalization, chatbots, or algorithms as influential agents in the growth of political polarization. The effects of polarization impact society's media consumption and the functioning of democracy itself. Informational fragmentation, growing distrust towards media, and political disengagement are some of the most significant consequences. Therefore, this article addresses possible solutions and strategies to promote a more constructive and less polarized public discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The March 2024 issue of World Affairs Journal covers a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, cyberspace regulation, defense policy, international law, populism, African governance, South Korean foreign policy, and Dalit rights in India. The editor emphasizes the importance of political scientists and policy scholars in providing sound policy advice, particularly in the area of AI regulation. The issue includes articles on the United States Space Force, international law and cyberspace operations, refugee migration, African governance, South Korean foreign policy, the concept of a republic in the United States, and caste discrimination in India. The editor encourages readers to submit their own articles and commentaries on these topics. [Extracted from the article]

To compare efficacy between homoharringtonine combined with cytarabine and aclarubicin (HAA) and idarubicin and cytarabine (IA) regimens as first induction chemotherapy in patients with core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML). Cox regression model and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to identify the regimen associated with a better remission rate and outcomes. In total, 374 patients with CBF-AML (243 with RUNX1::RUXN1T1 and 131 with CBFB::MYH11) were included in this study. The patients received the HAA or IA regimen (187 each) as the first induction therapy. For patients with RUNX1::RUXN1T1, multivariate analyses showed that the HAA regimen was significantly associated with a higher CR/CRi rate after the first induction (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.3 [95% CI 2.3, 12.2]; p < 0.001) and more favorable relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.5 [0.3, 0.8], p = 0.01). In PSM analysis, the HAA regimen also had a higher CR/CRi rate (96% vs. 77%, p < 0.001), especially for those harboring wild-type KIT (KITWT) (96% vs. 83%, p = 0.02) or non-D816 KIT mutation (100% vs. 63%, p = 0.002), as well as more favorable RFS (p = 0.01), compared with the IA regimen. However, there was no difference in the remission rate or outcomes between the two regimens for patients with CBFB::MYH11. The HAA regimen as first induction chemotherapy resulted in a higher CR/CRi rate in AML patients with RUNX1::RUNX1T1, especially those harboring KITWT and non-D816 KIT mutation, and a more favorable RFS compared with the IA regimen. The efficacy between the two regimens did not differ in those with CBFB::MYH11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently causing a cultural transformation in different artistic fields, among them Architecture, more specifically in the generation of architectural images from textual descriptions (words). Images, some of them experimental, make us think about how far this new system of artistic creation can go. For López de Mántaras (2017, p.1), creativity, as we know it, has given way to the so-called computational creativity. This new form of creative process needs the storage of a large amount of input data that, made available to textual descriptions, will progressively learn and generate images subject to those same words. In this text, we will reflect on how images of architecture can be generated using the MIDJOURNEY artificial intelligence system or program, focusing on the figure of Louis I. Kahn and how this intelligence interprets certain starting words to generate drawn simulations of the architect's works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present suggestions for behavioral competency development for engineers and Engineering students to work in Industry 4.0. Originality/value: A human-machine collaboration model (with artificial intelligence application) is proposed for training engineering professionals for the workplace. The behavioral skills for Industry 4.0 to be developed in Engineering degree programs and the quality of evidence of their inclusion in such programs of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro [UFRJ]) are assessed. Design/methodology/approach: The engineer-machine collaboration model draws on Design Thinking (Brown, 2010) and cognitive modeling of engineers based on a model of logical reasoning (Paul & Elder, 2002), integrating the cognitive model with a model of information flows in human-machine interactions (Riley, 1989). A competency model for Industry 4.0 (Prifti et al., 2017), interviews with leaders of Engineering schools of UFRJ, addressing their planning for the implementation of the new National Curriculum Guidelines for Engineering programs (Resolução no. 2, 2019), and application of the GRADE approach (Balshem et al., 2011) supported the identification of evidence of behavioral competencies for Industry 4.0 in the undergraduate programs. Findings: Engineering professionals train their critical analysis and decision-making skills while the machine searches for and processes information and performs simulations. Low quality evidence was found for the training of undergraduates in emotional intelligence, decisionmaking, and customer relations. No evidence was identified of training in self-management, entrepreneurship, and understanding of the business model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technologies, as well as higher frequencies utilization, such as MilliMeter Wave (MM Wave) frequencies, should be utilized in the 5G wireless network. This massive transmission will require a higher frequency band and in cellular massive MIMO, frequencies re-use leads to interference in channel estimation. Interference Alignment (IA) is a transmission strategy of the channel with higher capacities of signal-to-noise ratio. This interference needs to be aligned before the transmission of signal, so this research proposes a novel technique in IA by hybridization of deep learning techniques for Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets). The aim of this work is to develop a new interference alignment scheme based on multi-user with a neural network which can be efficient in mitigation of interference of the networks. The model that is proposed properly exploits the interference alignment concept by developing a multi-user group of small cells assisted by various BSs in the heterogeneous networks for MM Wave. The paper focuses on channel estimation by IA for a 5G network that transmits MMWave using neural networks. The neural network is utilized for learning the mapping functions between