Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Transient Elastography Versus Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography for Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Direct Comparison and a Meta-Analysis

Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of transient elastography (TE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) for staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH). Methods Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched (-01/08/2021) for studies comparing TE with 2D-SWE in patients with CVH. Other etiologies of chronic liver disease (CLD) and articles not published in SCI journals were excluded. The bivariate random-effects model was used to pool the performance of the TE and 2D-SWE. Results Eight articles with a total of 1301 CVH patients were included. The prevalence of significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 2), advanced fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 3), and cirrhosis was 50.8%, 44.8%, and 34.7%, respectively. 2D-SWE expressed higher overall accuracy than TE in detecting significant fibrosis (0.93 vs. 0.85, P = 0.04). No significant difference among the overall diagnostic accuracy of TE and 2D-SWE in staging advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was found. Conclusion TE and 2D-SWE express good to excellent diagnostic accuracies to stage fibrosis in CVH patients. 2D-SWE compares favorably with TE especially for predicting significant fibrosis.
Transgender and Nonbinary Youths’ Experiences With Gender-Based and Race-Based School Harassment

Background: Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) students commonly experience identity-based harassment, which is associated with poorer mental health, and TNB students of color may experience harassment targeting gender, race/ethnicity, and other identities. Applying an intersectional lens to minority stress theory suggests that different forms of identity-based harassment that target different identities are interconnected. However, few studies address intersecting forms of bias experienced by TNB students of color. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the interplay of racism and transphobia among TNB students by comparing experiences of racist and transphobic harassment across seven racial/ethnic groups and examining the effects of these forms of identity-based harassment on the mental health of TNB students of color. Participants: Participants were drawn from a large national sample of LGBTQ students who were enrolled in secondary school during the 2018–2019 school year. The study sample consists of all those who were TNB (N = 6,795). The majority of the sample identified as transgender (68.7%), and just under a third identified as nonbinary, but not as transgender (31.3%). The majority were White (71.3%), and approximately a third identified as gay or lesbian (33.7%). Research Design: This quantitative study employed a multivariate analysis of covariance to examine differences in frequency of racist and transphobic harassment across racial/ethnic groups. Hierarchical linear regressions were used to examine the main effects of harassment, as well as interaction effects between these forms of harassment, on depression and self-esteem among TNB students of color. Results: Frequencies of race-based harassment were generally similar for all students of color groups and lowest for White TNB students. Frequencies of gender-based harassment were relatively higher for Native American TNB students and lower for Black and Asian American/Pacific Islander TNB students. Among TNB students of color, each form of harassment was associated with greater depression and lower self-esteem. We did not observe a significant interaction between these forms of harassment. Conclusions: Despite some differences between groups, many TNB students of color experience both racist and transphobic harassment. Experiencing both of these forms of harassment is associated with poorer mental health outcomes than experiencing one. School professionals must consider these multiple forms of bias in supporting their students at school.
Presenting and optimization of a novel ammonia‐water combined power and compression cooling system

Greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy consumption motivate researchers toward using waste heat recovery. In the present study, a novel combined cooling and power (CCP) generation system driven by waste heat recovery of a steel factory in northeastern Iran is presented which uses an ammonia‐water mixture as the working fluid and consists of a vapor generator, a superheater, a turbine, an expansion valve, a mixer, a compressor, an evaporator, two recuperators, two condensers, and two pumps. In the presented system, a non‐isothermal phase change occurs in the vapor generator while an isothermal phase change happens in condensers. To evaluation of the system performance, comprehensive thermodynamic and thermoeconomic analyses are performed. The effects of generator pressure and ammonia concentration on the performance of the cycle are investigated. To satisfy different needs of users, the cycle is optimized by a genetic algorithm for different ratios of power to cooling capacity considering single and multi‐objectives and the best values of generator pressure and ammonia concentration are presented for each power to cooling ratio. The results show that based on the multi‐objective function, for heat source temperature of 573K the best conditions happen at power to cooling capacity ratio of 0.6, in which the optimum generator pressure and ammonia concentration are 43.87 bar and 79.49%, respectively.
Ion-acoustic surface waves on a dielectric-dusty plasma interface

The theory of ion-acoustic surface wave propagation on the interface between a dusty plasma and a dielectric is presented. Both the constant and variable dust-charge cases are considered. It is found that massive negatively charged dust grains can significantly affect the propagation and damping of the surface waves. Application of the results to surface-wave generated plasmas is discussed. © 1998 IEEE.
Variational methods for inference and estimation in graphical models

