Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) for the Diagnosis of Hypo-Attenuated Leaflet Thickening (HALT)

(1) Background: Early hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) is diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in approximately 15% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to investigate the diagnostic performance of CTA for the diagnosis of HALT, focusing on timing data assessment within the cardiac cycle. (2) Methods: The study enrolled 50 patients with and 50 without HALT with available post-TAVR-CTA. The primary objective was to compare the diagnostic performance of CTA readings at specific intervals and time points during the cardiac cycle (entire systole, entire diastole, end-systole, and mid-diastole) versus gold standard (consensus reading by two observers based on multiphase full cardiac cycle data sets). (3) Results: 100 CTAs were independently analysed by two observers blinded to clinical characteristics of the study population and the results from the gold standard reading. Sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of HALT were 84%/94% in systole, 87%/92% in diastole, 78%/95% at end-systole, and 80%/94% at mid-diastole. End-systole had the highest positive predictive value (0.88) and positive likelihood ratio (36). Cohen’s kappa for interobserver reliability was 0.715 in systole, 0.578 in diastole, 0.650 at end-systole, and 0.517 at mid-diastole. (4) Conclusion: Limiting CTA reading to distinct intervals or time points during the cardiac cycle has good specificity but lowers sensitivity. For a reliable diagnosis of HALT, data sets from a multiphase CTA covering the entire cardiac cycle should be analysed. A double reader approach would be desirable in further studies investigating HALT.
Modeling Liquid Film Flow Inside a Vertical Tube

H. REED OGROSKY: Modeling Liquid Film Flow Inside a Vertical Tube (Under the direction of Roberto Camassa and Greg Forest) The flow of a viscous liquid film coating the inside of a vertical tube is studied theoretically and experimentally. As the film flows, small perturbations to the free surface grow in time and space due to the Rayleigh-Plateau instability mode. In the simplest case, the flow of a highly viscous Newtonian film falling due to gravity is considered, and a single model equation is derived using long-wave asymptotics to study the evolution of the free surface. Both linear stability analysis and nonlinear solutions are studied and shown to give excellent agreement with experiments performed in the Joint Fluids Lab. In the second case, the core of air is forced to flow at a constant volume flux due to an imposed pressure gradient. The stress exerted on the film by the airflow at the interface contributes to the transport of the fluid; at a high enough (upwards) air volume flux, the liquid is transported upwards against gravity. The free surface again exhibits instability growth which in many regimes saturate as a series of traveling waves. We alter the model developed in the first section to include the interfacial stress exerted by the airflow using two different methods, and compare the results of each through linear stability analysis and numerical solutions. The flow of the fluid inside the layer is also studied using streamlines in a traveling reference frame and again compared to experiments. A comparison is also made between long-wave and thin-film modeling approaches for the problems described above. Qualitative differences in the behavior of numerical solutions to each class of models are explored. Finally, the flow of a non-Newtonian liquid film with shearthinning properties is briefly studied theoretically for gravity-driven flow.
Prokinetic and Laxative Effects of Chrozophora tinctoria Whole Plant Extract

Chrozophora tinctoria (Euphorbiaceae) has been used as an emetic, anthelminthic, and cathartic agent in traditional medicine. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the composition of ethyl acetate (EAC) and dichloromethane (DCMC) fractions from the whole Chrozophora tinctoria plant. EAC and DCMC fractions were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acute toxicity. Their effects on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmogenic activity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) muscle were also assessed. The compounds detected in both fractions were mostly fatty acids, with about seven compounds in EAC and 10 in DCMC. These included pharmacologically active compounds such as imipramine, used to treat depression, or hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, an antioxidant. Both EAC and DCMC fractions inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity with IC50 values of 10 µg and 130 µg, respectively. Both the fractions were found to be toxic in a dose-dependent manner, inducing emesis at 0.5 g or higher and lethargy and mortality from 3–5 g upwards. Similarly, both of the fractions showed laxative activity in metronidazole- and loperamide-induced constipation models. EAC relaxed the intestinal muscle at a lower dose (1 mg/mL) than DCMC. Similarly, the EAC extract showed a significant relaxation effect (EC50 = 0.67 ± 0.15 mg/mL) on KCL-induced contraction in rabbit jejunum as compared to DCMC (EC50 = 5.04 ± 0.05 mg/kg). The present study strongly supports the folklore that this valuable plant is a cathartic agent. Further work is required to isolate and validate the bioactive compounds that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.
Two stage Boost system capable of 5V to 192V-400V DC - DC conversion

