Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid search of Pareto fronts using D-logic exploration during multi-objective tradeoff of computation intensive applications

Design space exploration in architectural synthesis is a complicated process of balancing multiple orthogonal issues such as a) decreasing the time of exploration as well as enhancing the quality of final solution b) optimizing conflicting objectives such as reducing the power requirement (or alternatively area requirement) as well as augmenting the performance of the final circuit. This paper presents a novel methodology using Dominance criterion (D-logic) to effectively handle the problem of DSE based on either power-execution time tradeoff (with area as an optimization criteria) or area-execution time tradeoff (with power as an optimization criteria). The proposed work introduces novel D-logic mathematical models for three parameters viz. power, execution time and area that deterministically prune the vast design space into a subset of valid design variants without compromising the speed and quality of the design variances. The proposed method is several orders of magnitude faster and superior in terms of searching Pareto fronts and identifying an optimal solution than recent genetic based DSE technique where average improvement in quality of results (QoR) achieved is > 9 % (in terms of power and execution time) and average reduction in exploration time is > 90 %.
Contingency-Constrained Unit Commitment With $n - K$ Security Criterion: A Robust Optimization Approach

This paper presents a new approach for the contingency-constrained single-bus unit commitment problem. The proposed model explicitly incorporates an n - K security criterion by which power balance is guaranteed under any contingency state comprising the simultaneous loss of up to K generation units. Instead of considering all possible contingency states, which would render the problem intractable, a novel method based on robust optimization is proposed. Using the notion of umbrella contingency, the robust counterpart of the original problem is formulated. The resulting model is a particular instance of bilevel programming which is solved by its transformation to an equivalent single-level mixed-integer programming problem. Unlike previously reported contingency-dependent approaches, the robust model does not depend on the size of the set of credible contingencies, thus providing a computationally efficient framework. Simulation results back up these conclusions.
Group psychoeducation for long-term offender patients with schizophrenia: an exploratory randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Psychoeducation is now commonly provided in forensic settings, but its effectiveness among long-term offender patients with schizophrenia has not yet been established in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). AIM To test the effects of a brief group psychoeducation programme for offenders with schizophrenia (n = 39) resident in a high-security hospital (Niuvanniemi Hospital, Finland). METHOD High-security hospital patients were randomised into either eight sessions of group psychoeducation or 'treatment as usual' (TAU). Outcome measures, made at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and 3 months after that, included knowledge about illness, insight, compliance, attitudes towards medication, psychiatric symptoms and ward behaviour, self-esteem, health-related quality of life and perceived stigma. RESULTS Three months after completing treatment, or an equivalent time under TAU, patients in the intervention group showed a positive treatment effect in terms of knowledge about illness, self-esteem and insight into the illness. The only possible adverse effect was a slight increase in irritability, but this did not translate into behaviour of concern to staff. CONCLUSIONS Our sample size was small, and the findings must be regarded as preliminary, but the positive treatment effect of psychoeducation, and the absence of alarming side effects, suggests a full scale trial would be worthwhile. Most encouraging was that even the most severely ill patients were able to join the groups.
Game Changers and Transformative Social Innovation: the case of the economic crisis and the new economy

The paper discusses transformative social innovation, conceptualised as the process through which social innovation contributes to societal transformation. A conceptual heuristic is introduced that proposes five foundational concepts to help distinguish between different pertinent ‘shades’ of change and innovation: 1) social innovation, (2) system innovation, (3) game-changers, (4) narratives of change and (5) societal transformation. The paper elaborates on the background and meaning of each of these concepts, with references to existing literature in transition studies and social innovation research, and through empirical illustrations. The recent economic crisis is taken as an empirical example of a ‘game-changing’ macro-development, and it is explored how this economic crisis relates to other forms of change and innovation. A central hypothesis is that societal transformation is the result of specific ‘co-evolutionary’ interactions between game-changers (e.g. the economic crisis), narratives of change (e.g. ‘a new economy’), system innovations (e.g. welfare system reform), and social innovations (e.g. new exchange currencies or new design practices). The paper elaborates on this hypothesis and formulates challenges for future research.
Sustained Endemicity of Burkholderia cepacia Complex in a Pediatric Institution, Associated With Contaminated Ultrasound Gel