Graphical models enhance the representational power of probability models through qualitative characterization of their properties. This also leads to greater efficiency in terms of the computational algorithms that empower such representations. The increasing complexity of these models, however, quickly renders exact probabilistic calculations infeasible. We propose a principled framework for approximating graphical models based on variational methods. We develop variational techniques from the perspective that unifies and expands their applicability to graphical models. These methods allow the (recursive) computation of upper and lower bounds on the quantities of interest. Such bounds yield considerably more information than mere approximations and provide an inherent error metric for tailoring the approximations individually to the cases considered. These desirable properties, concomitant to the variational methods, are unlikely to arise as a result of other deterministic or stochastic approximations. The thesis consists of the development of this variational methodology for probabilistic inference, Bayesian estimation, and towards efficient diagnostic reasoning in the domain of internal medicine. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
MIARMA: A minimal-loss information method for filling gaps in time series - Application to CoRoT light curves

Context. Gaps in time series originate spurious frequencies in the power spectra. In the case of light curves of pulsating stars, t his hampers the identification of the theoretical oscillation m odes. When these gaps are small as compared with the total time span, the usual approach to overcome these diffi culties involves linear interpolation. In any case the resu lting time series has not the property of preserving the original frequency content of the pulsati ng stars. Aims. The method here presented intends to minimize the effect of the gaps in the power spectra by gap-filling preserving the original information, that is, in the case of asteroseismology, the s tellar oscillation frequency content. Methods. We make use of a forward-backward predictor based on autoregressive moving average modelling (ARMA) in the time domain. The method MIARMA is particularly suitable for replacing invalid data such as those present in the light curves of the CoRoT satellite due to the pass through the South Atlantic Anomaly, and eventually for the data gathered by the NASA planet hunter Kepler. We select a sample of stars from the ultra-precise photometry collected by the asteroseismic camera on board the CoRoT satellite: theδ Scuti star HD 174966, showing periodic variations of the same order as the CoRoT observational window, the Be star HD 51193, showing longer time variations, and the solar-like HD 49933, with rapid time variations. Results. We showed that in some cases linear interpolations are less reliable to what was believed. In particular: the power spectrum of HD 174966 is clearly aliased when this interpolation is used for filling the gaps; the light curve of HD 51193 presents a m uch more aliased spectrum than expected for a low frequency harmonic signal; and finally, although the linear interpolation does not affect noticeably the power spectrum of the CoRoT light curve of the solar-like star HD 49933, the ARMA interpolation showed rapid variations previously unidentified that ARMA interprets as a signal. In any case, the ARMA interpolation method provides a cleaner power spectrum, that is, less contaminated by spurious frequencies. In conclusion, MIARMA appears to be a suitable method for filling gaps in the light curves of pulsating stars observed b y CoRoT since the method preserves their frequency content, which is a necessary condition for asteroseismic studies.
Network-Wide Traffic Anomaly Detection and Localization Based on Robust Multivariate Probabilistic Calibration Model

Network anomaly detection and localization are of great significance to network security. Compared with the traditional methods of host computer, single link and single path, the network-wide anomaly detection approaches have distinctive advantages with respect to detection precision and range. However, when facing the actual problems of noise interference or data loss, the network-wide anomaly detection approaches also suffer significant performance reduction or may even become unavailable. Besides, researches on anomaly localization are rare. In order to solve the mentioned problems, this paper presents a robust multivariate probabilistic calibration model for network-wide anomaly detection and localization. It applies the latent variable probability theory with multivariate t-distribution to establish the normal traffic model. Not only does the algorithm implement network anomaly detection by judging whether the sample’s Mahalanobis distance exceeds the threshold, but also it locates anomalies by contribution analysis. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate its robustness and wider use. The algorithm is applicable when dealing with both data integrity and loss. It also has a stronger resistance over noise interference and lower sensitivity to the change of parameters, all of which indicate its performance stability.
Spacetime Conformal Fluctuations and Quantum Dephasing

