Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiobjective Multitasking Optimization Based on Incremental Learning

Multiobjective multitasking optimization (MTO) is an emerging research topic in the field of evolutionary computation. In contrast to multiobjective optimization, MTO solves multiple optimization tasks simultaneously. MTO aims to improve the overall performance of multiple tasks through knowledge transfer among tasks. Recently, MTO has attracted the attention of many researchers, and several algorithms have been proposed in the literature. However, one of the crucial issues, finding useful knowledge, has been rarely studied. Keeping this in mind, this article proposes an MTO algorithm based on incremental learning (EMTIL). Specifically, the transferred solutions (the form of knowledge) will be selected by incremental classifiers, which are capable of finding valuable solutions for knowledge transfer. The training data are generated by the knowledge transfer at each generation. Furthermore, the search space of the tasks will be explored by the proposed mapping (among tasks) approach, which helps these tasks to escape from their local Pareto Fronts. Empirical studies have been conducted on 15 MTO problems to assess the effectiveness of EMTIL. The experimental results demonstrate that EMTIL works more effectively for MTO compared to the existing algorithms.
Double-pulse femtosecond laser ablation for synthesis of ultrasmall carbon nanodots

Carbon nanodots (C-dots) with ultrasmall size possessing large surface-to-volume ratio are expected to improve their performance in sensing and catalytic applications. Here, we present a simple strategy to synthesis ultrasmall C-dots using double-pulse femtosecond laser ablation in solution. The size of C-dots reaches minimum value of ∼1 nm when the delay between the pulses was approaching the electron-ion relaxation time. In this case, the mean sizes of C-dots in double-pulse ablation are even smaller than that obtained in single-pulse ablation with the same laser fluence due to the suppression of rarefaction wave by the shock wave created by the second pulse. Furthermore, abundant functional groups are created on the surface of C-dots in double-pulse ablation because of reheating the nascent ablated materials by the second pulse. These results demonstrate that the double-pulse technique is therefore an effective strategy beyond single-pulse ablation to synthesis ultrasmall C-dots with abundant surface functional groups as well as other nanoparticle for catalytic and sensing applications.
Comparative Study on Changes in Spirometric Lung Function Indices of Cobblestone Workers

Cobblestone workers exposed to dust inhalation and physical injuries during cobblestone work activities exposed to respiratory problems due to proliferation and fibrotic alteration changing in their spiro metric lung function indices. This study was designed to determine changes in spirometric lung function indices of cobblestone workers. Comparative cross-sectional study was applied. Cobblestone workers exposed for one and above years and proportional non exposed non-smoking normal study participants with similar age range and anthropometric values were participated. The study showed higher change in Spiro metric lung function indices. Mean values and percent predicted mean values of lung functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, PIFR and FEF25-75) were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Reduction in spirometric values was more marked in chiseling workers. Thus, dust emission during cobblestone preparation adversely affects pulmonary function of workers. Further studies should be conducted on many workers to make standing decisions and regulations. Workers should be trained and appropriate PPEs should be provided. Guideline has to be developed to provide guidance on how to assess and reduce health impacts of dust emissions.
Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of hyacinth bean in baby corn (Zea mays. L) – hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus var typicus) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Adilabad, Telangana State, India during kharif and rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of INM practices on hyacinth bean in baby corn-hyacinth bean cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design for baby corn during kharif season of 2015 season with seven treatments comprised of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF, 150:60:60 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1), 25% N supplemented through Farm Yard Manure or vermicompost + 75% RDF with or without soil application of Azospirillum and Bacillus megaterium @ 5 kg ha-1 each and unfertilized control with 3 replications. Each main treatment was divided into four subplots during rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 for hyacinth bean and the treatments of 100% RDF (20 kg N, 50 Kg P2O5 ha-1) and 75% RDF with or without Bradyrhizobium @ 500 g ha-1 (seed treatment) were imposed in split plot design. Mean data of two rabi seasons revealed that seed treatment with Bradyrhizobium in conjunction with 100% RDF recorded significantly higher plant height, leaf area index, nodule number, dry matter production at harvest, higher number of pods plant 1, maximum pod length, pod weight and higher pod yield, respectively over 100% RDF alone, 75% RDF with or without seed treatment.
Planning and Integration of Technologies for Effective Implementation of Blended Learning in Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria

The study investigated planning the integration of technologies in higher institutions as a strategy for effective implementation of blended learning in universities in Rivers State. The design used was descriptive. The population of this study consisted of the 4,377 teaching staff in the three (3) public universities in Rivers State, comprising 2,348 male and 2,029 female teaching staff. The universities are the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The sample of this study was 590 elements, comprising 327 male and 263 female teaching staff that were drawn from the population using stratified random sampling technique. Instrument of data collection was a questionnaire that yielded a reliability index of 0.84, using test-retest and Pearson Product Moment Correlation techniques. The data generated were analysed using mean to answer research questions. z-test was used to test hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. Findings showed that aligning university's visions with the aspirations of full integration of blended learning into university system, provision of required communication networking infrastructures and modifying curriculum designs to become deliverable through blended learning mode are key ways of integrating blended learning in the university system. Recommendations made included that university managers should consider seriously, the advantages of blended learning in the school system, with a view to using planning to foster the integration of the learning innovation into the traditional face-to-face teaching and learning approach for improving students learning experiences and achievements.
Inklusi Keuangan Melalui Program Layanan Keuangan Digital dan Laku Pandai

This study aims to analyse the inclusion rate of two programs, namely Layanan Keuangan Digital (LKD) and Laku Pandai. We found that inclusion rate of LKD program and Laku Pandai program are 28% and 43% respectively when we define inclusion as use of service (access inclusion). However, the rate falls to 5% and 25% respectively when we define inclusion as account ownership. Laku Pandai program has advantages in increasing financial access of people who live in rural area, have low education, and generate low income. We also found that knowledge/certainty in transaction costs (for LKD) and size of access costs in the form of transaction costs and transportation costs (for Laku Pandai) are important determinants of account ownership. ------------------------------------ Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat inklusi keuangan dari program Layanan Keuangan Digital (LKD) dan Laku Pandai. Penulis menemukan bahwa inklusi program LKD dan Laku Pandai berdasarkan penelitian ini mencapai 28% dan 43% apabila inklusi diukur dengan penggunaan layanan (inklusi akses). Namun, inklusi turun ke angka 5% dan 25% apabila inklusi didefinisikan sebagai kepemilikan rekening. Laku Pandai memiliki keunggulan dalam meningkatkan akses keuangan masyarakat yang tinggal di pedesaan, berpendidikan rendah, dan berpendapatan rendah. Pengetahuan/kepastian biaya transaksi (LKD) dan biaya akses dalam bentuk biaya transaksi dan transportasi (Laku Pandai) merupakan faktor yang penting dalam menentukan kepemilikan rekening keuangan.
Pediatric head traumas: A different perspective.

BACKGROUND We aim to present our series on pediatric head traumas and discuss our results with the current literature. METHODS The data of children who underwent treatment for head trauma in our department between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical condition at admission, radiological findings, treatment methods and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS Ninety children underwent treatment for head trauma, 60 of them were male and 30 were female. The mean age was 6.6 years. Linear skull fracture was seen 55 patients, while epidural hematoma in 15 patients. Twenty patients underwent surgical treatment, while 70 patients underwent conservative treatment. No patient died in our series, three patients underwent rehabilitation due to neurological deficits after discharge. CONCLUSION Children were more prone to head trauma, but their mortality was less than the adults. Conservative treatment should be the first goal, but surgical management should be reserved for children with significant hematoma and declining neurological conditions.
Delays in the Cancer Pathway from Symptom Onset to Initiation of Treatment – A Retrospective Study in Patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Background: Cancer patients may experience significant delays along the clinical pathway from the onset of symptoms to initiation of treatment. Few studies have examined the nature or the extent of these delays in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Method: London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) is a tertiary care centre with a referral base of 1.5 million people in Southwestern Ontario. In this study, the charts of all patients with newly diagnosed NHL that were seen at the LRCP between Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2004 were reviewed retrospectively in order to measure and document the amount of time spent at each stage of the cancer pathway. Key time intervals from symptom onset to initiation of treatment were recorded. Associations between the waiting times and clinical/sociodemographic factors were also explored. Results: The charts of 116 patients were reviewed. The median overall waiting time from symptom onset to the initiation of treatment was 137 days. Median waiting time for each interval in the pathway were as follows: from symptom onset to first visit with primary care physician: 17 days; from first visit with physician to surgical consultation: 28 days; from surgical consult to the definitive biopsy: 13 days; from definitive biopsy to pathological diagnosis: 10 days; from pathological diagnosis to hematology referral: −5 days; from hematology referral to hematology consultation: 8 days; from hematology consult to completion of staging: 8 days; and from final staging to initiation of treatment: 5 days. The time from symptom onset to treatment initiation varied somewhat by clinical factors such as gender, age, and presence of B-symptoms. Patients with B-symptoms experienced shorter delays (119 d) than patients without B-symptoms (154 d). Male patients had shorter pathway times (113 d) compared to female patients (138 d). Patients at the extremes of age (age 20–29 & age >80) tended to have shorter delays than patients between the ages of 30–79 (ages 20–29: 60d, age >80: 85d, ages 30–79:137 d). Whether patients were referred from London vs. from another municipality did not appear to influence delays (137 d). Conclusions: NHL patients are experiencing significant delays in the assessment and treatment of their cancer. Most prior studies have focused primarily on delays from the point of referral to a cancer specialist to initiation of treatment. The results from our study suggest that a significant proportion of the patient’s clinical path is being spent at the prediagnosis phase (from the time of first physician visit until pathological diagnosis, 57 days) as opposed to from the time of diagnosis until the initiation of treatment (18 days). Efforts to reduce delays at both the pre- and post-diagnosis phases of the patient path may reduce patient anxiety with subsequent improvements in quality of life. The clinical impact of these delays on patient outcome is uncertain and requires further study.
Pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment of keratoconus within the United States

