Mean Acquisition Research Articles

Empowering Youths Through Arts, Crafts, and Design; An Impetus for National Development

The general expectation of every youth has always been that graduation from an institution of learning, he/she will pick up a good job and settles down to a satisfying life and contributes to the growth of self and society, the changing trends since Nigeria's independence in 1960 in education system vis-à-vis the job markets pose serious challenges to the future of the education of our youth in the area of Arts, crafts and design. Skill acquisition is a veritable tool to fast-track the overall development of its citizenry in national development. As it, every nation must involve in the training of mind and production of human capital. Its activities are dynamic and have a bearing on diverse government policies and priorities on education. People do not seem to understand the meaning or what skill Acquisition of arts, crafts, and design means in building up the manpower of the young generations. However, Art is imaginative, creative, or aesthetic. It is essentially man's creative spirit using media to express feelings or moods for either through clay, woodwork, cement, weaving, or some other media. This paper discusses empowering of youths through arts, crafts, and design as an impetus for National development.

Independent Complaint Offices for Psychiatry in Germany

Acquisition of meaning and methods of independent complaint offices. Digital and postal survey. The most frequent concerns are dissatisfaction with inpatient treatment, legal care and communication with patients. Networking is gaining in importance. Complainants are referred more often. Increased enquiries from men and addiction patients. Improvement is possible in strengthening the law on complaint offices, promoting trialogical staffing and better communication by professionals.

Kat-ARC accelerated 4D flow CMR: clinical validation for transvalvular flow and peak velocity assessment

BackgroundTo validate the k-adaptive-t autocalibrating reconstruction for Cartesian sampling (kat-ARC), an exclusive sparse reconstruction technique for four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using conservation of mass principle applied to transvalvular flow.MethodsThis observational retrospective study (2020/21-075) was approved by the local ethics committee at the University of East Anglia. Consent was waived. Thirty-five patients who had a clinical CMR scan were included. CMR protocol included cine and 4D flow using Kat-ARC acceleration factor 6. No respiratory navigation was applied. For validation, the agreement between mitral net flow (MNF) and the aortic net flow (ANF) was investigated. Additionally, we checked the agreement between peak aortic valve velocity derived by 4D flow and that derived by continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in 20 patients.ResultsThe median age of our patient population was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 54–73), and 18/35 (51%) were male. Seventeen (49%) patients had mitral regurgitation, and seven (20%) patients had aortic regurgitation. Mean acquisition time was 8 ± 4 min. MNF and ANF were comparable: 60 mL (51−78) versus 63 mL (57−77), p = 0.310). There was an association between MNF and ANF (rho = 0.58, p < 0.001). Peak aortic valve velocity by Doppler and 4D flow were comparable (1.40 m/s, [1.30−1.75] versus 1.46 m/s [1.25−2.11], p = 0.602) and also correlated with each other (rho = 0.77, p < 0.001).ConclusionsKat-ARC accelerated 4D flow CMR quantified transvalvular flow in accordance with the conservation of mass principle and is primed for clinical translation.

Myocardial scar detection in free-breathing Dixon-based fat- and water-separated 3D inversion recovery late-gadolinium enhancement whole heart MRI

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and reader confidence for late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detection of a novel free-breathing, image-based navigated 3D whole-heart LGE sequence with fat–water separation, compared to a free-breathing motion-corrected 2D LGE sequence in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac MRI patients including the respective sequences were retrospectively included. Two independent, blinded readers rated image quality, depiction of segmental LGE and documented acquisition time, SNR, CNR and amount of LGE. Results were compared using the Friedman or the Kruskal–Wallis test. For LGE rating, a jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed with a figure of merit (FOM) calculation. Forty-two patients were included, thirty-two were examined with a 1.5 T-scanner and ten patients with a 3 T-scanner. The mean acquisition time of the 2D sequence was significantly shorter compared to the 3D sequence (07:12 min vs. 09:24 min; p < 0.001). The 3D scan time was significantly shorter when performed at 3 T compared to 1.5 T (07:47 min vs. 09:50 min; p < 0.001). There were no differences regarding SNR, CNR or amount of LGE. 3D imaging had a significantly higher FOM (0.89 vs. 0.78; p < 0.001). Overall image quality ratings were similar, but 3D sequence ratings were higher for fine anatomical structures. Free-breathing motion-corrected 3D LGE with high isotropic resolution results in enhanced LGE-detection with higher confidence and better delineation of fine structures. The acquisition time for 3D imaging was longer, but may be reduced by performing on a 3 T-scanner.

