Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated classification of intravenous contrast enhancement phase of CT scans using residual networks

Intravenous contrast enhancement phase information is important for computer-aided diagnosis of CT scans because the visual appearance of the scans varies substantially among the different phases. Although phase information could help to refine training data curation for downstream tasks, it is seldom included in the process of data augmentation for training a deep learning model. Unfortunately, in the current clinical settings, phase information is either unavailable or unreliable in most PACS systems. This motivates us to develop a method to automatically classify multiphase CT scans. In this study, a residual network (ResNet34) was utilized to classify five CT phases commonly used in the clinical environment: non-contrast, arterial, portal venous, nephrographic, and delayed contrast phases. A dataset of 395 multiphase CT scans was weakly labeled using keywords. The weakly-labeled dataset was split into 316 training, and 79 test CT scans. We compared the ResNet34 with two other popular classification models, VGG19 and DenseNet121. ResNet34 achieved the highest accuracy of 99%, while the accuracy of VGG19 and DenseNet121 were 97% and 95%, respectively. In addition, ResNet34 had fewer parameters to train in comparison with two other models, which could reduce the inference time to 35 seconds per scan and enhance generalizability of the model. High accuracy of multiphase classification suggests a potential way to improve data curation based on CT contrast enhancement phase. This would be useful to improve deep learning models by enhancing dataset curation and providing more realistic augmented data.
Manufacture, electromagnetic properties and microstructure of an 18-filament jelly-roll Nb3Al superconducting wire with rapid heating and quenching heat-treatment

In this paper, we have reported the manufacture of a novel simple-structured jelly-roll Nb3Al precursor long wire, and its electromagnetic properties and microstructure with different rapid heating and quenching (RHQ) heat-treatments. By comparing three processing methods, it is found that the rolling and drawing (RD) method is more suitable to the fabrication of kilometer-length Nb3Al precursor wire without annealing. Using homemade RHQ equipment, we have successfully carried out RHQ heat-treatment of Nb3Al wire samples with various heating conditions. Based on magnetization and magnetoresistivity measurements, the onset superconducting transition temperature, Tc and upper critical field, Hc2 (0) of optimal Nb3Al wire reach 17.9 K–18.0 K and 29.7 T, respectively. Through microstructure and composition analysis, the Nb3Al superconductor in the optimal wire displays a typical ‘layer-to-layer’ structure, which comprises alternate crystalline Nb3Al and amorphous Nb layers, and the Nb3Al grains sizes are about 100 nm–300 nm. Furthermore, many small holes are dispersed in the Nb3Al superconductor due to the diffusion reaction from Al to Nb site. The work suggests the simple-structured Nb3Al precursor wire with RHQ heat-treatment is very promising for high-field application.
Role of Lung Ultrasonography to Evaluate Surfactant Need in Preterm Neonates in Suez Canal District

Background Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) continues to represent a crucial problem for preterm neonates despite the new advancement in its management. Currently, management of RDS is mainly through using early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the management of preterm neonates since birth together with early selective administration of surfactant. Lung ultrasound (LUS), as a simple and non-invasive diagnostic technique with no exposure to ionizing radiation, can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool for diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome with good sensitivity and specificity.
Influence of Board Attributes on Board Roles Performance in Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) in Tanzania

This paper reports the findings of a study that had evaluated the influence of board attributes size, gender diversity, skills and meetings on board’s role performance in terms of strategic, resource provision and monitoring roles in SACCOS, Tanzania. Data on the boards’ roles were collected using a questionnaire survey administered to 198 SACCOS boards’ chairpersons. Data for board’s attributes were obtained from annual audited financial reports. Data were then subjected to factor analysis and linear regression models. The results show that board meetings have a positive and significant influence on the boards’ ability to perform strategic, resource provision and monitoring roles. The study further shows that board financial skills have positive and significant effect on strategic and monitoring roles. Impliedly, having a financial skill director on board parallel with board meetings help to stimulate active participation of board members in executing their roles. No evidence, however, was found on the effect of board size and board gender diversity on the board roles’ performance. Thus, the study suggests that financial skills of members needs high prioritization in the election of board members to boost efficiency in performing their board roles. Also, regular board meetings for worthy strategies settings, advice and effective monitoring of the SACCOS.
A Ternary Neural Network Computing-in-Memory Processor With 16T1C Bitcell Architecture