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory thinning of the cornea that can lead to an irregular conical shaped protrusion generally of the lower mid-peripheral nasal or temporal hemisphere of the cornea. This degenerative disorder has no known individual cause, nor does it have a known cure. Causes have been theorized to be multifactorial ranging from genetic disorders to environmental stimuli. Overall roughly 1 in 2,000 people suffer from the disorder. The treatment for keratoconus has generally focused on a broad range of different types of contact lenses, with the patients whose corneas degrade to dangerously thin limits or where visual acuity can no longer be corrected, become candidates for corneal transplant surgery. It is today the third most common cause for corneal transplant.
Dual MEK/EGFR inhibition for advanced, chemotherapy-refractory pancreatic cancer: A multicenter phase II trial of selumetinib (AZD6244; ARRY-142886) plus erlotinib.

4014 Background: Pharmacologic inhibition of MEK leads to enhanced signaling through EGFR with hyperactivation of a parallel oncogenic pathway (PI3K) independent of mutant KRAS, supporting a therapeutic strategy of combined target inhibition in PDAC to overcome this negative feedback loop. Based on preclinical evidence of synergistic activity between EGFR and MEK inhibitors, we conducted a non-randomized phase II trial of erlotinib plus selumetinib, a selective, allosteric inhibitor of MEK1/2, in patients with PDAC who had received one prior line of chemotherapy. Methods: A Simon 2-stage design was used, with planned n = 46. Study treatment consisted of erlotinib 100 mg + selumetinib 100 mg daily in 3-week cycles, with CT evaluation every 2 cycles. 1o objective was overall survival (OS). Correlative studies include detection of circulating tumor cells using a novel nonenrichment high definition immunofluorescence assay, and tissue- and serum proteomic-based predictive biomarkers. Results: 46 patients enro.
Epidemiologic insight into Trinidad’s awareness and prevention of heart disease. The EPITAPH study - a trinidadian cardiovascular health literacy survey

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the degree of CV health literacy in the Trinidadian public health sector and to identify any factors associated with it . Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at a single, public health care tertiary hospital, cardiology outpatient clinic located in northern-central Trinidad. Participants: A total of 420 persons were approached, of whom, 390 agreed to participate. Participants included all sexes and ethnicities. The study only excluded patients who declined participation and those younger than 18 years of age. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The primary endpoints were the mean score and percentage of correctly answered items, and percentages of modest and high levels of knowledge. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of participants with tertiary or above level education . Results: The study had a response rate of approximately 93%. The domain of “risk factors” had the most correct responses (69.4%), whereas “medical knowledge” reflected the least correct (57.7%) responses. The overall mean score was 19.7 out of the 30-question questionnaire. This translated to a 65.8% correct response rate. The percentage of participants who scored less than 70% and greater than 70% of the questions correctly were 56.2% and 43.8% respectively. The study participants were found to be more knowledgeable about CVD if they reported “tertiary education,” OR 2.572 (95% CI 1.508-4.387) ( p = .001). Conclusions: Respondents displayed a modest level of knowledge and key deficiencies were identified which could potentially translate into suboptimal CV clinical outcomes. The study underscores the paramount importance of establishing comprehensive educational interventions to improve overall CVD literacy in Trinidad and Tobago. Further studies are required to confirm and validate these findings.
Hepatoprotective effects of PPARα : molecular basis and pathophysiological role of PPARα in acute inflammation and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly prevalent liver condition characterized by excessive lipid deposition in the hepatocytes steatohepatitis (NASH) is hallamarked by chronic inflammation. NASH markedly increases the risk of progression towards liver fibrosis, cirrhosis ans hepatocellular carcinoma. The nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR⍺) regulates hepatic fatty acid utilization and represses pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. [. ]Liver-specific expression of wild type or DNA binding-deficient PPAR⍺ in acute and chronic models of inflammation demonstrated that PPAR's anti-inflammatory, but not metabolic activities, result from DNA binding-independent mechanisms in vivo. We futher show that PPAR⍺ inhits the transition from steatosis toward NASH and fibrosis through a direct, anti-inflammatory mechanism independent of its effetc on hepatic lipid metabolism.
The Effect of Job Displacement on College Enrollment: Evidence from Ohio