Preliminary evidence for one-trial social learning of vervet monkey alarm calling.

How do non-human primates learn to use their alarm calls? Social learning is a promising candidate, but its role in the acquisition of meaning and call usage has not been studied systematically, neither during ontogeny nor in adulthood. To investigate the role of social learning in alarm call comprehension and use, we exposed groups of wild vervet monkeys to two unfamiliar animal models in the presence or absence of conspecific alarm calls. To assess the learning outcome of these experiences, we then presented the models for a second time to the same monkeys, but now without additional alarm call information. In subjects previously exposed in conjunction with alarm calls, we found heightened predator inspection compared to control subjects exposed without alarm calls, indicating one-trial social learning of ‘meaning’. Moreover, some juveniles (but not adults) produced the same alarm calls they heard during the initial exposure whereas the authenticity of the models had an additional effect. Our experiment provides preliminary evidence that, in non-human primates, call meaning can be acquired by one-trail social learning but that subject age and core knowledge about predators additionally moderate the acquisition of novel call-referent associations.

Deep learning-based super-resolution gradient echo imaging of the pancreas: Improvement of image quality and reduction of acquisition time

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a deep learning-based super-resolution technique on T1-weighted gradient-echo acquisitions (volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination; VIBE) on the assessment of pancreatic MRI at 1.5 T compared to standard VIBE imaging (VIBESTD). Materials and methodsThis retrospective single-center study was conducted between April 2021 and October 2021. Fifty patients with a total of 50 detectable pancreatic lesion entities were included in this study. There were 27 men and 23 women, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 (standard deviation [SD]) years (age range: 33–89 years). VIBESTD (precontrast, dynamic, postcontrast) was retrospectively processed with a deep learning-based super-resolution algorithm including a more aggressive partial Fourier setting leading to a simulated acquisition time reduction (VIBESR). Image analysis was performed by two radiologists regarding lesion detectability, noise levels, sharpness and contrast of pancreatic edges, as well as regarding diagnostic confidence using a 5-point Likert-scale with 5 being the best. ResultsVIBESR was rated better than VIBESTD by both readers regarding lesion detectability (5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 5 [IQR: 4, 5], for reader 1; 5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 4 [IQR: 4, 5]) for reader 2; both P <0.001), noise levels (5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 5 [IQR: 4, 5] for reader 1; 5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 4 [IQR: 4, 5] for reader 2; both P <0.001), sharpness and contrast of pancreatic edges (5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 5 [IQR: 4, 5] for reader 1; 5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 4 [IQR: 4, 5] for reader 2; both P <0.001), as well as regarding diagnostic confidence (5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 5 [IQR: 4, 5] for reader 1; 5 [IQR: 5, 5] vs. 4 [IQR: 4, 5] for reader 2; both P <0.001). There were no significant differences between lesion sizes as measured by the two readers on VIBESR and VIBESTD images (P > 0.05). The mean acquisition time for VIBESTD (15 ± 1 [SD] s; range: 11–16 s) was longer than that for VIBESR (13 ± 1 [SD] s; range: 11–14 s) (P < 0.001). ConclusionOur results indicate that the newly developed deep learning-based super-resolution algorithm adapted to partial Fourier acquisitions has a positive influence not only on shortening the examination time but also on improvement of image quality in pancreatic MRI.

Deep Learning-Enhanced Parallel Imaging and Simultaneous Multislice Acceleration Reconstruction in Knee MRI.

This study aimed to examine various combinations of parallel imaging (PI) and simultaneous multislice (SMS) acceleration imaging using deep learning (DL)-enhanced and conventional reconstruction. The study also aimed at comparing the diagnostic performance of the various combinations in internal knee derangement and provided a quantitative evaluation of image sharpness and noise using edge rise distance (ERD) and noise power (NP), respectively. The data from adult patients who underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging using various DL-enhanced acquisitions between June 2021 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The participants underwent conventional 2-fold PI and DL protocols with 4- to 8-fold acceleration imaging (P2S2 [2-fold PI with 2-fold SMS], P3S2, and P4S2). Three readers evaluated the internal knee derangement and the overall image quality. The diagnostic performance was calculated using consensus reading as a standard reference, and we conducted comparative evaluations. We calculated the ERD and NP for quantitative evaluations of image sharpness and noise, respectively. Interreader and intermethod agreements were calculated using Fleiss κ. A total of 33 patients (mean age, 49 ± 19 years; 20 women) were included in this study. The diagnostic performance for internal knee derangement and the overall image quality were similar among the evaluated protocols. The NP values were significantly lower using the DL protocols than with conventional imaging ( P < 0.001), whereas the ERD values were similar among these methods ( P > 0.12). Interreader and intermethod agreements were moderate-to-excellent (κ = 0.574-0.838) and good-to-excellent (κ = 0.755-1.000), respectively. In addition, the mean acquisition time was reduced by 47% when using DL with P2S2, by 62% with P3S2, and by 71% with P4S2, compared with conventional P2 imaging (2 minutes and 55 seconds). The combined use of DL-enhanced 8-fold acceleration imaging (4-fold PI with 2-fold SMS) showed comparable performance with conventional 2-fold PI for the evaluation of internal knee derangement, with a 71% reduction in acquisition time.

