Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Evaluating Land use/Land Cover Dynamics in Megech Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin Ethiopia

This study was conducted to the application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Evaluating Land use/Land Cover Dynamics in Megech Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin Ethiopia. Land sat images from 1986, 2001 and 2020 were used to produce three maps of the respective years using GIS with field verification. Software used for this study was Arc GIS 10.3. 1 and ERDAS Imagine 14. Data from satellite images coupled with field observation and socio-economic survey revealed an effective approach for analyzing the extent, rate and spatial pattern of LU/LC change. The result showed that six land cover categories, namely forest land, wetland, woodland, farmland, bare land, water body and grassland have been identified. The general trends observed from 1986-2001 was a decrease grazing land, built up area plantation declined annually with the rate of -0.36ha/year,-2.98 ha/year and -3.99 ha/year. While, natural forest, water bodies and cultivated land shows increasing trend 0.699ha/year,3.37 ha/year and 3.19 ha/year. Similarly, between 2001-2020, natural forest, water bodies and cultivated land continued to increase with the mean annual rate of 0.4ha. year, 1.05 ha/year and 0.03ha respectively. Besides built up are also enhancedby5.7ha/year, Whereas the reduction grazing land and plantation declined annually more or less in similar pattern with the rate of -0.84ha/year and -1.64 ha/year respectively. Keywords : Landsat, Land use, Land cover and LU/LCC. DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/69-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2020
Use of Social Media by Librarians in Promoting Library and Information Resources and Services in Academic Libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria

The study aims to investigate the use of social media for promoting library and information resources and services in academic libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The population of the study was fifty-seven (57) academic librarians. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was the research instrument used. Data extracted from the 40 correctly filled and returned questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that librarians rarely use social media to promote library and information resources, but to promote library and information services, like to pass information across to the library users, interact with students and colleagues as well as for keeping track with current trends in the library. It further showed that librarians regularly make use of the few available social media. To effectively make use of social media, the study revealed that some essentials social media skills are necessary The study concluded that few librarians make use of the available social media in their libraries to promote library and information services, since many of the libraries do not have a social media platform that could be used by the librarians to connect with library users in academic libraries in Ekiti and Ondo States. It was however recommended that academic libraries should create a social media platform that will enable librarians and other library staff to connect and interact with the library users, while they also need training on social media skills required to make use of social media for promoting library and information resources and services.
Synthesis of high-quality MCM-48 mesoporous silica using gemini surfactant dimethylene-1,2-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide)

Using the Gemini surfactant [C12H25N+(CH3)(2-)N+(CH3)(2)-N+(CH3)(2)-C12H25](.)2Br(-) (abbreviated as C12-2-12) with the short spacer group (s = 2) as structure-directing agent and sodium silicate as precursor, high-quality ordered cubic mesoporous silica (space group Ia3d) was prepared through the S+I- route (S denotes surfactant, I precursor). The samples were characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N-2 adsorption-desorption techniques. Results showed that the pore structure of the resulting mesoporous silica belonged to the cubic structure (space group Ia3d). The high-quality cubic mesoporous structure was formed at 1:0.33 (molar ratio of sodium silicate to C12-2-12), 2:1 (ethyl acetate to sodium silicate), and at 30 degreesC. The formation conditions of MCM-48 with C12-2-12 were milder than those with the corresponding monovalent surfactants, such as alkyltrimethylammonium bromide. N-2 adsorption-desorption curves revealed type IV isotherms and H1 hysteresis loops; Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface areas increased with the decrease of the molar ratio of sodium silicate to C12-2-12 and of ethyl acetate to sodium silicate as well as of the hydrothermal temperatures.
The Constant Multiplier FFT

In this paper, we present a new fast Fourier transform (FFT) hardware architecture called constant multiplier (CM) FFT. Whereas rotators in previous architectures must rotate among several different angles, the CM FFT exploits the use of constant multipliers to calculate the rotations. The paper explores the 4-parallel and 8-parallel radix-2 CM FFT, which calculates the FFT entirely by using constant multipliers. Later, radices <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2^{k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are presented, with emphasis in radix-2<sup>4</sup> and radix-2<sup>5</sup> as the best alternatives. Experimental results for a 1024-point radix-2<sup>5</sup> CM FFT show that the proposed approach reduces the number of block random-access memories (BRAM) and digital signal processing (DSP) slices with respect to previous approaches, while achieving the highest clock frequency for a 4-parallel FFT architecture on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) reported so far.
A Privacy-Preserving Image Retrieval Scheme Using Secure Local Binary Pattern in Cloud Computing

