Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in the Identification of Monosodium Urate Deposition in Gout Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis of 828 Joints According to Structural Joint Damage

Background Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has become a promising, non-invasive procedure for the visualization, characterization, and quantification of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, which aids clinicians in the diagnosis of gout. In this study, we aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of DECT in the evaluation of gout. Methodology This cross-sectional retrospective study included patients who were clinically diagnosed with gout and underwent a DECT scan. Results A majority (80.4%) of the MSU deposits were found in the ankle joints. The presence of MSU deposits on DECT scan was highly correlated with bone erosion in the upper limb (odds ratio [OR] = 132; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 17.3-1004.3), bone sclerosis in the lower limb (OR = 36.4; 95% CI = 15.4-86.1), bone erosion in metacarpophalangeal joints (OR = 160; 95% CI = 42.7-600.2), and bone sclerosis in metatarsophalangeal joints (OR = 35.6; 95% CI = 15.5-81.9). Using linear regression analysis on patient-level data, correlations were found between DECT MSU crystal deposition and damage on all categories of structural joint damage showing significant association with erosion (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) and space narrowing (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) but not with joints having periarticular calcification (r = 0.52, p < 0.041). Conclusions Our study established DECT as a valid method for detecting MSU deposits and their association with structural joint deterioration in a Vietnamese population.
Risk factors and microbial spectrum for infectious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Background Although the mortality of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has decreased, the morbidity especially infections is still a severe challenge. This study aimed to identify the risk factors and microbial spectrum for infectious complications after PD. Methods This retrospective study of 291 consecutive patients who underwent PD between February 2018 and March 2021 was conducted. The clinical data was reviewed and risk factors associated with infectious complications were analyzed. To investigate the microbial spectrum, microorganisms isolated from preoperative bile, drainage fluid and blood were counted. Results A total of 110 patients (37.8%) developed postoperative infections. The patients who suffered infections had higher severe complications, prolonged hospitalization and increased expenditures. Three independent risk factors were identified: preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) [odds ratio (OR) 2.082; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.059-4.091; P=0.033], clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) (OR 11.984; 95% CI: 6.556-21.471; P=0.000) and biliary fistula (BF) (OR 3.674; 95% CI: 1.218-11.084; P=0.021). K. pneumoniae and E. faecalis were the most frequently isolated bacteria in preoperative bile and drainage fluid after PD. K. pneumoniae and S. haemolyticus were the most common bacteria in bacteremia patients. Conclusions PBD, POPF and BF are independent risk factors for infectious complications after PD. To lower the incidence of infection, PBD should be performed only in select cases and efforts should be taken to reduce the POPF and BF. The pathogens of bile and drainage fluid should be monitored throughout the hospital stay.
Implementation Of LMS-CIDOS In Polytechnic English Language Classroom: Issues And Challenges

Abstract: The wide implementation of the Learning Management System (LMS) in many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia is seen as strong support for eLearning. Many LMS have been developed and adopted based on their features, usability and functionality that can offer benefits for the whole faculty of the institution. In Malaysia’s Polytechnic, LMS-CIDOS is a platform used for eLearning. A blended learning platform has become a need for many lecturers. This study investigated the perception of English Language lecturers in utilising the platform to implement eLearning in language classroom teaching. This study explored the issues and challenges in implementing the blended learning concept in Muadzam Shah Polytechnic. The lecturers’ perceptions in this study were measured using the Instructors LMS Acceptance Model proposed by Kamla and Hafedh (2010), which was modified from the original Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis (1989). Seven experienced English Language Lecturers were also interviewed using the semi-structured interview approach. Among the themes that emerged through the thematic analysis was the reliability of hardware, software & internet connection, design and content organisation, temporary record-keeping, complex system structure, inadequate time and work management, insufficient training and support from the institution, the need for teaching guide from the expert, lack of skills to encourage active communication using LMS-CIDOS and students’ lack of digital literacy skills. The findings of this study offer an expanded understanding of LMS acceptance among higher education instructors and a reference for related areas of study. Keywords: Blended learning, e-learning, LMS-CIDOS.
Hemispheric sea ice extent dynamics as observed from MSMR