Text First or Picture First? Evaluating Two Modes of Multimodal Input for EFL Vocabulary Meaning Acquisition

Several studies and assumptions support the advantages of presenting pictures before texts, such as the Sequencing Effects of Integrated Model of Text and Picture Comprehension (the Sequencing Effects of ITPC Model) and the Scaffolding Assumption. However, few studies have examined the efficacy of text-first or picture-first multimodal input on second language (L2) learners’ vocabulary meaning acquisition. To examine whether the assumptions can be applied to the L2 vocabulary context, this study compares the effect of text-first and picture-first multimodal input on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ word meaning learning and retention. The multimodal materials in this study included written forms of English words, audio, first language (L1) translations and pictures. For text-first input, Chinese translations preceded pictures while it was the reverse for picture-first input. Pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests were conducted to examine learners’ gains and retention of word meaning. The results showed that though both groups achieved significant gains, participants learning with picture-first input performed significantly better and reported positive attitudes. This study reveals the advantageous effects of presenting pictures before L1 translations on L2 vocabulary meaning learning, thus indicating that the Sequencing Effects of IPTC Model and the Scaffolding Assumption can be applied to the L2 multimodal vocabulary learning context, and providing pedagogical implications for EFL teachers and material developers.

Clinical feasibility of accelerated diffusion weighted imaging of the abdomen with deep learning reconstruction: Comparison with conventional diffusion weighted imaging

PurposeTo assess the clinical feasibility of accelerated deep learning–reconstructed diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and to compare its image quality and acquisition time with those of conventional DWI. MethodsSeventy-four consecutive patients who underwent 3 T abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively enrolled. DWI were acquired using both conventional DWI and DWI with deep-learning reconstruction (DL DWI). Image quality (overall image quality, anatomic sharpness and details, artifacts, noise, and lesion conspicuity) was scored by two radiologists and compared between two DWI sequences. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured in six locations of the liver parenchyma and focal lesions and compared between two DWI sequences. ResultsThe mean acquisition time for the DL DWI (216.87 ± 49.23 sec) was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) than for conventional DWI (358.69 ± 105.93 sec). DL DWI achieved higher scores than conventional DWI for all qualitative image quality parameters (P < 0.001). DL DWI had a more homogeneous distribution of ADC values throughout the liver, except for the left superior section, compared with conventional DWI. The standard deviations of the ADC values for all hepatic areas were significantly lower in DL DWI than in conventional DWI (all, P < 0.001). The ADC values for the liver parenchyma and focal hepatic lesions were lower in DL DWI than in conventional DWI. ConclusionsDL DWI is a feasible acquisition technique in clinical routines and provides improved image quality and simultaneously significant reduction in scan time compared with conventional DWI.

A Power-Efficient Brain-Machine Interface System With a Sub-mw Feature Extraction and Decoding ASIC Demonstrated in Nonhuman Primates.

Intracortical brain-machine interfaces have shown promise for restoring function to people with paralysis, but their translation to portable and implantable devices is hindered by their high power consumption. Recent devices have drastically reduced power consumption compared to standard experimental brain-machine interfaces, but still require wired or wireless connections to computing hardware for feature extraction and inference. Here, we introduce a Neural Recording And Decoding (NeuRAD) application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in 180 nm CMOS that can extract neural spiking features and predict two-dimensional behaviors in real-time. To reduce amplifier and feature extraction power consumption, the NeuRAD has a hardware accelerator for extracting spiking band power (SBP) from intracortical spiking signals and includes an M0 processor with a fixed-point Matrix Acceleration Unit (MAU) for efficient and flexible decoding. We validated device functionality by recording SBP from a nonhuman primate implanted with a Utah microelectrode array and predicting the one- and two-dimensional finger movements the monkey was attempting to execute in closed-loop using a steady-state Kalman filter (SSKF). Using the NeuRAD's real-time predictions, the monkey achieved 100% success rate and 0.82 s mean target acquisition time to control one-dimensional finger movements using just 581 μW. To predict two-dimensional finger movements, the NeuRAD consumed 588 μW to enable the monkey to achieve a 96% success rate and 2.4 s mean acquisition time. By employing SBP, ASIC brain-machine interfaces can close the gap to enable fully implantable therapies for people with paralysis.

