Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stud Hybrid Tasmanian Devil - Grey Wolf Optimization: A novel Bio-Inspired Optimization Algorithm for Learning-to-Rank

Building ranking models used in Information Retrieval (IR) is one of the main problems of learning-to-Rank. Tasmanian Devil Optimization algorithm is a recently proposed meta-heuristic optimization algorithm based on the Tasmanian Devils’ predation mechanism. In this paper, grey wolf operator and stud mechanism are introduced into the TDO optimization process to improve the ability of exploitation and achieve better performance. The proposed Stud Hybrid Tasmanian Devil - Grey Wolf Optimization (SHTDO) combines Grey Wolf Optimizer and TDO with a Stud Selection and Crossover Operator, thus helping to enhance the exploration and exploitation as well as the motion under both strategies. Also, to validate the algorithm on the different fields, widely accepted benchmark and dataset was used for testing. The results show that our algorithm obtains higher ranking performance than TDO, which makes it more suitable for solving optimization problems, especially LTR tasks.
A Wavelet and Neuro-Fuzzy Conjunction Model to Forecast Air Temperature Variations at Coastal Sites

The present paper investigates performance of neuro-fuzzy (NF) and wavelet-neuro-fuzzy (WNF)conjunction models in short- and long-term forecasts of air temperature. A NF and two WNF models were developed and validated using daily air temperature data collected at two coastal stations in Iran, namely, Ahwaz and Izeh. The comparison of ANFIS and WANFIS models indicated that the conjunction models performed better than the single ANFIS model especially in forecasting weekly and monthly air temperatures. The coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE) and adjusted coefficient of efficiency (E1) were used as comparison criteria. For the Ahwaz and Izeh stations, the WANFIS model increased the accuracy of single ANFIS model by 23-13% (Ahwaz) and 21-8% (Izeh) with respect to RMSE in forecasting one-week and one-month ahead maximum air temperatures, respectively.
Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors of Epilepsy Among Children at Hospitals of North-West Ethiopia

Background Epilepsy is an important cause of neurological morbidity in children and adolescents. Clinical parameters are the main diagnostic tools, especially in developing countries. Although cost-effective treatments for epilepsy are available, studies have shown that uncontrolled seizures can occur in many patients. Objective To assess clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and associated factors for controlled epilepsy among children with epilepsy who underwent follow-up at the Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-west Ethiopia from October 28, 2020, to April 28, 2021. Methods An institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted from October 28, 2020, to April 28, 2021. A total of 385 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire with a chart review was used to collect data. The data were entered into the Epi-data software version 4.4. 2.1 and then exported to the Stata version 14 statistical package for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatment profiles, and treatment outcomes of patients with epilepsy. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes. Results The most frequent type of seizure among the 385 respondents was Generalized-tonic-clonic seizures (88.1%). The proximate cause of seizures was identified in 15% of patients, of whom 45 had a perinatal history (8.8%), head injury (3.6%), and CNS infection (2.3%). One-third of patients had poor seizure control. Caregiver relationship (father AOR=0.58; 95th CI:0.35,0.97) and poor adherence (AOR=2.97; 95th CI:1.82, 4.86) were significantly associated with treatment outcome. Conclusion One-third of children with epilepsy have poor seizure control. Poor adherence to treatment is implicated in poor control. Counseling caregivers on proper treatment and adherence to anti-epileptic medication is recommended to improve treatment outcome in children.
When Technology Fails: Insights on Socially Sustainable Strategies in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector

When Technology Fails: Insights into Socially Sustainable Strategies In the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector Alicia Renee Marshall Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Dr. Susan Bolton, Professor School of Environmental and Forest Sciences Background: As the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) come to a close, 783 million people still lack access to improved water (Onda et al., 2012). An estimated 30 – 40% of development efforts to improve access to water still fail (are broken and/or unused) (Lockwood et al., 2010), which is similar to rates found 40 years ago (Imboden, 1977). While there have been increasing efforts to address this issue – especially the financial and technical aspects, a review of recent sustainability frameworks in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector reveal that there is a need for better understanding how to plan for and address the social aspects of sustainability in delivering rural water services. Purpose: The purpose is to explore different strategies used by leaders in the WASH sector to deliver socially sustainable safe drinking water in low income countries. The goal is to provide insights based on specific examples and participant experiences on ways to increase the social sustainability of services: a) in the bigger picture of international aid effectiveness, and b) with a specific focus on creating effective motivation infrastructure. Methodology: Twenty-two key informants were purposively selected and interviewed for an average of one hour and fifteen minutes, during which they were asked to describe in detail their organization’s approach to sustainability along with a specific example of an effort that failed and one that succeeded. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative analysis and ©NVivo10 software. Results: Eight main themes emerged which were consistent across what participants believed worked and did not work and found worked and did not work. Socially sustainable efforts create effective incentives, build local capacity, respect local stakeholders priorities and preferences, learn before, after and throughout the process, prevent failure and protect investment, ensure ongoing monitoring and maintenance, identify and avoid assumptions, and focus on what people want rather than need. Given the variability of local context and culture, it is not helpful and may not be possible to create a fixed list of actions that accomplish the themes listed above. However, learning from themes that emerged provides valuable insights into how we might more
Employing higher density lower reliability weather data from the Global Historical Climatology Network monitors to generate serially complete weather data for watershed modelling

Hydrological models require complete and accurate weather data time series to represent watershed‐scale responses adequately. The Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) is the most comprehensive weather database used in hydrological modelling studies globally. Since higher‐density, lower‐reliability precipitation measurements from private citizens collected by the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network data were integrated into the GHCN, hydrological modellers in the United States have access to a much greater amount of weather data. However, the benefit of using CoCoRaHS data has not been assessed. The objectives of this work were to develop a method for generating a complete weather data time series based on the combination of data from multiple GHCN monitors and to assess several methods for the estimation of missing weather data. Weather data from GHCN monitors located within a specific radius of a watershed were obtained and interpolated using three estimation methods (Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Inverse Distance and Elevation Weighting (IDEW) and Closest Station), creating a seamless time series of weather observations. To evaluate the performance of the methodologies, weather data obtained from each estimation method was used to force the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Thornthwaite‐Mather models for 21 US Department of Agriculture‐Conservation Effects Assessment Project watersheds in different climate regions to simulate daily streamflow for 2010–2021. Except for three watersheds, all of the SWAT models had Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency above 0.5, the ratio of the root mean square error to the standard deviation of observations below 0.7, and percent bias from −25% to 25% with a satisfactory performance rating. IDEW and IDW performed similarly, and the Closest Station method resulted in the poorest streamflow simulation. A comparison with published SWAT model results further corroborated improved model performance using novel combined GHCN data with all Closest Station, IDW and IDEW methods.
The importance of voucher specimens: misidentification or previously unknown mtDNA diversity in Phalacrocorax capillatus (Aves: Phalacrocoracidae)?

Abstract A recently published complete mitochondrial genome of Japanese or Temminck’s cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus) was the first of this species (GenBank accession number LC714913). Comparison of COI sequences shows that this mitogenome clustered with great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) rather than with its sister taxon P. capillatus. This suggests that the mitogenome was either a misidentified P. carbo or represents previously unknown intraspecific diversity in P. capillatus overlapping with that of P. carbo. Unfortunately, no voucher specimen was retained so it remains impossible to distinguish between these alternatives. We suggest that great restraint should be exercised using this mitogenome as a reference for P. capillatus. We reiterate previous pleas to retain voucher specimens for mitogenome sequences to enable re-analysis of the identity of the material.
Accurate Parameters Identification of a Supercapacitor Three-Branch Model