Displaced workers suffer large and persistent earnings losses. These losses can be mitigated by returning to school, yet the extent to which such workers enroll in post-secondary education in response to displacement is poorly understood. Using employer-employee-student matched administrative data from Ohio, we provide the first direct evidence of workers’ enrollment responses following mass layoffs in the United States. Close to 10% of these displaced workers enroll in public two- or four-year colleges after displacement, with the typical enrollment persisting for five semesters, and 29% completing a degree. However, much of this enrollment may have occurred regardless of the displacement. To estimate a causal effect, we compare displaced workers over time to similar non-displaced workers. We estimate that for every 100 displaced workers, only about 1 is ever induced to enroll in a public college as a result. This effect is concentrated almost entirely among displaced manufacturing workers, who enroll at a rate of 2.5 per every 100. Such workers with lower within-firm earnings and from local labor markets with limited for-profit college options are the most likely to enroll in public institutions.
Risk of HIV Infection among Men Aged 50 To 75 Years Using Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Attending Kenyatta National Hospital

Erectile dysfunction drug (EDD) use has gained popularity among older men for enhancement and treatment of erectile dysfunction in recent years. Increased number of sexual partners and sexual activity due to EDD use concerns about the rising rate of HIV infection among older men. Men who use EDD for erectile dysfunction are found to be two to three times more likely to have sexually transmitted diseases, particularly HIV than non-users. In Kenya, the prevalence of HIV among men of age 50 to 54 years has increased from 5.7% in 2003 to 9.1% in 2008/09. This study aimed at determining the association between EDD use and risk of HIV infection among men aged 50 to 75 years. Unmatched case-control study was conducted among men of 137 HIV positive (cases) and 137 HIV negative (controls). A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered where information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, EDD use, sexual behavior, and confounding factors in EDD use and HIV infection were collected. Pearson’s chi-square test (P-value <0.05) and odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval were computed to establish the association between the dependent variable (HIV status) and independent variables (Key independent variable being EDD use). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding factors in the relationship between HIV status and EDD use. Out of 137 cases, 18(13.1%) used EDD before they tested HIV +ve compared to 8(5.8%) of the controls. Even though the use of erectile dysfunction drugs was found to be significantly associated with serum HIV positivity in bivariate analysis (OR= 2.44; 95%CI: 1.04-5.93; P=0.039), it was not significant after adjustment for other factors at the multivariate analysis (AOR=1.52; 95%CI: 0.43-5.34; P=0.519). Multiple logistic regression revealed the following factors as independent predictors of HIV: presence of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR=5.96; 95%CI: 2.43–14.63; P<0.001), taking alcohol AOR=6.85; 95%CI: 3.22–14.56; P<0.001) and having multiple sexual partners (AOR=21.69; 95%CI: 8.82–53.33; P<0.001). Although this study shows that there is an increased risk of HIV infection among older men using EDD in bivariate analysis, it was not sustained at multivariate analysis. The study however highlights the need for the Ministry of Health and other concerned stakeholders to prompt screening and treatment of STDs, increase awareness of using condoms and educate about the effects of taking alcohol on HIV infection.
Parents' Day-to-day Involvement and Challenges with the Early Learning and Care System: Implications for Policy and Practice

In Canada and internationally, policy makers are moving towards more comprehensive and integrated service delivery models for early learning that include parent involvement and support as integral to their design. The current study was part of an ongoing evaluation of the Best Start project in Peel Region, a municipality in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Best Start aims to integrate preschool, junior/senior kindergarten, child care, public health and parenting programs into a seamless, easily accessible early child development system. This study examined whether parents with kindergarten children enrolled in Best Start schools, where kindergarten and child care were co-located and service integration was underway, would report lower levels of parenting daily hassles compared to parents of children in demographically similar schools where there was no service integration. Parental perceptions about hassles specific to child care and early learning settings were measured using the Early Childhood-Parenting Daily Hassles Scale (EC-PDH) (Arimura, 2008). Three areas of parenting stress that could potentially be reduced through service integration were explored: (1) seamless day – seamless access to care, education and