Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the Actuation Property of Cu Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites Based on Backpropagation Neural Networks

Ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuators are one of the most prominent electroactive polymers with expected widespread use in the future. The IPMC bends in response to a small applied electric field as a result of the mobility of cations in the polymer network. This paper proposes a Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm backpropagation neural network (LMA–BPNN) prediction model applicable for Cu/Nafion-based ionic polymer–metal composites to predict the actuation property. The proposed approach takes the dimension ratio (DR) and stimulation voltage as the input layer, displacement and blocking force as the output layer, and trains the LMA–BPNN with the experimental data so as to obtain a mapping relationship between the input and the output and obtain the predicted values of displacement and blocking force. An IPMC actuating system is set up to generate a collection of the IPMC actuating data. Based on the input/output training data, the most suitable structure was found out for the BPNN model to represent the IPMC actuation behavior. After training and verification, a 2-9-3-1 BPNN structure for displacement and a 2-9-4-1 BPNN structure for blocking force indicate that the structure can provide a good reference value for the IPMC. The results showed that the BPNN model based on the LMA could predict the displacement and blocking force of the IPMC. Therefore, this model can become an effective solution for IPMC control applications.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma—How to Determine Therapeutic Options

Deciding on specific treatment strategies involves not only tumor stage, performance status, and severity of underlying liver disease, but additional factors such as biomarkers, organ availability, and radiographic tumor response to treatment. In this review, we present hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases to highlight how to determine therapeutic options for HCC in specific scenarios, including resection versus liver transplant, choice of initial local regional treatment, tumor downstaging, and systemic therapies for advanced HCC.
Epidemiologic features of non-melanoma skin cancers in Albania

Aim: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) represent a burden to health services all over the world and their frequency is rising. The epidemiology of these tumors in Albania is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to describe selected epidemiological features of NMSC in Albania for the period 2005-2013. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of non-melanoma skin cancer cases during 20052013. The information was retrieved from the Service of Statistics at the premises of the University Hospital Centre Mother Theresa during 2014 and consisted of the following variables: age at the moment of diagnosis, sex, residence, type of work environment, type of NMCS and anatomic localization of the lesion. Information about the number of the population was retrieved from the Institute of Statistics. SPSS, version 16 was used for data analysis. Results: 5289 patients were diagnosed with NMSC for the first time during 2005-2013, of whom 63.7% were males. Basal cell carcinoma was the most frequent tumor and the ratio with squamous cell carcinoma was 2.42 : 1.00. The mean age of NMSC patients was higher for males than females (67.57 years vs. 66.64 years, respectively, P<0.05). NCMS was more frequent among outdoor than indoor working individuals. The incidence has increased steadily over the years in Albania. Conclusion: The incidence of NMSC in Albania shows an increasing trend over the past decade, with males and individuals working outdoors being more often affected by such health conditions. These data should guide early detection and prevention strategies in order to lower the increasing burden on NMSC in Albania.
Factors Associated With Age of Diagnosis Among Myanmar Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study aimed to find out the average age of diagnosis, and factors associated with the age of diagnosis, among Myanmar children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 84 children from two private special schools, namely New World and Light House. All children who were diagnosed as ASD, according to DSM-IV criteria, were involved in this study. Data was collected from the caregivers by face-to-face interviewing. Physical examinations and investigations were done as necessary. Results: A total of 84 children with ASD were included in this study. The mean age of diagnosis was 3.5 years old. The minimum age of diagnosis was 1 year old and the maximum was 6 years old. There were significant findings regarding factors associated with the age of diagnosis. A higher educational standard of the child’s father, and some autism specific signs such as lack of pointing out objects of interest, and poor response to name being called, were associated with an earlier age of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. The presence of persistent preoccupation with parts of objects, the presence of selective eating habits and comorbid conditions like epilepsy and global delay, had been found to delay the age of diagnosis of ASDs. This study revealed information regarding the age of diagnosis among Myanmar children with ASD, and factors associated with the age of diag-nosis. Although this study could not represent the whole population, due to its limitation in sampling size and study area, the findings will contribute to future research being done in different places, including urban, as well as rural areas, with larger populations, which would result in a later age of diagnosis. Identified discrepancies in the age of diagnosis based on certain socio-demographic and clinical variables highlight the need for coordinated strategies for early detection of autism spectrum disorders.
International Journal of Computer Science and Intelligent Computing (IJCSIC)

