Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An exploratory study of the factors associated with an initial testing process: Testing the testing

The Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) enabling program has always used an entrance testing program to identify prospective students’ competence in writing, mathematics and computing, alongside a statement describing their perceived readiness for university. The rationale behind the current testing process is that it allows staff to identify those students who appear ready and able to undertake, and complete the STEPS program successfully. It sits in contrast to an open entry system used by other enabling programs. The researchers in this project explore whether the current testing process is actually an accurate indicator of students’ capacity and state of readiness for study and whether it is a true indication of future success in the program. Anecdotally, some students attain a high score on the testing and yet struggle to complete the program; others students may produce lower scores but successfully complete the program. This research project collected students’ testing results over a two year period and through various forms of data extraction, subsequently analysed and collated the results. The research demonstrates that, within the present testing process, the literacy element is a highly significant indicator to whether students are likely to complete the program, and subsequently, other elements of the testing proved to be of less importance in their predictive value.
Digital equipment – a game changer for police training?! Experiences of the Bavarian Police training

ABSTRACT Availability and appropriate use of digital devices are indispensable for modern learning and work environments. Compared to school and university education, however, there is hardly any empirical, scientifically sound knowledge available on this subject for the area of police training and education. The study therefore examined how the use of personally assigned digital devices such as tablet PCs and smartphones, as well as the use of interactive whiteboards, is related to the learning behaviour and academic performance of 99 police trainees during 18 months of police training. The results showed that a frequent use of digital devices was related to an improvement in learning behaviour and interest. The results on academic performance of these 99 police officers trainees compared to the trainees without personally assigned digital devices of the same cohort (N = 629) are mixed. The study points out several practical implications for the further implementation of digital devices, such as the need for training the police personnel, developing new didactic teaching methods as well as new teaching formats.
Development of a framework to promote rural health workforce capability through digital solutions: A qualitative study of user perspectives

A high-quality, sustained, health workforce contributes to a healthy population. However, a global reality is that rural health services, and the workforces that provide those services, are under unprecedented pressure. It is posited that improving a rural health practitioners’ capability could help to retain them working rurally for longer. Capability refers to skills and experience and the extent to which individuals can adapt to change, generate new knowledge and continue to improve their performance. With rapidly increasing access to, and use of, digital technology worldwide, there are new opportunities to build capability and leverage personal and professional support for those who are working rurally. In 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted in rural Australia with thirteen General Practitioners and allied health professionals. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data and map it to the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model. Whilst it could be assumed that low technology literacy would act as a barrier to the use of digital tools, the study demonstrated that this was not a significant impediment to participants’ willingness to adopt digital tools when social and professional networks weren't available face to face to address their capability challenges. The findings provide insight into the concept of health workforce capability and important considerations when designing capability support. This includes key features of health apps or digital tools to support the capability of the rural health workforce. Understanding the factors that make up a health professionals’ capability and the motivations or cues to act to build or maintain their capability may have a positive effect on their retention in a rural location.
A Comparison of Single- and Multi-Echo Processing of Functional MRI Data During Overt Autobiographical Recall

Recent years have seen an increase in the use of multi-echo fMRI designs by cognitive neuroscientists. Acquiring multiple echoes allows one to increase contrast-to-noise; reduce signal dropout and thermal noise; and identify nuisance signal components in BOLD data. At the same time, multi-echo acquisitions increase data processing complexity and may incur a cost to the temporal and spatial resolution of the acquired data. Here, we re-examine a multi-echo dataset previously analyzed using multi-echo independent components analysis (ME-ICA) and focused on hippocampal activity during the overtly spoken recall of recent and remote autobiographical memories. The goal of the present series of analyses was to determine if ME-ICA’s theoretical denoising benefits might lead to a practical difference in the overall conclusions reached. Compared to single-echo (SE) data, ME-ICA led to qualitatively different findings regarding hippocampal contributions to autobiographical recall: whereas the SE analysis largely failed to reveal hippocampal activity relative to an active baseline, ME-ICA results supported predictions of the Standard Model of Consolidation and a time limited hippocampal involvement. These data provide a practical example of the benefits multi-echo denoising in a naturalistic memory paradigm and demonstrate how they can be used to address long-standing theoretical questions.
Aneurysmal wall enhancement and hemodynamics: pixel-level correlation between spatial distribution.

