Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Endometriosis on Pregnancy and Delivery – a Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of endometriosis on subsequent pregnancy and delivery.Methods: retrospective analysis by questionnaire / interview of cases (endometriosis laparoscopically removed / child wish) vs. controls (endometriosis laparoscopically excluded / child wish) from the University Hospital Muenster, Germany, treated between 2009 and 2016; analysis of pregnancy rate, mode of delivery and complications using Clavien-Dindo-classification, role of deep infiltrating endometriosis using ENZIAN classification; data analysis using t-test with p < 0.050% being considered significant.Results:Identification of 973 consecutive cases vs 789 consecutive controls; inclusion of 501 cases: (pregnancy rate 57.5%) and 219 controls (pregnancy rate 60.7%). Primary cesarean section: trend to more in controls (p=0.202). Secondary cesarean section: trend to more in cases (p=0.111). Miscarriage: more in controls (p=0.038). DIE with risks equal to other types of endometriosis. Adenomyosis and bladder endometriosis: increased risk of secondary cesarean section. Pregnancy: more bleeding (p=0.005), early uterine contractions (p=0.012), cervical insufficiency (p=0.042), slightly more pre-eclampsia (p=0.080), amniorrhexis (p=0.220). Delivery: more bleeding (p=0.007), vaginal tear (p=0.009), symphysis diastasis (p=0.022), less episiotomy (p=0.002), prolonged labour (p=0.011). Puerperium: more bleeding (p=0.022), infectious complications p=0.007). Complications more in cases (Clavien Dindo I (p=0.005) or II (p=0.010); controls slightly more III (p=0.055)). Cases vs published control groups from general population: more placenta praevia (p=0.042), placental abruption, miscarriage (p<0.001; relative risk 2.23 (1.84-2.70)), delivery by cesarean section (p<0.001). Conclusion: Complications during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium occur more frequently in cases. The risk of miscarriage and delivery by cesarean section is increased. Endometriosis patients should receive counselling with regard to pregnancy and delivery. They should have access to specialized centers of care. Recommendations regarding mode of delivery should not exclude vaginal delivery also in cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis
Geopolymer Concrete: Leading the World Towards a Sustainable Future

Concrete is the most widely used construction material after water. It requires large amount of OPC as binder material, but production of OPC involves huge energy consumption, destruction of natural resources and emission of large quantities of green house and pollutant gases like CO2 and NOx. In order to significantly reduce CO2 emissions (which are major contributor to global warming and climate change) by cement industry, we need an eco-binder which can partially or fully replace OPC in concrete. Geopolymer technology has been proved to be promising one in this context. This paper describes test results obtained on large number of Geopolymer concrete units by various researchers around the world and illustrates methods adopted for preparation, mixing, curing of ecoconcrete, mechanical properties of GPC, and other useful properties like shrinkage, creep, fire and chemical resistance. Basic Properties of Geopolymer Concrete and OPC concrete based on test results are being compared. Economic benefits, recent developments and applications of geopolymer concrete are also discussed.
A fuzzy logic based power system stabilizer with learning ability

A fuzzy logic-based power system stabilizer (PSS) with learning ability is proposed in this paper. The proposed PSS employs a multilayer adaptive network. The network is trained directly from the input and the output of the generating unit. The algorithm combines the advantages of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy logic control (FLC) schemes. Studies show that the proposed adaptive network-based fuzzy logic PSS (ANF PSS) can provide good damping of power systems over a wide range of operating conditions and improve the dynamic performance of the power system.
Proton-induced single event upset characterization of a 1 Giga-sample per second analog to digital converter

Some high-speed space-borne data acquisition and dissemination systems require conversion of an analog data signal into a digital signal for on-board digital processing. The NASA Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) is one such instrument. It uses the Signal Processing Technologies SPT7760 to convert an analog signal from the laser altimeter. The analog data is converted by the SPT7760 at 1 Giga-sample per second (Gsps). These types of data handling applications can typically withstand a relatively high bit error ratio (BER). In this paper, we describe the a novel approach for proton-induced single event upset characterization of the SPT760. Data is given for operating sample rates from 125 Msps to 1 Gsps.
Systemic and local diseases associated with the development of diabetic macular edema among Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus

Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) causes severe vision loss among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to investigate systemic and local diseases associated with the development of DME among a Japanese population. Methods A total of 3.11 million Japanese subjects who were registered in the database of the Japan Medical Data Center from 2005 to 2014 were analyzed. Subjects with DM were defined as individuals who had been prescribed any therapeutic medications for DM, and associated diseases were analyzed. The periods analyzed were one year before the development of DME among patients with DME and one year before the last visit to an ophthalmic clinic among patients without DME. Results A total of 17,403 patients with DM satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 420 patients developed DME. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between 55 diseases, including 39 systemic and 16 local diseases, and DME development. The logistic analysis identified 21 systemic diseases and 10 local diseases as significant factors associated with DME development. Various types of systemic and local diseases were associated with DME development. Conclusion Subjects with DM who present these risk factors must be carefully monitored to prevent visual impairment.
A case report of a patient with a live born child from the 14th pregnancy after 13 spontaneous abortion, diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease with unclear etiology and complex pathogenesis. It can be a single nosological unit or in the context of another systemic disease of the connective tissue – most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in pregnant women is associated with an increased rate of complications during pregnancy. The most common symptoms are preeclampsia and eclampsia, early spontaneous abortions and late fetal loss, in the absence or presence of a proven genetic defect for congenital thrombophilia and/or chromosomal diseases. A multidisciplinary approach and regular patient consultations are key factors in the follow-up and positive outcomes of pregnancy in women with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Timely treatment with corticosteroids, anticoagulants, antiаggregant agents, and intravenous immunoglobulins repeatedly increases the chance of successful completion of pregnancy with live birth.
Entrainment and Inlet Suction: Two Mechanisms of Hydrodynamic Lubrication in Textured Bearings

A new mechanism of hydrodynamic lubrication termed "inlet suction, " applicable to low convergence, micropocketed bearings, has been identified. In this, sliding of one of the bearing surfaces generates a subambient pressure in pockets close to the bearing inlet. Because this pressure is less than the external atmospheric pressure, lubricant is "sucked" into the bearing through the inlet land. This is quite a different mechanism from classical entrainment due to shear. In the current paper flow, hydrodynamic load support and friction are calculated using analytical solutions for simple pocketed bearings having a wide range of convergence ratios, including parallel surfaces. It is found that for the parallel case, inlet suction provides the only mechanism of hydrodynamic load support, and that inlet suction continues to play a major role in load support and friction reduction up to quite high convergence ratios. This mechanism of lubrication is believed to be responsible for the enhanced lubricant film formation and reduced friction of textured bearings, previously reported by a number of authors.
Study on the Characteristics of Harmful Gas Distribution of Welding Semi-Closed Environment

In order to reveal the harmful gas distribution characteristics of welding semi-closed field, this paper established a welding workshop model. Under conditions of natural and mixed convection, the flow state of CO generated in the welding process within the workshop was simulated based on the zero-equation turbulence model. The distribution of CO was analyzed under the conditions of different exhaust rate and different number of working welder. Studies have shown that higher concentration CO appears in the region of 0.6m to 1.5m from the ground; it is necessary to adjust the number of air vents when the number of welder is changing. In addition, the asymmetric structure of workshop also affects the distribution of CO. The simulation results not only can evaluate the pros and cons of the workshop structure and ventilation system, but also provide a theoretical basis for hazardous gas detection and alarm strategy for the further purposes.
Finite Element Analysis of Sloshing in Horizontal-Cylindrical Industrial Vessels Under Earthquake Loading

The present paper presents a finite-element formulation for earthquake-induced sloshing in horizontal-cylindrical industrial vessels. Assuming small-amplitude free-surface elevation, a linearized sloshing problem is obtained, which provides very good results in comparison with other analytical or numerical solutions, and available experimental data. The paper is aimed at calculating sloshing frequencies, as well as sloshing transient response under horizontal seismic excitation. Based on an “impulsive-convective” decomposition of the container-fluid motion, an efficient methodology is proposed for the calculation of the total seismic force, through the corresponding sloshing masses. The results from the present finite element analysis offers an efficient tool for predicting the total seismic force in horizontal cylinders and extends the current design practice for vertical cylindrical tanks stated in existing seismic design specifications.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Microstructures and Wear Resistance of Iron-Based Protective Coatings by Supersonic Arc Spraying

