Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the NMME in the Development of a New Regional Seasonal Climate Forecast Tool

ABSTRACTThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) provides access to a suite of real-time monthly climate forecasts that compose the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) in an attempt to meet the increasing demands for monthly to seasonal climate prediction. While the North American and global map-based forecasts provided by CPC are informative on a broad or continental scale, operational and decision-making institutions need products with a much more specific regional focus. To address this need, we developed a Region-Specific Seasonal Climate Forecast (RSCF–NMME) tool by combining NMME forecasts with regional climatological data. The RSCF–NMME automatically downloads and archives data and is displayed via a dynamic web-based graphical user interface. The tool has been applied to the Great Lakes region and utilized as part of operational water-level forecasting procedures by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District (USACE-Detroit). Evaluation of.
Farmers’ Income and Land Cover Change at Lore Lindu National Park in Indonesia

Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi is one of the protected areas. Although it is protected, many of its areas are experiencing pressure and disruption by human activities. The purpose of this research was to know the relationship between farmers’ income and land cover change at Lore Lindu National Park. The research method was a participatory survey. Variables of incomes were sourced from farming and outside farming (forests). Data of land cover change were obtained using imagery in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The result of research is the average of farming income of IDR 1,387,077 (cocoa farming) and non-farm income of IDR 854,819 (forest honey, resin). In the last five years (2012-2016), the primary forest area decreased by 902.37 ha, while the secondary forest has shown an increase of 2,233.61 ha. The trend of land cover change was drastic, with change in the secondary dry land forest area from 6.9 ha (in 2012) to 2,240.5 ha (in 2016). The increased secondary forest area and the secondary forests have been converted into agricultural land and mixed gardens.
Finite element method simulations of various cases of crash tests with N2/W4/A steel road barrier

The subject of this study is performance of N2/W4/A steel road safety barrier investigated in numerical simulations. System was checked under several types of initial conditions, which were assumed basing on the TB11 and TB32 normative crash tests. The main goal of present study is to investigate the relationship between initial conditions (angle and velocity) of the impact and the severity indices (associated to the vehicle occupant) during the collision. Obtained performance parameters and impact severity indexes may be considered reasonable. Results of the simulations facilitates the deep insight into vehicle crash mechanics phenomena.
A Modified Decision Based Mean Median Algorithm for Removal of High Density Salt and Pepper Noise

This paper presents a modified decision based mean median filter for removal of salt and pepper noise in gray scale images. This is a computationally efficient filtering technique. It is implemented in two steps: In the first step, noisy pixels are identified and in the second step, the proposed algorithm is applied only on noisy pixels. The noise free pixels are not modified, which helps in retaining the image features. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than various recent denoising methods in terms of PSNR, IEF and MSE.
Observed Rainfall Trends over Singapore and the Maritime Continent from the Perspective of Regional-Scale Weather Regimes

Straddling the Asian–Australian monsoon region, the Maritime Continent (MC) experiences substantial rainfall variations from diurnal to interannual and longer time scales. In this study, rainfall over Singapore and the wider MC region are analyzed using objectively identified weather regimes. Eight regional-scale weather regimes are derived by k-means clustering of local vertical profiles of zonal and meridional winds, temperature, and specific humidity extracted over Singapore from ERA-Interim data for the period December 1980–November 2014. The composite synoptic flow and rainfall patterns over the region show that the weather regimes correspond to the seasonal migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) across the equator. For Singapore, the regimes depict seasonal rainfall variability by capturing the alternating dry and wet phases of the prevailing local monsoon and transition periods associated with the regional-scale ITCZ movement. Following previous work, the regimes are used to examine the annual rainfall trend by calculating the contributions due to 1) changes in regime frequency, indicating regional-scale circulation changes, and 2) changes in within-regime precipitation, indicating altered thermodynamic conditions. The overall trend observed at Singapore and many other MC locations is overwhelmingly due to changes in within-regime precipitation. However, the overall trend masks the larger contribution resulting from regime frequency changes as these circulation changes tend to offset one another in reality. In many MC areas (including Singapore), summed rainfall changes due to regime frequency changes outweigh those due to changes in within-regime rainfall, when aggregated in an absolute sense.
Cashless Policy and Patronage in Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Katsina-Nigeria