Numerous electronic and MEMS devices based on functional materials require an ultra-high electrical field and thus a high electrical voltage for their operation, while only a negligible current is needed whereas ubiquitous and mobile computing applications of these devices only support a low voltage source for energy supply. Which often come in the form of a small form factor battery with a typical voltage of 3.7V - 5V. In such scenarios DC-DC conversion becomes essential. In this work a two stage boost system is presented which can provide 192V to 440V at its output while using a 5V input supply. Output can be adjusted by changing the values of inductors from 10μH to 120μH. Converter has been designed and fabricated in 1um SOI process. In the results it is also demonstrated that the two stage boost circuit requires 45.8% less combined inductance as compared to the single stage design.
Assessment of structural performance of Accoya wood for GluLam fabrication

Accoya ® GluLam beams were specified for use as an external foundation support detail for an innovative low carbon affordable home in the Scottish Highlands. This detail was identified in collaboration with Neil Sutherland Architects (NSA) LLP where the use of Accoya ® GluLam would result in enhanced performance in exposed conditions. The Accoya ® GluLam provides support to the superstructure formed from offsite fabricated closed panels therefore reduced movement over time due to moisture fluctuations was identified as a key design consideration in order to ensure serviceability criteria are met. Due to the nature of Accoya ® (acetylated timber) a test programme was developed to determine its mechanical properties for specification as a structural component both in isolation and in combination. In order to assess the long term performance of acetylated GluLam a number of beams are currently being monitored using in-situ monitoring equipment over a minimum period of 12 months.
Utilisation of e-marketing tools and influencing forces on the performance of micro and small fashion enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya

xxi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.2 Problem Statement . 5 1.3 Purpose of the Study . 6 1.4 Objectives of the Study . 7 1.5 Hypotheses . 7 1.6 Significance of the Study . 8 1.7 Delimitations of the Study . 9 1.8 Limitations of the Study . 9 1.9 Assumptions of the Study . 10 1.10 Conceptual Framework . 10 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 15 2.1 MSEs in the Fashion Industry around the World . 15 2.2 E-Marketing Tools in Fashion MSEs . 17 vi 2.2.1 Use of Website Marketing in Fashion Enterprises. 18 2.2.2 Use of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) in Fashion Enterprises . 19 2.2.3 Use of Online Banner Advertising in Fashion Enterprises . 20 2.2.4 Use of Email Marketing in Fashion Enterprises . 20 2.2.5 Use of Mobile Telephony/M-commerce in Fashion Enterprises . 21 2.2.6 Use of Social Media in Fashion Enterprises . 22 2.2.7 Use of Microsite/Online Market Places by Fashion Enterprises . 22 2.3 External Forces Influencing the Use of E-Marketing in Fashion MSEs . 23 2.4 Internal Forces Influencing the Use of E-Marketing in Fashion MSEs . 27 2.5 Entrepreneurial Orientation and Utilisation of E-Marketing Tools. 27 2.6 Influence of E-Marketing Tools on Fashion MSEs’ Performance . 28 2.7 Summary of Literature Review . 29 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY . 32 3.1 Research Design . 32 3.2 Measurement of Variables . 32 3.2.1 Utilisation of E-Marketing Tools . 32 3.2.2 Internal Forces Influencing the Use of E-Marketing Tools in Fashion MSEs . 33 3.2.3 External Forces Influencing the Use of E-Marketing in Tools in Fashion MSEs . 33 3.2.4 EO Influence on the Use of E-Marketing Tools in Fashion MSEs . 34 3.2.5 Fashion MSE’s Performance Indicators . 34 vii 3.3 Study Area . 34 3.4 Target Population . 34 3.5 Sampling Techniques . 35 3.6 Sample Size . 36 3.7 Research Instruments . 37 3.8 Pre-testing of Research Instruments . 38 3.9 Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments . 39 3.10 Data Collection Techniques . 40 3.11 Data Analysis and Presentation . 40 3.11.1 Multiple Regression Analysis . 41 3.12 Logistical and Ethical Considerations . 42 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION . 43 4.
Side Effects of Mixing Vaccines against COVID-19 Infection among Saudi Population