the received mmWave channels with negligible overhead. Here Hybrid Deep Neural Network is used with Multi-User Propagation (HDNN-MUP) model for IA and demonstrates a practical upper bound for MIMO array sizes that balance throughput and estimation overhead. The experimental analysis is done by utilizing the parameters namely Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), Bit Error Rate (BER), computational time, energy efficiency, and spectral efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to identify pull and push factors motivating the applications of Palestinian-Jerusalemite students (hereafter: PJS) to study a training program for Hebrew teaching in an Israeli university. Semi-structured interviews and an open questionnaire elicited the students’ motivations and learning experiences, to reveal how they coped with political and academic challenges. The findings show that the students’ choice of this program has become a preferred, prestigious option assuming that it serves as a tool for personal and professional empowerment. Additionally, some students saw their decision as enabling them, as Hebrew teachers in the Palestinian education system in Jerusalem (hereafter: PESJ), to act as agents of change for the future economic and academic benefit of their society. Moreover, studying in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (hereafter: HU), the divided city constitutes a sort of temporary ‘migration’ or ‘exile’ to acquire an education. The Israeli academia (hereafter: IA) space creates an opportunity for them to redesign their personal and professional identities. ‘Hybrid identity’, characterised by cultural flexibility, appears to facilitate PJS wandering between different cultural contexts for educational purposes, while maintaining their culture and national identity. The research contributes to previous literature concerning the integration of minorities in higher education (hereafter: HE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On February 7, 2023, Microsoft announced the launch of a new Bing search engine that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of a chat to enhance the search experience. This work presents a basic functional analysis of this search engine and proposes a series of reflections on the effect of AI on search engines, both from the point of view of users as well as from the perspective of researchers in the field of documentation and communication who are dedicated to the study of web visibility and information retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being able to showcase heritage collections to the public requires digital techno-logical solutions that go beyond mere digitization. On one hand, they must be able to offer sustainable solutions for the management and handling of collections that are affordable and environmentally friendly, but they must also be able to engage with the public by involving them in the recognition of their heritage. Two cutting-edge projects, SILKNOW and SeMap, aim to preserve, disseminate, and access cultural heritage using new technologies. Digital humanities allows the develop-ment of new methodological lines for art history, and different approaches and techniques of analysis can be adapted to artistic research, from geographic information systems to image analysis through artificial intelligence, 3D modeling tech-niques, data visualization, etc. With this, new paths are opening up for Art History. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This brief survey demonstrates how Brazil has tried over the last two decades to act in the area of digital culture through the implementation of infrastructures and the training of agents and institutions. However, the educational, financial and cultural asymmetry of the country and the uniqueness of culture production and heritage formation in a post-digital society imply complexities that require new updates of information practices, regimes, skills and policies, along with the understanding and mastery of emerging technologies such as web3, blockchain, tokenisation, OADs and AI. The study aims to present this scenario and its challenges in the context of collections and collections based on traditional models and new art-science collections mediated by these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the mytopoiesis and structural mythification (Guillén 2022b) of AI and technological advances in contemporary culture. It analyses the mythemes, mythologemes and mythical characters of a corpus of contemporary media texts. More specifically, we ask how the study of the particularities of the discourses contributing to the emergence of contemporary myths about technological development enables us to better grasp some of the mechanisms of our semiosphere and current cultural dynamics. But also: in what way, through the semiotic particularities of the mythical, does the study of contemporary receptions of ancient myths and contemporary mytopoiesis and structural mythification allow us to question the semiotic and discursive dynamics within cultures between retrospective and prospective views, between cultural constructions and (re)presentations of the past, present and future, in other words of identity, proximality and distality (Rastier, 2001)? To answer these questions we first look at the philological aspects, before conducting a corpus analysis and finally turning to a general theoretical elaboration on contemporary myths in embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pandemic saw millions of workers shift to working from home, a situation that has now become the new normal for many. This article examines the way artificial intelligence has filtered into this sphere of labor. AI technologies are now leveraged in writing, emailing, image editing, research, and dozens of other home office tasks. And yet, contrary to depictions of AI power focused on top-down domination, AI's permeation into this domestic space has been quieter and more collaborative. AI technologies promise to adapt to the worker, augmenting her productivity and increasing her professionalism. Drawing on Byung-Chul Han's notion of "friendly power," I show how AI becomes compelling to workers by being convivial, personal, and flexible. This strategy appears successful in integrating AI into new forms of labor and also key to recognize when developing critical approaches to technical power. Any alternative program must be aware of how AI technologies empathetically address the needs of the neoliberal subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is an abnormal expression in the intracranial arteries, which is related to the growth and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0021001 (also named circARFIP2) has been identified to mediate the regulation of VSMCs proliferation. However, the molecular mechanism of circ_0021001 involved in VSMC dysfunction in IA is poorly defined. The