Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-time simulation of rotorcraft wake

In operational environments, pilots of rotorcraft such as the Apache, Blackhawk, and other variants have been involved in catastrophic accidents, due to pilots’ inability to rely on visual indicators for landing. In 2019, the Army reported that over the past 10 years, there have been 87 rotorcraft accidents due Degraded Visual Environments (DVE)—resulting in 122 fatalities and over $1.18B in material losses [1]. This phenomenon poses a formidable hazard to advanced tilt rotor platforms. Dust clouds, rain, and other meteorological effects can obscure or degrade instrument readings and make it difficult for pilots to navigate safely—especially during takeoff and landing. In these types of degraded visibility environments, pilots must depend on instruments for situational awareness, making accurate sensing and reporting crucial to a real-time understanding of the environment. This research is intended to address gaps in the rotorcraft Hardware-InThe-Loop (HWIL) DVE simulation systems currently in use. Specifically, the research is intended to produce a physicsbased realistic representation of DVE conditions for a HWIL simulator to demonstrate the impact of DVE on sensor emulator performances. DVE testing in a simulated environment requires a representation of rotor induced aerosol concentration around the aircraft. Additionally, the simulation requires the ability to visualize the degradation of sensor performance by rotor-induced aerosols [2]. Having end-to-end control over the physical model, it is possible to extend the effects of DVE on sensors beyond just textures and statistical models to physics-based models.
High efficiency sensing in real time

We exemplify a new mathematical theory and method for high efficiency sensing in real time, in contrast to compressed sensing theory, which is the most sensational topic of scientific research in the past century. Compared with compressed sensing, high efficiency sensing radically rectifies mathematical rationale while immensely improves technical performance. Based on discovery of new logical phenomenon, we make a broad spectrum of innovations on rationale, methodology, transform, techniques and so on, which working together result in dominant improvement in terms of both data quality and computation speed. High efficiency denotes high quality plus high speed. The pivotal innovation is simple yet powerful. Demo software and test data are both downloadable at our website www.lucidsee. ca .
Students’ Emotional Intelligence, Self-Efficacy, and Schemata in Speaking Performance

The objectives of the research were to find out the level of students’ emotional intelligence, to find out the level of students’ self-efficacy, to find out the level of students’ schemata, to find out there are emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and schemata simultaneously have significant effect in speaking performance, and to find out which one emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and schemata has granted contribution in speaking. This study employed mixed method research. The technique of taking sample was volunteer sampling. The population of this research was 35 students of Muhammadiyah University of Makassar. The research data were collected using questionnaire, speaking test, and interview. The data were analyzed by using Likert scale, descriptive statistic, and multiple linear analyses through SPSS 23 version. The result of this research showed that (1) the students of Muhammadiyah University of Makassar have high emotional intelligence. It was proven by mean score 77.40, and it was in 68-83 range score. (2) The students of Muhammadiyah University of Makassar have high self-efficacy. It was proven by mean score 81.57, and it was in 68-83 range score. (3) The students of Muhammadiyah University of Makassar have high schemata. It was proven by mean score 82.89, and it was in 68-83 range score. (4) Emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and schemata simultaneously have significant effect on students speaking performance as evidenced by F count = (5.851)>F table (2.90). (5) The independent variable that most influences speaking performance in this research is schemata.
Histological pattern of bladder cancer at a tertiary hospital in North Western Nigeria: an update