We introduce a new family of space–time trellis codes that space–time block codes as building blocks in our new trellis codes. These codes combine set partitioning and a super set of space–time block codes in a systematic way to provide full diversity and improved coding gain. It is also possible to maintain a tradeoff between coding gain and rate. Simulation result (i.e. frame error rate) shows that the STTC in such environment (i.e. frequency selective) could not take full advantage of the multipath environment to increase coding advantage (i.e. shift of error rate curve) due to increase in parallel path of the decoding trellis. This paper investigates the performance of Space-time Trellis Code (STTC) designed primarily for non-frequency selective (i.e. flat) fading channel but now applied to a frequency selective fading channel. A new decoding trellis is proposed for the STTC in frequency selective fading environment. It was apparent that the number of state of the decoding trellis of the STTC in a frequency selective channel is a function of the number of divergent paths per state, the multipath ray and the original number of states of Simulation result (i.e. frame error rate) shows that the STTC in such environment (i.e. frequency selective) could not take full advantage of the multipath environment to increase coding advantage (i.e. shift of error rate curve) due to increase in parallel path of the decoding trellis. However the diversity order (i.e. slope of the error rate curve) performance is equivalent to that obtained in flat fading channel.
Anxiety, Depression and their Risk Factors in Cancer Moroccan Patients Undergoing: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To our knowledge, no study specifically assessed anxiety and depression in Moroccan cancer population undergoing radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer prior to the first session of radiotherapy and to identify predictor factors. Material and methods: It is a cross-sectional single center study. An interview was conducted using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: 150 patients filled the study inclusion criteria. The mean age was 54.9 ± 12.8 years, 12% of patients were in current employment. 42% of the participants had a positive family history of cancer. Out of study participants, 58% scored abnormal on the anxiety scale and 52% on the depression scale. Statistically significant predictors of anxiety and depression were similar to those reported in published studies, such as the presence of family history of cancer, received radiotherapy in family, employment status and treatment intention. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a large proportion of cancer patients have psychiatric comorbidities. There is an urgent need for psychosocial support programs and psychological screening for patients diagnosed with cancer and candidate for radiation therapy. Questionnaires Social, demographic and clinical characteristics: Patients provided demographic information, including gender, age, marital status (married vs. not married), educational level (low education vs. moderate or high educational level), financial status (low level vs. moderate or high level), employment status (working actually or no), living environment (urban vs. rural), children in charge (yes or no), family support (yes or no), cancer in the entourage (yes or no), family history of cancer while specifying if this member had received radiotherapy, idea about radiotherapy treatment (yes or no), having pain (yes or no), taking anxiolytics (yes or no). Disease related characteristics: Physician provided data about patients disease and treatment characteristics, including months since diagnoses (<3 months or ≥ 3 months), localization, disease stage, treatment intention (curative or palliative), received treatments (surgery and chemotherapy), the use of thermoplastic mask (yes vs. no) and performance status as defined by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) (0=optimum performance status, 4=worst performance status) [3], Patients with an ECOG score of 0 or 1 were categorized as having good performance status, and those with a score of 2 to 4 were categorized as having moderate to poor performance status. Citation: ElKacemi H, Aarab J, ElMajjaousi S, Kebdani T, Benjaafar N (2018) Anxiety, Depression and their Risk Factors in Cancer Moroccan Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Nucl Med Radiat Ther 9: 361. doi: 10.4172/2155-9619.1000361
Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction of Security Operatives in Selected Tertiary Institutions In Kwara State

The prevalence of civil disorder and cultism in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria and the apparent inability of security operatives to stem the tide has continued to be a source of concern to both the Government and Individuals in recent times. This study examines the effect of organisational commitment on job satisfaction among security operatives working in Nigeria universities. In this study a sample of three hundred (300) security operatives were selected from both public and private universities in Kwara State. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire and analysed through Descriptive, Comparative, Regression analysis and Spearman Rank Correlation. The findings revealed that these security operatives, a positive relationship exists between organisational commitment and job satisfaction with affective commitment having little or no significant relationship and continuance commitment having significant positive relationship. The study also found that the level of affective commitment was significantly lower than the other components. The study thus concludes that there is a significant positive relationship between organisation commitment and job satisfaction amongst the security operatives. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the selected Universities should focus on improving affective and normative commitment among security operatives in order to be able to deal with the problem of high job turnover and poor performance.
Rituximab vs Observation after High-Dose Consolidative First-Line Chemotherapy (HDC) with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Poor Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Final Analysis of the LNH98-B3 GELA Study.

