Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mid Term Results of Fenestrated Intra-Extracardiac Fontan Procedure: Insights, Experiences and Expectations

Background: Intraextracardiac Fontan procedure aimed to combine the advantages of lateral tunnel and extracardiac conduit modifications of the original technique. Herein, we present our experience in our patients with intraextracardiac fenestrated Fontan Procedure. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in order to evaluate intraextracardiac fenestrated Fontan patients between 2014 and 2021. Seventeen patients were operated on with a mean age and body weight of 9.1 ± 5.5 years and 28.6 ± 14.6 kg. Results: Sixteen patients (94%) were palliated as univentricular physiology with hypoplasia of one of the ventricles. One patient (6%) with well-developed two ventricles with double outlet right ventricle and complete atrioventricular septal defect had straddling of the chordae prohibiting a biventricular repair. All of the patients had cavopulmonary anastomosis prior to Fontan completion, except one case. Fenestration was performed in all cases. Postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressures and arterial oxygen saturation levels at follow up were 10 ± 2.4 mmHg and 91.3 ± 2.7 %, respectively. Mean duration of pleural drainage was 5.4 ± 2.3 days. All of the fenestrations are patent at a mean follow up period of 4.8 ± 7.7 years, except one case. Any morbidity and mortality were not encountered. Conclusions: The mid-term results of intraextracardiac fenestrated Fontan procedure are encouraging. This procedure may improve the results in a patient population who should be palliated as univentricular physiology, especially in cases with complex cardiac anatomy.
The Role of the Human Brain Neuron–Glia–Synapse Composition in Forming Resting-State Functional Connectivity Networks

While significant progress has been achieved in studying resting-state functional networks in a healthy human brain and in a wide range of clinical conditions, many questions related to their relationship to the brain’s cellular constituents remain. Here, we use quantitative Gradient-Recalled Echo (qGRE) MRI for mapping the human brain cellular composition and BOLD (blood–oxygen level-dependent) MRI to explore how the brain cellular constituents relate to resting-state functional networks. Results show that the BOLD signal-defined synchrony of connections between cellular circuits in network-defined individual functional units is mainly associated with the regional neuronal density, while the between-functional units’ connectivity strength is also influenced by the glia and synaptic components of brain tissue cellular constituents. These mechanisms lead to a rather broad distribution of resting-state functional network properties. Visual networks with the highest neuronal density (but lowest density of glial cells and synapses) exhibit the strongest coherence of the BOLD signal as well as the strongest intra-network connectivity. The Default Mode Network (DMN) is positioned near the opposite part of the spectrum with relatively low coherence of the BOLD signal but with a remarkably balanced cellular contents, enabling DMN to have a prominent role in the overall organization of the brain and hierarchy of functional networks.
Application of the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology with Cytohistological Correlation and Risk of Malignancy Assessment

The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (TIS) classifies serous effusions into five categories: non-diagnostic (ND), negative for malignancy (NFM), atypia of unknown significance (AUS), suspicious for malignancy (SFM) and malignant (MAL). The main objectives of this classification comprise the establishment of a universal code of communication between cytopathologists and clinicians and histopathologists, as well as between different laboratories worldwide, paving the way for the setting of clinical management guidelines based on the risk of malignancy assessment for each diagnostic category. We retrieved the total number of pleural and peritoneal effusion cases of our department for the three-year time period between 2018 and 2020, yielding a total of 528 and 500 cases, respectively. We then proceeded to reclassify each specimen according to TIS guidelines and calculate the risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category by searching each patients’ histology records, medical history and clinical follow-up. For pleural effusions, 3 (0.57%) cases were classified as ND, 430 (81.44%) cases as NFM, 15 (2.84%) as AUS, 15 (2.84%) as SFM and 65 (12.31%) as MAL. ROM amounted to 0%, 5.3%, 33.33%, 93.33% and 100% for each category, respectively. As far as peritoneal effusions are concerned, 6 (1.2%) were categorized as ND with ROM estimated at 16.66%, 347 (69.4%) as NFM (ROM = 9%), 13 (2.6%) as AUS (ROM = 38.46%), 12 (2.4%) as SFM (ROM = 83.33%) and 122 (24.4%) as MAL (ROM = 100%). Our results underline the utility of the current classification, both as a means of communication between doctors of different specialties and as general guidelines for the further clinical management of patients.
Comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for depressive symptoms in mild cognitive impairment: systematic review with network meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives Depressive symptoms are common among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. It is unknown how different the effects on depressive symptoms are among various pharmacological MCI interventions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological MCI interventions on depressive symptoms among MCI patients. Methods A systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted on randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing the effect of different non-pharmacological MCI interventions on changes in depressive symptoms among MCI patients. RCTs were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES. Results were summarized as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was used to rank the effect of different interventions. Results Twenty-two RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis. Compared with non-active control, cognition-based intervention (SMD=-0.25, 95% CI: −0.46, −0.04) and physical exercise (SMD=-0.33, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.10) had significant positive effects to reduce depressive symptoms. Health education, psychosocial intervention, and the combination of physical exercise and cognition-based intervention had non-significant overall effects. The SUCRA demonstrated that physical exercise had the highest SUCRA for the reduction in depression symptoms (0.815). In subgroup analysis, health education, cognition-based intervention, physical exercise, and the combination of physical exercise and cognition-based intervention showed significant longer-term effects (6-12 months). Conclusion Physical exercise and cognition-based intervention were effective interventions for depressive symptoms in MCI patients. This study can provide additional evidence for healthcare providers to make decisions for selecting available and appropriate interventions for MCI patients.
Polarization modulated direct detection optical transmission systems