Supercapacitors are becoming increasingly important storage system components. To effectively control their terminal voltage, even in real time, numerous circuit models capable of faithfully simulating their behavior in energy systems and various applications have been explored. The three-branch supercapacitor model appears to be a good compromise between simplicity and accuracy. Typically, this model lacks accuracy in dynamic cycling and long stand-by periods. In this study, a new model identification method based on the state equations of the circuit is described and tested on a 400 F supercapacitor, and the obtained results are validated by measurements. Such an approach, suitably optimized, provides good agreement with the measurements, with discrepancies below 50 mV even in repeated cycles. In static identification, after 90 minutes of self-discharge, the discrepancy was approximately 5 mV. The study also discusses the sensitivity of the model output to the circuit parameters, which is useful for choosing the appropriate timespan for parameter optimization, and introduces variable leakage resistance and a method for its determination. Using this parameter, good agreement with the measurements is observed during the long self-discharging phases. A discrepancy of less than 50 mV between the measured and computed results is observed after one week. The union of the circuit state equations based model and the nonlinear leakage resistance determination allows the three-branch circuit model to achieve a high accuracy both in real-time simulation and in the presence of long stand-by phases.
A mobile laboratory for monitoring non-exhaust emissions in Finland

Local vehicular traffic is responsible for a substantial fraction of PM10 in urban air mainly due to non-exhaust traffic emissions and resuspension from street surfaces (e.g. Zhao et al., 2006). In Northern areas (e.g. Scandinavia) street dust levels are especially high during spring, and the diurnal average PM10 value (the EU directive) is exceeded more than the allowed 35 times per year. In this paper we introduce the sampling system of a mobile research laboratory SNIFFER for studying emission levels of respirable dust from street surfaces. We have measured a unique time series of the street level PM10 concentrations in a city of Helsinki, Finland, during the last five springs. A special 20 km route in downtown was selected to cover main streets including bus lanes, tram lanes, canyon streets, open transit streets and some cobblestone covered streets. For every spring the maximun emission level averaged over the whole route was 2000-4500 mg/m-3 and occurred in the turn from March to April, after which the clear decreasing trend was found. The most highest street concentrations were measured on the street canoyns as well as on the streets covered by copplestone and on the sections which were under work construction.
Persian Handwriting Assessment Tool: Reliability in Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Background: Handwriting is one of the most common reasons for referral to occupational therapy among children with specific learning disorders (SLDs). The Persian handwriting assessment tool (PHAT) is a valid assessment instrument. It is important to clarify the reliability of this assessment tool for the accuracy of results and certain clinical uses in Iranian children with SLDs. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the internal consistency, test-retest, and inter-rater reliability of the PHAT in children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years in the Iranian context. Methods: Thirty children (mean ± SD 132.33 ± 53.8 months) with SLDs, studying in grades 4 to 6, were recruited from special education schools and rehabilitation clinics from January to May 2022. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to determine internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were computed to establish absolute reliability. Results: Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.98 to 0.99), as was inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95 to 1.00). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (0.86 to 1.00). The SEM and MDC values for test-retest reliability were 0 to 0.47 and 0 to 1.29, respectively. Finally, the SEM (0 - 0.21) and MDC (0 - 0.57) values were acceptable for inter-rater reliability. Conclusions: The PHAT is a reliable assessment tool for Iranian children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years. Further, clinicians can utilize this tool to identify handwriting difficulties in children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years, which leads to more targeted interventions.
Development of a Species Distribution Model for the East Pacific Green Sea Turtle using Ecological Geoprocessing Tools

Development of a Species Distribution Model for the East Pacific Green Sea Turtle Using Ecological Geoprocessing Tools. (August 2012) Roxanne Genevieve Duncan, B.S., South Carolina State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Douglas Biggs East Pacific green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, play ecologically important roles in marine habitats which range from grazing (and thus regularly “mowing”) algae and seagrass beds to cycling nutrients between the ocean and land. However, these important grazers have been hunted to ecological extinction in some places for their eggs, meat, and skin. The conservation initiative for the survival of sea turtles requires the protection of their primary habitats in conjunction with a decrease in their interaction with humans. One way these objectives can be met is through the creation of species distribution maps (SDMs). For this thesis, a SDM was created from a generalized additive model used to identify major feeding areas for East Pacific green turtles residing in the Galapagos Islands. The input for the model was green turtle sighting locations during a June 2010 marine life observation survey and remotely sensed values of four oceanographic parameters obtained from satellite sensors (Bathymetry, Sea Surface Temperature, Chlorophyll a, and Current Speed). Line transects of intertidal and subtidal shoreline regions of the islands of Isabela, San Cristobal, and Floreana were also completed, to describe similarities and differences in macroalgal abundance between the locations.
An Independent Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Russian Version of the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS)