Existing empirical literature on cashless banking is one that is quite scanty in the developing countries including Nigeria. Reviews of empirical studies on cashless policy indicate that a lot of prior studies focused on the adoption, prospects and benefits and challenges of cashless policy. This study on the other hand is aimed at investigating the effect of cashless policy on patronage using responses obtained from 410 customers of Stanbic IBTC Plc branch domiciled at Katsina town-Nigeria. To achieve the stated objective, authors used descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques. The major findings reveal that ATM transaction has significant negative effect on patronage; POS transaction has no significant effect on patronage; web transaction has positive and significant effect on patronage and mobile banking has negative but significant effect on patronage in Stanbic IBTC bank Plc, Katsina. Authors conclude that if deposit money banks in Nigeria can make cashless policy channels well functional and secured, it will enhance and improved bank patronage. It is recommended by the authors that the management of Stanbic IBTC Plc, Katsina needs to ensure that the ATMs are functional 24/7, and loaded with mints to attract patronage. Author also recommends that DMBs should deploy information technology (IT) solutions that will make transactions on POS and other cashless channels more safe and secured. It is also recommended that banks especially Stanbic IBTC Plc should provide incentive for using internet banking platform for transactions; and should deploy mobile banking solution that is all phone enabled.
Detecting Affine-Distorted Duplicated Regions in Images by Color Histograms

Region duplication is a simple method to create forgery images, where part of an image is copied and pasted somewhere else in the same image. In order to ﬁt the scene better and hinder possible forgery detection, the copied region is often processed by aﬃne transforms before being pasted. In order to achieve this goal, region rotation, scaling, even nonlinear local distortions can be applied. This paper presents a method to detect the region-duplication forgery under aﬃne distortions. The image is ﬁrst ﬁltered and divided into overlapping circular blocks. Then the normalized color histogram is extracted as the block feature. The Histogram Intersection Similarity (HIS) is employed to estimate the similarities of the histogram features. A post-processing ﬁlter is proposed to reduce the false matches and the regions are located in a pixel-based manner, which we call pixel-based marking. The ﬁnal detection result is obtained after morphological operations. Simulation results demonstrate the eﬃciency of the proposed scheme.
The Cultural Diversity of the Board of Directors and Capital Structure

Cultural characteristics and personal values can play a significant role in financial decision-making process, alongside economic factors. This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the impact of cross-cultural board members on capital structure decisions in publicly traded firms in Turkey. Using panel data methodology to analyze the capital structures of these firms between 2011 and 2020, we found that firms with at least 30% cross-cultural representation on their boards tend to borrow more than firms with less diverse boards. Similarly, firms with at least one cross-cultural board member borrow more than firms managed entirely by locals. These findings are significant in contributing to the understanding of the role of cultural diversity in financial decision-making and offer practical implications for firms aiming to optimize their capital structures. The results remain robust even after alternative regression specifications and other corporate financing decisions have been considered.
Investigations on some indicators in the blood of cattle with orosthenic activity tongue rolling

Objective: Hematological studies were carried out in cattle with tongue-rolling hyperactivity in order to establish the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of this behavioral disorder. Materials and Methods: Cattle were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 12), control animals that did not demonstrate the tongue-rolling orosthenic activity, and Group 2 (n = 12), cattle that manifested this stereotyped behavior. Blood samples were collected from all cattle twice at 10-day intervals from Vena jugularis for analysis of red blood cell counts, hemoglobin (HGB) content, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular HGB (MCH), mean corpuscular HGB concentration (MCHC), hematocrit (HCT), white blood cell counts (WBC), and differential white cell counts [lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes (MON), and granulocytes (GRAs)]. Some blood biochemical constituents were assayed: calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, plasma total protein, blood glucose, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, chlorides, cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin, as well as the enzyme activities of aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK). Blood concentrations of the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), dopamine, serotonin, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and trace elements manganese, copper, and iron were determined. Results: It was found out that the cattle with tongue-rolling hyperactivity did not demonstrate changes in red blood picture (HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC), white blood picture (WBC, LYM, MON, GRA), blood biochemistry (Ca, P, Mg, TP, Glu, TB, urea, creatine, Cl, Chole, TG, and Alb), AST, ALT, ALP, γ-GT, LDH, and CK activities, Cu, and Fe levels. In the study, increased concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, ACTH, and serotonin were established. Conclusion: The data demonstrating increased levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, and ACTH confirmed the etiological role of environmental stressors in the emergence of oral hyperactivity. Increased serotonin concentrations in the blood suggest that cattle with the stereotype are probably “happy” with tongue rolling. The lack of changes in blood trace elements manganese, copper, and iron allowed excluding their deficiency as a probable cause in the etiology of the disorder.
Investigation of the critical parameters for CEP stabilized high power 1.5μm OPCPA