Background Inflammation and hemodynamics are interrelated risk factors for intracranial aneurysm rupture. This study aimed to identify the relationship between these risk factors from an individual-patient perspective using biomarkers of aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) derived from high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and hemodynamic parameters by four-dimensional flow MRI (4D-flow MRI). Methods A total of 29 patients with 29 unruptured intracranial aneurysms larger than 4 mm were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 24 aneurysms had AWE and 5 did not have AWE. A three-dimensional (3D) vessel model of each individual aneurysm was generated with 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D TOF-MRA). Quantification of AWE was sampled with HR-MRI. Time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) were calculated from the 4D-flow MRI. The correlation between spatial distribution of AWE and hemodynamic parameters measured at pixel-level was evaluated for each aneurysm. Results In aneurysms with AWE, the spatial distribution of WSS was negatively correlated with AWE in 100% (24/24) of aneurysms, though 2 had an absolute value of the correlation coefficient <0.1. The OSI was positively correlated with AWE in 91.7% (22/24) of aneurysms; the other 2 aneurysms showed a negative correlation with AWE. In aneurysms with no AWE, there was no correlation between WSS (100%, 5/5), OSI (80%, 4/5), and wall inflammation. Conclusions The spatial distribution of WSS was negatively correlated with AWE in aneurysms with AWE, and OSI was positively correlated with AWE in most aneurysms with AWE. While aneurysms that did not contain AWE showed no correlation between hemodynamics and wall inflammation.
Regional Fat Distributions Are Associated With Subclinical Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Adults With Uncomplicated Obesity

Objective Obesity is a prominent public health problem that has increased cardiovascular mortality risks. However, the specific effects of obesity, independent of comorbidities, on cardiac structure and function have not been well clarified, especially those effects on the right ventricle (RV). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue tracking can assess detailed RV mechanical features. This study aimed to evaluate RV strain using CMR in uncomplicated obese adults and assess its association with fat distributions. Methods A total of 49 obese patients and 30 healthy controls were included. The RV global systolic function and strain parameters based on CMR were assessed. Body fat distributions were measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry. RV function indices of obese patients were compared with those of healthy controls. Correlations among related body fat distribution parameters and RV function indices were conducted with multivariable linear regression. Results Compared with healthy controls, the obese group had impaired RV strain with lower global longitudinal peak strain (PS), longitudinal peak systolic strain rate (PSSR), circumferential and longitudinal peak diastolic strain rates (PDSR) (all P < 0.05), while LV and RV ejection fractions were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that android fat% was independently associated with longitudinal PS (β = −0.468, model R2 = 0.219), longitudinal PDSR (β = −0.487, model R2 = 0.237), and circumferential PSSR (β = −0.293, model R2 = 0.086). Trunk fat% was independently associated with longitudinal PSSR (β = −0.457, model R2 = 0.209). In addition, the strongest correlations of circumferential PDSR were BMI and gynoid fat% (β = −0.278, β = 0.369, model R2 = 0.324). Conclusions Extensive subclinical RV dysfunction is found in uncomplicated obese adults. BMI, as an index of overall obesity, is independently associated with subclinical RV dysfunction. In addition, central obesity (android fat and trunk fat distributions) has a negative effect on subclinical RV function, while peripheral obesity (gynoid fat distribution) may have a positive effect on it. Clinical Trials Registration Effect of lifestyle intervention on metabolism of obese patients based on smart phone software (ChiCTR1900026476).
Drilling predation on spatangoid echinoids from the Miocene of Sardinia: a taphonomic and paleoecological perspective

Abstract. Predation is of great importance in understanding the diversification of spatangoid echinoids as well as their preservation in the fossil record. Herein, the spatangoid-dominated Miocene carbonate succession of Punta Foghe (Montiferru area, central-western Sardinia, Italy) is studied with the aim of reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions and investigating abiotic and biotic factors, including predation, that influence the paleoecology and preservation potential of spatangoid echinoids. The echinoid fauna is dominated by the spatangoid Agassizia and, to a lesser extent, the clypeasteroid Clypeaster. The fauna also includes both regular (undetermined diadematoids and camarodonts) and irregular (Plagiobrissus, Echinocyamus, and Koehleraster) forms. Echinoids and associated fossil content, along with taphonomic and sedimentological signatures, indicate an inner sublittoral environment with moderate energy conditions affected by high-energy events. Agassizia remains, which consist mainly of complete and well-preserved tests, commonly bear subcircular drill holes that are interpreted as the result of cassid gastropod predation and investigated with respect to size selectivity and stereotypy of attack sites. Potential biases related to drilling predation and biostratinomy on the preservation potential of spatangoid tests are discussed. Agassizia lacks any morphological adaptation to minimize high predation risk, including defensive spines and the ability to burrow deeply into the sediment. An antipredator behavior possibly relied on a gregarious life-history strategy, reducing the frequency of attacks on specific individuals by cassid predators.
MDOT STATE STUDY #269 - Driven Pile Load Test Data Analysis and Calibration of LRFD Resistance Factor for Mississippi Soils

