Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Diagnosis of Hepatic Mass with Central Scar: Focal Nodular Hyperplasia Mimicking Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary hepatic tumor that usually appears in young adults. Radical surgery is considered curative for this kind of tumor, so early diagnosis becomes essential for the prognosis of the patients. The main characteristic of this entity is the central scar, which is the center of differential diagnosis. We report the case of a 30-year-old man who was diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma by ultrasonography. Contrast-enhanced CT confirmed this diagnosis, and the patient underwent a [18F] fluorocholine PET/CT. Hypermetabolism and the morphology in the nuclear medicine exploration suggest neoplastic nature of the lesion. Radical surgery was performed, and histopathologic analysis was performed, which resulted in focal nodular hyperplasia. Hepatic masses with central scar could have a difficult differential diagnosis, and focal nodular hyperplasia could mimic fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma imaging patterns. These morphofunctional characteristics have not been described in [18F] Fluorocholine PET/CT, so there is a need to find out the potential role PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of hepatic mass with central scar.
A meta-analysis examining technology-assisted L2 vocabulary learning

Abstract This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of technology-assisted second language (L2) vocabulary learning as well as identifies factors that may play a role in their effectiveness. We found 34 studies with 2,511 participants yielding 49 separate effect sizes. Following the procedure developed by Hunter and Schmidt (2004), we corrected for sample size bias and measurement error. The overall effect size for using technology to learn L2 vocabulary was d = 0.64, which is a moderate effect size. The Q statistic indicated a significant variability in effect size, so we followed up with a theory-driven moderator analysis. The results of the moderator analysis revealed that learners benefited more from technology-assisted L2 vocabulary learning with incidental instruction than with intentional instruction; types of assessment were not significant moderators of the effect on technology-assisted L2 vocabulary learning; technology-assisted L2 vocabulary learning is more effective when the target language is close to the learner’s first language; college students benefited more from technology-assisted L2 vocabulary learning than K–12 students; and, finally, mobile-assisted L2 vocabulary learning was more effective than computer-assisted L2 vocabulary learning.
Burn-in and Maintenance Policies

Burn-in is a widely used method to improve quality of products after they have been produced. For a repairable component there are two common types of repair, complete repair and minimal repair. Preventive maintenance policies such as age replacement and block replacement are often employed in field operation. The present paper takes burn-in, maintenance and repair into consideration at the same time and considers related cost structures. The properties of the corresponding optimal burn-in times and optimal maintenance policies are discussed.
A Custom-Made Lower Limb Dynamometer for Assessing Ankle Joint Torque in Humans: Calibration and Measurement Procedures

Custom-made dynamometry was shown to objectively analyze human muscle strength around the ankle joint with accuracy, easy portability and low costs. This paper describes the full method of calibration and measurement setup and the measurement procedure when capturing ankle torque for establishing reliability of a portable custom-built electronic dynamometer. After considering the load cell offset voltage, the pivotal position was determined, and calibration with loads followed. Linear regression was used for calculating the proportionality constant between torque and measured voltage. Digital means were used for data collection and processing. Four healthy consenting participants were enrolled in the study. Three consecutive maximum voluntary isometric contractions of five seconds each were registered for both feet during plantar flexion/dorsiflexion, and ankle torque was then calculated for three ankle inclinations. A calibration procedure resulted, comprising determination of the pivotal axis and pedal constant. Using the obtained data, a measurement procedure was proposed. Obtained contraction time graphs led to easier filtering of the results. When calculating the interclass correlation, the portable apparatus demonstrated to be reliable when measuring ankle torque. When a custom-made dynamometer was used for capturing ankle torque, accuracy of the method was assured by a rigorous calibration and measurement protocol elaboration.
Hurricanes alter 10Be concentrations in tropical river sediment but do not change regional erosion rate estimates

