Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BIOMECHANICS AND FUNCTION OF THE FEMALE RAT URETHRA IN STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE INDUCED BY BIRTH TRAUMA

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common in women after vaginal delivery (VD) in childbirth or pelvic trauma, and may be associated with altered biomechanical or functional properties of the urethra. The goal of this dissertation was to identify biomechanical and functional changes in the urethra in a rat model of VD, as well as to understand the role of longitudinal smooth muscle in the healthy urethra. Female rat urethras were isolated in a rat model of SUI induced by VD. Controls were urethras isolated from normal rats. Our established ex vivo urethral testing system was utilized for biomechanical and pharmacological assessments. In this system, outer diameter was measured via a laser micrometer, and recorded along with applied intraluminal pressure to a computer. Urethral thickness was assessed histologically.Biomechancial properties of the urethra were markedly altered by VD for the baseline, passive (via calcium chelation), and active (stimulation via adrenergic and muscarinic receptors) states, most notably in the proximal urethra. Additionally, contractile responses to phenylephrine and bethanechol increased in the proximal urethra in VD rats compared to controls. There were also changes in the VD mid urethral segment. Functional and biomechanical parameters indicated that basal activity was increased for VD compared to controls in the middle segment, as well as adrenergic active biomechanical properties at low strains. VD impaired the basal tone distally compared to controls, but this was the only difference observed. VD urethras had evidence of altered collagen and elastin. Additionally, there was a lack of PGP 9.5, tyrosine hydroxylase, and vesicular acetylcholine transferase in the urethras of the VD group. This suggests that VD has mechanically damaging effects on urethral innervation.Finally, the role of the longitudinal smooth muscle in the urethra was further clarified via a modified urethral testing system. Circumferential and longitudinal testing of baseline, active, and passive urethral properties and function supported the idea that the role of longitudinally-oriented components of the urethra was to lengthen or shorten to enable the circumferential muscle to fully contract and shorten as required. In summary, this dissertation has provided evidence of damaged muscular, neural, and matrix components of the urethra associated with VD. The combination of these changes may contribute to SUI induced by VD.
Multi-surface, multi-object optimal image segmentation: application in 3D knee joint imaged by MR

A novel method called LOGISMOS – Layered Optimal Graph Image Segmentation of Multiple Objects and Surfaces – for simultaneous segmentation of multiple interacting surfaces belonging to multiple interacting objects is reported. The approach is based on representation of the multiple inter-relationships in a single n-dimensional graph, followed by graph optimization that yields a globally optimal solution. Three major contributions for LOGISMOS are made and illustrated in this thesis: 1) multi-object multi-surface optimal surface detection graph design, 2) implementation of a novel and reliable cross-object surface mapping technique and 3) pattern recognition-based graph cost design. The LOGISMOS method’s utility and performance are demonstrated on a kneejoint bone and cartilage segmentation task. Although trained on only a small number of nine example images, this system achieved good performance as judged by Dice Similarity Coefficients (DSC) using a leave-one-out test, with DSC values of 0.84 ± 0.04, 0.80±0.04 and 0.80±0.04 for the femoral, tibial, and patellar cartilage regions, respectively. These are excellent values of DSC considering the narrow-sheet character of the cartilage regions. Similarly, very low signed mean cartilage thickness errors were observed when compared to manually-traced independent standard in 60 randomly selected 3D MR image datasets from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database – 0.11 ± 0.24, 0.05 ± 0.23, and 0.03 ± 0.17 mm for the femoral, tibial, and patellar cartilage thickness, respectively. The average signed surface positioning error for the 6 detected surfaces ranged from 0.04±0.12 mm to 0.16±0.22 mm, while the unsigned surface positioning error ranged from 0.22±0.07 mm to 0.53±0.14 mm. The reported LOGISMOS framework provides robust and accurate segmentation of the knee joint bone and cartilage surfaces of the femur, tibia, and patella. As a general segmentation tool, the developed framework can be applied to a broad range of multi-object multi-surface segmentation problems.
Readiness Reporting for an Adaptive Army

Abstract : Army readiness is the ability of the Army to serve the nation. It includes the capabilities of the Operating Force and the Generating Force as well as intangible factors that significantly contribute to overall preparedness, such as Army values, doctrine, strategy, programs, policy, and processes. Both the law and military operational requirements require the Army to track its readiness, gauge shortfalls, and assess the associated risk. The Army must have effective processes for evaluating readiness to make and implement critical resourcing decisions, and to articulate significant shortcomings to Congress and to the military community. Determining the state of Army readiness requires the continuous, complete, and systematic analysis of its many elements some that can be objectively measured and some that must be subjectively assessed.
Observing Pain in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Comparison Attempt across Countries and across Different Types of Cognitive Impairment