Any quantum system interacting with a complex environment undergoes decoherence. Empty space is filled with vacuum energy due to matter fields in their ground state and represents an underlying environment that any quantum particle has to cope with. In particular quantum gravity vacuum fluctuations should represent a universal source of decoherence. To study this problem we employ a stochastic approach that models spacetime fluctuations close to the Planck scale by means of a classical, randomly fluctuating metric (random gravity framework). We enrich the classical scheme for metric perturbations over a curved background by also including matter fields and metric conformal fluctuations. We show in general that a conformally modulated metric induces dephasing as a result of an effective nonlinear newtonian potential obtained in the appropriate nonrelativistic limit of a minimally coupled Klein-Gordon field. The special case of vacuum fluctuations is considered and a quantitative estimate of the expected effect deduced. Secondly we address the question of how conformal fluctuations could physically arise. By applying the random gravity framework we first show that standard GR seems to forbid spontaneous conformal metric modulations. Finally we argue that a different result follows within scalar-tensor theories of gravity such as e.g. Brans-Dicke theory. In this case a conformal modulation of the metric arises naturally as a result of the fluctuations in the Brans-Dicke field and quantum dephasing of a test particle is expected to occur. For large negative values of the coupling parameter the conformal fluctuations may also contribute to alleviate the well known problem of the large zero point energy due to quantum matter fields.
The Influence of Grit on Nurses’ Job Burnout Decrease in Depok Secondary Hospitals

One of the professions with a significant risk of burnout is nursing. As a result of constantly having to regulate their emotions when interacting with patients, nurses have a higher emotional threshold. Physical fatigue, a lack of job satisfaction, and subpar performance can all be caused by emotional exhaustion. Burnout was found to have a detrimental impact on nurse loyalty and service quality. The purpose of this research is to determine the role of grit in reducing job burnout among secondary hospital nurses in Depok, West Java Province, Indonesia. Cross-sectional design, a quantitative approach, was utilized in this study. The study's participants were all the medical staff members employed by three secondary hospitals in Depok City, West Java, Indonesia. This study included 150 nurses from three hospitals as samples. Simple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that grit has a negative and significant impact on job burnout. With a R Square of 0.190, it is clear that other variables account for the remaining 89% of the job burnout variable, leaving only 19% to be explained by grit. Hospitals should analyze their nurses' workloads and create a work culture of mutual support. Nurses should set career goals and continue to learn new skills.
Investigation of microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc welded dissimilar titanium (CP-Ti/Ti–6Al–4V) alloys

Economical welding of dissimilar titanium alloys has always been a challenge for the aerospace and nuclear industries, where these alloys are extensively used because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. The present investigation deals with the development of a novel shielding setup for the successful welding of commercially pure titanium (α-phase) to Ti–6Al–4V ((α + β)-phase) without any atmospheric contamination using gas tungsten arc welding. Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti–6Al–4V sheets of 3 mm thickness were butt-welded autogenously and using CP-Ti filler metal. Metallographic studies, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, microhardness measurements, tensile testing, and fractography were carried out to understand the evolution of the microstructure and characterize the welds. Grain coarsening in heat-affected zone and weld, and variation in the distribution of phases were observed from the optical micrographs and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectrum of different zones. An unsymmetrical variation of hardness was observed in the weld region, and a 15% reduction in hardness value (280 HV0.2) was obtained at the weld center of using filler metal weld than autogenous weld. Comparable strengths with little drop from as-received CP-Ti (307 MPa) were observed for welded specimens. Welds produced using CP-Ti filler metal (272 MPa) had higher strength than autogenous welds (214 MPa). As-received tensile specimens fractured nearly from the center of gauge length, but welded tensile specimens fractured near the base/heat-affected zone boundary of the CP-Ti side.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN THE EU ACCORDING TO THE DESI INDEX

Since 2014, the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) has been one of the key tools for monitoring and measuring the digital development of the European economy and society. In 2021, the DESI index's core indicators were aligned with the objectives of the 2030 Digital Agenda and had four core dimensions: human capital, connectivity, integration of digital technology and digital public services. Continuing our previous research, we tried to determine whether convergence between the Member States could be detected in human capital digital skills and competencies developmen t. The σ -convergence was applied to estimate the reduction over time in the differences between the Member States. The β -convergence was used to calculate the rate of catching up to the initial level of development. The σ - and β -convergence was not confirmed. A cluster analysis was carried out - assuming a non-homogeneous development - which revealed that the differences in the digital development of human capital in the Member States are persistent and that the rate of development is minimal over the period considered. We reviewed DESI's human capital individual indicators to identify critical areas that need to be addressed in the future to ensure that digital development is as broad-based as possible. After a meticulous analysis of the DESI overall index and its core dimensions, we conclude that in areas where convergence is not achieved, the EU's targets will not be met or will be in backlog in 2030. In education, training and retraining, in this case, digital skills development and coherent action are essential.
Turbulence program for propulsion systems