We have shown (Haioun, JCO 2000) that consolidative HDC provides a better survival for patients (pts) with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting with 2 or 3 adverse age-adjusted International-Prognostic-Index (aa-IPI) factors in complete remission after induction treatment. In the same time, rituximab had been evaluated as a single therapeutic agent in aggressive lymphomas with promising efficacy (Coiffier, Blood 1998). More recently, rituximab maintenance therapy has been successfully used after chemotherapy or after ASCT to keep responding patients in remission. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential benefit, as randomly compared to observation, of rituximab - 375 mg/m2/week for 4 weeks - 2 months after HDC, in decreasing the relapse rate (second randomization: R2). A secondary objective was to improve the response rate before HDC treatment using the intensified ACE chemotherapy regimen (doxorubicin 75mg/m2 d1, cyclophosphamide 1g/m2 d1-d2, etoposide 150mg/m2 d1–d3) as compared to the standard GELA ACVBP induction regimen (first randomization: R1). Induction regimens were delivered every 15 days for 4 cycles. In responding pts, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection was performed after the third or fourth cycle. HDC (mitoxantrone 45 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 1500 mg/m2 x 4d, etoposide 250 mg/m2 x 4d and carmustine 300 mg/m2) was started between d80 and d90 after one or two courses of high-dose methotrexate. From 10/99 to 05/03 (closing date), 476 pts younger than 60 years with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and aa-IPI 2 or 3 (aa-IPI 3: 29%). were enrolled. We here present the results of the final analysis, performed in July 2005 with 235 pts assigned to receive ACE and 241 to ACVBP. Complete response (CR+CRu) rates to induction treatment did not significantly differ between the 2 regimens (65% and 63%, respectively, p=0.71) and toxic death rates were similar (2% and 3%, respectively) despite higher NCIC grade 3–4 infectious toxicity with the ACE regimen. Among the 331 pts who received HDC, 269 were randomized (R2) to receive either rituximab (n=139) or observation (n=130). 545 infusions of rituximab were administered with no clinically relevant infectious toxicity except two resolutive VZV infections. With a median follow-up of 3 years after R2, a trend toward a better 3y-EFS was observed in the rituximab group (80% vs 72%, p=0.10). Early and brief rituximab maintenance is feasible after HDC. We hypothesize that prolongation of treatment may improve the results as well as selection of patients more likely to respond to rituximab therapy.
ZnO-Modified g-C3N4: A Potential Photocatalyst for Environmental Application

Solar energy-driven practices using semiconducting materials is an ideal approach toward wastewater remediation. In order to attain a superior photocatalyst, a composite of g-C3N4 and ZnO (GCN–ZnO) has been prepared by one-step thermal polymerization of urea and zinc carbonate basic dihydrate [ZnNO3]2·[Zn(OH)2]3. The GCN–ZnO0.4 sample showed an evolved morphology, increased surface area (116 m2 g–1), better visible light absorption ability, and reduced band gap in comparison to GCN–pure. The GCN–ZnO0.4 sample also showed enhanced adsorption and photocatalytic activity performance, resulting in an increased reaction rate value up to 3 times that of GCN–pure, which was attributed to the phenomenon of better separation of photogenerated charge carriers resulting because of heterojunction development among interfaces of GCN–pure and ZnO. In addition, the GCN–ZnO0.4 sample showed a decent stability for four cyclic runs and established its potential use for abatement of organic wastewater pollutants in comparison to GCN–pure.
Reciprocal relationship between depression and Internet gaming disorder in children: A 12-month follow-up of the iCURE study using cross-lagged path analysis

Objectives Previous studies have reported an association between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and depression, but the directionality of the relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the reciprocal relationship between level of depressive symptoms and IGD among children in a longitudinal study. Methods Research panels for this study consisted of 366 elementary-school students in the iCURE study. All participants were current Internet users, so they could be considered an at-risk population for IGD. Self-reported severity of IGD features and level of depression were assessed by the Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen and Children’s Depression Inventory, respectively. Follow-up assessment was completed after 12 months. We fitted cross-lagged structural equation models to investigate the association between the two variables at two time points contemporaneously. Results The cross-lagged analysis revealed that level of depression at baseline significantly predicted severity of IGD features at the 12-month follow-up (β = 0.15, p = .003). Severity of IGD features at baseline also significantly predicted level of depression at the 12-month follow-up (β = 0.11, p = .018), controlling for possible confounding factors. Conclusions The cross-lagged path analysis indicates a reciprocal relationship between severity of IGD features and level of depressive symptoms. Understanding the reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and severity of IGD features can assist in interventions to prevent both conditions. These findings provide theoretical support for prevention and remediation plans for IGD and depressive symptoms among children.
Growth Performance and Economic Value of garri used as a Replacement for Maize in the Diets of Local Turkeys