The ice covered regions of the polar seas influence the global climate in several ways. Any perturbation in the polar oceanic cryosphere affects the local weather and the global climate through modulation of the radiative forcing, the bottom water formation and the mass & the momentum transfer between Atmosphere-Cryosphere-Ocean System. The cold, harsh and inhospitable conditions in the polar regions prohibit the collection of extensive in situ data with sufficient spatial and temporal variation. However, satellite remote sensing is an ideal technique for studying the areas like the polar regions with synoptic and repetitive coverage. This paper discusses the analysis of the data obtained over the polar oceanic regions during the period June 1999 – September 2001 through the use of Multi-channel Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR), onboard India’s first oceanographic satellite Oceansat-1. The MSMR observation shows that all the sectors in the Antarctic behave differently to the melting and formation of the sea ice. Certain peculiar features like the increase in sea ice extent during the melt season of 1999 – 2000 in the Indian Ocean sector, 15 – 20% decrease in the sea ice extent in the western Pacific sector during the ice formation period for the year 2000, melting spell within the formation phase of sea ice in B & A sector in the year 2000 were observed. On the other hand the northern polar sea ice extent is seen to be more dominated by the land characteristics. The ice formation in Kara and the Barent Sea sector is dominated by the ocean currents, where as the ice covered in the Japan and the Okhotsk Sea is dominated by the land processes. The sea ice extent in the Arctic Ocean show fluctuations from July to October and remain almost steady over other months. The global sea ice cover shows a formation phase from March to June and melting phase from November to February. In other months, i.e., from July – October the global sea ice cover is dominated by the hemispheric asymmetry of the ice growth and retreat.
Courtyard by Marriott: Designing a Hotel Facility with Consumer-Based Marketing Models

Marriott used conjoint analysis to design a new hotel chain. The study provided specific guidelines for selecting target market segments, positioning services, and designing an improved facility in terms of physical layout and services. Based on these strategy and design recommendations, Marriott developed the Courtyard by Marriott concept, which it has successfully test marketed and subsequently introduced nationally. The effectiveness of the study and associated processes also changed Marriott's approach to new product development. Marriott has since developed additional lodging and related products successfully using similar procedures.
COMPREHENSION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AMONGST URBAN DRIVERS - A STUDY OF ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Traffic control devices aim to regulate and control traffic by providing information about the road and its environment for road users in order to promote safety. This paper elucidates on the understanding of traffic control devices as a safety measure in controlling traffic problems relative to accident occurrences. This study investigated the understanding of traffic control devices by drivers in the city of Ado-Ekiti with respect to their personal characteristic such as age, gender, educational background and marital status. A total of 32 symbols which includes traffic signs of eight warning signs, 10 regulatory signs and 6 informatory signs, 5 road markings and 3 traffic signal lights were investigated. The analysis showed that there is a low understanding of traffic control devices by drivers. The overall average percentage of drivers who correctly understood the traffic control device investigated was 64.5%. From the study, education is an important factor in the understanding of traffic control devices while age and gender were of no effect. The statistical analysis at 5% significance further proved that education and understanding of traffic control devices are dependent on each other.
Structural Acoustic Reduction via Piezoelectric Actuation and Adaptive Eigenvector Optimization Algorithm

The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing the adaptive eigenvector optimization algorithm to find the optimal combination of left and right eigenvectors for active structural acoustic reduction. As depicted in the previous studies, the structural acoustic radiation depends on the structural vibration behavior, which is strongly related to the mode shape distributions (represented by the right eigenvectors of system) as well as the ability of disturbance rejection (represented by the left eigenvectors of system). In this research, a novel adaptive optimization algorithm is developed to determine the optimal combination of left and right eigenvectors of the structural system for active structural acoustic control. The sound suppression performance index (SSPI) is defined by combining the orthogonality index of left eigenvectors and the modal radiation index of right eigenvectors. Through the proposed adaptive eigenvector optimization algorithm, both the left and right eigenvectors of the structural system are adjusted such that the SSPI quantity decreases, hence the optimal combination of the corresponding left and right eigenvectors of the closed-loop system can be found for reducing the structural acoustic radiation. The optimal combination of left-right eigenvectors is then synthesized to determine the feedback gain matrix of the closed-loop system. The result of the active acoustic control shows that the proposed method can significantly suppress the sound pressure radiated from the vibrating structure.
The home math environment and math achievement: A meta-analysis.