Facial expression is a key aspect in observational scales developed to improve pain assessment in individuals with cognitive impairments. Although these scales are used internationally in individuals with different types of cognitive impairments, it is not known whether observing facial expressions of pain might differ between regions or between different types of cognitive impairments. In a pilot study, facial responses to standardized experimental pressure pain were assessed among individuals with different types of cognitive impairments (dementia, mild cognitive impairment, Huntington’s disease, and intellectual disability) from different countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Israel, and Spain) and were analyzed using facial descriptors from the PAIC scale (Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition). We found high inter-rater reliability between observers from different countries. Moreover, facial responses to pain did not differ between individuals with dementia from different countries (Denmark, Germany, and Spain). However, the type of cognitive impairment had a significant impact; with individuals with intellectual disability (all being from Israel) showing the strongest facial responses. Our pilot data suggest that the country of origin does not strongly affect how pain is facially expressed or how facial responses are being scored. However, the type of cognitive impairment showed a clear effect in our pilot study, with elevated facial responses in individuals with intellectual disability.
Necessity as the Catalyst of Change: Exploring Client and Provider Perspectives of Accelerated Implementation of Telehealth by a Regional Australian Community Service Organisation during COVID-19 Restrictions

Community services have played a significant role in supporting the psychosocial health and well-being of vulnerable populations during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. To meet increased community needs, organisations were required to rapidly modify service provision, often using remote delivery systems. This in-depth study, undertaken early in the pandemic, explored staff and clients’ experiences of adapting to using telehealth to provide and access services in one regional social services agency. Semi-structured interviews from 15 staff and 11 clients from a regional not-for-profit agency in Western Australia were recorded and transcribed. Inductive coding, and thematic analysis identified eight subthemes, with experiences and perceptions of telehealth varying substantially among staff and client groups. Distinct benefits and challenges were associated with telehealth. Participants highlighted tensions and complexities and commented on the place of telehealth in the community service sector. Clients expressed the importance of relationships and communication. This study provides in-depth insights into the contextualised experiences of staff and clients during a time at which change was both enabled and necessary. The findings highlight the need for tailored service delivery; choice; client collaboration; ongoing staff training relating to telehealth; and guidelines specific to telehealth in the community service sector.
A Method for Assessing the Impact of Changes in Demand for Coal on the Structure of Coal Grades Produced by Mines

Due to the withdrawal of coal from power generation in the EU, mining companies in Poland are forced to adapt their production to the decreasing demand. Forecasting the volume of demand plays an important role in planning the volume of the mine’s output. The demand for coal is constantly changing, with a downward trend. This article presents a method that allows to assess the impact of the variable demand on mine profits and on the volumes of sales of individual coal grades. The proposed method is based on the Monte Carlo simulation and on a solution consisting of the optimization of the production and sales of coal by the mining company (the SIMPLEX algorithm). By using the Monte Carlo simulation to forecast the demand, unlike other commonly used methods, a sufficiently large set of real situations that may occur in the future can be obtained. The results allow us to conclude the extent of desirable adjustment of the structure of the mine’s production to the requirements of its consumers, as well as to predict in which direction these changes will proceed and with what probability. The usefulness of the developed method has been verified on the example of an existing hard coal mine.
Determination of Stimulating Factors of Wild Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) Dispersal from the Kaeng Krachan National Park to Surrounding Land Use in Thailand

Wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) disturbances are a major conservation concern in Thailand. Elephant dispersal was observed to identify factors that encouraged seasonal migration from the Kaeng Krachan National Park (KKNP), of 466.24 hectares across, into adjacent agricultural lands at the Pa Deng sub-district (PDS) in Phetchchaburi Province, Thailand. Land use patterns in 1975, 1992, 2002, and 2011 from satellite images taken by Landsat-5 TM, and community attitudes on the impacts of land disturbance, were analyzed. All village chiefs were concerned about future management for living with the increased numbers of elephants strolling in their lands expanding from the KKNP border. In 1975, the area was almost completely forested, but chronologically changed to agricultural and community area by 6.43, 8.34, and 7.35 % for 1992, 2002, and 2011, respectively. The area of bare land and natural water courses was found to be reformed to 8.86, 3.46, and 1.38 %, in 1992, 2002, and 2011, respectively. It was concluded that community and agricultural development encroached upon the bare lands and water courses of elephants, and latterly interrupted elephant trails by forest fragmentation. Six elephant trails were found to be aligned east/west across KKNP into surrounding water reservoirs and agricultural lands, at 170 to 380 m above mean sea level (AMSL), at a slope of less than 10 %, and within a radius of 100 - 300 m from communities. Along those trails, data of line transects revealed indirect evidence, 70 dung piles, 27 feeding signs, and 26 footprints. They were directed to major water resources, e.g., the Deng, Paloa, and Kralang reservoirs. It can be concluded that an important factor influencing the elephant dispersal were water sources located at the border of conserved forest; therefore, water development for elephants in KKNP was recommended, using local community-based natural resource management.
Benefits and underlying mechanisms of organized sport participation on mental health among socially vulnerable boys. A qualitative study on parents’ perspective in the sport-based Icehearts programme