Objective. To determine whether contaminated ultrasound gel is the source of intermittent outbreaks of nosocomial infection due to Burkholderia cepacia complex in patients without cystic fibrosis since 1992. Design. A prospective clinical and in vitro study of all in-use bottles of ultrasound gel, as well as a retrospective analysis of archived bacterial strains, were performed. Handling of gel for clinical purposes throughout the hospital was evaluated. Gel and archived clinical isolates of B. cepacia complex were speciated to genomovar level and characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were compared. Setting. The Hospital for Sick Children, a 300-bed, tertiary care, pediatric academic health sciences center in Toronto, Canada. Patients. All patients without cystic fibrosis from whom B. cepacia complex was recovered at the Hospital for Sick Children since 1992. Results. No standardized protocol for storage or handling of ultrasound gel was found. Gel from 39% of bottles grew either B. cepacia (genomovar I) or Burkholderia stabilis (genomovar IV). These isolates had pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns identical to 2 of the 7 clinical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types that are responsible for 88% of clinical isolates. Conclusions. Contaminated ultrasound gel contributed to nosocomial infection due to B. cepacia complex in this institution over the course of 10 years. Suggested guidelines for the handling of ultrasound gel are provided.
Albumin dialysis in cirrhosis with superimposed acute liver injury: possible impact of albumin dialysis on hospitalization costs

Abstract Albumin dialysis using the Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System (MARS) has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation to improve survival as well as reduce associated complications. The present study attempts to analyze the costs involved, and compare it to the benefit as a result of the MARS therapy, thus evaluating its cost‐effectiveness. Using the results of a study by Kim et al. (Hepatology 2001) describing the effects of complications on the cost of hospitalization in alcoholic liver disease patients, the expenditure incurred in a group of 11 patients treated with standard medical therapy (five survivors) and a group of 12 patients treated with MARS in addition (11 survivors) (Heemann et al., Hepatology 2002) were analyzed. MARS resulted in a reduction of in‐hospital deaths, as well as liver disease‐related complications. Both these factors led to a substantial reduction of costs in the MARS group, which was enough to counterbalance the extra costs associated with extra‐corporeal therapy. In the control group, the total hospitalization cost per survivor were calculated to be at $35 904. In the MARS group, the overall expenditure per survivor including standard medical therapy plus additional MARS liver support therapy were $32 036 – a saving of nearly $4000 compared to the control group. Therefore, it appears that the benefits of MARS therapy are enough to justify the cost of treatment and safe hospital costs, at least in the described population. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Stakeholder engagement in prioritizing sustainability assessment themes for smallholder coffee production in Uganda

Abstract Many sustainability assessment frameworks have been developed in recent years, but translating them into practical tools to guide decision making remains challenging. By engaging coffee stakeholders in Uganda, we demonstrate a process of translating the widely-accepted framework for Sustainability Assessments of Food and Agriculture Systems (SAFA), developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), to smallholder production systems. Stakeholders prioritized the sustainability themes in terms of relevance and feasibility, and subsequently identified relevant sub-themes. We find that the structure and scope of some generally accepted themes need appropriate modifications in order to address the social and structural heterogeneity of smallholder production systems. Although importance and feasibility rankings significantly vary within and between stakeholder groups, governance and economic themes are commonly perceived as very important though equally the least feasible for smallholders. Thus, the inclusion of the ‘farmer-group’ structure as part of the sustainability assessment criteria is perceived as necessary especially toward achieving governance-related goals. These findings emphasize the need of engaging stakeholders in defining locally adapted sustainability assessment criteria.
1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 enhances the stimulating effect of leucine and insulin on protein synthesis rate through Akt/PKB and mTOR mediated pathways in murine C2C12 skeletal myotubes.

SCOPE In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence pointing to an effect of vitamin D on muscle mass and function. Our aim was to investigate the combined effect of 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) with anabolic factors insulin and leucine on protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) and regulation in the mouse C2C12 myotube. METHODS AND RESULTS After differentiation, myotubes were cultured in 1,25(OH)2D3 solutions at 0, 1, or 10 nM for 72 h. Cells were treated by L-[1-(13) C]valine and puromycin in presence or not of leucine and insulin, and protein FSR was determined by measuring tracer enrichments and puromycin incorporation in proteins, respectively. Protein expression and phosphorylation state of insulin receptor (IR), Akt, GSK3, mTOR, p70 S6 kinase, rpS6, and 4EBP1 were measured by Western blot. Transcript levels of IR and 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR) were determined by qPCR. 1,25(OH)2D3 (10 nM) with leucine and insulin increased protein FSR in C2C12 myotubes (14-16%). IR and VDR mRNA expression was increased with 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. The Akt/mTOR-dependent pathway was activated by insulin and leucine and further enhanced by 1,25(OH)2D3. CONCLUSION 1,25(OH)2D3 sensitizes the Akt/mTOR-dependant pathway to the stimulating effect of leucine and insulin, resulting in a further activation of protein synthesis in murine C2C12 skeletal myotubes.
Pharmacologically Induced Ex Copula Ejaculation in Horses and Donkeys