Tropical islands, including many in island arcs, are subjected to recurring disturbances from extreme storms such as tropical cyclones. To test whether such storms influence cosmogenic nuclide concentrations such that they do not reflect long‐term rates of erosion, we measured meteoric and in situ 10Be in river sediment samples from Dominica, an andesitic island in the Caribbean, before and after category five Hurricane Maria (in 2017). Populations of before‐ and after‐storm concentrations are statistically indistinguishable (n = 7 pairs for in‐situ 10Be, n = 11 pairs for meteoric 10Be). 10Be concentrations vary from −138% to +73% within before–after sample pairs relative to the mean of the pair. These new data suggest that the effects of extreme storms on the depth and amount of near‐surface erosion on Dominica vary spatially. Our data support the calculations of Niemi et al. (2005) and Yanites et al. (2009) suggesting that basin‐by‐basin comparisons of erosion rates based on cosmogenic nuclides should be approached with caution in small (<~100 km2) watersheds affected by mass movements and extreme storms. Erosion rates determined from in‐situ 10Be on Dominica (geometric mean = 0.102 mm y−1, n = 12) are low compared to similarly steep and wet areas globally and correlate positively with the spatial density of mass movements.
193-nm resist roughness characterization and process propagation investigation using a CD-SEM

We use the LER measurement capabilities of the Applied Materials NanoSEM 3D CD-SEM for the determination of LER for different manufacturing steps of the DRAM gate layer for the 90 nm technology node and below (after develop, after hard mask-open and final inspection steps). The system allows the fully automatic measurement of the LER as a 3 sigma value for top as well as bottom LER and yields also information about the spatial frequency along the line edge. We demonstrate precision of LER measurements (3 sigma) of less than 10% of the LER for resist structures as well as for etched structures with random or artificial LER within a range from 4 to 20 nm LER. The results agree with the requirements of the ITRS roadmap for structures down to 70 nm. We show on etched poly wafers containing artificial LER that the identification of discrete frequencies is possible down to LER values of below 5 nm (3 sigma). Based on these result we investigate LER on product wafers and show that the LER of left and right line edge, repsectively, are independent of each other. Additionally, no significant discrete frequencies are detected for all process steps under investigation, although the LER amplitude varies significantly in dependence of process conditions.
Pojavnost problema u ponašanju djece u ustanovama ranog i predškolskog odgoja i obrazovanja

Problemi u ponašanju djece rane i predškolske dobi povezani su s kasnijom socijalizacijom, prilagodbom na školu, školskim uspjehom i drugim obrazovnim postignućima u adolescentskoj i odrasloj dobi, što ukazuje na važnost pravovremenog prepoznavanja odstupanja od uobičajenog psihosocijalnog funkcioniranja i ponašanja djece. Poznato je da je za prevenciju nepovoljnih razvojnih ishoda, uključujući razvoj problema u ponašanju, ključno razdoblje do šeste godine djetetova života. Cilj je ovog istraživanja analizirati pojavnost problema u ponašanju djece rane i predškolske dobi u Republici Hrvatskoj s obzirom na spol i razvojni status djece, na temelju procjena roditelja i odgojitelja. Procijenjeno je ponašanje 447 djece u dobi od pet i šest godina u 10 hrvatskih programa ranog i predškolskog odgoja i obrazovanja. Utvrđeno je da s učestalošću manifestiranja problema u ponašanju opada njihov udio u populaciji te da izražajnije probleme u ponašanju prema procjenama odgojitelja manifestira 7%, a prema procjenama roditelja 9% djece rane i predškolske dobi. Na uzorku ovog istraživanja nisu utvrđene razlike u procjenama učestalosti manifestiranja internaliziranih problema u ponašanju između dječaka i djevojčica, ali se pokazalo da odgojitelji i roditelji češće procjenjuju prisutnost eksternaliziranih problema u ponašanju kod dječaka u odnosu na djevojčice. Odgojitelji i roditelji procjenjuju da djeca s teškoćama u razvoju u odnosu na djecu tipičnog razvoja češće manifestiraju internalizirane probleme u ponašanju, dok razlike u procjenama učestalosti manifestiranja eksternaliziranih problema s obzirom na razvojni status djece nisu utvrđene. Ovim istraživanjem potvrđuju se mogućnosti ranog prepoznavanja problema u ponašanju djece i ukazuje se na relevantnost i povezanost procjena ponašanja djece od strane njihovih roditelja i odgojitelja.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: From Drivers to Targets