Background: An update on the histopathological patterns of bladder cancer in our environment is pertinent to determine the current prevalent histological type and if there is worsening schistosomal infestation as these can guide the management of bladder cancer.Methods: This is a prospective study of patients managed for bladder cancer at the urology unit, department of surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria between 02 February 2018 and 01 February 2019. Histology of biopsy specimens were done at the histopathology department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Data was collected using a structured proforma and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: A total of 65 patients were recruited into the study with mean age of 51.9 years and standard deviation of ±14.7. The male to female ratio was 6:1 and the commonest occupation of the patients was farming (41.5%). A total of 46 patients (70.8%) had squamous cell carcinoma following histology, followed by transitional cell carcinoma seen in 9.2% of patients and adenocarcinoma seen in 3.1% of patients. Schistosoma ova was seen in 13.8% of the patients while 3.1% of the patients had cystitis cystica.Conclusions: The commonest histological type of bladder cancer in our environment is squamous cell carcinoma. In this current study, the percentage of patients with squamous cell carcinoma is higher than the previously reported percentages while the percentage of patients with transitional cell carcinoma is lower than the previously reported percentages thus revealing worsening schistosomal infestation in our environment.
Assessing the effect of organisational factors and ICT expenditures on e-maturity: empirical results in Italian municipalities

ABSTRACT The article quantitatively investigates the e-maturity of municipalities, defined as the extent to which a public organisation uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for delivering public services. We first question existing e-maturity models and then propose a new method for assessing e-maturity based on the usage of digital services. We performed a Latent Class Analysis on data from 2,219 Italian Municipalities. The article quantitatively investigates the e-maturity of municipalities, defined as the extent to which a public organisation uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for delivering public services. We first question existing e-maturity models, and then propose a new method for assessing e-maturity based on the usage of digital services registered in 2,219 Italian municipalities. We perform Latent Class Analysis and introduce organisational factors and ICT expenditures to investigate the determinants underlying the resulting classes. Consequently, we underline the importance of key organisational characteristics, which partially explain e-maturity. Furthermore, municipalities with low e-maturity tend to spend less in ICT. Instead, no difference is found when comparing municipalities with medium and high e-maturity. Hence, the adoption of digital services does not depend on the amount of money spent in ICT, rather, probably, on the priorities and strategic choices set by municipalities. This result paves the way for further studies in the field. Subsequently, we introduced organisational factors and ICT expenditures to investigate the determinants underlying the resulting classes. Results underline the importance of key organisational characteristics, which partially explain e-maturity. Furthermore, municipalities with low e-maturity tend to spend less in ICT. Instead, no difference is found when comparing municipalities with medium and high e-maturity. Hence, the adoption of digital services does not depend on the amount of money spent in ICT, rather, probably, on the priorities and strategic choices set by municipalities. This result paves the way for further studies in the field.
A semi-empirical method for modeling a reciprocating compressor in refrigeration systems

A simple semi-empirical compressor model has been developed to be used in refrigeration system simulations. The model is based on thermodynamics principles and a large data base. The purpose of the model is to reduce the amount of data required to completely characterize compressor performance using alternative refrigerants. Two compressor performance parameters were defined. An effective pressure drop accounts for mass flow losses in the compressor, while numerically determined functional dependence of the heat transfer loss coefficient is related to compressor energy losses. These parameters depict compressor operation with reasonable accuracy. A total of 122 data points, 8 different refrigerants, and 2 compressors were utilized in the project. The model predicted mass flow rates and required compressor power for all data points within 10% of relative error.
Collaborative autoethnography in examining online teaching during the pandemic: from a ‘teacher agency’ perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak forced universities to immediately shift to online teaching, and the transition presented unprecedented challenges. This paper reports our findings from a collaborative autoethnography study with a special focus on the challenges we encountered and our agentive responses in teaching online. Data reveal four major challenges (1) unpredictable situations, (2) shifting teacher roles in online context, (3) issues on course design, expectations, grading, and feedback, and (4) technology issues. Also, we reported four agentive responses (1) adopting a positive attitude, (2) reexamining our teaching practices and educational goals, (3) exploring alternative pedagogical approaches, and (4) strategically implementing technology to enhance teaching and learning. These intentional reflections became opportunities for us to revisit our positionality, analyze our teaching experiences, and transform them into tools in supporting students. This study calls for more resources for professional development, as well as further conversations and collaborations among teachers and researchers. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Teaching in Higher Education is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
Zinc oxide nanostructures for fluorescence and Raman signal enhancement: a review