High power OPCPAs above 10 W at short-wave IR wavelengths (SWIR: 1.4 - 3 μm) may be limited because of thermal heat dissipation in the nonlinear crystals. In this work we provide up-to-date measurements of the absorption coefficients of the nonlinear crystals used at these wavelengths and simulations of the thermal effects on critical parameters. In particular, power scaling limits will be discussed.
Intestinal Obstruction Unraveled: A Rare Case of Primary Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis

Primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (PSEP), also known as abdominal cocoon syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by small bowel encapsulation by a fibrous membrane or a cocoon-like sac. It is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction, as less than 300 cases have been reported from all over the world. We present the case of a 57-year-old male patient who presented with acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. A trial of conservative management failed, which warranted surgical intervention. Adhesiolysis was done, resulting in the relief of the intestinal obstruction caused by cocoon syndrome. The patient experienced excellent clinical improvement postoperatively and remained symptom-free during follow-up. Primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical presentation. A high index of suspicion, a thorough history review, a physical examination, and imaging studies are crucial for an accurate diagnosis. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing abdominal cocoon syndrome as a potential cause of intestinal obstruction and highlights the successful management of the condition. This is the first case of such a disease entity to be reported from Palestine.
The Effects of Various Modes of High-Intensity Anaerobic Exercise on Dynamic Balance Performance

This study assessed the effects of various modes of high-intensity anaerobic exercise (e.g., sprinting, squatting, and jumping) on dynamic balance performance. Twenty-five college-age student- athletes participated in three, high-intensity anaerobic exercise conditions (treadmill sprint, barbell squat, and vertical jump) on three separate days with only one condition being performed per week in a randomized order. Dynamic balance became significantly (t = 2.21, p = 0.04) worse from pre- to post-testing after completing the vertical jump protocol (5.24 ± 2.29 and 6.1 ± 1.92, respectively). There were no significant (t < 1.75, p < 0.19) differences in dynamic balance from pre- to post- testing after performing the treadmill sprint (5.68 ± 1.68 and 6.28 ± 2.06, respectively) and barbell squat (5.18 ± 1.64 and 5.69 ± 1.81, respectively) protocols. While Tabata sprint and barbell squat protocols revealed no significant effects on dynamic balance, a similar-intensity Tabata vertical jump protocol produced a significant detriment in dynamic balance performance. These findings suggest that the vertical jump may uniquely hinder subsequent sport performance and increase risk of balance-related injury when compared to intensity- matched sprinting or squatting. These results may be attributable to an increased propensity to fatigue when performing bouts of vertical jump compared to sprinting or squatting, thus reducing the proprioceptive capability of the body.
Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens in Burn Wound, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Approaches (Conventional Antimicrobials and Nanoparticles)

Multidrug-resistant pathogens are one of the common causes of death in burn patients and have a high risk of nosocomial infections, especially pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. The role of prolonged hospitalization and empirical antibiotics administration in developing multidrug-resistant pathogens is undeniable. In the early days of admitting burn patients, Gram-positive bacteria were the dominant isolates with a more sensitive antibiotic pattern. However, the emergence of Gram-negative bacteria that are more resistant later occurs. Trustworthy guideline administration in burn wards is one of the strategies to prevent multidrug-resistant pathogens. Also, a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is an effective way to avoid antibiotic resistance that involves infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, and burn surgeons. However, the emerging resistance to conventional antimicrobial approaches (such as systemic antibiotic exposure, traditional wound dressing, and topical antibiotic ointments) among burn patients has challenged the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections, and using nanoparticles is a suitable alternative. In this review article, we will discuss different aspects of multidrug-resistant pathogens in burn wounds, emphasizing the full role of these pathogens in burn wounds and discussing the application of nanotechnology in dealing with them. Also, some advances in various types of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, carbon quantum dots, and solid lipid nanoparticles in burn wound healing, will be explained.
Discovering underground bat hibernacula in lowland eastern Europe