There are factors that constitute a hindrance to the fast expansion of intensive poultry production in Nigeria. They are are majorly the high cost of feeds and feedstuffs and insufficient supply of feed at the proper quality and quantity to the birds [1]. Feed constitutes about 70%80% of the total production cost in poultry business [1]. However, among cereal grains, maize is a common feedstuff of choice for energy in monogastric diet and its inclusion in diets ranges from 50%-70% [2,3]. This is not sufficiently available due to competition between livestock, human consumption and industrial uses. This scarcity has led to a rise in the cost of maize and would invariably, lead to increase in cost of animal feed and consequently animal protein [4]. Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) is one of the most vital food crops in the humid tropics, since it is naturally suited to condition of low nutrient availability and has the potency to survive in a drought situation. Cassava as a crop is cultivated in most countries in the tropical regions of Africa. The crop has served as an alternative energy source and its inclusion in diets for poultry has been extensively studied [5]. Cassava remains the most vital food in terms of carbohydrates and can be processed into various forms such as garri, fufu and tapioca [6,7].
The effect of encapsulated plant extract of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) in biopolymer nanoemulsions of Lepidium perfoliatum and Orchis mascula on controlling oxidative stability of soybean oil

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of encapsulation method on antioxidant properties of Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis L.) extract. The extracts of the Hyssop were obtained by ultrasound assisted techniques, and the amount of phenolic compounds was 117.43 ± 9.22 (mg of gallic acid per 100 g of extract). The antioxidant activity of extracts in concentrations of 100, 200, 300, and 400 ppm was measured using DPPH free radical scavenging method and compared with 100 ppm of TBHQ synthetic antioxidants. The results showed that by increasing in concentration of the extract, the antioxidant activity of the extract increased. The Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum and Orchis mascula were chosen as coating material. Encapsulation was performed by emulsion production method. The antioxidant effects of nanocapsules in oil during 40 days of storage at 60°C were measured, which increased the oxidation of oil over time. The lowest amount of oil oxidation during storage compared to control samples was observed in samples containing nano encapsulated Hyssop extract due to reducing in release rate of the extract during storage and more protection of the extract. The results of this study suggest that encapsulation is an effective way to increase the antioxidant activity of the extract and could be increased the shelf life of edible oils with natural antioxidants.
Effects of a school-based obesity-prevention intervention on menarche

Objective: Early menarche is a risk factor for breast cancer. Since body composition influences age at menarche we decided to estimate the effects of a school-based intervention for the prevention of obesity on the initiation of menses in young girls. Methods'. Ten schools were randomized to a modified curriculum or no curricular changes for 2 school-years. Data of 508 pre-menarcheal girls at baseline (age range: 10-13 years) were analyzed. Results'. Girls attending an intervention school experienced menarche less frequently than girls attending control schools during the intervention period (intervention schools = 54%, control schools = 59%; RR = 0.76; 95% CI [0.66, 0.87]). Attending an intervention school was also associated with lower increase in BMI (-0.3 kg/m2; p = 0.003), lower gains in triceps skinfold thickness (-1.5 mm;/? = 0.007), decreased television viewing (-0.6 h/day;/? < 0.0001) and increased physical activity (3.1 MET-h/week; /? = 0.032). Including these changes as predictors of menarche incidence attenuated the intervention effect (RR = 0.94; 95% CI [0.80, 1.10]). Conclusions: The intervention delayed menarche in this group of girls. The delay was produced by increased physical activity, reduced television viewing and changes in BMI and fat distribution. These findings may have implications for the primary prevention of breast cancer.
D IFFUSION AND ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY AMONGST ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT STUDENTS 1

This study aimed to identify profiles of technology adoption amongst engineering and business management students based on Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovations and on Hirschman's studies of innovativeness, novelty seeking, creativity behavior and role accumulation. A systematic literature review was performed and an item pool was generated to measure the constructs found on theory. The questionnaire was presented to an experts' panel for content validity and to a sample of subjects in the population for semantic validity. The final research instrument was then submitted to 390 students from private and public universities in Brazil. Mean age of sample was 22.5 years (SD = 4.9) and was well distributed between males (50.6%) and females (49.4%). Data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and SmartPLS 2.0. A hypothetical model was specified and alternative models as well. Univariate and multivariate normality was tested and PLS-SEM was chosen due to the non-parametric nature of collected data. Final results proved that Roger's theoretical profiles (e.g.: innovator, early adopter, etc) are predictors of Hirschman's adoption typology and these findings are useful to understand the generational patterns of technology diffusion and adoption and to support corporate initiatives on technology deployment amongst employees.