A novel polarization modulated direct detection (PM-DD) system suitable both for binary and multilevel transmission is presented. At the transmitter the optical field is polarization modulated by a standard modulator. The receiver is based on the estimation of the Stokes parameters of the received optical field by means of a direct-detection optical front end and baseband electrical processing. The Poincare sphere rotation induced by the fiber is compensated by means of a purely electronic algorithm and the decision is performed in the Stokes space. The system performance is evaluated by an analytical model when the only relevant noise source is the receiver thermal noise and when erbium-doped optical amplifiers introduce amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. The system is completely compatible with a direct-detection-based optical network, and it is possible to implement efficient multilevel modulation formats. >
Analysis of slotlines and microstrip lines on anisotropic substrates

The propagation characteristics of the dominant mode in slotlines as well as in microstrip lines on anisotropic substrates are studied. The dielectric tensor in the substrate may have nondiagonal elements which represent misalignment, on the substrate surface, between the material coordinate system and the waveguide coordinate system. The analysis is devoted to the slotline and is based on Galerkin's method applied in the spectral domain. Numerical results are presented for a sapphire substrate and a boron nitride substrate. It is found that the coordinate misalignment on the substrate surface has a significant influence on the propagation characteristics of the slotline. >
Inter‐project improvement in product development

– Product development projects can be utilized to create not only new products or services but also competitively important capabilities on how to work with product development. The resulting capabilities can be, and often are, as important as the product itself. Although there is potential for an organization to improve product development performance, most organizations can learn even more from their development experiences. A reliance on post‐project reviews to share knowledge across projects is doomed to fail, since it usually is of low priority and does not capture the complexity of development projects. The aim of this research is to investigate what organizations can do to reduce the effect of losing valuable experience gained in product development projects. , – A multiple case study approach, using both qualitative and quantitative data, is used to perform a study of two high‐tech product development organizations with respect to their inter‐project improvement activities. A framework concerning inter‐project improvement is presented, containing concepts such as levels of learning, improvement content, and axes of improvement. , – To avoid losing valuable experience, an organization should use multiple strategies to share knowledge across projects. Examples of successful strategies are to use a well‐established product development process, professional full‐time project managers as well as modularization of the product. , – Although research on organizational learning in product development has increased significantly during the last few years, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of inter‐project improvement by combining perspectives from quality management, organizational learning, and knowledge management.
Engineering Cultures: Online versus In-class

At many universities, online courses are being offered as an option for students. Yet, little research has been completed on the effectiveness of online courses as compared to in class versions. “Online” is defined here to be a course in which the majority of instructional and course materials are delivered via internet. At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the Colorado School of Mines a course titled, Engineering Cultures, has been offered both online and in class. Online appears to be an excellent method to provide broad access to educational material but is it as effective as the classroom versions of the same course? As part of this study, a multiple choice pretest and posttest were administered to a treatment and control group. The treatment group completed the online version of the course and the control group completed the classroom version of the course. Both groups also completed a survey at the end of the course. The results of the analysis were surprising: the treatment group displayed greater increases from pre to post test than did the control group.
Design of Si/SiGe heterojunction complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors

A design is presented and computer-simulated for high-mobility Si/SiGe heterojunction CMOS transistors. Comparing 0.2 /spl mu/m Si/SiGe FETs to bulk Si FETs, an increase is predicted in current drive of 125% and 23% in the p-FET and n-FET, respectively. For given propagation delay (55 ns), simulated loaded ring oscillators at 1.5 V exhibit 4.6 times reduction in power-delay-product compared to bulk Si CMOS oscillators of the same design rules operating at 2.5 V.
A survey of CW and pulsed Gunn oscillators by computer simulation

A computer simulation survey has been carried out on X-band CW and pulsed Gunn oscillators with a variety of contact conditions. It is shown that devices with a large cathode doping notch will have a nearly constant bias voltage-frequency product for optimum RF power generation. Such a relationship is not clear for devices with a smaller notch that is large enough to cause optimum injection of dipolar space charge. For both types of device there is an optimum ratio of transit frequency and cavity controlled frequency for optimum RF power generation. Several other detailed features of operation that cannot be explained by instantaneous-domain-formation models are dealt with, including the frequency dependence of the device conductance and capacity under conditions of optimum efficiency, and the bias current-voltage characteristics.
Deposition and in-situ translocation of microplastics in floodplain soils.

The microplastic (MP) contamination of oceans, freshwaters, and soils has become one of the major challenges within the Anthropocene. MP is transported in large quantities through river systems from land to sea and is deposited in river sediments and floodplains. As part of the river system, floodplains and their soils are known for their sink function with respect to sediments, nutrients, and pollutants. However, the questions remain: To what extend does this deposition occur in floodplain soils? Which spatial distribution of MP accumulations, resulting from possible environmental drivers, can be found? The present study analyzes the spatial distribution of large (L-MP, 2000-1000 μm) and medium (M-MP, 1000-500 μm) MP particles in floodplain soils of the Lahn River (Germany). Based on a geospatial sampling concept, the MP contents in floodplain soils are investigated down to a depth of 2 m through a combined method approach, including MP analyses, soil surveys, properties, and sediment dating. The analysis of the plastic particles was carried out by density separation, visual fluorescence identification, and ATR-FTIR analysis. In addition, grain-size analyses and 210Pb and 137Cs dating were performed to reconstruct the MP deposition conditions. The results prove a more frequent accumulation of MP in upper floodplain soils (0-50 cm) deposited by flood dynamics since the 1960s than in subsoils. The first MP detection to a depth of 2 m and below recent (>1960) sediment accumulation indicates in-situ vertical transfer of mobile MP particles through natural processes (e.g., preferential flow, bioturbation). Furthermore, the role of MP as a potential marker of the Anthropocene is assessed. This study advances our understanding of the deposition and relocation of MP at the aquatic-terrestrial interface.
Personal Values as Predictors of Identity Formation among Nigerian University Students

University environments provide atmospheres where young adults can explore Identity alternatives, make Identity commitments, and internalize various values required for adult life before graduation. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between values and Identity using Identity process theory. The current study explores this relationship using the Identity status paradigm. Particularly it examines the effects of self-direction, ideal body internalization, and materialistic value orientation on Identity exploration and commitment in a sample of 52 University students. This however is a preliminary exploration of values and identity issues within a broader study. The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Data shows that majority of the participants (84.9%) fall into the low exploration category, while less than half (44.2%) fall into the low commitment category. Also, no differences were found in students identity statuses based on their gender and age groups. Two separate Logistic regression analyses were performed. Result of the commitment model shows that Materialistic value orientation is a significant predictor of low Identity commitment and an increase in Self-direction reduces the probability of low Identity commitment, while the Identity exploration model shows an ascending predicted probability of values and low Identity exploration.
E-Learning of STEM in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions: Status and challenges

Abstract: The 4th Industrial Revolution and COVID-19 pandemic have globally impacted the economy, livelihood and organizations. With digitalization, many programs including STEM-based courses that require hands-on approach have gone online. This research was carried out to analyze the status of STEM Education in Malaysian higher education institutions and to explore challenges of e-learning integration with STEM subjects. A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed whereby quantitative and qualitative approaches took place simultaneously. The qualitative data were gathered via questionnaire while qualitative approach used semi-structured interviews. Respondents were STEM educators who teach and/or manage STEM programs in HEIs within the Klang Valley. Junior lecturers are found comparatively better using different software programs, exploring websites and handling multimedia tools for e-learning purposes. 83% survey respondents claimed their institution has no STEM e-learning policy, contributing to further challenge in STEM Education development. Respondents agreed sound e-learning implementation of STEM requires lecturers with subject specialization, able to approach application of knowledge, skills and values to problem solving, can collaborate with others and adept at integrating technology. Meanwhile, the HEIs must engage stakeholders to counter resistance plan to change, and to measure the effectiveness of integrating e-learning in meeting the strategic goals in STEM education. Keywords: E-learning, Higher education, STEM Education
A new method for off-line robot programming: applications and limitations using a virtual environment