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the excessive and detrimental accumulation of liver fat as a result of high-caloric intake and/or cellular and molecular abnormalities. The prevalence of this pathological event is increasing worldwide, and is intimately associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, among other comorbidities. To date, only therapeutic strategies based on lifestyle changes have exhibited a beneficial impact on patients with NAFLD, but unfortunately this approach is often difficult to implement, and shows poor long-term adherence. For this reason, great efforts are being made to elucidate and integrate the underlying pathological molecular mechanism, and to identify novel and promising druggable targets for therapy. In this regard, a large number of clinical trials testing different potential compounds have been performed, albeit with no conclusive results yet. Importantly, many other clinical trials are currently underway with results expected in the near future. Here, we summarize the key aspects of NAFLD pathogenesis and therapeutic targets in this frequent disorder, highlighting the most recent advances in the field and future research directions.
A soil vapor extraction pilot study in a deep arid vadose zone Part 2: simulations in support of decision making processes

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) is a vital tool for remediating subsurface volatile organic plumes at waste sites with deep unsaturated zones. Plumes in the vadose zone are affected by many factors including vapor advection and diffusion, liquid movement, and source release processes. Leakage from buried drums may occur at different rates over the lifetime of a waste site, requiring modeling tools that can adequately address uncertain future scenarios. To demonstrate this concept, we present a numerical model of an SVE pilot test on a volatile organic compound (VOC) plume in the subsurface at Material Disposal Area L, Los Alamos National Laboratory. A site-scale numerical model was previously developed to evaluate the impact of subsurface processes on subsurface contaminants associated with waste disposed at the site. One important goal of model development is to support future corrective measures assessment activities. The model has been extensively tested and used to confirm our conceptual model for transport within the very dry mesa-top setting. In this study we present results of simulations of the SVE test. A 2-D radial model is used to test our conceptual model of flow and transport at this site. The 2-D model is calibrated to the SVE pilot test concentration and pressure data using field measured values for in situ permeability, porosity, saturation and site specific details such as asphalt coverage. A dual porosity formulation, including both matrix and fracture nodes, is necessary to fit the test data. Fracture flow at this site is necessary because the data show large drops in concentration from wells around the extraction hole that cannot be modeled as flow through a high porosity matrix. Matrix transport via diffusion into lower permeability storage provides a source term source that can replicate concentration rebound spike seen in data from the extraction borehole and other nearby boreholes. Simulations having matrix only are shown to fit the data at times greater than 3 weeks, suggesting that the matrix is strongly coupled to the fracture network and that dual porosity simulations may not be necessary for capturing long term behavior. Next we present a new high resolution, 3-D, site scale model that we plan to calibrated to the SVE pilot test concentration and pressure data using guidance from the 2-D radial model. We conclude by discussing how the 3-D model will be used to guide future decisions.
Investigating The Role of Religious Leadership at Indonesia’s Islamic Boarding Schools in The Sustainability of School Management

