Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The detection of first trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital heart defects: A narrative review

The authors of the article “The detection of first trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital heart defects: A narrative review” published in Sonography, would like to thank the author/s of the letter to the editor for their kind comments and for taking the time to respond to our work. We agree the studies reviewed were heterogenous in nature and for this reason the results were not pooled but were presented as mean values and ranges as has been recommended. We presented a list of congenital heart defects (CHD) that were detected or missed in the first trimester stating fetal heart size as one reason CHD is missed. We acknowledge evolution of CHD as suggested would have strengthened our argument. We also agree that lack of follow-up after CHD diagnosis is problematic when reporting the results of studies. While the skill level of a sonographer performing a first trimester ultrasound and the use of first trimester combined screening by a nuchal translucency ultrasound education and monitoring program (NTUEMP) certified sonographer, utilising tools such as nuchal translucency, ductus venosus and nasal bone assessment may improve the detection of CHD, we are unaware of any evidence that suggests a relationship between NTUEMP certification and the ability to scan the fetal heart. Furthermore, NTUEMP does not include formal assessment of the fetal heart in the course content nor in reaccredidation. Of the 6908 Australian accredited sonographers only 23% are currently nuchal translucency accredited. Indeed, operator training for heart screening views appears to be a major determinant for successful screening for CHD. Recent work suggests intention to perform screening is also important. This highlights the importance of education for sonographers for first trimester screening of the fetal heart. We agree there is a need to differentiate between screening for CHD and a diagnostic fetal echocardiography scan in the first trimester. We also agree that claiming high-detection rates for CHD screening in the first trimester is problematic. Our review of the current literature concluded the results would not be generalisable to low-risk general radiology or obstetric practices as the majority of first trimester CHD studies were performed by paediatric cardiologists. Further research is needed to determine if education, training, and intention to assess the fetal heart in the first trimester will improve detection rates in low-risk populations when scans are performed by general sonographers.
The Impact of Gamification and Individual Differences on Second Language Learning Among First-Year Female University Students in Saudi Arabia

Background The Technology-Enhanced Training Effectiveness Model (TETEM) has been used to assess the effectiveness of various technology-driven solutions in improving students’ outcomes in multiple academic fields. However, limited research is available on the use of TETEM in the context of second language learning. Using a modified TETEM, this study seeks first, to assess the direct effects of students’ attitudes and experiences with video gaming on their achievement; and second, to evaluate the effects of students’ attitudes and experiences that are mediated by their motivation. Methods This study was conducted among preparatory year students at Al-Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Students were randomly assigned to the technology-enhanced group (Duolingo® + workbook) or the control group (classroom workbook group). We started by comparing student performance between the two groups to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Subsequently, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to establish homogenous latent variables for experience, attitude, and motivation. Finally, we used structural equation models to evaluate the presence of direct and mediated effects. Results Students in the Duolingo® + workbook group scored higher on reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing compared to the workbook group. Positive attitude toward video gaming had both a direct and mediating positive correlation with student achievement. Additionally, motivation toward ESL learning was independently and positively correlated with student achievement. As expected, the technology-enhanced group performed better in reading, grammar, and vocabulary while the control group showed more participation and timely completion of assignments. Conclusion Technology enhancement improves students’ performance for ESL, however, adequate integration of technology in the course curriculum is needed to minimize interference with class participation. Positive attitudes toward video games and motivation toward ESL learning are positive predictors of student achievement while experience with video games has no significant effect.
Tackling knowledge and power: an environmental justice perspective on climate change adaptation in Kiribati

ABSTRACT Reducing vulnerabilities is at the core of climate change adaptation interventions. This goal is usually approached from the perspective of increasingly universal adaptation methodologies, tools and services that are grounded in Western scientific thought and knowledge. Questions of (in-)justices and new or reproduced vulnerabilities play a marginal role in adaptation interventions. In this paper, we argue that a failure to acknowledge, let alone address, the intricate linkages between knowledge and power risks creating fundamental injustices as part of well-intended adaptation processes and their outcomes. Using the Kiribati Adaptation Project (KAP) as a case study, we examine how knowledge hegemonies lead to unsatisfactory adaptation processes and outcomes when viewed from a justice perspective. Environmental justice lenses provide a useful framework for applying distributional, procedural and epistemic notions of injustice to tackle and interrogate the knowledge-power relations, which we identify as a profound part of adaptation interventions.
Food Insecurity, Population Growth, Urbanization and Water Availability: The Role of Government Stability