Pharmacologically induced ex copula ejaculation is a method used for collection of semen when the traditional methods of semen collection are not feasible. Common indications for this method include health issues that either preclude the physical act of mating or result in impaired erection and ejaculation. The method also offers an alternative when there is a lack of equipment and facilities required for semen collection using the conventional artificial vagina method. A variety of pharmacological protocols for ex copula ejaculation in stallions have been evaluated in both research and clinical settings with no serious side-effects reported. In general, these protocols included tricyclic antidepressants, alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, and smooth muscle stimulators, either individually or in combination. Although there is a lot of variation in the ejaculatory rates among studies, a combination of imipramine and xylazine appears to be an effective option for inducing ejaculation in stallions. In cases where this protocol is not successful, collections should be reattempted using a combination of imipramine, detomidine, and oxytocin. Regardless of the protocol used, a quiet environment with minimal disturbance is associated with a better outcome. In contrast to the body of literature available on pharmacologically induced ex copula ejaculation in horses, only a few studies have been published so far on this topic in donkeys. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether pharmacologically induced ex copula ejaculation is an effective method of semen collection in jacks and to compare different pharmacological protocols for inducing ejaculation in jacks.
Maximum entropy production, cloud feedback, and climate change

A steady‐state energy‐balance climate model based on a global constraint of maximum entropy production is used to examine cloud feedback and the response of surface temperature T to doubled atmospheric CO2. The constraint ensures that change in zonal cloud amount θ necessarily involves change in the convergence KX of meridional energy flow. Without other feedbacks, the changes in θ, KX and T range from about 2%, 2 Wm−2 and 1.5 K respectively at the equator to −2%, −2 Wm−2 and 0.5 K at the poles. Global‐average cloud effectively remains unchanged with increasing CO2 and has little effect on global‐average temperature. Global‐average cloud decreases with increasing water vapour and amplifies the positive feedback of water vapour and lapse rate. The net result is less cloud at all latitudes and a rise in T of the order of 3 K at the equator and 1 K at the poles. Ice‐albedo and solar absorption feedbacks are not considered.
EFFICACY AND PERSISTENCE OF BIORATIONAL PESTICIDES AGAINST INSECT AND MITE PESTS OF TOMATO UNDER PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT

With the globalization of trade and liberalization of Indian economy, there is an immense scope for the export of high value vegetables and flowers from India, besides meeting the ever increasing demand in domestic market. The need of the hour is to increase the productivity and quality of produce to fulfil the demand of quality conscious consumers. In the changing scenario of increasing population, decreasing cultivable land/ water resources, increasing urbanization/ industrialization, there is a need to produce more from available land and water. A break through in production technology that integrates market driven quality parameters with production system, besides ensuring a vertical growth in productivity is required. One such technology is "Protected cultivation" or generally called greenhouse technology.
Update on gene modifiers in cystic fibrosis

Purpose of review Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common, life-limiting monogenic disease, which typically manifests as progressive bronchiectasis, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, and recurrent sinopulmonary infections. Although the gene responsible for CF (CFTR) was described in 1989, it has become increasingly evident that modifier genes and environmental factors play substantial roles in determining the severity of disease, particularly lung disease. Identifying these factors is crucial in devising therapies and other interventions to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this disorder. Recent findings Although many genes have been proposed as potential modifiers of CF, only a handful have withstood the test of replication. Several of the replicated findings reveal that genes affecting inflammation and infection response play a key role in modifying CF lung disease severity. Interactions between CFTR genotype, modifier genes, and environmental factors have been documented to influence lung function measures and infection status in CF patients. Summary Several genes have been demonstrated to affect disease severity in CF. Furthermore, it is likely that gene–gene and gene–environment interactions can explain a substantial portion of the variation of lung disease. Ongoing genome-wide studies are likely to identify novel genetic modifiers. Continued exploration of the role of genetic and nongenetic modifiers of CF is likely to yield new options for combating this debilitating disease.
Identification of electrically stimulated quadriceps muscles in paraplegic subjects