Purpose . The study's general purpose was to identify the extent of leadership and management practices at Indonesia’s Islamic Boarding Schools ( pesantren ) in ensuring the sustainability of education and school management. In particular, the study aimed to investigate the leadership practice patterns of an Islamic Boarding School in the East Java Province of Indonesia and examine teachers' roles in the administration of the institution. Methodology. The study used a quantitative research design supported by cross-sectional statistical procedures and processes with an experimental approach to test variables, by investigating the relationship and testing the hypotheses. A theoretical model was designed for this purpose. Findings . Findings suggest that though pesantren leadership practices are acceptable in policy, social support, and financial dimensions but they still lack structural and teaching aspects. Statistically, there was an indication that pesantren leadership positively and significantly influence the relationship between teachers, school facilities, system, and student achievement. The study recommends that pesantren leaders should be given more opportunities of training in administration and governance. The government should also assist pesantren by providing technical facilities to ensure a consistent student achievement. Implications to Research and Practice. This study succeeds in reiterating that pesantren as Islamic boarding schools have a unique management system, which has produced top religious leaders different from the secular school system. This study has revealed that principals or leaders in these pesantren have no authority to decide on school policies. It is hoped that this study will draw the attention of the officials and authorities to provide facilities and empowerment to ensure the sustainability of these boarding schools.
Final Report: Results from Accessing Curriculum Through Technology Tools (ACTTT), A Model Development Project

Accessing Curriculum Through Technology Tools (ACTTT), a project funded by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), developed and tested a model designed to allow children in early elementary school, including those “at risk” and with disabilities, to better access, participate in, and benefit from the general curriculum. Children in treatment classrooms participated in ACTTT’s technology-based curriculum activities on a weekly basis. These activities led to many learning opportunities for children in the treatment groups. Children in treatment classrooms scored higher than children in comparison classrooms on all but 3 of the 22 technology skills assessed. In addition, children in treatment classrooms honed their social and communication skills; participated in planning, investigation, and problem-solving situations; and learned about organizing and concept mapping. All treatment teachers increased their technology skills, as well as their confidence with respect to technology over the course of the project and, as a group, outperformed comparison teachers.
Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) with a high prevalence of hydrocephalus without clinical symptoms

Normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition in which the ventricle is enlarged without elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and it generally develops in later life and progresses slowly. A complete animal model that mimics human idiopathic NPH has not yet been established, and the onset mechanisms and detailed pathomechanisms of NPH are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate a high spontaneous prevalence (34.6%) of hydrocephalus without clinical symptoms in inbred cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus). In all 46 hydrocephalic cotton rats, the severity was mild or moderate and not severe. The dilation was limited to the lateral ventricles, and none of the hemorrhage, ventriculitis, meningitis, or tumor formation was found in hydrocephalic cotton rats. These findings indicate that the type of hydrocephalus in cotton rats is similar to that of communicating idiopathic NPH. Histopathological examinations revealed that the inner granular and pyramidal layers (layers IV and V) of the neocortex became thinner in hydrocephalic brains. A small number of pyramidal cells were positive for Fluoro‐Jade C (a degenerating neuron marker) and ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)‐immunoreactive microglia were in contact with the degenerating neurons in the hydrocephalic neocortex, suggesting that hydrocephalic cotton rats are more or less impaired projections from the neocortex. This study highlights cotton rats as a candidate for novel models to elucidate the pathomechanism of idiopathic NPH. Additionally, cotton rats have some noticeable systemic pathological phenotypes, such as chronic kidney disease and metabolic disorders. Thus, this model might also be useful for researching the comorbidities of NPH to other diseases.
The Association between Fasting Glucose and Sugar Sweetened Beverages Intake Is Greater in Latin Americans with a High Polygenic Risk Score for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chile is one of the largest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) world-wide. However, it is unknown whether the effects from this highly industrialized food will mimic those reported in industrialized countries or whether they will be modified by local lifestyle or population genetics. Our goal is to evaluate the interaction effect between SSB intake and T2D susceptibility on fasting glucose. We calculated a weighted genetic risk score (GRSw) based on 16 T2D risk SNPs in 2828 non-diabetic participants of the MAUCO cohort. SSB intake was categorized in four levels using a food frequency questionnaire. Log-fasting glucose was regressed on SSB and GRSw tertiles while accounting for socio-demography, lifestyle, obesity, and Amerindian ancestry. Fasting glucose increased systematically per unit of GRSw (β = 0.02 ± 0.006, p = 0.00002) and by SSB intake (β[cat4] = 0.04 ± 0.01, p = 0.0001), showing a significant interaction, where the strongest effect was observed in the highest GRSw-tertile and in the highest SSB consumption category (β = 0.05 ± 0.02, p = 0.02). SNP-wise, SSB interacted with additive effects of rs7903146 (TCF7L2) (β = 0.05 ± 0.01, p = 0.002) and with the G/G genotype of rs10830963 (MTNRB1B) (β = 0.19 ± 0.05, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The association between SSB intake and fasting glucose in the Chilean population without diabetes is modified by T2D genetic susceptibility.
Long-term influence of the design of energy management systems on lowering household energy consumption