expression levels of circ_0021001, microRNA-148b-3p (miR-148b-3p), and Gremlin 1 (GREM1) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry assays. Protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p21, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), and GREM1 were examined by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-148b-3p and circ_0021001 or GREM1 was predicted by StarBase and then verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of circ_0021001 and GREM1 were increased, and that of miR-148b-3p was decreased in IA tissues and HUASMCs. Moreover, the downregulation of circ_0021001 could repress proliferation ability and induce apoptosis of HUASMCs. The mechanical analysis uncovered that circ_0021001 served as a sponge of miR-148b-3p to regulate GREM1 expression. Circ_0021001 silencing could suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis of HUASMCs partially through modulating the miR-148b-3p/GREM1, presented circ_0021001 as a promising therapeutic target for IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Originally, digital healthcare was created to support underserved and rural patients gain access to health services. Phones, devices, and computers need IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to connect to the Internet.Objective: This paper aims to study the close relationship between the Internet and the transformation of healthcare services.Methods: The current protocol in use is the Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), whose number of Internet addresses has been globally exhausted. The Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) with 47 octillion unique addresses for every person on the planet has become the only option for sustainable growth and innovation. However, most of the worldwide industry is still in IPv4. In the era of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Fifth Generation of Cellular Technology (5G), and Blockchain, there will be a massive need of IP addresses. For 2025, experts predict over 1.5 billion new IPv6 users which will continue to grow exponentially.Results: Nations need to tackle the increasing industry requirements for IPv6 and telehealth adoption to benefit from the full IPv6 connectivity which is the key strategic advantage for the healthcare industry.Conclusion: The strategic potential that telehealth brings to the healthcare industry is widely appreciated. However, what are the implications of its expansion around the world? How can we prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable in society without new technologies? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe disease, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism of IA and to identify potential biomarkers using bioinformatics analysis. The GSE78000 dataset, which includes data from patients with IA and healthy individuals, was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the IA and control groups were identified with the 'affy' package in R software. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were then used to analyse the function and pathway enrichment of DEGs. The protein-protein interaction network was analysed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) website. In addition, DEGs were confirmed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting in samples with IA (n=6) and control samples (n=6) collected from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology (Luoyang, China). The present study identified 735 DEGs, including 312 upregulated and 423 downregulated genes. Through GO and KEGG analyses of the DEGs, macrophage activation and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signalling pathways were revealed to be significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in patients with IA compared with that of the healthy individuals. Subsequently, correlation analysis of macrophage activation and HIF-1 signalling pathways was revealed using correlation as a distance metric for hierarchical clustering correlation analysis. However, there was no protein-protein interaction between the macrophage activity regulation and HIF-1 signalling pathways based on STRING analysis. In summary, the present study identified candidate genes and associated molecules that may be associated to IA and revealed potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La prévalence de l'incontinence anale (IA) est élevée dans les maladies inflammatoires chroniques intestinales (MICI) (comprise entre 20-73 % selon les études). La diarrhée, l'absence de réservoir colorectal, un trouble de la compliance rectale ou une rupture sphinctérienne peuvent être responsables d'une IA dans les MICI. Les facteurs de risque d'IA spécifiques des MICI sont : l'activité et la durée d'évolution de la maladie, le phénotype sténosant, un antécédent de chirurgie luminale pour MICI, la présence d'une inflammation du réservoir, la présence de lésions ano-périnéales ou d'une sténose anale et un antécédent de chirurgie proctologique. L'IA et les lésions ano-périnéales de la maladie de Crohn affectent la qualité de vie : il est plus difficile d'avoir accès à un emploi rémunéré et les périodes de cessation d'activité sont plus fréquentes. La présence de lésions ano-périnéales actives dans la maladie de Crohn multiplie par treize le risque de dysfonction sexuelle chez les femmes. Le traitement de l'IA repose sur le contrôle de l'inflammation luminale et sur le traitement symptomatique des troubles du transit. Les traitements de seconde ligne de l'IA comme les irrigations coliques ou la neurostimulation des racines sacrées sont réservés aux patients avec une MICI en rémission endoscopique et après un échec du traitement symptomatique et de la rééducation ano-rectale. L'IA dans les MICI peut être prévenue si un dépistage avec un traitement médical précoce des lésions ano-périnéales est réalisé, si l'inflammation rectale est contrôlée, si les fistules ano-périnéales sont traitées en associant avec un drainage chirurgical et un traitement médical et si les techniques d'épargne sphinctérienne sont privilégiées. La stomie définitive reste le traitement de dernier recours de l'IA réfractaire permettant ainsi d'améliorer la qualité de vie des patients. The prevalence of fecal incontinence is high in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (between 20-73% depending on the study). Diarrhea, lack of colorectal reservoir, rectal compliance disorder or sphincter rupture can cause fecal incontinence in IBD. Specific risk factors of fecal incontinence in IBD are: activity and duration of the disease, stenosing phenotype, a history of luminal surgery for IBD, pouchitis, perineal Crohn's disease or anal stenosis and a history of proctologic surgery. Fecal incontinence and perianal Crohn's disease affect quality of life: it is more difficult to access paid employment and periods of work stoppage are more frequent. Active