Background: Mixing two different vaccines has been utilized to minimize the impact of any supply chain interruptions and to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. We conducted this study to evaluate the side effects, if any, associated with the mixed vaccination approach. Methods: An online survey study was administered among COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Saudi Arabia. Symptoms post vaccination were assessed in 311 vaccinated participants with two matched doses of either Oxford–AstraZeneca or Pfizer–BioNTech vaccines, or two mixed doses, respectively. Results: After the second dose, around 31% of the matched vaccine group reported no symptoms, while only 6% of the mixed vaccine group reported no symptoms. Most of the side effects after the second dose associated with matched vaccines were injection site pain (46%), while the mixed vaccines group reported significantly more symptoms compared with the matched vaccine group, which included fever (41%), fatigue (66%), muscle pain (44%), chills (17%) and injection site pain (60%). Conclusion: The data suggest the overall safety of the mixed vaccination protocol; however, it might be associated with side effects such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, chills, and injection site pain. Further studies with a larger cohort size could shed more light on this aspect, which would be imperative for deciding to utilize a mixed vaccination approach.
Investigations of ABA signalling pathways in stomatal guard cells.

The effect of analogues of abscisic acid (ABA) on stomatal aperture and GUS activity driven by an ABA-responsive gene promoter (CDeT6-19) in guard cells was examined. The ABA analogues used were (-)-ABA, (+/-)-trans, trans-ABA, and (+)-and (-)-dihydroacetylenic abscisyl alcohol (PB1-63 and PBI-51, respectively). (+)-ABA and (+/-)-ABA were included in the investigations for comparison. (-)-ABA, hitherto believed to have little or no effect on stomatal aperture, significantly inhibited stomatal opening in Commelina communis, Vicia faba, Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana. In contrast, PBI-51 [a competitive inhibitor of ABA-induced gene expression] had no effect on ABA-induced inhibition of stomatal opening (determined in both C. communis and N. tabacum) or ABA-induced promotion of stomatal closure (determined in C. communis only). Differences in the effectiveness of PBI-63, PBI-51 and (-)-ABA at inhibiting stomatal opening were discovered between plant species. These data demonstrate the importance of comparing the effect of ABA analogues on stomatal opening and CDeT6-19/GUS activity in guard cells in a single plant species. (+/-)-ABA enhanced CDeT6-J9/GUS activity in guard cells of A. thaliana but not N. tabacum. The ABA analogues that inhibited stomatal opening in A. thaliana also enhanced CDeT6-J9/GUS activity in guard cells of this species. The relative biological activity of the ABA analogues in detached epidermis of A. thaliana was (+)-ABA > (+/-)-ABA > (-)-ABA > PBI-63. PBI-51 and (+/-)-trans, trans-ABA had no effect on stomatal opening or CDeT6-19/GUS activity in guard cells of A. thaliana. Interestingly, a differential effect of 10 -5 M (-)-ABA on the two ABA-induced responses in A. thaliana was observed; 10 -5 M (-)-ABA enhanced CDeT6-J9/GUS activity in guard cells but had no effect on stomatal opening. Preliminary measurements of guard cell cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) showed that (-)-ABA induced oscillations in [Ca2+]i in guard cells of C. communis. In addition, these studies demonstrate the possibility of microinjecting guard cells of A. thaliana with fura-2 and provide a measure of resting [Ca2+]i in this species. The data presented in this thesis from A. thaliana suggest that the "receptor" utilized in the signalling pathway by which ABA inhibits stomatal opening is similar but not identical to that by which ABA enhances CDeT6-19/GUS activity in guard cells.
Anomalous Areas Detection in Rocks Using Time-Difference Adjoint Tomography