Abstract The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived mental health benefits of organized sports participation in socially vulnerable children and the underlying mechanisms contributing to these benefits among boys participating in the sports-based Icehearts programme, as reported by the parents. Focus group interviews (n = 5) were conducted among parents (n = 28) of boys participating in the programme. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The mental health benefits of organized sports participation were related to increased self-esteem, self-confidence, emotional self-regulation, prosocial behaviour and courage as well as better mood. The perceived mechanisms contributing to these benefits were related to the following themes: skills through sports, the coach, social connectedness and the opportunity for recreational activities. Few challenges and potential pitfalls in implementing sports-based programmes targeted at socially vulnerable children were identified. The findings highlight the importance of role, skills and mindset of the coach leading the sport activities.
UPPER LIMB KINEMATICS OF BASEBALL BATTING TO DIFFERENT BALL SPEEDS

INTRODUCTION: Increasing bat velocity and accurately hitting the baseball are important for increasing hit ball velocity. Although there are studies on motion for increasing bat velocity, few studies discussed hitting accuracy in actual baseball batting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the strategies of upper limbs motion for accurately hitting the ball at different conditions of ball speed.
Preparation and Characterization of Coal Pitch-Based Needle Coke (Part I): The Effects of Aromatic Index (fa) in Refined Coal Pitch

Refined coal pitch is a recognized precursor to produce high-quality needle coke with its higher aromaticity, lower ash content, and a relatively narrow distribution of molecular weight. The aromatic index (fa) of refined coal pitch is one of the key roles in the production of high-quality needle coke. In order to a detailed study on the effects of fa on the microstructure and properties of needle coke, 9 kinds of refined coal pitches with varied fa were used as the raw materials to produce needle coke in this study. Briefly, 1H NMR was used to calculate the fa of each refined coal pitch. Polarizing microscope, scanning electron microscopy, microstrength tester, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, and curve-fitted methods have been used to quantitatively examine the microstructure and microstrength of each needle coke. The results have shown that the refined coal pitch with the fa of 0.95–0.98 was the best precursor to produce high-quality needle coke.
A microfluidic system for analysis of electrochemical processing using a highly sensitive optical fiber microcavity and a microfluidic system

Microfluidics provide unique possibilities to control tiny volumes of liquids and their composition. To effectively benefit from the advantages of microfluidic solutions they need to be supported by interrogation subsystems, at best also matching the miniature scale. In this work we combined with a microfluidic system a Microcavity in-line Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (µIMZI) induced in the side surface of a single-mode optical fiber using a femtosecond laser micromachining. The µIMZI shows capability for investigating optical properties of as small as picoliter volumes with an exceptionally high sensitivity. Here we report numerical analysis and experimental results that show that when the µIMZI is incorporated with the microfluidic system the measurements can be performed with sensitivity exceeding 14,000 nm/RIU which is similar to measurements done under static conditions. In a flow injection system we show that a certain amount of liquid and flow rate are required to effectively exchange the liquid in the microcavity, while orientation of the cavity versus the flow direction has a minor impact on the exchange. Finally, we have supported the system by band electrodes making it possible to induce redox reactions in the microchannel and optical detection of flowing products of the reactions. It has been found that thanks to the high sensitivity of the µIMZI the products of the reactions can be clearly detected both electrochemically and optically even when the only part of the flowing redox probe is oxidized at the band electrode. This work proves that the proposed solution may offer highly sensitive optical measurements, even when the chemical reactions are not effective in the whole volume of the system.
Subsonic Wind Tunnel Tests of a Canard-Control Missile Configuration in Pure Rolling Motion

Abstract : The description and run log of subsonic wind tunnel tests on a canard-control missile in pure rolling motion are presented. Test data for the body plus canard plus tail configuration (with 0-deg deflections) of the canard- control missile are shown. The nonlinear second-order differential equation of motion used in the global nonlinear least-squares analysis of the test data is discussed. Nonlinear aerodynamic coefficients extracted from the test data are presented and discussed. The results for the body plus canard plus tail configuration with 0-deg deflections showed that the linear roll damping moment coefficient increases slightly with the angle of attack up to about 20 deg, as predicted. However, at 30 deg the coefficient decreases significantly.
BODY ROLL AND STROKE KINEMATICAL CHANGES DURING A RACE-PACE SWIM IN BACKSTROKE