The characteristics in microstructure, surface morphology, chemical composition, hardness and wear resistance of the three protective iron-based compound coatings prepared by Supersonic Arc Spraying (HVAS), were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) and Rockwell apparatus in this paper. It is indicated that the three coatings are typical layer and compact structures. The coatings are composed of Fe (s.s) phase and various kinds of ferric oxides, chrome carbides and/or intermetallic phase distributing along the interface of lamellar layers. More Cr and Ti, Al elements in the cored wires can degrease the diameter and alternate the morphologies of the holes in the coating, resulting from the formation of oxides, carbides and intermetallic phase during depositing the coating. The results indicate the SXTiAlC coating shows the most excellent wear performance among the three coatings. The wear behavior and mechanism are discussed.
Impact of DIF on General Factor Mean Comparisons for Bifactor, Ordinal Data

Abstract A simulation study was conducted to explore the impact of differential item functioning (DIF) on general factor difference estimation for bifactor, ordinal data. Common analysis misspecifications in which the generated bifactor data with DIF were fitted using models with equality constraints on noninvariant item parameters were compared under data generation conditions varying by sample size, number of response categories, effect size of the general factor mean difference, and the position and the magnitude of DIF. Estimation bias in the general factor mean difference resulting from ignoring DIF mainly depended on the type of parameters with DIF. When ignoring DIF in threshold parameters, very substantial estimation bias was produced, and Type I error rates (powers) were inflated for many conditions. In contrast, when ignoring DIF in general factor loadings, a little estimation bias was produced; when ignoring DIF in specific factor loadings, almost no estimation bias was produced. All Type I error rates fell within required limits when DIF was present in factor loadings, and powers were not influenced by ignoring DIF in factor loadings.
Inductance calculations; experimental investigations

Methods to measure the ground lift voltage are described. From this voltage the ground impedance can be determined. The ground impedance is equal to the DC resistance for low frequencies. However, for high frequencies the ground impedance is determined by the external inductance, and, if this external inductance is very small, by the AC resistance too. The obtained inductance figures are compared with theoretical values. PC board transmission lines are discussed in particular.
Park-and-Ride Access Station Choice Model for Cross-Regional Commuting

The paper presents an investigation of park-and-ride access station choices of cross-regional commuters in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTHA). Data from a household travel survey conducted in 2006 in the GTHA were used for this empirical investigation. The household travel survey data were supplemented by data from transit service operators on park-and-ride station locations, parking lot capacities, parking costs, surrounding land use, and station amenities. Three groups of park-and-ride users were defined: (a) individuals for whom only local transit Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway stations were within reasonable reach, (b) individuals for whom only regional transit (GO Train) stations were within reach, and (c) individuals for whom both GO Train and TTC subway stations were within reach. Different model structures and specifications were tested, and three discrete choice models were estimated. Empirical models revealed that access distance and the relative station direction (toward the workplace) were the primary factors that affected transit station choice for park-and-ride options. However, for station distance and relative station direction, commuters were more sensitive to changes in station access distance than to changes in the relative station direction from their households. In addition, the empirical models revealed that local transit park-and-ride users were less sensitive to access distance than were regional transit park-and-ride users. The results of this investigation could be useful in future transit station design projects to attract more commuters to use park-and-ride facilities.
Modeling of combined-cycle power plants for power system studies

This paper presents a brief summary of the technical brochure developed by the CIGRE task force 25, under the advisory group 02 of the study committee 38, on the modeling of gas turbines and steam turbines in combined-cycle power plants. The technical brochure, to be published by CIGRE central office, was the result of over eighteen months of collaborative work amongst 27 members and contributors from 11 countries.
Soil Erosion Effects on Soybean Yields

The loss of soil productivity as erosion progressed was measured and documented in this study. Soybean was grown on 12 pairs of plots with lengths of 46 m and slopes ranging from 3 to 4% in Loring silt loam soil (Typic Fragiudalf). In 1983, all plots were tilled uniformly preceding planting of soybeans. Since then, no-till soybeans were grown in one plot of each pair to provide a minimal loss of productivity caused by erosion, and conventional-till soybean was grown in the other plot to provide a continuous larger loss of productivity due to excessive erosion. Conventional-till soybean yields exceeded no-till soybean yields during the first two years of the study. During the fourth through eighth years, no-till soybean yields averaged 44% greater than conventional-till soybean yields. The developing trend of lower yields for conventional-till as compared to no-till indicated an adverse effect of excessive erosion on soil productivity. Simulated rainfall was applied to the bottom third of different pairs of plots in 1986, 1987, and 1990 after receiving tillage of two diskings and harrowing. Tillage immediately preceding the rainfall simulation provided a similar soil surface for testing the effects of tillage history (either no-till or conventional-till) on soil erosion. Plots with conventional-till history were more erodible than those with no-till history. Runoff during initial 60-minute rainfall simulations from conventional-till plots was 21, 13, and 52% greater than that from no-till plots in 1986, 1987, and 1990, respectively. Soil loss during initial runs during these same years was 62, 34, and 350% greater, respectively, from conventional-till plots than that from no-till plots. Significantly, eroded soils with a conventional-till history were more susceptible to further erosion under additional intensive tillage than soils protected through a no-till management system.
A Task-Analytic Approach to the Temporal and Spatial Placement of Product Warnings