Mathematical thinking is in high demand in the global market, but approximately 6 percent of school-age children across the globe experience math difficulties (Shalev et al., 2000). The home math environment (HME), which includes all math-related activities, attitudes, beliefs, expectations, and utterances in the home, may be associated with children's math development. To examine the relation between the HME and children's math abilities, a preregistered meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the average weighted correlation coefficient (r) between the HME and children's math achievement and how potential moderators (i.e., assessment, study, and sample features) might contribute to study heterogeneity. A multilevel correlated effects model using 631 effect sizes from 64 quantitative studies comprising 68 independent samples found a positive, statistically significant average weighted correlation of r = . 13 (SE = .02, p < .001). Our combined sensitivity analyses showed that the present findings were robust and that the sample of studies has evidential value. A number of assessment, study, and sample characteristics contributed to study heterogeneity, showing that no single feature of HME research was driving the large between-study differences found for the association between the HME and children's math achievement. These findings indicate that children's environments and interactions related to their learning are supported in the specific context of math learning. Our results also show that the HME represents a setting in which children learn about math through social interactions with their caregivers (Vygotsky, 1978) and what they learn depends on the influence of many levels of environmental input (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) and the specificity of input children receive (Bornstein, 2002). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Causes, Effects, Benefits, and Remedies of Change Orders on Public Construction Projects in Oman

Change orders are usually issued to cover variations in scope of work, material quantities, design errors, and unit rate changes. This paper discusses variations in public construction projects in Oman by investigating causes of variations, studying their effects on the project, identifying the beneficial parties, and suggesting remedies to alleviate related problems. Tasks included an analysis of four actual case studies and conducting a field survey via a questionnaire. It was determined that the client's additional works and modifications to design were the most important factors causing change orders, followed by the nonavailability of construction manuals and procedures. The most important effects of change orders on the project were found to be the schedule delays, disputes, and cost overruns. The contractor was found to be the party most benefiting from the change orders followed by the consultant and then the client. A set of remedial actions were suggested and respondents viewed that the revision of registration of consulting offices would be the most important action followed by establishing standard documents for design procedures and building a national database about soil conditions and services.
Effect of zircon addition on the sintering of chromite-based ladle filler sands

ABSTRACT To check the application possibility of zircon grains for high Mn-high Al steel grades, laboratory experiments are carried out to investigate the sintering behaviors of the mixed filler sands of chromite and zircon grains. It is found that the mixed filler sands have a good sintering performance without the impact of liquid steel, and the sintering is continuously accelerated with the increase of zircon addition. During sintering, the zircon grains will decompose into zirconia and SiO2, and react with chromite grains to generate a liquid phase. Liquid steel enhances the sintering of the filler sands significantly, and the Mn and Al contents in steel play an important role. In case of high Mn-high Al steel grades, the effect of Mn on the sintering is more remarkable than that of Al, and the mixed filler sands are seriously sintered. Zircon sand grains are not suitable for high Mn-high Al steel grades.
THE EFFECT OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION ON THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF WOMEN BASKETBALL PLAYERS

This study investigated the effect whole body vibration (WBV) on the dynamic stability of NCAA Division I women basketball players. Eleven subjects were evaluated in two test conditions including one with and one without WBV. After each condition, subjects were tested for time to stabilization (TTS) on a force platform during bilateral, right leg, and left leg countermovement jumps (CMJ). Results of the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in TTS between the vibration and non-vibration conditions for the bilateral (p = 0.24) and right leg (p = 0.48) CMJ. A significant difference was found between the conditions demonstrating a shorter TTS in the non-vibration condition for the left leg CMJ (p = 0.04, d = 0.57, ηp ² = 0.36). Acute WBV has no effect on and in some cases impairs dynamic.
In Vivo Targeting of CXCR4—New Horizons

Simple Summary Beyond its pre-eminent role in the context of tumor cell growth as well as metastasis, the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a key player in the orchestration of inflammatory responses to inflammatory stimuli. This review therefore particularly focuses on summarizing the current knowledge on non-invasive imaging of tissue infiltration with CXCR4-expressing immune cells in the context of diverse inflammatory conditions using positron emission tomography. An overview of the current clinical and preclinical approaches in this context is provided, and the recent advances in the development of dedicated, high-end CXCR4-targeted imaging tools and theranostic agents are discussed. Abstract Given its pre-eminent role in the context of tumor cell growth as well as metastasis, the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has attracted a lot of interest in the field of nuclear oncology, and clinical evidence on the high potential of CXCR4-targeted theranostics is constantly accumulating. Additionally, since CXCR4 also represents a key player in the orchestration of inflammatory responses to inflammatory stimuli, based on its expression on a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cells (e.g., macrophages and T-cells), CXCR4-targeted inflammation imaging has recently gained considerable attention. Therefore, after briefly summarizing the current clinical status quo of CXCR4-targeted theranostics in cancer, this review primarily focuses on imaging of a broad spectrum of inflammatory diseases via the quantification of tissue infiltration with CXCR4-expressing immune cells. An up-to-date overview of the ongoing preclinical and clinical efforts to visualize inflammation and its resolution over time is provided, and the predictive value of the CXCR4-associated imaging signal for disease outcome is discussed. Since the sensitivity and specificity of CXCR4-targeted immune cell imaging greatly relies on the availability of suitable, tailored imaging probes, recent developments in the field of CXCR4-targeted imaging agents for various applications are also addressed.
Practical modification for low Reynolds number propeller applications

Applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and, specifically, Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAV) are increasing. As is the case for all aircraft, propulsion plays a significant factor in overall vehicle performance. Most small UAV or MAV propellers are commercial, off-the-shelf products given their availability and low cost. Unfortunately, the off-the-shelf propellers are not tailored to a specific vehicle and/or mission. Only limited technical and performance data is available for the propellers. A number of modifications have been used on larger (manned) aircraft propellers and rotors in the past to improve performance. Examples of possible modifications include vortex generators, cut tips, and tip sails. An investigation was conducted with the following goals: 1. Experimentally measure the performance impact of various modifications on UAV/MAV-class propellers 2. Study the practical applications for such modifications to UAV/MAV’s 3. Evaluate the utility of related propeller performance prediction tools Experimental and basic analytical investigations address these goals. Special emphasis was placed on studying simple, practical, and cost effective modifications. This investigation shows that after testing 24 modifications a number of practical modifications to improve propeller performance do exist. 2-Propeller, leading edge notches, and Gurney flap modifications all improve thrust while leading edge notches and Gurney flap modifications also improve cruise efficiency.
GSK-3 Inhibition Is Cytotoxic in Glioma Stem Cells through Centrosome Destabilization and Enhances the Effect of Radiotherapy in Orthotopic Models

Simple Summary High-grade gliomas remain difficult-to-treat cancers. Novel treatment options include targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) to induce cell death but the mode of drug activity remains unknown and combination with conventional treatment including radiotherapy has not been explored. Here, we describe the effect of targeting GSK-3 with the inhibitor AZD2858 in in vitro and in vivo models of glioma. We established that AZD2858 exposure induces mitotic defects leading to cell death in patient-derived glioma cell lines and tumor growth delay in glioma xenografts. Co-administration also enhanced the effect of radiotherapy. We therefore propose AZD2858 as an adjuvant to radiotherapy in high-grade glioma. Abstract Background: Previous data on glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) inhibition in cancer models support a cytotoxic effect with selectivity for tumor cells compared to normal tissue but the effect of these inhibitors in glioma has not been widely studied. Here, we investigate their potential as cytotoxics in glioma. Methods: We assessed the effect of pharmacologic GSK-3 inhibition on established (U87, U251) and patient-derived (GBM1, GBM4) glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines using cytotoxicity assays as well as undertaking a detailed investigation of the effect on cell cycle, mitosis, and centrosome biology. We also assessed drug uptake and efficacy of GSK-3 inhibition alone and in combination with radiation in xenograft models. Results: Using the selective GSK-3 inhibitor AZD2858, we demonstrated single agent cytotoxicity in two patient-derived glioma cell lines (GBM1, GBM4) and two established cell lines (U251 and U87) with IC50 in the low micromolar range promoting centrosome disruption, failed mitosis, and S-phase arrest. Glioma xenografts exposed to AZD2858 also showed growth delay compared to untreated controls. Combined treatment with radiation increased the cytotoxic effect of clinical radiation doses in vitro and in orthotopic glioma xenografts. Conclusions: These data suggest that GSK-3 inhibition promotes cell death in glioma through disrupting centrosome function and promoting mitotic failure and that AZD2858 is an effective adjuvant to radiation at clinical doses.
Automated essay scoring: A review of the field

This paper critically reviews the recently published scientific literature on the task of Automated Essay Scoring (AES), by examining the various systems and approaches used. Automated Essay Scoring, which is the process of automating the evaluation of answers to open-ended questions, most usually in educational settings, by utilizing NLP techniques, gathers an increasing amount of interest, due to its potential applications both commercially and as part of the learn-ing process. The focus of this paper is to analyze the most popular approaches in recently published AES systems, categorize the systems with respect to certain characteristics in their design, the datasets that they use and the evaluation schemas that are used to evaluate them, and finally discuss the recent trends and challenges of the field of AES.