To examine the impact of population growth, urbanization and water availability on food insecurity, this study utilized time series data for the period of 1990–2019, from World Development Indicators (WDI), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Bank. The study applied an Auto-regressive distributive lag (ARDL) co-integration approach to test the hypothesized relationships among modeled variables. The study found a negative and significant association of water resources and agriculture research with food insecurity while urbanization and population growth has a significant and positive impact on food insecurity in the short-run as well as in the long-run period. Moreover, the study found that political stability has a negative and significant association with food insecurity in the short-run and long-run periods. Results also indicated that political stability significantly strengthens the relationship of water resources, and agriculture research with food insecurity while political stability weakens the relationship of urbanization and food insecurity significantly.
MINIMUM PRESSURE ENVELOPES FOR MODIFIED NACA-66 SECTIONS WITH NACA A=0.8 CAMBER AND BUSHIPS TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 SECTIONS

Abstract : Minimum pressure envelopes, computed for steady two-dimensional flow, with an empirical correction for viscosity, are presented in graphic form for three foils: NACA 66 (TMB modified nose and tail) thickness with the NACA a = 0.8 camberline, the BuShips Type I section and the BuShips Type II section. In addition, design charts for selecting an 'optimum' foil are included. A comparison of these foils, designed to have a favorable operating range of minimum pressures for a specified cavitation number and lift coefficient, shows the 66 (modified) form to provide a slightly wider margin for angle changes. Also with zero camber, the 66 (modified) section has a greater range of favorable minimum pressures than the other foils.
Integrated Genetic Programming and Genetic Algorithm Approach to Predict Surface Roughness

Abstract In this article we propose a new integrated genetic programming and genetic algorithm approach to predict surface roughness in end-milling. Four independent variables, spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and vibrations, were measured. Those variables influence the dependent variable (i.e., surface roughness). On the basis of training data set, different models for surface roughness were developed by genetic programming. The floating-point constants of the best model were additionally optimized by a genetic algorithm. Accuracy of the model was proved on the testing data set. By using the proposed approach, more accurate prediction of surface roughness was reached than if only modeling by genetic programming had been carried out. It was also established that the surface roughness is most influenced by the feed rate, whereas the vibrations increase the prediction accuracy.
Design and Validation of a Lightweight Soft Hip Exosuit With Series-Wedge-Structures for Assistive Walking and Running

To overcome the limitations of a traditional soft hip exosuit directly driven by Bowden cables or winding belts at two points, in this article, we propose a new soft hip exosuit design concept based on series-wedge-structures for energy-efficient walking and running during daily activities for elderly individuals. The series-wedge-structure is designed to improve the comfort of the wearer–exosuit interface and to passively adapt to the user's body curvature, with no hindrance during movement. The design and function, including the series-wedge-structure belt, series elastic cable drive actuator, and control scheme, are described. The presented soft exosuit, which is lightweight (1.4 kg) and comfortable, provides assistive torque for hip flexion by folding series-wedge-structures driven by Bowden cables. The series-wedge-structure-based hip exosuit adopts single actuation coupled to the Bowden cable pull mechanism with a series elastic actuator to drive both hip flexions based on the out-of-phase nature of the human legs during walking and running. The exosuit performance test results show that the proposed exosuit improves the comfort of the wearer–exoskeleton interface by minimizing the shear force and maximizing the exosuit–skin interaction force contact area. Three healthy subjects walked at a fixed speed of 1.25 m/s and ran at a fixed speed of 2.2 m/s while wearing the proposed exosuit with/without assistance and without wearing the exosuit to evaluate the biomechanical and physiological effects of the proposed exosuit assistance on locomotion. The metabolic rate with exosuit assistance was reduced by 10.9% for walking and by 6.2% for running compared with not wearing the exosuit.
Development and reproduction of Rhizoglyphus robini Claparéde (Astigmata: Acaridae), an emerging pest in Indonesia, on six host plants