Virtual Reality is an evolving technology being adopted by Manufacturing in areas (such as operator training, and the virtual testing of new products before manufacture), where it is now becoming a widely accepted industrial tool. Of particular note are applications in off-line programming of robots. However, before this concept finds acceptance in industry, countless problems need to be resolved. Several problems are addressed within this paper, including the requirement of an acceptable interaction device, and the subject of haptic and tactile feedback. As manufacturing continually moves to become a more responsive environment, with products having shorter life cycles and batch quantities reducing in size, robot programming times become critical, and hence an area to be addressed in order to seek improved productivity. Off-line programming is one approach, where for example off-line programming within a virtual environment could reduce the required skill levels of a programmer, reduce the programming times, allow the operator a 'natural' interface with which the operator would conduct the task in the real world, and reduce the boredom factor. This paper discusses the development of a new approach or method for the off-line programming of robotic devices, indicating some of the potential applications, and highlighting some of the restricting limitations that need to be overcome. The paper also includes a review of previous published work on the off-line programming of robots using VR.
‘We Do Not Talk About It’ – Exploring Visual Approaches to Initiate Deeper Conversations About Perinatal Mental Health With Indian Immigrants

Exploring constructions of mental health in the perinatal period among Indian immigrants can be challenging. This article describes the use of visual methods, photo elicitation, free listing and pile sorting, as an adjunct to face-to-face interviews to understand the constructions of perinatal mental health among Indian immigrants in Australia. The benefits and challenges of using these methods and modifications made during the research are explained. The modifications resulted in a broader understanding of terminology used by the Indian community. Incorporating visual methods as an adjunct to interviews when discussing perinatal mental health with Indian immigrants is effective and using multiple methods enhances the richness of data.
Growth and Evapotranspiration of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) as Influenced by Salinity of Irrigation Water

The effects of irrigation water salinity on growth, yield, and water consumption of okra was investigated with a pot experiment. For this purpose, five irrigation water salinity levels with electrical conductivities of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, and 7.0 dS∕m and tap water as a control treatment were used in a randomized design with five replications. Irrigation practices were realized by considering the weight of each pot. Threshold soil salinity and slope values of the yield response to soil salinity level were determined to be 3.48 dS∕m and 4.2%, respectively, for fruit yield, 4.24 dS∕m and 7.0% for vegetative dry weight, and 6.0 dS∕m and 7.9% for root dry weight. The results revealed that okra was moderately tolerant to salinity. Increasing soil salinity levels caused significant decreases in plant water consumption. Plant water consumption decreased by 2.43% per unit increase in soil salinity. Plant coefficient ( Ky ) was 1.26. Saline irrigation water treatments altered Cl, Mg, Ca, and Na accumulations in le.
Association of Environmental Uncertainty With Altered Decision-making and Learning Mechanisms in Youths With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Key Points Question Is decision-making associated with environmental uncertainty in youths with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 103 individuals, hierarchical reinforcement learning models fitted to 2 clinical data sets indicated that youths 12 to 19 years of age with OCD revealed atypical trial-by-trial performance on a probabilistic reversal learning 2-choice task. However, on a deterministic set-shifting task, youths with OCD did not show marked differences from healthy controls. Meaning Obsessive-compulsive disorder in youths was associated with impaired decision-making during probabilistic tasks but not deterministic tasks, contributing to growing evidence that youths with OCD may have difficulty coping with environmental uncertainty.
Structural characteristics around O-glycosylation sites in mammalian proteins

The structural characteristic that O-glycan sugars prefer to bind to the regions forming β-strand structures is reported in this paper. While N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and mannose (Man) modification sites were contained in β-strand structures, fucose (Fuc) modification sites were found on β-strand and coil structures close to the β-strand structures. In particular, most Fuc modifications in EGF-like domains were identified on the edge of β-strand structures. Glycosyltransferases is thought to recognize motif residues in βtrand structures. The finding in this study that O-glycosylation preferred β-conformation and coil structures can be applied for the development of prediction methods and be useful to improve prediction accuracy.