Background The quality of sleep significantly impacts children’s day-to-day performance, with at least 20% reporting issues with sleepiness. Valid tools for assessing the quality of sleep are needed. Objective In this study, we assessed the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS). The initial adaptation of the PDSS was conducted on a sample from the Arctic regions of Russia. This location may have influenced the scale’s generalizability due to variations in natural daylight across different areas of the country. Design To rectify this, we gathered a comprehensive, geographically diverse sample from Russia. This combined dataset comprised 3772 participants between 10 to 18 years of age, from nine different regions of Russia. Results We confirmed the unifactorial structure of the PDSS, which showed no regional effects. The psychometric analysis indicated that one item from the 8item PDSS could be removed, thereby improving the scale’s model fit. We also observed gender and age impacts on sleep quality: boys reported fewer sleep-related issues than girls, and younger children reported fewer problems than older children. Conclusion This study validates the usefulness and reliability of the Russian version of the PDSS, thereby enhancing its general applicability. Furthermore, we replicated previously reported age and sex effects on the sleep quality of school-aged children.
A Simple Overview of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment for Clinical Oncologists

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors and is showing increasing incidence. The aim of our review is to provide practical help for all clinical oncologists and to summarize the current management of PDAC using a simple “ABC method” (A—anatomical resectability, B—biological resectability and C—clinical conditions). For anatomically resectable PDAC without any high-risk factors (biological or conditional), the actual standard of care is represented by surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The remaining PDAC patients should all be treated with initial systemic therapy, though the intent for each is different: for borderline resectable patients, the intent is neoadjuvant; for locally advanced patients, the intent is conversion; and for metastatic PDAC patients, the intent remains just palliative. The actual standard of care in first-line therapy is represented by two regimens: FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. Recently, NALIRIFOX showed positive results over gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. There are limited data for maintenance therapy after first-line treatment, though 5-FU or FOLFIRI after initial FOLFIRINOX, and gemcitabine, after initial gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, might be considered. We also dedicate space to special rare conditions, such as PDAC with germline BRCA mutations, pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas, with few clinically relevant remarks.
Aquatic macrophytes in status assessment and monitoring of boreal lakes

Kanninen, Antti Aquatic macrophytes in status assessment and monitoring of boreal lakes Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2012, 50 p. (Jyväskylä Studies in Biological and Environmental Science ISSN 1456-9701; 254) ISBN 978-951-39-4952-5 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-4953-2 (PDF) Yhteenveto: Vesimakrofyytit boreaalisten järvien tilan arvioinnissa ja seurannassa Diss. Water management legislation requires the status assessment and monitoring of freshwaters to be based on the changes in biota by anthropogenic disturbances. Despite long research traditions, the methods and metrics for ecological assessment and monitoring of boreal lacustrine macrophytes have not been well established and hence require evaluation. The first aim of this study was to evaluate two commonly used field survey approaches and remote sensing as macrophyte monitoring methods. Secondly, the best-suited metrics for status assessment were appraised. In addition, the responses of macrophytes to anthropogenic land-use in the catchment and to rehabilitation measures were studied. Macrophyte species were more cost-effectively detected by a phytolittoral species inventory than by using a transect method, making the former better suited for surveys of biodiversity and rare taxa. However, the ecologically important zonation of vegetation can be quantified with transects, favouring the latter for ecological assessment. Aerial photograph interpretation produced life-form-level, not taxonomically exact, information on macrophytes, making it useful for evaluating long-term changes of vegetation in response to management. A metric based on remote sensing data was found applicable for comparing macrophyte abundance among lakes and hence in bioassessment. The general taxonomic metrics were able to unify assessments across pressure gradients. Therefore, despite being more sensitive to methodological variation, conceptually sound general measures, rather than conventional stressor-specific indicator metrics, should be used as primary tools in the bioassessment of freshwaters. Status grading of macrophytes was in accordance with other present biota and biotic sediment records in showing significant changes in the ecological condition of a managed, eutrophic lake. Macrophyte metrics, especially general taxonomic metrics, showed a stronger response to land-use in the direct vicinity of the lake shoreline than in the whole catchment. This may have implications for optimal targeting of mitigation measures.