ABSTRACT The bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini Claparède, is an important pest of plants with bulbs, corms or tubers. The mite is ubiquitously found infesting subterranean organs of crops in fields, greenhouses, and storage facilities. Although the mite is of economic and biosecurity importance, the information about its biology is still obscure. In this current study, the development and reproduction of R. robini on carrot, taro corm, ginger rhizome, shallot bulb, garlic clove, and onion bulb were studied under laboratory conditions. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm ) of the mite was estimated by an equation relating the mite reproduction rate to its pre-reproductive time. The results showed that the development, fecundity, and rm of the mite were significantly affected by the host plant variability. The mite development lasted for 9.80 to 12.56 days, the fecundity was 45.05 to 242.00 eggs per female, and the rm was 0.210 to 0.271. The higher rm values of R. robini on carrot, shallot, garlic, and onion alarms the potential of the mite to become a new threat to those commodities. The biological information of R. robini obtained in this study can be applied to evaluate the differential susceptibility of the tested host plants.
Effect of Financial Leverage on Firms Performance : Case of Listed Pharmaceutical Firms in Nigeria

This paper empirically examines the effect of financial leverage on firms’ performance, a study of listed Pharmaceutical firms’ in Nigeria. Using annual panel data for a period of 16 years, ranges from 2003 to 2018 with the application of econometric techniques. The empirical results show that Debt Equity Ratio (DER) have positive relationship, while Debt Ratio (DR) and Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR) has negative relation with Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). This evidence that financial leverage has significant effects on profitability and efficiency of firms’ performance, especially quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.
Hyperfine Interactions in the NV-13C Quantum Registers in Diamond Grown from the Azaadamantane Seed

Nanostructured diamonds hosting optically active paramagnetic color centers (NV, SiV, GeV, etc.) and hyperfine-coupled with them quantum memory 13C nuclear spins situated in diamond lattice are currently of great interest to implement emerging quantum technologies (quantum information processing, quantum sensing and metrology). Current methods of creation such as electronic-nuclear spin systems are inherently probabilistic with respect to mutual location of color center electronic spin and 13C nuclear spins. A new bottom-up approach to fabricate such systems is to synthesize first chemically appropriate diamond-like organic molecules containing desired isotopic constituents in definite positions and then use them as a seed for diamond growth to produce macroscopic diamonds, subsequently creating vacancy-related color centers in them. In particular, diamonds incorporating coupled NV-13C spin systems (quantum registers) with specific mutual arrangements of NV and 13C can be obtained from anisotopic azaadamantane molecule. Here we predict the characteristics of hyperfine interactions (hfi) for the NV-13C systems in diamonds grown from various isotopically substituted azaadamantane molecules differing in 13C position in the seed, as well as the orientation of the NV center in the post-obtained diamond. We used the spatial and hfi data simulated earlier for the H-terminated cluster C510[NV]-H252. The data obtained can be used to identify (and correlate with the seed used) the specific NV-13C spin system by measuring, e.g., the hfi-induced splitting of the mS = ±1 sublevels of the NV center in optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectra being characteristic for various NV-13C systems.
Design of a prototype laser-plasma injector for an electron synchrotron

The present state of progress in laser wakefield acceleration encourages considering it as a practical alternative to conventional particle accelerators. A promising application would be to use a laser-plasma accelerator as an injector for a synchrotron light source. Yet, the energy spread and jitter of the laser-plasma beam pose a significant difficulty for an efficient injection. In this paper, we propose a design of a prototype injector to deliver 500 MeV low-intensity electron bunches to the DESY-II electron synchrotron. The design utilizes presently available conventional accelerator technology, such as a chicane and an X-band radio frequency cavity, to reduce the energy spread and jitter of the electron beam down to a sub-per-mille level.
Cloud Computing for Telecom Systems