perineal Crohn's disease increases thirteen times the risk of sexual dysfunction in women. Treatment of fecal incontinence is based on controlling luminal inflammation and symptomatic treatment of transit disorders. Second-line treatments of fecal incontinence such as colonic irrigations or sacral nerve stimulation are reserved for IBD patients with endoscopic remission and after failure of symptomatic treatment and anorectal rehabilitation. To prevent fecal incontinence in IBD, it is necessary to screen and to treat early perianal Crohn's disease, to control rectal inflammation, to treat anoperineal fistulas with surgical drainage in combination with medical treatment and to prefer sphincter saving/sparing techniques to fistulotomy. The permanent stoma remains the last resort treatment for refractory fecal incontinence to improve patient's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La colo-proctologie « à la française » est une spécialité en perpétuel mouvement et ses perspectives sont nombreuses. Les grandes lignes sont la place grandissante des techniques d'épargne sphinctérienne dans la prise en charge de la fissure et des fistules anales, les techniques chirurgicales mini-invasives de la maladie hémorroïdaire, du sinus pilonidal infecté et des troubles de la statique rectale, les progrès des traitements médicaux des lésions ano-périnéales de la maladie de Crohn et de la maladie de Verneuil, la prophylaxie médicale des infections ano-rectales sexuellement transmises, les stratégies de plus en plus conservatrices dans la prise ne charge de l'incontinence anale et du cancer du rectum, l'espoir de l'éradication du cancer de l'anus par le dépistage des lésions précancéreuses et la vaccination contre les HPV oncogènes, la prise en compte de plus en plus priorisée des demandes des patients (Patient Reported Outcomes) pour une prise en charge la plus personnalisée possible, et, enfin, un enseignement élargi et réactualisé afin de mieux répondre aux différentes attentes. Bref, beaucoup d'enjeux pour la décennie à venir ! Coloproctology "à la française" is a specialty in perpetual movement and its perspectives are numerous. The main lines are the growing importance of sphincter-sparing techniques in the management of anal fissure and fistulas, minimally invasive surgical techniques for haemorrhoidal pathology, pilonidal disease and posterior floor dysfunction, progress in the medical treatment of anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease and hidradenitis suppurativa, medical prophylaxis of sexually transmitted anorectal infections, the increasingly conservative strategies for the management of anal incontinence and rectal cancer, the hope of eradicating anal cancer by screening for precancerous lesions and vaccination against oncogenic HPV, the increasingly prioritised consideration of patients' requests (Patient Reported Outcomes) for the most personalised management possible, and, finally, expanded and updated teaching to better respond to the various expectations. In short, there are many challenges for the coming decade! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) relies mainly on computed tomography imaging and testing for fungal biomarkers such as galactomannan (GM). We compared an established ELISA for the detection of GM with a turbidimetric assay for detection of the panfungal biomarker β-D-glucan (BDG) for early diagnosis of IA. A total of 226 serum specimens from 47 proven and seven probable IA cases were analysed. Sensitivity was calculated for samples obtained closest to the day of IA-diagnosis (d0). Additional analyses were performed by including samples obtained during the presumed course of disease. Most IA cases involved the respiratory system (63%), and Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequently isolated species (59%). For proven cases, sensitivity of BDG/GM analysis was 57%/40%. Including all samples dating from -6 to +1 weeks from d0 increased sensitivities to 74%/51%. Sensitivity of BDG testing was as high as or higher than GM testing for all subgroups and time intervals analysed. BDG testing was less specific (90-93%) than GM testing (99-100%). Combining BDG and GM testing resulted in sensitivity/specificity of 70%/91%. Often, BDG testing was positive before GM testing. Our study backs the use of BDG for diagnosis of suspected IA. We suggest combining BDG and GM to improve the overall sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology is a field of constant evolution that seeks to overcome itself at every moment and provide better solutions to the problems and needs of people, one of the most interesting fields of technology is the ai, which are widely giving benefits to more people in the world.. Part of the economy today is based on entrepreneurs who generate small companies and try to emerge, presenting new ideas to solve problems in different areas of society, the progress of these companies and their impact on the community is important, as well as the recognition that they obtain to excel and expand until they grow as a company with great impact. From this article we focus on the union of two concepts, smes and ai, specifically virtual agents, to demonstrate that the use of new technologies can benefit small and medium enterprises in different aspects, both in customer service, as in advertising of the company and wide variety of fields, the objective of the article is to encourage and motivate companies to know and implement these tools in their enterprises. The article makes use of a methodology from the comparison of implementation cases, defining the appropriate concepts, to guide the reader in the acquisition of timely knowledge for your business, where we suggest steps for a correct start in the use of chatbots and segmentation of markets, where thanks to the success cases of different companies, we see their performance mainly in the customer service area of the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La prise en charge chirurgicale des fistules anales repose sur un double objectif : tarir la suppuration et éviter sa récidive tout en préservant au mieux la continence anale des patients. La fistulotomie, qui est le traitement de référence, présente des taux de succès élevés mais au prix d'un risque non négligeable d'altération de la continence anale des patients, et cela d'autant plus si elle est utilisée dans le cadre de fistules hautes ou complexes ou sur des terrains à risque accru d'incontinence anale post-opératoire. Plusieurs techniques d'épargne sphinctérienne ont été développées pour tenter de diminuer ce risque d'altération de la continence mais celles-ci sont globalement moins efficaces en termes de tarissement de la suppuration et l'absence d'impact sur la continence est finalement assez peu documentée. Le choix de la technique utilisée est guidé par les caractéristiques de la fistule et du terrain mais résulte aussi d'une discussion avec