The effect of warning placement was investigated using a task-analytic approach to generate alternative warning locations. Within the context of a realistic task, 60 subjects used a consumer product that displayed a warning in one of four conditions. In two of the conditions the warnings were positioned so as to temporarily interfere with task performance. Dependent measures included attention to and behavioral compliance with the warning. The effect of warning placement was significant; the percentage of subjects who noticed the warning ranged from 0% to 93%, and the percentage who complied ranged from 0% to 53% across the four warning conditions. It was also found that warnings that temporarily interfered with task performance were significantly more effective than those that did not. The results are supportive of a task-analytic approach to warning design that pays particular attention to the cognitive aspects of task performance. The results also illustrate that, although alternative warning locations for a given product may satisfy commonly accepted placement criteria, they can differ dramatically in their effectiveness.
The temperature field digitization of radiation images in blast furnace raceway

This article applies digital image processing techniques to the research for the algorithm of peep-temperature-field of flame image. Embarking on the factors which produce errors, the traditional bicolorimetric temperature measurement method is obtained proofreading. Then this algorithm is applied to the research on establishment of the temperature fields for gas combustion flame image in the small experiment table as well as radiative image in blast furnace raceway in some steel corporation. By the laboratory research we obtain that coefficient of correction equals to 33.4 and error value between the measured temperature and calculated temperature is in the scope of 5.0%. The result shows that the temperature fields of gas combustion flame image and those of radiative image in raceway reflect accurately the actual temperatures respectively as well as a series of changes for flame temperature information caused by varying working conditions. Therefore, it lays foundations for furnace operators to provide visualized image information and accurate temperature information.
The Development of an English Course based on the Integration of Project-Based Learning Approach and Blended Learning Module for Enhancing English Communication Skills at Workplace for the ASEAN Community of Thai Undergraduate Engineering Students

The objectives of the study were to investigate the needs of English communication skills at workplaces of engineers and to provide guidelines on how to develop the English course based on the Integration of Project-based Learning Approach and Blended Learning Module to enhance English communication skills at work of undergraduate engineering students. To develop the course, it is generally composed of three main phases: needs analysis, course development, and course implementation and the course evaluation. However, this research reports the results of the needs analysis and provides suggestions for the course development based on the Integration of Project-based Learning Approach and Blended Learning Module. The questionnaires were used to investigate the needs analysis of three main groups of subjects: 15 engineers, 98 engineering students, and 10 ESP teachers. The semi-structured interview was used to gain more in-depth data from the representatives of the three main groups. However, only the perspectives of the students will be presented in this paper. The results of the study theoretically and practically shed some new light to the area of English language instruction for engineers.
Optimization of Sentiment Analysis Using Teaching-Learning Based Algorithm

: Feature selection and sentiment analysis are two common studies that are currently being conducted; consistent with the advancements in computing and growing the use of social media. High dimensional or large feature sets is a key issue in sentiment analysis as it can decrease the accuracy of sentiment classification and make it difficult to obtain the optimal subset of the features. Furthermore, most reviews from social media carry a lot of noise and irrelevant information. Therefore, this study proposes a new text-feature selection method that uses a combination of rough set theory (RST) and teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO), which is known as RSTLBO. The framework to develop the proposed RSTLBO includes numerous stages: (1) acquiring the standard datasets (user reviews of six major U.S. airlines) which are used to validate search result feature selection methods, (2) preprocessing of the dataset using text processing methods. This involves applying text processing methods from natural language processing techniques, combined with linguistic processing techniques to produce high classification results, (3) employing the RSTLBO method, and (4) using the selected features from the previous process for sentiment classification using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique. Results show an improvement in sentiment analysis when combining natural language processing with linguistic processing for text processing. More importantly, the proposed RSTLBO feature selection algorithm is able to produce an improved sentiment analysis.