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) currently uses LRFD. However, the LRFD resistance factor used does not necessarily represent the Mississippi soils. A pair of authors have already calibrated LRFD resistance factors for other states using First Order Second Moment (FOSM). However, FOSM leads to over-conservatism. Thus, this study calibrated LRFD resistance factors using the First Order Reliability Method and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) rather than FOSM. MCS was found to be the most efficient method. Moreover, pile setup factors were obtained in different sets of data. Finally, the calibrated resistance factors were compared with the recommended resistance factors from published studies from the federal government and the state of Alabama in terms of accuracy. The resistance factors generated in this study are recommended for use based on MDOT’s design methodology.
The pattern and outcome of poisoning among children admitted to Sohag University Hospitals

Introduction: poisoning is a major health problem among children that are affected by many factors. Each year a large number of children presented to hospitals with poisoning by different agents such as household products, over-the-counter medications, and others. This study aims to outline the pattern and outcome of poisoning cases among patients less than 18 years admitted to Sohag University Hospitals to find statistical relationships between children's toxicity and different factors and to start using a database for toxic cases in Sohag University Hospitals. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 91 acutely poisoned patients by different agents aged from 0 to 18 years old, who were admitted to Sohag University Hospitals in the period from October 2013 to September 20214. Data including sociodemographic data, causative agents, mode and route of poisoning, the delay time of presentation, and outcome. Results: among 91 children who presented with toxicity, toddlers and adolescents were the most affected (38.46 & 37.36 %). Females were more than males(61.54%). Accidental poisoning and oral route were the commonest mode and routes of poisoning respectively (71.43, 92.31 %). Pesticides were the commonest agent and most cases presented within 6 hours after poisoning. 52% of cases were discharged after 6 hours without complications and the mortality rate was 2.2%. Delay time and duration of hospitalization were factors that affected the outcome. Conclusion: childhood poisoning is a common problem that is affected by many factors so aware of them and their parents and preventive measures should be taken to decrease its occurrence.
Accelerated waning of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in patients with immune mediated inflammatory diseases.

BACKGROUND Limited information is available on the impact of immunosuppressants on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). METHODS This observational cohort study examined the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic disease, with or without maintenance immunosuppressive therapies. Antibody and T cell responses to SARS-COV-2, including neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants were determined before and after 1 and 2 vaccine doses. RESULTS We prospectively followed 150 subjects, 26 healthy controls, 9 IMID patients on no treatment, 44 on anti-TNF, 16 on anti-TNF with methotrexate/azathioprine (MTX/AZA), 10 on anti-IL-23, 28 on anti-IL-12/23, 9 on anti-IL-17, and 8 on MTX/AZA. Antibody and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in all participants, increasing from dose 1 to dose 2 and declining 3 months later, with greater attrition in IMID patients compared to healthy controls. Antibody levels and neutralization efficacy against variants of concern were substantially lower in anti-TNF treated patients than in healthy controls and were undetectable against Omicron by 3 months after dose 2. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the need for a third dose of mRNA vaccine and for continued monitoring of immunity in these patient groups. FUNDING Funded by a donation from Juan and Stefania Speck and by Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR) /COVID-Immunity Task Force (CITF) grants VR-1 172711 and VS1-175545 (T.H.W. and A.C.G); CIHR FDN-143250 (T.H.W.), GA2- 177716 (V.C., A.C.G., T.H.W.), GA1-177703 (A.C.G.) and the CIHR rapid response network to SARS-CoV-2 variants, CoVaRR-Net (to A.C.G.).
A Sulfur corrosion phenomenon that damages copper inside a power transformer is quite old since it was observed almost immediately after implementing mineral oils a hundred years