Several studies have shown that real-time feedback by energy management systems (EMSs) supports households' energy-saving behaviours by making the relationship between daily activities and energy use more clear. However, acquired savings vary, which may be caused by variations in the design of EMSs. In this paper, we investigate the influence of the design of EMS in a longitudinal field study among a large group of Dutch households. Two EMSs with different designs are compared with a control condition to explore their effects on domestic electricity and gas consumption. Our findings demonstrate that merely providing real-time feedback is insufficient to promote sustainable energy-saving behaviours. Only one of the two EMSs resulted in significant energy savings in comparison with the control condition. As our results indicate, energy savings are supported by use frequency of the EMS. To stimulate frequent usage of an EMS, and thus the desired sustainable energy-saving behaviours, the EMS should be designed for high accessibility and ease of use.
Consumers’ Responses to Corporate Normalised Misconduct During an Industry-Wide Crisis: An Investigation in the Chinese Dairy Industry

Industry-wide crises are rooted in institutional problems and can cause large-scale negative consequences. This study investigates consumer responses during industry-wide crises by considering micro-level psychological aspects of institutions – the processes in which individual consumers perceive, judge and respond to the affected industry as an institutional entity. Specifically, it examines how consumers’ perceptions of the normative and regulatory environments of the affected industry influence their purchase intentions through legitimacy judgement. A consumer survey (n = 534) was conducted after an industry-wide crisis in the Chinese dairy market. The results show that a high degree of perceived normalised misconduct and insufficient governmental regulation propel consumers to form negative legitimacy judgements of institutions and decrease their purchase intentions. This study is one of the first to provide an integrative framework for understanding consumer psychological mechanisms during industry-wide crises. It contributes to integrating the perspectives of consumers’ micro-level psychological mechanisms with views from macro-institutional environments. The research provides implications for managing industry misconduct and industry-wide crises.
Forecasting residential construction demand in Singapore: a comparative study of the accuracy of time series, regression and artificial neural network techniques

It is widely believed that the construction industry is more volatile than other sectors of the economy. Accurate predictions of the level of aggregate demand for construction are of vital importance to all sectors of this industry (e.g. developers, builders and consultants). Empirical studies have shown that accuracy performance varies according to the type of forecasting technique and the variable to be forecast. Hence, there is a need to gain useful insights into how different techniques perform, in terms of accuracy, in the prediction of demand for construction. In Singapore, the residential sector has often been regarded as one of the most important owing to its large percentage share in the total value of construction contracts awarded per year. In view of this, there is an increasing need to objectively identify a forecasting technique which can produce accurate demand forecasts for this vital sector of the economy. The three techniques examined in the present study are the univariate Box‐Jenkins approach, the multiple loglinear regression and artificial neural networks. A comparison of the accuracy of the demand models developed shows that the artificial neural network model performs best overall. The univariate Box‐Jenkins model is the next best, while the multiple loglinear regression model is the least accurate. Relative measures of forecasting accuracy dealing with percentage errors are used to compare the forecasting accuracy of the three different techniques.