A highly energy-efficient Computing-in-Memory (CIM) processor for Ternary Neural Network (TNN) acceleration is proposed in this brief. Previous CIM processors for multi-bit precision neural networks showed low energy efficiency and throughput. Lightweight binary neural networks were accelerated with CIM processors for high energy efficiency but showed poor inference accuracy. In addition, most previous works suffered from poor linearity of analog computing and energy-consuming analog-to-digital conversion. To resolve the issues, we propose a Ternary-CIM (T-CIM) processor with 16T1C ternary bitcell for good linearity with the compact area and a charge-based partial sum adder circuit to remove analog-to-digital conversion that consumes a large portion of the system energy. Furthermore, flexible data mapping enables execution of the whole convolution layers with smaller bitcell memory capacity. Designed with 65 nm CMOS technology, the proposed T-CIM achieves 1,316 GOPS of peak performance and 823 TOPS/W of energy efficiency.
Using Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory to Explain Individual Differences in the Appraisal of Problem-Focused Coping Potential

Appraisal theory assumes that the individual variability of emotional reactions to the same situation is due to individual differences in appraisal. However, the question of how interindividual differences in appraisal come about has been rarely formally addressed. We focus on one of the central dimensions of appraisal—problem-focused coping potential—and attempt to explain individual differences in appraisals along this dimension using self-efficacy theory. We integrate outcome expectancies, self-efficacy expectations, and problem-focused coping potential into a single framework and outline their personality antecedents. Using generalized self-efficacy beliefs as an example, we then discuss the mechanisms underlying the effects of personality dispositions on appraisal and the conditions that moderate their influence. We conclude with the implications for theory, research, and practice.
The Geography of Capital Allocation in the Euro Area

We reassess the pattern of Euro Area financial integration adjusting for the role of “onshore offshore financial centers” (OOFCs) within the Euro Area. While the Euro Area records large levels of international investment both within and outside of the currency union, much of these flows are intermediated via the OOFCs of Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Netherlands. These countries have dual roles as both hubs of investment fund intermediation and centers of securities issuance by foreign firms. We look through both roles and restate the pattern of Euro Area investment positions by linking fund sector investments to the underlying holders and securities issuance to the ultimate parent firms. Our new estimates of Euro Area investment allow us to document a number of stylized facts. First, the Euro Area’s estimated gross external position is smaller than in official data. Second, the Euro Area is more biased towards euro-denominated assets and away from US dollar and other foreign currency assets than in official data. Third, the Euro Area is less financially integrated than it appears. Fourth, European financial integration occurs disproportionately through securities issued in OOFCs rather than via domestic capital markets. Fifth, there is a North-South bias in Euro Area financial integration whereby Northern European countries are relatively underweight securities issued by Southern European countries.
Development and Applications of Soliton Perturbation Theory

This thesis examines the effects of small perturbation to soliton solutions of the nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation on two fronts: the development of a direct perturbation method for dark solitons, and the application of perturbation theory to the study of nonlinear optical systems including the dynamics of ultra-short pulses in mode-locked lasers. For dark soliton solutions of the NLS equation a direct perturbation method for approximating the influence of perturbations is presented. The problem is broken into an inner region, where core of the soliton resides, and an outer region, which evolves independently of the soliton. It is shown that a shelf develops around the soliton which propagates with speed determined by the background intensity. Integral relations obtained from the conservation laws of the NLS equation are used to determine the properties of the shelf. The analysis is developed for both constant and slowly evolving backgrounds. A number of problems are investigated including linear and nonlinear dissipative perturbations. In the study of mode-locking lasers the power-energy saturation (PES) equation is a variant of the nonlinear NLS equation, which incorporates gain and filtering saturated with energy, and loss saturated with power (intensity). Solutions of the PES equation are studied using adiabatic perturbation theory. In the anomalous regime individual soliton pulses are found to be well approximated by soliton solutions of the unperturbed NLS equation with the key parameters of the soliton changing slowly as they evolve. Evolution equations are found for the pulses’ amplitude, velocity, position, and phase using integral relations derived from the PES equation. It is shown that the single soliton case exhibits mode-locking behavior for a wide range of parameters. The results from the integral relations are shown to agree with the secularity conditions found in multi-scale perturbation theory. In the normal regime both bright and dark pulses are found. Here the NLS equation does not have bright soliton solutions, and the mode-locked pulse are wide and strongly chirped. For dark pulses there are two interpretations of the PES equation. The existence and stability of mode-locked dark pulses are studied for both cases. Soliton strings are found in both the constant dispersion and dispersion-managed systems in the (net) anomalous and normal regimes. Analysis of soliton interactions show that soliton strings can form when pulses are a certain distance apart relative to their width. Anti-symmetric bi-soliton states are also obtained. Initial states mode-lock to these states under evolution.
A MODIFIED COUPLE STRESS THEORY FOR POSTBUCKLING ANALYSIS OF TIMOSHENKO AND REDDY-LEVINSON SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOBEAMS

The novelty of this study is presentation of an exact solution for prediction of postbuckling behavior of shear deformable micro- and nano-scale beams based on modified couple stress theory and using principle of minimum potential energy. Timoshenko and Reddy-Levinson beam theories are applied to consider the shear deformation effect and Von Karman nonlinear kinematics is used to describe the nonlinear behavior of the postbuckling, and the Poisson's effect is also considered in stress-strain relation. Also, the size effect is exposed by introducing a material length scale parameter. Finally, the influences of shear deformation, Poisson's ratio and variations of length and thickness are investigated. The results indicate that the classical theory exaggerates the postbuckling amplitude of the nanobeam and overstates the effect of shear deformation on the postbuckling response of the nanobeam.
Exploring Motivations and Benefits of Volunteering: The Perspectives of High School Students in Selected Australian Islamic Schools

Substantial research in educational and non-educational contexts demonstrates the importance and value of volunteering broadly and among young people specifically. However, there is no research that explores volunteering from the perspectives of students in Australian Islamic schools. To fill this gap, this paper explores the motivations for, and benefits of, volunteering from the perspectives of high school students in three Australian Islamic schools (AIS). The research utilised a phenomenological qualitative approach to explore the lived experience of these students vis-à-vis volunteering. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 (13 male and 13 female) high school students (HSS) (year 10 to 12) at three AIS across three states. The findings demonstrate that students were motivated to volunteer because of intrinsic religious reasons, self-satisfaction and development, altruism, knowledge and skill-based enhancement, social motives, employment-based motives, and inspiring parents’ motive. The benefits include individual and societal development, enhanced involvement and belonging within mainstream society, and countering Islamophobia.
Comparing Knowledge Acquisition and Retention Between Mobile Learning and Traditional Learning in Teaching Respiratory Therapy Students: A Randomized Control Trial

Purpose Mobile learning (m-learning) is one of the trends in health professions’ education. It has a promising future in education, but it also presents various challenges and risks. This research seeks to highlight some of the greatest accomplishments, opportunities, and issues related to m-Learning in teaching and learning. We believe the findings help us maximize the positive effects of m-Learning while minimizing any potential drawbacks associated with the technological changes taking place in education. The study aimed to compare respiratory therapy students’ knowledge acquisition and retention between using m-learning and traditional learning. Participants and Methods Randomized pre-test, post-test, control group design was used. All 3rd year (N = 46) respiratory therapy students in one governmental university in Saudi Arabia were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. Both groups took the same content of arterial blood gas lecture for 2 hours. The intervention group took the lecture using m-learning; two mobile apps: (1) ABG Book, (2) Arterial Blood Gas (Lite). The traditional learning (lecture-based learning) was used for the control group. The same test was conducted before, immediately after, and two weeks after the lecture. The duration of the test was 30 minutes. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and repeated measured ANOVA using p < 0.05. IRB Approval was obtained. Results Forty-five students participated. Although no statistically significant difference was found on knowledge acquisition and retention between the two types of learning (p = 0.305, p = 0.904, respectively), it was found among the three time-points within each group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Both m-learning and traditional learning are effective in increasing knowledge acquisition and retention. However, no one is better than the other. Further researches were needed with larger sample size through multi-institutional studies to validate the results of this study.
CGGTTS-Version 2E : an extended standard for GNSS Time Transfer

The standard for GNSS time transfer was first defined in 1984, associated to the use of GPS signals, which were at that time degraded by the Selective Availability. It was updated at a few instances to follow the evolution of GPS, of the receivers, and the inclusion of GLONASS. With the emergence of additional navigation systems like Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, the standard has to be further adapted. This paper prepared by the CCTF Working Group on GNSS Time Transfer details the associated extended standard, named CGGTTS for Common GNSS Generic Time Transfer Standard, and the corresponding Version 2E of the format. Full paper The full paper is available online at: https://metrologia.bipm. org/guides-stds-conventions/2015/G1.pdf
Heat Transfer Measurements in a Compressible Flow Vane Cascade Showing the Influence of Reynolds Number, Mach Number, and Turbulence Level on Transition and Augmentation of Laminar Heat Transfer by Free-Stream Turbulence