Sulfur is an abundant and important element that can be found in almost all natural materials on earth. It is the third most abundant element in the human body and all other living organisms. It appears in all crude oils since they orig­ inate from living organisms. Petroleum contains sulfur as well. According to [2], insulating oil contains a very large number of diverse organ ic sulphur com­ ulfur corrosion phenomenon in­ side a power transformer is quite old since it was observed almost immediately after implementing mineral oils for insulating power trans ­ formers. The first papers on this subject appeared a hundred years ago [1]. The debate on how the sulfur in oil affects the copper inside transformers continues from that period 2020 ABSTRACT Sulphur corrosion damages the copper of a power transformer, and it is com-monly associated with mineral oil. Although the problem is quite old as it was noticed shortly after the implementation of the mineral oil for the transformers a hundred years ago, recently it received more attention. This complex topic is presented in the form of answers to the most common questions asked by users in practice. For example, why the test of oil for potential sulfur corrosiveness is required, what standards and tests are used today, how to mitigate the problem and avoid failure if the tests show that there is the sulphur corrosion potential,
The Impact of Enterprise Risk Management and Sustainability Reporting on Business Performance of Listed Enterprises on Vietnam Stock Market

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is becoming a critical issue in the current dynamic environment where organizations have been exposed to more risks from different perspectives. Additionally, Sustainability Reporting also emerges as one of the burning topics in recent management literature. This paper examines whether ERM implementation and Sustainability Reporting could bring any effect on the business performance of Vietnamese listed companies. The paper constructs the index to measure the level of ERM implementation of listed firms in Vietnam and uses the generalized least square method (GLS) to analyze the impact of these two concerns on business performance. The regression results indicate that there are significant positive relationships between ERM as well as Sustainability Reporting and the business performance of listed companies on the Vietnam stock exchange over the period 2016-2019. The result strengthens the previous studies that companies with more sustainability disclosure and more efficient ERM implementation are likely to be better in terms of financial performance and market performance. Moreover, there is growing support for the argument that companies will improve their performance by employing the ERM concept and enhancing sustainability transparency to stakeholders.
Determinants of Under-Five Mortality (U5MR) in Al-Bayda City by Using the Logistics Regression Model

This study aimed to identify the factors that cause under-five mortality ( U5MR ) in the city of Al-Bayda. The study also aimed to try to reach a valid conclusion that helps to reduce the U5MR and to monitor progress as such. Libya , like many other countries, aspired to reach ( MDG 4 ) the i target of a two-thirds reduction in the rate of child mortality by 2015. Four years after this deadline, we need to evaluate the situation and try to find solutions to achieve this aim as other countries have. A random sample of 200 women was selected between July 2018 and October 2018 using cluster sampling from the city of Al-Bayda. The relevant descriptive statistics were obtained and then Binary Logistic Regression techniques were employed. The descriptive statistics have shown that the U5MR occurred among 26% of women in the sample. The logistic regression analysis has revealed that the factors, i.e. the mother's education, the mother's age at marriage, the number of children, and the average duration of breastfeeding are the most statistically significant in reducing U5MR . The results also revealed that the family income and the usual place of residence have a substantial impact on U5MR . Based on the present results, Libya is doing well. but more work must be done to help the country to get closer to achieving MDG 4 on time. Finally, the study reached several interesting results. We recommend that further investigation be done based on the Census or a survey to support the findings of this study.
Delisting among Brazilian Companies: an explanatory model from 2013 to 2018

Objective: This study aims to identify the main accounting variables explaining the decision of companies to delist. The number of companies has increased in recent years, and specific investors and the market may be harmed due to decreased liquidity. Method: This study addresses data from companies traded in the B3, analyzing 126 cancellations of registration between 2013 and 2018 by separating the groups and performing logistic regression to analyze the delisting event. Results: The results enabled identifying the main determinants for companies to go private: (i) greater ownership concentration, (ii) lower growth, (iii) lower liquidity, (iv) greater cash availability, and (v) larger size, consistent with previous studies. Contributions: These results contribute to advancing the modeling adopted by Bortolon and Silva Junior (2015), reaching 100% sensitivity for the occurrence of delisting and 88.89% of specificity. The application of modeling can support investors in identifying when a company is likely to delist.
Practical Application and Empirical Evaluation of Reference Class Forecasting for Project Management

Traditionally, project managers produce cost and time forecasts by predicting the future course of specific events. In contrast, reference class forecasting (RCF) bypasses human judgment by basing forecasts on the actual outcomes of past projects similar to the project being forecasted. The RCF technique is compared with the most common traditional project forecasting methods, such as those based on Monte Carlo simulation and earned value management (EVM). The conducted evaluation is entirely based on real-life project data and shows that RCF indeed performs best, for both cost and time forecasting, and therefore supports the practical relevance of the technique.