The rapid growth of digital images motivates organizations and individuals to outsource image storage and computation to the cloud. However, the defenseless upload will raise the risk of privacy leakage while the simple encryption would impede the efficient usage of data. In this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving image retrieval scheme, in which the images are encrypted but similar images to a query can be efficiently retrieved from the encrypted images. Specifically, the image content is protected by big-block permutation, $3 \times 3$ block permutation within big-blocks, pixel permutation within $3 \times 3$ blocks, and polyalphabetic cipher. The use of polyalphabetic cipher improves security and causes no degradation in terms of retrieval accuracy as the substitution tables are generated by the order-preserving encryption. In this way, secure Local Binary Pattern (LBP) features can be directly extracted as the local features from the encrypted big-blocks, which is efficient as there is no communication between the cloud server and image owners to do so. The secure local LBP features are used to generate the feature vector for each image by the bag-of-words model. Finally, the similarity among the encrypted images is measured by the Manhattan distance of such feature vectors. The security analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the main existing schemes in terms of security and retrieval accuracy.
Controlled Synthesis of One-Dimensional Sb2Se3 Nanostructures and Their Electrochemical Properties

The size control of antimony triselenide (Sb2Se3) nanostructures has been achieved through a template-free hydrothermal route by simply adjusting the reaction temperature or the concentration of the reactants. Electrochemical measurements have shown that Sb2Se3 nanowires and mesorods possess higher initial hydrogen storage capacity than that of bismuth sulfide nanostructures (142 mAh/g) under normal atmosphere at room temperature. Interestingly, we have found that the morphologies of the Sb2Se3 had a noticeable influence on their capacity of electrochemical hydrogen storage. The result indicates that the Sb2Se3 nanowires have potential wide applications in hydrogen storage and high-energy batteries.
Assessment of impacts of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize production in Ghana

Spodoptera frugiperda was considered an insect pest only in the Americas until its first report in African countries in 2016. In this study, farmers and agricultural officials in Ghana were interviewed on their perceptions and knowledge of the pest, on infestation and maize yield variations across years, and on management practices. Farms were inspected to determine the infestation level of 100 plants per hectare. Interviews revealed that farmers were familiar with the larval stages of this pest and noticed that the pest occurred throughout the year, but populations of S. frugiperda increased only during cropping seasons. Infestation levels reported by farmers in surveys were much lower in 2018 (30.38%) than in 2017 (80.92%). Farm inspections confirmed that infestation levels were much lower in 2018 (20.90%) than 2017 (73.70%). The belt formed by Guinea Savannah, Transitional Zone, and Semi-Deciduous Forest Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) recorded the highest infestations while the lowest were observed from the Sudan Savannah and Tropical Rain Forest AEZs. Insecticides were the most commonly used tactic to manage populations of this new pest. Maize yields increased across Ghana between 2013 and 2015 from 1.52 to 1.73 t/ha, decreased between 2015 and 2017 to 1.55 t/ha, and increased to 1.69 t/ha in 2018. The impact of fall armyworm injury to maize production is discussed.
Crystal structures and molecular modeling of 1,8 chalcogenide-substituted naphthalenes

The molecular structures of naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]diselenole, naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]ditellurole, naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole I-oxide, naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1,1-dioxide, and naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1,1,2-trioxideand naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1,1,2,2-tetroxide are compared. The E-E distance varies, broadly reflecting the degree of distortion imposed by the rigid naphthalene backbone as well as the degree of oxidation at sulfur. The naphthalene backbone imposes shortening of E-E bond lengths when E = S and Se compared to Ph-E-E-Ph systems but is itself subject to distortion as a consequence of the steric bulk of the E atoms.
Effect of Sample Preparation Method on Birch (Betula pendula Roth) Leaf Phenolics

Sample preparation methods for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of birch leaf phenolics were compared. The methods tested were: (1) air-drying at ambient temperature, (2) oven-drying at 40 °C, (3) oven-drying at 80 °C, (4) freeze-drying, prefreezing with liquid N2, (5) freeze-drying, prefreezing at −18 °C, (6) freeze-drying without prefreezing, (7) storing frozen for 12 days without drying, and (8) immediate extraction of fresh samples. Although there were significant differences among methods in absolute concentrations of phenolics, none of the methods altered considerably the phenolic profile of birch leaves. For quantitative analysis, the samples should be analyzed immediately. Alternatively, the samples may be stored fresh frozen, at least for a short time. Among the drying methods, the highest concentrations of phenolics were obtained by freeze-drying of slowly frozen leaves (method 5). Freeze-drying without prefreezing resulted in significantly lower concentrations of flavonoid glyc.
Review on winds, extratropical cyclones and their impacts in Northern Europe and Finland