Investigation into the Effective Use of Dictionaries in Foreign Language Vocabulary Acquisition

Words lay in the core position in language acquisition, however, acquiring a word is far more than its meaning acquisition. Aiming at helping foreign language learners who want to become good language learners or native-like learners through the word (or vocabulary) acquisition, the goal of becoming high intake generators at vocabulary acquisition is targeted and the learning method concerning the effective use of a carefully selected dictionary is explored. How to select a desirable dictionary and how to effectively use the carefully selected dictionary are the two main aspects to be investigated. The essence of the two investigation aspects is to guarantee the optimal input and strategically maximized intake developed from the input. Based on the analyses of the required functions and components of dictionary, it is investigated thoroughly that an optimal monolingual foreign dictionary is selected out, with the optimal input including a desirable type of meaning definitions, corresponding pictures to vocabulary items and “complete knowledge”. Next, effective learning strategies when using the selected dictionary are explored to realize learners’ strategically maximization of language intake from the input, which includes the adaption to the monolingual model, the applications of transfer, note-taking, effective mnemonic strategies and the psychological preparations.

An Examination of the Use of Subtitles in Learning L2 Collocations

Exposure to audiovisual input has been recognised as an engaging approach for implicit vocabulary learning. Recent studies have compared the effectiveness of different types of subtitling in enhancing viewers' learning gains in single word vocabulary, but research on multiword vocabulary , especially collocations, remains limited. The present study aims to examine which type of subtitling (i.e., English–Chinese subtitles or English-only subtitles) is more effective in L2 implicit collocation learning, and it attempts to identify Chinese L2 learners’ learning difficulties when acquiring collocations. Experiments and interviews were conducted with 66 Chinese undergraduates to investigate their acquisition, in terms of both form recognition and meaning recall. Results indicate that compared with English-only subtitles, the effectiveness of English–Chinese subtitles in enhancing the acquisition of L2 collocation meaning is more significant, although English-only subtitles can be more helpful in reinforcing collocation forms. The results of the interviews also suggest that participants are more likely to encounter difficulties with contextually marked phrasal verbs and idioms, and affective filters should be considered when analysing individual differences. The findings support the use of L1 in subtitles to improve the learning efficiency of vocabulary meaning, as well as to help teachers identify the sources of students’ learning difficulties.

A brief review of the effects of image schema theory on the acquisition of polysemy

Cognitive linguistics can inspire language pedagogy. As one of the core conceptions of cognitive linguistics, image schema theory can be integrated into foreign/second language teaching to facilitate learners’ acquisition of word meanings, especially those polysemous words which have long been difficult points for both learners and instructors. This research conducts a thorough review of the image schema theory and polysemy in cognitive linguistics and discusses the feasibility, and potential benefits of the teaching method based on image schema theory. Also, this research synthesizes the previous empirical studies about the effects of image schema theory on the acquisition of polysemy. It is found that the effectiveness of image-schema-based instruction has been generally recognized; however, the inconsistencies in the previous studies necessitate further exploration. Also, future studies can pay more attention to the effects of image schema theory on the acquisition of polysemous verbs.

Compressed Sensing Cardiac Cine Imaging Compared with Standard Balanced Steady-State Free Precession Cine Imaging in a Pediatric Population.