: The importance of underground hibernacula for the conservation of bats and monitoring their populations is well-recognized. However, the lowland territory of Belarus, with absent natural caves and suitable for bats mines, was one of the least surveyed European regions in terms of underground bat sites, and especially hibernacula. To address this knowledge gap, in 2020, we conducted a broad-scale one winter bat survey, exploring 90 underground sites (basements, cellars, church crypts, fortifications, and facilities of abandoned Soviet missile bases) in various parts of Belarus. To our knowledge, none of these sites had been examined for bats before. In 56 of the 90 underground sites, we discovered hibernating bats (a total of 1054 ind.) of six species: Barbastella barbastellus (78.5% of all bats), Myotis daubentonii (7.4%), Plecotus auritus (5.1%), Eptesicus nilssonii (4.9%), Myotis brandtii and Eptesicus serotinus (in sum, 2%). The distribution of bats among the hibernacula was highly uneven (with N Me = 3; N av = 19 ind.). In 76% of the hibernacula, the number of bats was between 1 and 10 individuals per site, which accounted for approximately 10% of all bats recorded during the survey. Only in five sites we found over 50 bats. One to four species were present in each site, with one species found in 58% of the hibernacula. We suppose that the small number of species and relatively small number of bats per hibernaculum is characteristic of the study region. This supports the
Finite bandwidth, nonlinear convective flow in a mushy layer

Finite amplitude convection with a continuous finite bandwidth of modes in a horizontal mushy layer during the solidification of binary alloys is investigated. We analyze the nonlinear convection for values of the Rayleigh number close to its critical value by using multiple scales and perturbation techniques. Applying a combined temporal and spatial evolution approach, we determine a set of three coupled differential equations for the amplitude functions of the convective modes. A large number of new subcritical or supercritical stable solutions to these equations in the form of steady rolls and hexagons with different horizontal length scales are detected. We find, in particular, that depending on the parameter values and on the magnitude and direction of the wave number vectors for the amplitude functions, hexagons with down-flow or up-flow at the cells’ centers or rolls can be stable. Rolls or hexagons with longer horizontal wave length can be stable at higher amplitudes, and there are cases where hexagons are unstable for any value of the Rayleigh number, while rolls are stable only for the values of the Rayleigh number beyond some value. We also detected new stable and irregular flow patterns with two different horizontal scales in the form of superposition of either two sets of hexagons or two sets of inclined rolls.
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of acupoints on respiratory outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with moderate pulmonary involvement: A parallel randomized clinical trial

Experiencing respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnea and decreased oxygen saturation (SpO2) level in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with increased mortality. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of acupoints (Acu‐TENS) on the respiratory outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with moderate pulmonary involvement.
Perception of UiTM Students and Employers’ Expectation on Practical Training During Covid-19 Pandemic

A practical training is a structured off-campus learning to provide students with industrial and professional experience before they go out to work in the real world. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced organisations to be more agile and adapt to crises in difficult times. The purpose of this study is to identify the students' perceptions and the employers’ expectations when the students underwent internship during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify the various communication skills required at the workplace as well as to explore employers’ expectations on industrial training practices during this challenging period. 100 final year students from UiTM who had completed their internship program were involved in the study. Using a mixed-method approach, the data obtained from questionnaires and interviews were triangulated. The findings of the study highlight that students faced many challenges during their practical training from various aspects namely health and safety, academic and university regulations, language, communication and adapting to the workplace environment. The study also provides insight into the important skills required by employers for practical training. This information is useful for both universities and organisations for a better internship arrangement in the future.
Selection between the generalized Pareto and kappa distributions in peaks-over-threshold hydrological frequency modelling

ABSTRACT Hydrologists use the generalized Pareto (GP) distribution in peaks-over-threshold (POT) modelling of extremes. A model with similar uses is the two-parameter kappa (KAP) distribution. KAP has had fewer hydrological applications than GP, but some studies have shown it to merit wider use. The problem of choosing between GP and KAP arises quite often in frequency analyses. This study, by comparing some discrimination methods between these two models, aims to show which method(s) is (are) recommended. Three specific methods are considered: one uses the Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit (GoF) statistic, another uses the ratio of maximized likelihood (closely related to the Akaike information criterion and the Bayesian information criterion), and the third employs a normality transformation followed by application of the Shapiro-Wilk statistic. We show this last method to be the most recommendable, due to its advantages with sizes typically encountered in hydrology. We apply the simulation results to some flood POT datasets. EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis; ASSOCIATE EDITOR E. Volpi