Strong winds caused by powerful extratropical cyclones are one of the most dangerous and damaging weather phenomena in Northern Europe. Stormy winds can generate extreme waves and rise the sea level, which leads occasionally to storm surges in coastal areas. In land areas, strong winds can cause extensive forest damage. In general, windstorms induce annually significant damage for society. Moreover, due to climate change, the frequency and the impacts caused by the windstorms is changing. In this report, we introduce a literature review on the occurrence of strong winds, extratropical cyclones and their impacts in Northern Europe. We present the most important findings on both past trends and current climate on wind speeds and extratropical cyclones based on in-situ measurements and reanalysis data. We also briefly analyse impacts caused by extreme convective weather. Furthermore, we aim to respond to the question on how the wind climate in Northern Europe is going to change in the future under climate change. The decadal changes in the frequency of extratropical cyclones in Northern Europe follows the changes in the storm track regions. Regarding the past climate, confident estimates of the past trends are difficult to make due to inhomogeneities in the number and type of assimilated wind speeds into reanalysis data. Based on homogenized in-situ observations, the wind climatology in 1959-2015 in Finland shows a slight downward trend, but no trend is evident in the number of potential forest damage days in Finland. Possible change points are however detected for wind speeds and the impacts. Forest damage is not only a function of wind speeds but also the environmental factors, such as the amount of frost in the ground, play a role. In the future, the strongest signal in Northern Europe for slightly increasing wind speeds is in the autumn while other seasons do not show remarkable trends. It has been shown that the total number of the strongest windstorms are projected to decrease in the North Atlantic and Europe, but regional differences are likely to appear due to changes in the storm tracks. The strong wind gusts associated with thunderstorms in parts of Northern Europe will likely increase in frequency by the end of the 21st century. Publishing unit Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Classification (UDC)
Asymptomatic Malaria in Households and Neighbors of Laboratory Confirmed Cases in Raya Kobo District, Northeast Ethiopia

Background Malaria is the leading vector-borne parasitic disease that is causing high morbidity and mortality worldwide. So far huge efforts to control and eliminate malaria are hindered by the occurrence of asymptomatic carriers that are a potential source of infection. Yet, there is a scarcity of data nationally and in the current study area as well. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Northeast Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 involving a total of 270 study participants recruited via purposive non-probability sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, individual and household factors related to asymptomatic malaria. Data were entered in Epi Data 3.1 version and analyzed by using SPSS version 20, and p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 7.0%, with 3.0%, 5.2%, and 12.0%, respectively by Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), Microscopy and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The majority of infections (73.7%) were identified from index households. Previous malaria history (AOR: 4.030, 95% CI: 1.021–15.903), living with index cases (AOR: 3.880, 95% CI: 1.275–11.806) and family size > 6 members (AOR: 4.820, 95% CI: 1.260–18.437) were significant predictors of asymptomatic malaria. Conclusion Reactive case detection had identified considerably higher asymptomatic malaria cases in the community. Therefore, active case investigation should be established in the community by tracking the symptomatic cases at the health facilities.
Transformational Leadership and Financial Performance: The Mediating Roles of Learning Orientation and Firm Innovativeness

This study attempts to examine the relationships between transformational leadership, learning orientation, firm innovativeness, and financial performance. Specifically, the moderating effect of learning orientation and firm innovativeness. The data collected from 606 SMEs in Thailand were evaluated using the structural equation modeling, typifying that quantitative research. The results revealed that transformational leadership had a positive effect on learning orientation. Similarly, transformational leadership had a positive effect on firm innovativeness. Further, the study found that transformational leadership had a positive indirect effect on financial performance through the mediation of learning orientation. The results of the study found that transformational leadership had a positive indirect effect on financial performance through the mediation of firm innovativeness. Transformational leadership and learning orientation to improve innovation within the organization, including organizations and leaders among themselves. Especially, innovative firms inculcate ideals of promise to learning, open-mindedness, and shared vision. Furthermore, practitioners can use the findings of this study when they perform their role of leaders to challenge creativity and innovation among followers. Finally, those developments would influence a procedure of evidence procurement, evidence distribution and shared explanation that escalations equally individual and administrative effectiveness owing to its influence going on products.
Premature Termination of Haemodialysis (PTHD) Sessions in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: Prevalence and Causes