Detecting anomalous areas (such as caves, faults, and weathered layers) in rocks is essential for the safety of facilities and personnel in subsurface engineering. Seismic tomography has been proved to be an effective exploration technology in engineering geophysics. However, the complexity, anisotropy, and uncertainty in rock environments pose challenges to the resolution and robustness of tomography methods. Traditional tomography methods have difficulty balancing reliability and efficiency. Therefore, we developed a time-difference adjoint tomography method combining the arrival-time difference and the adjoint state method. The effectiveness was verified by numerical experiments and a laboratory-scale acoustic experiment. The effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated by the experimental results. The adjoint scheme avoids additional ray tracing and improves the efficiency of the inversion, which allows the use of finer forward grids in practice. By considering the differential arrivals of receiver pairs, the proposed method is robust in the face of systematic errors and relatively stable against large random noises. Moreover, the velocity contrast obtained by the proposed method is sharper than for first-arrival tomography in the areas where the rays are not dense, resulting in a clearer indication of the anomalous areas in the tomographic image.
Development of Ready to Prepare Kokum Solkadhi Mixes and Its Quality Evaluation

Kokum solkadhi is a delighted drink used as an appe tizer. Solkadhi is consumed during the lunch or dinner in konkan re gion. Solkadhi is generally prepared from kokum which is one of the most popular tropical fruits grown in Asia. The objective of this study w as to investigate the effect on packaging and quality aspect of kokum sol kadhi powder and thus suggest ways and means for production of good quality kokum solkadhi powder. There were three treatments viz., added kok um at 6% (T1), 8% (T2) and 10% (T3). The chemical (acidity, pH, TSS, reducing sugar, nonreducing sugar and total sugar) and sensory (textur e, colour, flavour and overall acceptability) analysis was carried. The ad ded kokum at 8% resulted in moderate titrable acidity, more stable red colou r during colour analysis and highest sensory score in sensory evaluation.
The Moderating Effect Of Celebrity Preferences And Hedonism Personality On The Relationship Of Perceived Instrusiveness, Consumer Attention And Purchase Intention

The study investigates the moderating effect of celebrity preference and hedonism personality on the relationship between perceived intrusiveness, consumer attention, and intention to purchase internet users by applying SOR Theory as a foundation. This study focuses on K-Popers among teenagers. A total of 400 samples were used in this study. The sample is split into two groups, with 200 samples including advertisements that fit the respondents' preferences and have a high hedonism personality and 200 samples containing advertisements that didn’t fit the respondents' preferences and have a low hedonism personality. Multi-group moderation was performed using AMOS ver.22 with the stats tools package software, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 16. As expected, the higher the level of distraction perceived by the user, the lower consumer attention to the advertisement. In contrast, the less distracted individuals are, the more attention they pay to commercials. Then, the more individuals pay attention to the ads, the more likely they are to make a purchase. According to additional research, celebrity preference and hedonism personality are proven to be moderate.
Many immature individuals and largest size classes lacked females for three coral reef fishes (Actinopterygii) in Fiji market surveys: Implications for fishery management

Data-limited fisheries benefit from using life-history traits as biological indicators of targeted stocks. We used histology-based reproductive analyses to estimate size at maturity, per capita egg production, and the number and biomass of immature individuals in the catch for three common coral reef fishes in Fiji market surveys during 2010–2019. We studied Lutjanus gibbus (Forsskål, 1775), Parupeneus indicus (Shaw, 1803), and Chlorurus microrhinos (Bleeker, 1854), which represent three families: Lutjanidae, Mullidae, and Scaridae, respectively. Fork length comprising 50% mature individuals for females of L. gibbus was 22.7 cm, that of P. indicus was 25.9 cm, attaining 38.0 cm for C. microrhinos. Females were rare or absent in the largest size classes of all three species. Immature fish represented up to 50% by number and 41% by biomass of the catch in market surveys, with P. indicus having the greatest immature number (8%‒50%) and biomass (6%‒41%), followed by C. microrhinos (20%‒30% by count, 11%‒18% by biomass) and L. gibbus (9%‒28% by count, 5%‒14% by biomass). Individuals ≤ 30 cm for L. gibbus and P. indicus and ≤ 45 cm for C. microrhinos were responsible for ≥ 90% of egg production per spawning. Skewed size-specific sex ratios suggested that exploitation of the largest size classes had minimal effect on overall egg production. Decreased catches of immature fishes would increase the reproductive population sizes for these species.
Modifying researchers’ data management practices