le patient exposant les résultats attendus en termes de récidive et d'altération de la continence anale de chacune des techniques. The surgical treatment of anal fistulas relies on a double goal : treat the suppuration, avoid its recurrence and prevent anal function impairment. Fistulotomy is considered to be the most effective treatment but it often leads to anal continence impairment which alters the patient's quality of life. This is even truer when it's performed on high or complex fistulas or on patients with risks factors to develop an anal incontinence after the surgery. To decrease the risk of post-operative incontinence several "sphincter-sparing techniques" have been developed but they are less effective than the "classical" fistulotomy to reduce the risk of recurrence and their impact on anal continence is quite poorly documented. Surgeons must be guided by the characteristics of the patient and its fistula to choose which technique to use but they also must be guided by the patient's preferences after exposing them the expected results in term of recurrence and anal continence impairment for each technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: L'incontinence anale (IA) est définie par l'impossibilité de contrôler volontairement l'émission des matières ou des gaz. On estime en France sa prévalence à environ 5 % de la population pour l'IA aux selles et jusqu'à 17 % en prenant en compte l'IA aux gaz. Cette prévalence augmente avec l'âge. Les principaux facteurs de risque sont l'âge, le sexe féminin, la diarrhée chronique, le diabète, les antécédents gynéco-obstétricaux et de chirurgie ano-rectale et les maladies neurologiques. Le bilan étiologique repose avant tout sur un interrogatoire et un examen proctologique et général qui permettent d'identifier dans près des deux tiers des cas le mécanisme de l'IA. Aucune exploration complémentaire n'est indiquée en première intention en dehors d'une coloscopie en présence de facteurs de risque. Le traitement repose d'abord sur la régularisation du transit puis la rééducation ano-périnéale. Ce n'est qu'en cas d'échec du traitement médical que des examens seront demandés, orientés par la clinique. L'échographie endo-anale permet d'objectiver une rupture sphinctérienne qui peut dans certains cas justifier une réparation sphinctérienne. La manométrie ano-rectale est utile pour chercher un trouble de la sensibilité ou de la compliance rectale, évaluer les pressions de repos et l'amplitude de la contraction volontaire afin de guider la rééducation ano-périnéale (biofeedback). Enfin, l'imagerie pelvienne dynamique permet de préciser un trouble de la statique pelvienne dont le traitement est chirurgical. La place des explorations électrophysiologiques apparaît limitée. Le traitement de l'IA a connu une évolution majeure ces dernières années avec l'apparition de la neuromodulation des racines sacrées dont les indications sont de plus en plus larges bien que son mécanisme d'action ne soit qu'imparfaitement connu. Anal incontinence (AI) is defined by the impossibility of voluntarily controlling the emission of materials and gases. In France, its prevalence is estimated at 5% of the population for stool AI and up to 17% for AI with gas. This prevalence increases with age. The main risk factors are age, female sex, chronic diarrhea, diabetes, gynecological-obstetrical history, anorectal surgery and neurological diseases. The aetiological assessment is based primarily on an interrogation and a thorough proctological and general examination that identify in nearly 2/3 of the cases the mechanism of AI. No further exploration is indicated in first intention except for colonoscopy in the presence of risk factors. The treatment is based primarily on the regularization of transit and pelvic floor rehabilitation. It is only in case of failure of the medical treatment that further explorations will be requested, directed by the clinic. The endoanal ultrasound shows sphincter defect which can in certain cases need a sphincter repair. Anorectal manometry is useful for looking for a disorder of rectal sensitivity or compliance, assessing resting pressures and the magnitude of voluntary contraction to guide rehabilitation with biofeedback. Dynamic pelvic imaging can specify a pelvic floor disorders whose treatment is surgical. The place of electrophysiological explorations appears limited. The treatment of AI has undergone a major evolution in recent years with the neuromodulation of sacred roots whose indications are more and more broad although its mechanism of action are imperfectly known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perception that exists in the professional and academic sector about the use of artificial intelligence in journalism is analyzed. The work has been developed over eleven months through interviews with heads of innovation from several national media (N=10) and university professors (N=10) and questionnaires to journalists (N=251) and students of Journalism and Audiovisual Communication (N=194). The results show a coincidence in both discourses in that this technology will not have a negative impact on the journalistic labor market. There is also a consensus that the quality of automated news presents some important shortcomings, as well as the need to bet on a solid training of journalists that integrates the use of emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La prise en charge chirurgicale des fistules anales repose sur un double objectif : tarir la suppuration et éviter sa récidive tout en préservant au mieux la continence anale des patients. La fistulotomie, qui est le traitement de référence, présente des taux de succès élevés mais au prix d'un risque non négligeable d'altération de la continence anale des patients, et cela d'autant plus si elle est utilisée dans le cadre de fistules hautes ou complexes ou sur des terrains à risque accru d'incontinence anale post-opératoire. Plusieurs techniques d'épargne sphinctérienne ont été développées pour tenter de diminuer ce risque d'altération de la continence mais celles-ci sont globalement moins efficaces en termes de tarissement de la suppuration et l'absence d'impact sur la continence est finalement assez peu documentée. Le choix de la technique utilisée est guidé par les caractéristiques de la fistule et du terrain mais résulte aussi d'une discussion avec le patient exposant les résultats attendus en termes de récidive et d'altération de la continence anale de chacune des techniques. The surgical treatment of anal fistulas relies on a double goal: treat the suppuration, avoid its recurrence and prevent anal function impairment. Fistulotomy is considered to be the most effective treatment but it often leads to anal continence impairment which alters the patient's quality of life. This is even truer when it's performed on high or complex fistulas or on patients with risks factors to develop an anal incontinence after the surgery. To decrease the risk of post-operative incontinence several "sphincter-sparing techniques" have been developed but they are less effective than the "classical" fistulotomy to reduce the risk of recurrence and their impact on anal continence is quite poorly documented. Surgeons must be guided by the characteristics of the patient and its fistula to choose which technique to use but they also must be guided by the patient's preferences after exposing them the expected results in term of recurrence and anal continence impairment for each technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a cerebrovascular disease with a high mortality rate. The pathogenesis of IA remains unclear and the treatment limited. The purpose of the present study was to identify the key genes expressed in IAs and provide the basis for further research and treatment. The raw dataset GSE75436 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, including 15 IA samples and 15 matched superficial temporal artery (STA) samples. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package in R software. Hierarchical clustering analysis was performed on the DEGs using the gplot2 package in R. Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tools were used to perform gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis. DAVID and gene set enrichment analysis were separately used to perform the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The intersections of the two results were selected as common KEGG pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis among the DEGs involved in the common KEGG pathways was performed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes online tools, and visualized with Cytoscape software. A total of 782 DEGs were identified, comprising 392 upregulated and 390 downregulated DEGs. Hierarchical clustering demonstrated that the DEGs could precisely distinguish the IAs from the STAs. The GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that the upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in the inflammatory response and the management of extracellular matrix, and the downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in the process of vascular smooth muscle contraction. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that the common pathways were 'leishmaniasis', 'Toll-like receptor signaling pathway' and 'vascular smooth muscle contraction'. In the PPI network, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 8 and Toll-like receptor 4 had the highest degrees; they were associated with the inflammatory response. The Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and TNF gene may serve as targets for future research and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, augmented reality (AR) has led to the rapid development of new interfaces in various fields of social and technological application domains. One such domain is medicine, and to a higher extent surgery, where these visualization techniques help to improve the effectiveness of preoperative and intraoperative procedures. Following this trend, this paper presents SLIMBRAIN, a real-time acquisition and processing AR system suitable to classify and display brain tumor tissue from hyperspectral (HS) information. This system captures and processes HS images at 14 frames per second (FPS) during the course of a tumor resection operation to detect and delimit cancer tissue at the same time the neurosurgeon operates. The result is represented in an AR visualization where the classification results are overlapped with the RGB point cloud captured by a LiDAR camera. This representation allows natural navigation of the scene at the same time it is captured and processed, improving the visualization and hence effectiveness of the HS technology to delimit tumors. The whole system has been verified in real brain tumor resection operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People believe that social networks and the Internet are the two most widely used media platforms worldwide. The world's use of the Internet has substantially expanded, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue as it becomes an indispensable part of daily life. The Internet and social media are frequently used for interacting, playing video games, reading and creating posts, exchanging files, and posting images. Due to their rapid growth, teenagers are drawn to the Internet and social media. As a result, they use the Internet and social media excessively and develop negative views about them. This is called "Internet addiction" (IA) and "social media addiction" (SMA). People with IA and SMA illnesses may use social media excessively, which might interfere with daily chores and make functioning difficult. IA and SMA are having an increasing impact on young people worldwide. The Internet offers many educational advantages, but spending too much time on social media can result in issues such as isolation, loneliness, and poor academic performance. The proposed study goals are to figure out how IA, SMA, and other factors affect people all over the world. The current study has used the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS), which are both decision-making tools, to figure out how IA and SMA affect things. The results of the study show that the SMA with the highest score gets the first spot and is called the "best option," while the SMA with the lowest score gets the last spot and is called the "worst option." The proposed systems might help us accurately weigh the different criteria and make a good choice when there are many options. Also, the solutions that were put in place are easy to use and might help us solve problems that are not clear or certain. According to the research, IA and SMA have a big effect on people's daily lives, and the main goal of the suggested evaluation, which was to find the best solution, has been met. In tough situations where making a choice is hard, the offered assessments may be a big help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The serum galactomannan (GM) assay is used to diagnose invasive aspergillosis (IA). We conducted a systematic review and analysis to estimate the overall accuracy of the serum GM test for diagnosing pediatric IA. Method A systematic literature review was conducted of all relevant studies published in PubMed and EMbase databases up to March 10, 2017. We selected and assessed articles that reported diagnostic data related to serum GM for diagnosis of pediatric IA. Pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) and summary receiver operating characteristics (SROCs) were constructed with a cutoff value of 0.5. Additionally, pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively) were estimated for summarizing overall test performance. Results Seventeen studies were included in this systematic review. The total number of patients (age range 0–21 years old) was 1768, with 178 that had proven or probable IA. The pooled serum GM assay results, with a cutoff value of 0.5 for proven or probable IA, were DOR: 41.