The purpose of this study was to verify the behaviour of body roll during a 200m event racepace effort in backstroke swimming. Six international swimmers performed 6 x 50m with 10" interval at a swim velocity corresponding to the race pace of 200m backstroke. The swimmers were videoed whole body at the 2nd and 6th repetitions, for a complete stroke cycle, with four video cameras (two underwater, two above the water) for 3D kinematical analysis (APAS). Shoulder roll (SR) and hip roll (HL) were used to describe body roll. Maximal SR (48° to 52°) and HL angles (51° to 54°) coincided with the end of the initial downsweep, the variation of body roll followed a rather symmetrical and in phase pattern. In spite of a clear decrement of swim velocity from 2nd to 6th repetition (p<0.05) there were no changes in the stroke cycle or in the body roll pattern.
Characterizing the spatial distribution of coral reefs in the South-Central Coast region of Viet Nam using Planetscope imagery

This study aims to understand the spatial distribution of coral reefs in the central region of Viet Nam. We classified live coral cover in Son Tra Peninsula (ST) and Cu Lao Cham Island (CLC) in the South-Central Coast Region of Viet Nam using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier on 3 m Planetscope imagery. Confusion matrices and the accuracy of the classifier were assessed using field data (1,543 and 1,560 photographs in ST and CLC, respectively). The results showed that the reef’s width ranged from 30 to 300 m across the study site, and we were able to detect live coral cover across a depth gradient of 2 to 6 m below the sea surface. The overall accuracies of the classifier (the Kappa coefficient) were 76.78% (0.76) and 78.08% (0.78) for ST and CLC, respectively. We found that 60.25% of coral reefs in ST were unhealthy and the live coral cover was less than 50%, while 25.75% and 11.46% of those in CLC were in good and excellent conditions, respectively. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing Planetscope imagery to monitor shallow coral reefs of small islands at a high spatial resolution of 3 m. The results of this study provide valuable information for coral reef protection and conservation.
Environmental Footprint and Economics of a Full-Scale 3D-Printed House

3D printing, is a newly adopted technique in the construction sector with the aim to improve the economics and alleviate environmental impacts. This study assesses the eco-efficiency of 3D printing compared to conventional construction methods in large-scale structural fabrication. A single-storey 3D-printed house was selected in the United Arab Emirates to conduct the comparative assessment against traditional concrete construction. The life cycle assessment (LCA) framework is utilized to quantify the environmental loads of raw materials extraction and manufacturing, as well as energy consumption during construction and operation phases. The economics of the selected structural systems were investigated through life cycle costing analysis (LCCA), that included mainly the construction costs and energy savings. An eco-efficiency analysis was employed to aggregate the results of the LCA and LCCA into a single framework to aid in decision making by selecting the optimum and most eco-efficient alternative. The findings revealed that houses built using additive manufacturing and 3D printed materials were more environmentally favourable. The conventional construction method had higher impacts when compared to the 3D printing method with global warming potential of 1154.20 and 608.55 kg CO2 eq, non-carcinogenic toxicity 675.10 and 11.9 kg 1,4-DCB, and water consumption 233.35 and 183.95 m3, respectively. The 3D printed house was also found to be an economically viable option, with 78% reduction in the overall capital costs when compared to conventional construction methods. The combined environmental and economic results revealed that the overall process of the 3D-printed house had higher eco efficiency compared to concrete-based construction. The main results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that up to 90% of the environmental impacts in 3D printing mortars can be mitigated with decreasing cement ratios.
The Relationship between ES-QUAL Model and Online Purchase Intention in the Context of Rising Global Marketplace of E-Commerce

The electronic service quality (ES-QUAL) of the e-commerce service providers plays a central role. The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the ES-QUAL model's four dimensions (efficiency, fulfillment, privacy, and system availability) on purchase intention and examine ES-QUAL's relationship with electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM), brand image, and purchase intention. This research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for empirical analysis. Results show ES-QUAL model positively and significantly impacts purchase intention, and the effect of the ES-QUAL model relatively increases when mediated by electronic word of mouth (EWOM) and brand image. This research provides insights to E-marketers, entrepreneurs, and e-commerce players to improve online consumers' purchase intention, sales, and services. Practitioners can gain customers' attention by enhancing the quality of their websites and by assuring efficiency, privacy, system availability, and fulfilling their promise about delivering products. They also need to consider EWOM and brand image, as both positively impact online purchase intention, which can lead to the overall sustainable development of an organization.JEL Classification: M31, L81How to Cite:Baqai, S. , Qureshi, J. A. , & Morah, E. I. M. (2021). The Relationship Between ES-QUAL Model and Online Purchase Intention in the Context of Rising Global Marketplace of E-Commerce. Etikonomi, 20(2), xx– xx. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i2. 20677.