Data is the new buzzword in academic libraries, as policy increasingly mandates that data must be open and accessible, funders require formal data management plans, and institutions are implementing guidelines around best practice. Given concerns about the current data management practices of researchers, this paper reports on the initial findings from a project being undertaken at Griffith University to apply a conceptual (A-COM-B) framework to understanding researchers’ behaviour. The objective of the project is to encourage the use of institutionally endorsed solutions for research data management. Based on interviews conducted by a team of librarians in a small, social science research centre, preliminary results indicate that attitude is the key element which will need to be addressed in designing intervention strategies to modify behaviour. The paper concludes with a discussion of the next stages in the project, which involve further data collection and analysis, the implementation of targeted strategies, and a follow-up activity to assess the extent of modifications to current undesirable practices.
Is Hybrid Work the Best of Both Worlds? Evidence from a Field Experiment

Hybrid work is emerging as a novel form of organizing work globally. This paper reports causal evidence on how the extent of hybrid work—the number of days worked from home relative to days worked from the office—affects work outcomes. Collaborating with an organization in Bangladesh, we randomized the number of days that individual employees worked from the office for nine weeks in the summer of 2020. Our results indicate that an intermediate number of days in the office results in more emails sent, a higher number of email recipients, and increased novelty of work products. Our test for underlying mechanisms suggests that hybrid work might represent the “best of both worlds,” offering workers greater work-life balance, without the concern of being isolated from colleagues.
New technologies as prosthesis of cognitive system

The aim of the paper is to show the way in which human cognitive system uses external prostheses. Currently developed technologies provide human beings with tools that change their way of functioning in the environment, their understanding and the perspective from which they perceive the world. Modifying systems of thoughts, reasoning and modes of operation non­‑biological prostheses extend human cognitive system. A human being uses non­‑biological interfaces for processing information from the external world.
The Impact of Load History on Deformation Limit States for the Displacement-Based Seismic Design of RC Moment Frame Buildings

VIDOT-VEGA, AIDCER LINALYNN. The Impact of Load History on Deformation Limit States for the Displacement-Based Seismic Design of RC Moment Frame Buildings. (Under the direction of Dr. Mervyn J. Kowalsky). The main goals of this research were (1) to study the relationships between material strain and deformation parameters such as curvature and drift for reinforced concrete moment frame structures and (2) to identify the load history effects on these relationships. Through the use of momentcurvature analyses, trends between strain and curvature for rectangular reinforced concrete sections were explored. Curvature-strain relationships that depend on axial load ratio and longitudinal steel ratio were developed from the moment-curvature analyses results. The curvature expressions were subsequently used to develop equations to compute interstorey drift based on strain limits for RC moment frames. The resultant equations can be used in performance-based design approaches such as direct displacement-based seismic design to compute target drifts and system displacements for prescribed limit states based on material strains. The interstorey drift equations were correlated against 54 frame building analyses using OpenSees with reasonable accuracy. To study the load history effects in the relationship between material strains and drift, the research was divided in two phases. The first phase considered RC column members subjected to symmetrical and asymmetrical cyclic reverse loading and seismic acceleration time histories. Column members with 2% and 4% longitudinal steel ratio and axial load ratio of 5% to 20% were analyzed. The second phase considered moment frame buildings subjected to seismic acceleration time histories. A total of five different moment frame models were analyzed. All the results were compared to monotonic (pushover) analyses. It was concluded that monotonic section analyses can be used to describe the envelope of seismic response since the relationship between strains and displacements/drift is minimally affected by different loading