This research is focused on the effects of large changes in Reynolds number that typically occurs during the flight of high altitude UAV’s. This paper documents the influence of Reynolds number, turbulence level, and exit Mach number on the vane surface Stanton number. Reynolds number is based on true chord and exit conditions and ranges from 90,000 through 1,000,000. Low and high inlet turbulence levels were developed for the study and determined to be 0.8% and 9.0%. Tests were run at exit Mach numbers of 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9. These surface heat transfer measurements were acquired in the University of North Dakota’s transonic cascade test facility. This facility uses a closed loop to allow the regulation of system pressure to control the test condition Reynolds number. The Mach number is adjusted using a “roots” blower driven by a variable frequency drive. Heat transfer measurements were acquired using a constant heat flux foil fabricated using a 0.023 mm Inconel foil backed with 0.05 mm of Kapton and adhered to the heat transfer vane using a high temperature acrylic adhesive. The linear cascade is configured in a four vane three full passage arrangement. The low turbulence condition is developed using the existing flow conditioning section coupled to a 4.7 to 1 area ratio nozzle. The high turbulence condition uses a mock aero combustor to generate a turbulence level of around 9.0%. These data show the influence of Mach number, Reynolds number and turbulence level on transition and heat transfer augmentation and are expected to be useful in grounding heat transfer predictive methods applicable to small or high altitude gas turbine engines.
Some problems in paired comparisons and goodness of fit for logistic regression

In tt:is thesis. we have two general aims: t o learn more about design and analysis of pairedcomparison experiments, and t o develop some tests of fit for logistic regression models, of which some commonly-used models for paired-comparison d a t a a re a special case. \Ve begin with some "model-free" considerations for paired-comparison experiments. \Ye review some constructions for round-robin designs, especially those with certain desirable properties such as t he arrangement of home and away games and the equalization of "carryover effects", where we improve on some previous work in t he field. Also considered a re " non-parametric tests of equality of s t rength of t he teams in a tournament , where we obtain some new asymptot ic results in the presence of ties and order effects, and shou by simulation tha t the a s ~ m p t o t i c approximations a re generally good. Lf'e then review the Bradley-Terry model for paired comparisons, and its generalizations t o handle ties and order effects. We review some algorithms for fitting the model. and * illustrate with examples the kinds of d a t a for which the algorithms perform well. Next, we turn t o t h e issue of opt imal design for t he Bradley-Terry model. \Ye revie\\ the theory of continuous designs, and show tha t the special s t ructure of the Bradley-Terry model enables the D-opt imal continuous design t o be found explicitly in many cases. \Ve then discuss the implementation of a well-known algorithm for f i nd~ng exact D-optimal designs and indicate by example t ha t the algorithm usually works well enough. Sincr both of t he preceding design types assume known parameters , we also investigate sequentlal designs in which each s tage of the design is deduced from parameter est imates obtaincd from the previous stages of t he design, and show tha t the obvious a lgo r~ thn i uo rks reasonably well. We then carry ou t numerical efficiency comparisons of the 11-optimal designs with the round-robin and Swiss designs introduced in Chapter 2. T h e final chapter is an investigation of some goodness-of-fit tests for logistic regression models. We arrange the (known or fitted) response success probabilities in ascending order, and then look a t the process given by the cumulative difference between observed and expected successes. We obtain asymptotic distribution theory for a class of statistics based on the integral of this process, by central limit theorem arguments, and for a class of statistics based on the integrated squared process, which rests on the theory of weak convergence of quadratic forms in sequences of random variables. Finally, we show by examples that the asymptotic distributions usually form good approximations for finite samples, and so can be recommended for use in practice.
Power Electronics-Based Safety Enhancement Technologies for Lithium-Ion Batteries: An Overview From Battery Management Perspective

Safety enhancement for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has received a lot of attention from academic and industrial fields. However, there is a lack of overview from the perspective of the application power electronics (PEs) in the systems. This article gives an overview of PE-based safety enhancement technologies for LIBs, mainly focusing on battery management. It introduces the latest advances in battery protection, balancing, monitoring, and lifetime improvement, all based on PE technologies. Detailed discussion and future research opportunities are given. This article aims to provide a reference for PE researchers who want to make some efforts in LIB safety.
Numerical simulation of scouring around groups of six cylinders with different flow directions

ABSTRACT Scouring around the pile foundation is one of the potential failures of offshore bridges that must be assessed due to the possibility of damaging the bridge structure. However, there is still few in-depth research regarding local scour simulations around groups of six cylinders consisting of more than one row, which is most widely used for group arrangement performed numerically. The maximum scour depth and its mechanism surrounding the six-cylinder group were determined by numerical simulation of scour consisting of multiple rows arranged side-by-side and in tandem with different pile spacing ratios using Flow-3D software. A validation study using experimental investigation was completed to verify the accuracy of the computational model. Numerical simulations employing the Van Rijn transport rate Equation and the RNG k – ɛ turbulence model produced results for scour depth evolution and bed elevation contour, which were in accordance with the experimental study. The numerical results show that the best arrangement for the minimum scour depth of the six-cylinder group is the tandem arrangement of two rows and three columns with pile spacing ratio of 3.5. As a result of this study, engineers can optimize the design of bridge pile foundations to enhance safety and economic efficiency.