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.48–78.86), SEN: 0.85 (95% CI 0.72–0.93), SPE: 0.88 (95% CI 0.80–0.93), PLR: 6.92 (95% CI 4.40–10.88), and NLR: 0.17 (95% CI 0.09–0.32). The SROC was 0.93. Conclusion Serum GM can be used to assist in diagnosis of proven or probable pediatric IA. However, serum GM test results should be interpreted in combination with clinical findings in pediatric IA cases, as the test results are not always sensitive or specific enough for pediatric IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new approach for pansharpening of multispectral and panchromatic (PAN) images is proposed. The proposed technique is based on recently developed signal decomposition technique known as Hilbert vibration decomposition (HVD). In the proposed method, the histogram equalised PAN image is decomposed into many instantaneous amplitude (IA) and frequency components in the decreasing order of energy using the HVD. The IA of the first component (having highest energy) in the decomposition of the PAN image is used to generate the pansharpened image using appropriate pansharpening model. The tuning factor associated with the pansharpening model is optimised by single‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm. This method is also extended for the hyperspectral images. Experimental results of the proposed technique are compared with existing pansharpening methods in terms of both visual perception and objective metrics. It is observed that the proposed pansharpening scheme has improved spectral and spatial qualities as compared with the existing schemes. The effects of aliasing and misregistration errors in the proposed method are also investigated and it is observed that the proposed method is robust against aliasing and misregistration errors as compared with other existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On April 21, 2021, the European Commission presented its long-awaited proposal for a Regulation �laying down harmonized rules on artificial intelligence�, the so-called �Artificial Intelligence Act� (AIA). This article critically analyzes the proposed regulation, discussing especially the EU competences, the scope, the intended prohibited uses of AI systems, the provisions on high-risk AI systems, the obligations of providers and users, the requirements for AI systems with limited risks, the enforcement system, the relationship of the AIA to the existing legal framework, and the regulatory gaps in the proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Data on Internet addiction (IA) and its association with personality disorder are rare. Previous studies are largely restricted to clinical samples and insufficient measurement of IA. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis data are based on a German sub-sample (n = 168; 86 males; 71 meeting criteria for IA) with increased levels of excessive Internet use derived from a general population sample (n = 15,023). IA was assessed with a comprehensive standardized interview using the structure of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and the criteria of Internet Gaming Disorder as suggested in DSM-5. Impulsivity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and self-esteem were assessed with the widely used questionnaires. Results: Participants with IA showed higher frequencies of personality disorders (29.6%) compared to those without IA (9.3%; p < .001). In males with IA, Cluster C personality disorders were more prevalent than among non-addicted males. Compared to participants who had IA only, lower rates of remission of IA were found among participants with IA and additional cluster B personality disorder. Personality disorders were significantly associated with IA in multivariate analysis. Discussion and conclusion: Comorbidity of IA and personality disorders must be considered in prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess management impacts on the functionality of intensively managed agroecosystems, a modeling framework was developed with a bottom-up approach and spatially distributed, process-based models. The framework is equipped with dynamic, data-informed indicators and indices to illuminate the factors influencing sustainability. The proposed dynamic indices consider natural and human aspects of an agroecosystem such as erosion, biogeochemistry, and economics. Most current indicators are static, or slow-changing, soil characterization parameters that reflect better long-term interactions between landscape features, climate, and biology. However, the ever-changing land management and climate necessitates the use of dynamic parameters that reflect agroecosystem responses to different land management on similar timescales (e.g., seasonally). Our framework examines the performance of different ecosystem services including crop productivity, carbon storage, and net income under three different strategies with varying degrees of tillage intensity. The strategy with the highest intensity produced the highest yields, but also had the highest production costs. The second most intense strategy also had high yields, as well as the highest net income. However, these two strategies produced high erosion rates, which depleted the recalcitrant soil carbon, a critical component of system productivity and health. The index that provided the clearest picture of improvement within an agroecosystem was the Carbon Management Index ( CMI), which incorporates carbon lability and the implicit accounting of soil carbon redistribution from erosion. The CMI for the more intense strategies decreased in recent years, showing that they are not sustainable despite their high short-term productivity or profitability. The least intense strategy had the lowest Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) depletion through erosion and the highest CMI with a trend that is still-increasing through the present. Our study shows that to augment SOC storage, it important not only to increase the overall organic matter input, but also increase the amount of recalcitrant carbon in the soil and the longevity of all soil carbon through aggregate formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge on the nutritional profile of HIV patients is a first step towards an adequate nutrition and successful treatment to guarantee an improvement in life quality. Current analysis assesses the nutritional profile of patients with HIV in Apucarana PR Brazil. Data on weight, height, body mass index, circumference of hips, circumference of arms, tricipital skinfold thickness and muscular circumference of the arm were collected. A questionnaire on food frequency and a questionnaire on the disease were also applied. Results showed a change in the nutritional profile of the patients, revealing that 45.5% were overweight, followed by eutrophic subjects. Changes are related to anti-retroviral drugs which redistribute body weight as a side effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few reports of serious fungal infections in Nepal though the pathogenic and allergenic fungi including Aspergillus species are common in the atmosphere. Herein, we estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in Nepal. All published papers reporting fungal infection rates from Nepal were identified. When few data existed, we used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in those populations to estimate national incidence or prevalence. Of the 27.3 M population, about 1.87% was estimated to suffer from serious fungal infections annually. We estimated the incidence of fungal keratitis at 73 per 100 000 annually. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is common with 215 765 cases, contributing to 1119 cases of invasive aspergillosis annually. Of 381 822 adult asthma cases, we estimated 9546 patients (range 2673-13 364) develop allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and 12 600 have severe asthma with fungal sensitisation. Based on 26 219 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, the annual incidence of new chronic pulmonary aspergillosis ( CPA) cases was estimated at 1678 with a 5 year period prevalence of 5289, 80% of CPA cases. Of 22 994 HIV patients with CD4 counts <350 not on antiretrovirals, Pneumocystis pneumonia was estimated at 990 cases annually. Cases of oral and oesophageal candidiasis in HIV/ AIDS patients were estimated at 10 347 and 2950, respectively. There is a significant burden of serious fungal infections in Nepal. Epidemiological studies are necessary to validate these estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important thing about mobile robotics is that its use satisfies rapid movement without collisions. Several methods have been designed for this purpose, but not all of them give the results expected by the user. Our contribution in this article is to allow the mobile robot to take advantage of two methods by the hybridization effect. These methods, implemented are ANFIS "Adaptive Neuro-Flou Inference System" and the PSO "Particle Swarm Optimization". Learning by the connectionist approach of the ANFIS controller is sufficient to allow the robot to reach its target but remains unsatisfactory. The contribution of the PSO algorithm allows the hybrid controller to optimize, the speed and therefore the positions of robot. The controller thus constituted gives better simulation results of the distances measured in pixels traveled by the hybrid method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Intel Atom C2000 Microserver, codenamed Avoton and Rangeley, is a complete server and embedded processor system on chip (SoC) that provides up to seven times greater performance and six times the energy efficiency versus the prior-generation processor. Leveraging the Atom Silvermont microarchitecture, Intel's 22-nm tri-gate manufacturing process and a robust set of integrated I/O, Intel is expanding its reach into datacenter computing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Cow's milk intake has been inconsistently associated with islet autoimmunity ( IA) and type 1 diabetes ( T1D) development. Genetic and environmental factors may modify the effect of cow's milk on IA and T1D risk. Methods The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young ( DAISY) follows children at increased T1D risk of IA (presence of autoantibodies to insulin, GAD65, or IA-2 twice in succession) and T1D development. We examined 1835 DAISY children with data on cow's milk intake: 143 developed IA, 40 subsequently developed T1D. Cow's milk protein and lactose intake were calculated from prospectively collected parent- and self-reported food frequency questionnaires ( FFQ). High risk HLA-DR genotype: HLA-DR3/4, DQB1*0302; low/moderate risk: all other genotypes. We examined interactions between cow's milk intake, age at cow's milk introduction, and HLA-DR genotype in IA and T1D development. Interaction models contained the base terms (e.g., cow's milk protein and HLA-DR genotype) and an interaction term (e.g., cow's milk protein* HLA-DR genotype). Results In survival models adjusted for total calories, FFQ type, T1D family history, and ethnicity, greater cow's milk protein intake was associated with increased IA risk in children with low/moderate risk HLA-DR genotypes [hazard ratio ( HR): 1.41, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.08-1.84], but not in children with high risk HLA-DR genotypes. Cow's milk protein intake was associated with progression to T1D ( HR: 1.59, CI: 1.13-2.25) in children with IA. Conclusions Greater cow's milk intake may increase risk of IA and progression to T1D. Early in the T1D disease process, cow's milk intake may be more influential in children with low/moderate genetic T1D risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by Aspergillus terreus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with haematological malignancy (HM). Very few data are available in this patient population to differentiate IA patients with A. terreus from those with non-terreus species of Aspergillus to compare outcomes. We retrospectively investigated 513 HM patients who were treated for either definite or probable IA between June 1993 and August 2012 in a cancer centre. Methods We compared baseline characteristics, antifungal therapies and outcomes between patients infected with A. terreus (n = 96, 18.7%) and those infected with non-terreus Aspergillus species (n = 335, 65.3%). Eighty-one patients with mixed or unspecified Aspergillus infections were excluded. Results Breakthrough infections occurred more frequently in the A. terreus group (91% versus 77%, P = 0.009). A. terreus infection was associated with a lower rate of final response to antifungal therapy (21% versus 38%, P = 0.0015) and a higher rate of IA-associated mortality (51% versus 30%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that these associations were independent of patients' clinical characteristics and the antifungal regimens they received. Factors independently associated with final response included treatment with azoles (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9–5.0, P < 0.0001) and Aspergillus species (A. terreus versus non-terreus Aspergillus species) (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.98, P = 0.043). Additionally, Aspergillus species and treatment with azoles were independently associated with IA-associated mortality. Conclusions A. terreus IA in HM patients was associated with worse outcome than IA caused by non-terreus Aspergillus species. Poor prognosis in patients with invasive A. terreus infections is independent of anti-Aspergillus azole-based treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]