This work establishes a method for the noninvasive in vivo identification of parametric models of electrically stimulated muscle in paralyzed individuals, when significant inertial loads and/or load transitions are present. The method used differs from earlier work, in that both the pulse width and stimulus period (interpulse interval) modulation are considered. A Hill-type time series model, in which the output is the product of two factors (activation and torque-angle) is used. In this coupled model, the activation dynamics depend upon velocity. Sequential nonlinear least squares methods are used in the parameter identification. The ability of the model, using identified time-varying parameters, to accurately predict muscle torque outputs is evaluated, along with the variability of the identified parameters. This technique can be used to determine muscle parameter models for biomechanical computer simulations, and for real-time adaptive control and monitoring of muscle response variations such as fatigue.
Sex-Specific Differences in the Association Between Race/Ethnicity and NAFLD Among US Population

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is spreading worldwide, with a racial/ethnic disparity. We examined the gender role in the racial/ethnic difference in NAFLD in the US population. We analyzed data for 3,292 individuals ≥18 years old from NHANES 2017–2018, a representative sample of the non-institutionalized adult population in the US. Exclusions were subjects with elevated transferrin level, chronic hepatitis B or C, excessive alcohol use, or prescription medications that might cause hepatic steatosis. NAFLD was diagnosed by FibroScan® using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values: S0 <238, S1 = 238–259, S2 = 260–290, S3 >290. Data were analyzed using Chi square and multinomial regression. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 47.9% [S2 = 16.1%, and S3 = 31.8%]. The prevalence of S3 was highest among Mexican Americans (46%), lowest among Blacks (22.7%), 29.9% in other Hispanics and 32.1% in Whites (p < 0.05). It was higher among Mexican American males (54.1%) compared to Mexican American females (37.7%) (p < 0.05). In the adjusted model, Mexican Americans were two times more likely than Whites to have S2 and S3 (p < 0.05). Only male Mexican Americans had higher odds of S2 and S3 relative to male White (p < 0.05). Males had higher odds of S3 relative to non-menopausal females (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the odds of S2 or S3 NAFLD among the menopausal females with or without hormone therapy relative to non-menopausal females (p > 0.05). While Mexican Americans had the highest prevalence of severe NAFLD relative to the other racial/ethnic groups, only male Mexican Americans, but not females, had higher likelihood of both moderate and severe NAFLD relative to Whites. Interventions that specifically target Mexican American males are needed to increase awareness about NAFLD and its prevention.
Survey of Opioid Use in Chronic Nonmalignant Pain Patients

Background and Objectives Opioids have been accepted as appropriate treatment for acute and cancer pain, but remain controversial for use with chronic nonmalignant pain. Clinicians are concerned about efficacy, tolerance, addiction, and unwanted side effects. Methods The aim of this study was to survey chronic pain patients who were taking opioids for their pain, to determine the incidence of these adverse conditions. Two hundred seventeen patients who were being treated for their pain at two different pain centers completed a medication questionnaire. The most common diagnosis was low back pain. One hundred twelve patients reported taking oral opioids for their pain. Results Of the patients who reported taking opioids for their chronic pain, 83% felt that the opioids were moderately beneficial in relieving their pain; 25% felt that the opioid had not lost its ability to relieve the pain over time; 35% reported that they did not need to increase their medication; 36% expressed no fear of addiction or dependence; and 56% reported having no unwanted side effects. Conclusions The results suggest that chronic nonmalignant pain patients taking opioids for their pain reported some tolerance, fear of addiction, and side effects when taking opioids. However, despite these concerns, some of these patients felt that opioid therapy was very beneficial. Further investigations are needed to determine which patient characteristics predict benefit from opioid therapy for nonmalignant pain.
Higher education leadership and communication apprehension reduction efficacy

Universities use public speaking courses to reduce the communication apprehension among the student population of the institution. Previous research connects lower communication apprehension to higher university retention rate and higher student success rates. However, a gap in current research does not explain if communication apprehension reduction is as significant when a student enrolls in a public speaking course taught online as opposed to a public speaking course taught in a traditional faceto-face manner. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of systematic desensitization as it is used in public speaking courses online. This study set-out to answer two research questions: 1. Does the technique of systematic desensitization significantly lower communication apprehension for students taking a public speaking course online compared to traditionally taught face-to-face courses? 2. Do students who choose online public speaking courses have a higher level of communication apprehension than those who choose the traditionally taught public speaking courses? This study found that there were no significant differences in lowering communication apprehension when comparing effects of systematic desensitization methods from the public speaking courses taught online and those taught traditionally. The study also found that there was no significant difference in levels of communication apprehension for student populations which chose to enroll in the online public speaking