Context: Cloud computing is reshaping the service-delivery and business-models in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The Information Technology (IT) sector has benefited from it in the previous 3-5 years. Despite the attraction of cloud computing, it is required to have an effective application migration strategy. Cloud computing with its diverse provisioning models makes it possible for telecom vendors and service providers to decide effective service and business models. Currently, cloud computing contains security, performance and dimensioning considerations for telecom companies. Objectives: This thesis assesses the trends and issues associated with the cloud, with telecommunications perspective, while leveraging the cloud to come to a decision on a suitable cloud environment for telecom grade applications. Analysis of maturity of public cloud (in terms of compatibility, consolidation, compliance and standardization) in general and Amazon cloud in particular, is part of the thesis objective. While doing so, deployment of a telecom-grade product in the Amazon cloud will be evaluated against the current on-premise deployment. We want to identify architectural difference between the two domains, and what issues are faced when a migration is planned. This evaluation between two systems, i.e. on-premise and the cloud will significantly contribute to the research and can be used when making business decisions. Methods: We conducted literature review, survey, and a case study, assessing the above mentioned objectives. Research papers from academia and industry were chosen for literature review; personnel, with experience in cloud computing, were chosen for the survey; and a telecom-grade platform was used to assess the migration issues on Amazon cloud in the case study. The Ericsson Composition Engine (ECE) was used to check what deployment issues it can have on Amazon cloud. Its on-premise Reference Deployment Architecture was compared with the cloud-based Reference Deployment Architecture. This case study served as a confirmation to results obtained in the literature review and survey. Results: In the literature review and survey, we found motivations, trends, current applications, and challenges of cloud computing for telecom. It was found from the case study that Amazon Web Services (AWS) lacks application and network centric attributes that are required in ECE deployment. We propose recommendations that can be integrated with ECE while deploying it in a public cloud. Conclusions: Companies are choosing cloud vendors that uniquely give ease of migration and control, based on application needs and compatibility. ECE cannot be directly migrated to AWS, unless we provide Amazon specific modifications in the architecture. The survey and literature review support a private and/or hybrid strategy for ECE, along with the inclusion of cloud networking into the ECE package.
Outcomes of the Valve-Sparing Root Replacement Procedure with Partial Upper Sternotomy

Due to better postoperative convalescence and quality of life, experienced centers focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques and approaches, but this approach is not routinely performed for valve-sparing root replacement procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of valve-sparing root replacement via partial upper sternotomy. Between January 2016 and April 2021, 269 patients underwent a valve-sparing root replacement procedure, and partial upper sternotomy was performed in 52 patients. The clinical outcomes of the partial upper sternotomy (PUS) and complete sternotomy (CS) groups, including mortality, degree of aortic insufficiency, blood loss and consumption of blood products, postoperative complications, and hospitalization expenses, were compared. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess the degree of aortic regurgitation. Propensity score matching was performed as a sensitivity analysis. There was only one in-hospital death (in the CS group, p = 1) and no postoperative moderate to severe aortic insufficiency in either group. The blood loss and consumption of blood products in the PUS group were also lower than in the CS group, especially for plasma use. Regarding the need for re-exploration because of bleeding, acute kidney injury, pericardial pleural effusion, drainage volume within the first 24 h, mechanical ventilation time, and arrhythmia, the two groups were comparable. Patients in the CS group showed a longer ICU time (74.20 ± 47.21 vs. 50.9 30.16 h, p = 0.001) and higher hospitalization expenses (135,649.52 ± 29,992.21 vs. 123,380.15 ± 27,062.82 yuan, p < 0.001). None of the patients died or reoperated during the follow-up. Freedom from moderate or severe aortic insufficiency remained comparable after matching (p = 0.97). Minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic replacement via partial upper sternotomy can be safely performed in selected patients.
Students’ Self-reported Background SES Measures in TIMSS in Relation to Register SES Measures When Analysing Students’ Achievements in Sweden

ABSTRACT The overall aim of this study was to examine the different self-reported students’ socioeconomic status (SES) measures in the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in comparison to national SES measures obtained from Swedish official registers. A further aim was to determine if the same conclusions could be drawn if different student measures were used to define SES when modelling the students’ TIMSS mathematics achievement. The overall results showed that the choice of SES measures matters. The home educational resource index and books at home from the TIMSS data base were good indicators of SES. We conclude that when one has access to SES information from official registers it is recommended to use it because these measures have less missing information compared with the TIMSS variables.
Characterization of the Performance of Flat Heat Pipes for Electronics Cooling

A computational model has been developed to analyze the transient and steady-state performance of flat heat pipes and assess their performance under different operating and geometric parameters, in order to arrive at optimal designs. The model assumes two-dimensional fields for flow and heat transfer and solves the governing differential equations using a finite-difference approach. The wick region of the heat pipe is analyzed using transport equations for a porous medium. The influence of axial heat conduction along the wall, as well as the energy transport in the wick, on the velocity and temperature distributions is examined. The overall performance of the heat pipe is quantified by calculating an effective thermal conductance from the heat input and the temperature drop along the heat pipe wall. Parametric studies are conducted using the model to investigate the dependence of the heat pipe performance on the heat input at the evaporator, the containing wall thickness, and the porosity of the wick.