Program goals at the Center for Modeling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT), NASA Lewis Research Center, are (1) to develop reliable turbulence (including bypass transition) and combustion models for complex flows in propulsion systems and (2) to integrate developed models into deliverable CFD tools for propulsion systems in collaboration with industry. This viewgraph presentation covers the following topics: development of turbulence and combustion models; collaboration with industry and technology transfer; isotropic eddy viscosity models; algebraic Reynolds stress models; scalar turbulence models; second order closure models; multiple scale k-epsilon models; and PDF modeling of turbulent reacting flows.
Specific Learning Disability Identification in an RtI Method: Do Measures of Cognitive Ability Matter?

This study examined the extent to which cognitive ability index scores predicted multidisciplinary teams’ (MDT) SLD identification within a response–to–intervention (RtI) method after accounting for RtI slope and norm–referenced achievement scores. Results showed that four achievement composite scores (i.e., basic reading, reading comprehension, math computation, and math problem solving) and two cognitive ability index scores (i.e., crystallized ability, working memory) predicted MDT–determined SLD, explaining 81% of the variance. The inclusion of academic achievement and cognitive ability index scores predicted MDT–determined SLD with 90% accuracy; cognitive ability index scores only increased specificity (sensitivity = 95%; specificity = 79%). RtI slope did not predict MDT–determined SLD, which was a required component of the evaluation.
MIR548P and TRAV39 Are Potential Indicators of Tumor Microenvironment and Novel Prognostic Biomarkers of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a common aggressive malignancy in the world. Multiple studies have shown evidence to support the hypothesis that certain functional genes that are engaged in the microenvironment of tumors played a role in the progression of ESCC. Thus, to better analyze the prognostic values of important genes in ESCC, there is an immediate need for an in-depth research study. From the TCGA database, the RNA-seq data and clinical features of 163 ESCC patients were obtained. Using the ESTIMATE technique, we were able to calculate the ImmuneScore, the StromalScore, and the ESTIMATEScore for each ESCC sample. The samples from the ESCC were split up into high score and low score groups based on the median of the various scores. In this study, ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and ESTIMATEScore were not found to be linked with overall survival of ESCC patients, according to our findings. Higher StromalScores were linked to more advanced T stages and clinical stages. The intersection analysis that was exhibited by the use of a Venn diagram indicated that there was a total of 944 upregulated genes that shared the same high score in both the ImmuneScore and the StromalScore and that there was 0 downregulated gene that shared the same low score. Survival experiments confirmed MIR548P and TRAV39 as critical prognostic biomarkers for ESCC patients. Importantly, we found that TRAV39 expression was positively associated with T cell CD4 memory activated while negatively associated with B cell memory, dendritic cells activated, and mast cells activated. In addition, we found that MIR548P expression was negatively associated with mast cells activated while positively associated with T cell CD4 memory activated. Overall, we identified MIR548P and TRAV39 as new modulators for ESCC, affecting the immune microenvironment of ESCC patients and may be a target of immunotherapy.
A Cloning Issue of Sacrifice Animals (Qurban) in Biology Teachers' Argumentation in Islamic Organization-Based Senior High Schools

One of the exciting topics in the socio-scientific issue is cloning. This issue is seen as a debatable issue in religion and science. In the practice of science learning in class, Biology teachers are required to be able to present this topic proportionally. This research aims to study how the arguments of Biology teachers in Islamic organization-based senior high schools in Indonesia face the cloning issue of sacrificed animals. This research was conducted in three Islamic organization-based senior high schools. This research uses the qualitative method by observation process on the learning of cloning topic in the class, questionnaire, and an in-depth interview with Biology teachers of XII grade from the three different schools in Banten Province, Indonesia. Results of the research show that related to the cloning issue of sacrifice (Qurban) animals is not only related to the religious aspect; there is the existence of specific argumentation patterns in the mind of the teachers. The designs are presented in the frameworks of economic (Organization A), social humanity (Organization B), and knowledge (Organization C). These three frameworks of organization give the primary colors for each teacher's argumentation. Thus, further studies must explore the effects of Islamic organizations on the arguments and the practice of cloning topic teaching at Islamic organization-based senior high schools.