Background: Haemodialysis adequacy is depended on completion of the prescribed haemodialysis duration. Premature termination of haemodialysis occurs when there is a complication that cannot be managed. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and causes of premature termination of haemodialysis in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: This is a retrospective study. All patients that had premature termination of haemodialysis at the renal unit of ESUT teaching hospital Parklane Enugu during the study period -1st January to 30th June 2018 were recruited for the study. Their biodata and clinical details were documented. The parameters were entered in a spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS package. The results obtained were presented in text, tables and chart. P value less than 0.05 was significant. Results: A total of 405 haemodialysis sessions was done during the study period in 183 patients. Haemodialysis were terminated prematurely in 52 (12.8%) dialysis sessions in 42 patients, 23 males and 19 females. The mean age was 49.9 ± 13.4 years. Most patients had CKD and used femoral catheters as vascular access. Nonclinical complications caused PTHD in 78.8%. Intradialytic hypotension and severe body weakness were the commonest clinical complication while vascular access dysfunction, dialysate alarm and extracorporeal blood clot were the commonest non clinical complications. Two (3.8%) patients terminated their HD against medical advice. The mean duration of HD was 165.7 ± 43.7 minutes, for those with clinical complications was 176.4 ± 44.4 minutes and those with nonclinical complications was 162.7 ± 43.1 minutes (P=0.1985). Conclusion: The prevalence of PTHD was 12.8% and the nonclinical complications especially poor vascular access were the commonest cause of PTHD. There is need for enhanced training of the HD staff especially the technicians and nurses.
THE ROLE OF EFFECTIVE FACTORS IN UTAUT MODEL ON BEHAVIORAL INTENTION

Digital transactions are growing globally. India has embarked on this journey but still lags behind, in comparison to other countries. The paper attempts to find factors which affect behavioral intention among small merchants for adopting technology. Small merchants in unorganized sector are an important part of Indian business framework. The paper is a deductive research wherein it makes UTAUT model its base and adapts to the Indian context. The paper tests models and hypotheses with the help of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Few variables like performance expectancy, effort expectancy and habit were found to have an effect on intention to adopt cashless method; surprisingly factors profound to Indian consumers such as trust, perceived value and social influence were not found to have an effect on behavioral intension. The study is useful for the digital payment service providers, telecom companies, small merchants, Government and society. It also proposes strategic initiatives to boost digital transactions. It is unique as the survey is in the unorganized sector.
An Algorithm for the Multidimensional Analysis of the Overestimate and Underestimate of Property Rental Value

: Multidimensional attributes related to a real estate property interfere with the cognitive ability of potential real estate property user to process all available information in order to determine the real rental market rate and make a fully informed decision. Although there are various web platforms for property leasing, it is difficult for a potential user to find two equivalent real estate properties and thus make relevant comparisons. This paper proposes a potential solution for the rental price estimate of a property to be leased, as well as scaling and comparison of its overestimated or underestimated value to all other available properties. This example is developed on the basis of real estate market in Sarajevo. Random Forest algorithm was used for the development of regression model. The principle aim of this paper is to offer an applicative module, based on Data Science methodology, for automatic scaling and the comparison of property overestimated or underestimated rental rates to other residential buildings and taking in consideration multi-dimensionality of their physical and geolocation attributes.
Gene regulation across scales – how biophysical constraints shape evolution

In the thesis we focus on the interplay of the biophysics and evolution of gene regulation. We start by addressing how the type of prokaryotic gene regulation – activation and repression – affects spurious binding to DNA, also known as transcriptional crosstalk. We propose that regulatory interference caused by excess regulatory proteins in the dense cellular medium – global crosstalk – could be a factor in determining which type of gene regulatory network is evolutionarily preferred. Next,we use a normative approach in eukaryotic gene regulation to describe minimal non-equilibrium enhancer models that optimize so-called regulatory phenotypes. We find a class of models that differ from standard thermodynamic equilibrium models by a single parameter that notably increases the regulatory performance. Next chapter addresses the question of genotype-phenotype-fitness maps of higher dimensional phenotypes. We show that our biophysically realistic approach allows us to understand how the mechanisms of promoter function constrain genotypephenotype maps, and how they affect the evolutionary trajectories of promoters. In the last chapter we ask whether the intrinsic instability of gene duplication and amplification provides a generic alternative to canonical gene regulation. Using mathematical modeling, we show that amplifications can tune gene expression in many environments, including those where transcription factor-based schemes are hard to evolve or maintain.