To compare real-time compressed sensing (CS) and standard balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cardiac cine imaging in children. Twenty children (mean age, 15 years ± 5 [SD], range, 7-21 years; 10 male participants) with biventricular congenital heart disease (n = 11) or cardiomyopathy (n = 9) were prospectively included. Examinations were performed with 1.5-T imagers by using both bSSFP and CS sequences in all participants. Quantification of ventricular volumes and function was performed for all images by two readers blinded to patient diagnosis and type of sequence. Values were correlated with phase-contrast flow measurements by one reader. Intra- and interreader agreement were analyzed. There were no significant differences between ventricular parameters measured on CS compared with those of bSSFP (P > .05) for reader 1. Only ejection fraction showed a significant difference (P = .02) for reader 2. Intrareader agreement was considerable for both sequences (bSSFP: mean difference range, +1 to -2.6; maximum CI, +7.9, -13; bias range, 0.1%-4.1%; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] range, 0.931-0.997. CS: mean difference range, +7.4 to -5.6; maximum CI, +37.2, -48.8; bias range, 0.5%-7.5%; ICC range, 0.717-0.997). Interreader agreement was acceptable but less robust, especially for CS (bSSFP: mean difference range, +2.6 to -5.6; maximum CI, +60.7, -65.3; bias range, 1.6%-6.2%; ICC range, 0.726-0.951. CS: mean difference range, +10.7 to -9.1; maximum CI, +87.5, -84.6; bias range, 1.1%-17.3%; ICC range, 0.509-0.849). The mean acquisition time was shorter for CS (20 seconds; range, 17-25 seconds) compared with that for bSSFP (160 seconds; range, 130-190 seconds) (P < .001). CS cardiac cine imaging provided equivalent ventricular volume and function measurements with shorter acquisition times compared with those of bSSFP and may prove suitable for the pediatric population.Keywords: Compressed Sensing, Balanced Steady-State Free Precession, Cine Imaging, Cardiovascular MRI, Pediatrics, Cardiac, Heart, Cardiomyopathies, Congenital, Segmentation© RSNA, 2022.

Acquisition of novel word meaning via cross situational word learning: An event-related potential study

Cross-situational statistical word learning (CSWL) refers to the process whereby participants learn new words by tracking ambiguous word-object co-occurrences across time. This study used event-related potentials to explore the acquisition of novel word meanings via CSWL in healthy adults. After learning to associate novel auditory words (e.g., ‘ket’) with familiar objects (e.g., sword), participants performed a semantic judgement task where the learned novel words were paired with a familiar word belonging to either the same (e.g., dagger) or a different (e.g., harp) semantic category. As a comparison, the task also included word pairs comprising two familiar words. The analyses revealed that the unrelated novel word pairs elicited a similar N400 to that of the unrelated familiar word pairs, but with a different hemispheric distribution (left hemisphere for novel words, right hemisphere for familiar words). These findings demonstrate rapid meaning acquisition via CSWL, which is reflected at a neurophysiological level.

L1 어휘 의미 습득과정 연구에 대한 비판적 고찰

The purpose of this study is to critically review and study L1 child acquisition of word meaning in terms of the theory of mind with respect to different age groups, based on Bloom (2000). Two more current papers were studied in line with Chenu & Jisa (2009) and Kuipers et al. (2017) to identify and clarify the important issues raised in the field of vocabulary acquisition or vocabulary learning. Bloom

Comparison of Sensitivity Encoding (SENSE) and Compressed Sensing-SENSE for Contrast-Enhanced T1-Weighted Imaging in Patients With Crohn Disease Undergoing MR Enterography.

BACKGROUND. Long acquisition times for breath-hold contrast-enhanced (CE) T1-weighted imaging in MR enterography (MRE) protocols result in reduced image quality. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare CE T1-weighted imaging performed using sensitivity encoding (SENSE) and compressed sensing-SENSE (CS-SENSE) in terms of image quality and diagnostic performance for active inflammation in Crohn disease (CD). METHODS. This retrospective study included 41 patients (31 men, 10 women; mean age, 34 ± 12 [SD] years) who underwent MRE for known or suspected CD between June 2020 and September 2020. MRE was performed in one of two scanning rooms depending on scheduling availability. Per institutional protocol, in one room, the enteric phase was acquired using SENSE (acceleration factor, 3) and the portal phase was acquired using CS-SENSE (acceleration factor, 5); this order was reversed in the other room. Two radiologists independently assessed sequences for subjective image quality measures at the patient level and for active inflammation at the bowel-segment level. Mean image quality scores between readers were computed. Diagnostic performance for active inflammation was compared between SENSE and CS-SENSE using generalized estimating equations; a separate experienced radiologist reviewed the full MRE protocol to establish the reference standard. RESULTS. The mean acquisition time of CE T1-weighted imaging was 17.2 ± 1.1 seconds for SENSE versus 11.5 ± 0.8 seconds for CS-SENSE (p < .001). CS-SENSE scored significantly better than SENSE in overall image quality (4.2 ± 0.7 vs 3.7 ± 1.1; p = .02), motion artifacts (4.0 ± 0.8 vs 3.6 ± 1.2; p = .006), and aliasing artifacts (4.8 ± 0.4 vs 4.2 ± 0.6; p < .001). CS-SENSE scored significantly worse than SENSE in synthetic appearance (4.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.8 ± 0.4; p = .003). Contrast, sharpness, and blurring were not different between sequences (p > .05). For reader 1, CS-SENSE, compared with SENSE, showed a sensitivity of 86% versus 81% (p = .09), specificity of 88% versus 83% (p = .08), and accuracy of 87% versus 82% (p = .56). For reader 2, CS-SENSE, compared with SENSE, showed a sensitivity of 92% versus 79% (p = .006), specificity of 90% versus 98% (p = .16), and accuracy of 91% versus 86% (p = .002). CONCLUSION. Use of CS-SENSE for CE T1-weighted imaging in MRE protocols results in reduced scan times with reduced artifact and improved image quality. CLINICAL IMPACT. The benefits of CS-SENSE in MRE protocols may improve the diagnostic performance for active inflammation in CD.

The Semantic Analysis of the Preposition “Through” From the Perspective of Cognitive Linguistics

Prepositions are the most active words in English. Since the late 20th century, linguists have made some deep and comprehensive studies about the polysemy of prepositions. Especially, the emergency of cognitive linguistics offers a new perspective for the study of prepositions. Under the framework of cognitive linguistics, this paper will analyze the preposition “through” from six domains by means of cognitive theories, including prototype theory, image schema theory and conceptual metaphor. It is found that the prototypical meaning of “through” is its spatial meaning. And the extension of the word is achieved with the aid of source-path-goal schema and spatial metaphor from the spatial domain to non-spatial domains. Based on these findings, a conclusion is drawn that all the non-prototypical meanings of one particular preposition are derived from its prototypical meaning and the study of the prototypical meaning is of great significance to the acquisition of English preposition meaning.

OPTIMIZATION OF INVESTMENT STRATEGY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF MEANS OF MECHANIZATION

The aim of the paper is to identify the optimal investment strategy of acquiring the means of mechanization of an agricultural enterprise. A suitable mean to meet the goal is the application of a multiperiodic optimization model, which is designed in the spreadsheet program Excel (including Solver). Objective function is represented by property maximization at the end of considered period via Net present value. The set of restrictive conditions is represented by the balance of production and financial factors, the balance of cost and production indicators, production and credit restrictions, as well as the conditions of securing the company's liquidity in each time period through positive cumulative cash flow and sufficient financial resources to cover capital investment and working capital. The comparison of NPV values ​​of individual variants of optimization models documents the logical consequences of the gradual optimization of plant and animal production, the time of acquisition of mechanization means without and with the limitation of credit resources and the time of loan repayment. The most suitable solution, with additional restrictive conditions for limited credit resources of up to € 50,000 per year, an interest rate of 6% and a repayment period of up to 7 years, is to procure a Vogel-nootHektor plow in the first year, Horch Pronto seed drills in the second, fertilizer spreaders Rauch in the third, a Fendt combine with a rape cutter and a pea straw crusher in the fourth year and a corn header in the fifth year. The resulting value of NPV represents the amount of € 343,922, while the required amount of credit resources in the first year is € 42,595 with a repayment period of 4 years, in the second year € 31,079 with a repayment of 3 years and in the fourth year € 48,284 with a repayment period of 7 years.

Sparse 3D contrast-enhanced whole-heart imaging for coronary artery evaluation.

We investigated the feasibility of evaluating coronary arteries with acontrast-enhanced (CE) self-navigated sparse isotropic 3D whole heart T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study sequence. Atotal of 22consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography and/or cardiac computed tomography (CT) including cardiac MRI. The image quality was evaluated on a3-point Likert scale. Inter-reader variability for image quality was analyzed with Cohen's kappa for the main coronary segments (left circumflex [LCX], left anterior descending [LAD], right coronary artery [RCA]) and the left main trunk (LMT). Inter-reader agreement for image quality of the coronary tree ranged from substantial to perfect, with aCohen's kappa of 0.722 (RCAmid) to 1(LCXprox). The LMT had the best image quality. Image quality of the proximal vessel segments differed significantly from the mid- and distal segments (RCAprox vs. RCAdist, p < 0.05). The LCX segments showed no significant difference in image quality along the vessel length (LCXprox vs. LCXdist, p = n.s.). The mean acquisition time for the study sequence was 553 s (±46 s). Coronary imaging with asparse 3D whole-heart sequence is feasible in areasonable amount of time producing good-quality imaging. Image quality was poorer in distal coronary segments and along the entire course of the LCX.