Since the initial discovery of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF), these techniques have shown huge potential for applications in biomedicine, biotechnology, and optical sensors. Both methods rely on the high electromagnetic fields created at locations on the surface of plasmonic metal nanoparticles, depending on the geometry of the nanoparticles, their surface features, and the specific location of analyte molecules. Lately, ZnO-based nanostructures have been exploited especially as SERS substrates showing high enhancement factors and increased charge transfer effect. Additionally, applications focused on enhancing the fluorescence of analyte molecules as well as on tuning the photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanostructures through combination with metal nanoparticles. This review covers the major recent results of ZnO-based nanostructures used for fluorescence and Raman signal enhancement. The broad range of ZnO and ZnO–metal nanostructures synthesis methods are discussed, highlighting low-cost methods and the recyclability of ZnO-based nanosubstrates. Also, the SERS signal enhancement by ZnO-based nanostructures and the influences of lattice defects on the SERS signal are described. The photoluminescence enhancement of ZnO in the presence of noble metal nanoparticles and the molecular fluorescence enhancement in the presence of ZnO alone and in combination with metal nanoparticles are also reviewed.
Precaution and proportionality in pandemic politics: democracy, state capacity, and COVID-19-related school closures around the world

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a globally spread—but differently timed—implementation of school closures and other disruptive containment measures as governments worldwide intervened to curb transmission of disease. This study argues that the timing of such disruptive interventions reflects how governments balance the principles of precaution and proportionality in their pandemic decision-making. A theory is proposed of how their trade-off is impacted by two interacting institutional factors: electoral democratic institutions, which incentivise political leaders to increasingly favour precaution, and high state administrative capacity, which instead makes a proportional strategy involving later containment measures more administratively and politically feasible. Global patterns consistent with this theory are documented among 170 countries in early 2020, using Cox models of school closures and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Corroborating the theorised mechanisms, additional results indicate that electoral competition prompts democratic leaders’ faster response, and that this mechanism is weaker where professional state agencies have more influence over policymaking.
Unravelling the numerical and spatial underpinnings of computational thinking: a pre-registered replication study

ABSTRACT Background Key to optimizing Computational Thinking (CT) instruction is a precise understanding of the underlying cognitive skills. Román-González et al. (2017) reported unique contributions of spatial abilities and reasoning, whereas arithmetic was not significantly related to CT. Disentangling the influence of spatial and numerical skills on CT is important, as neither should be viewed as monolithic traits. Objective This study aimed (1) to replicate the results of a previous study by Román-González et al. (Computers in Human Behaviour 72), and (2) to extend this research by investigating other theoretically relevant constructs. Specifying the contribution of reasoning (i.e. numerical, figural), numerical skills (i.e. arithmetic, algebra), and spatial skills (i.e. visualization, mental rotation, short-term memory) helps to better understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying CT. Method We investigated a sample of 132 students from Grades 7–8 (age range 12–15 years). Participants completed the Computational Thinking test, as well as a variety of psychometric assessments of reasoning, numerical, and spatial skills. To determine which cognitive skills are relevant for CT, we calculated bivariate correlations and performed a linear regression analysis. Findings Results confirmed unique contributions of figural reasoning and visualization. Additional variance was explained by algebraic skills. Implications We conclude that CT engages cognitive mechanisms extending beyond reasoning and spatial skills.
A Comprehensive Review of Deep Learning Strategies in Retinal Disease Diagnosis Using Fundus Images

In recent years, there has been an unprecedented growth in computer vision and deep learning implementation owing to the exponential rise of computation infrastructure. The same was also reflected in retinal image analysis and successful artificial intelligence models were developed for various retinal disease diagnoses using a wide variety of visual markers obtained from eye fundus images. This article presents a comprehensive study of different deep learning strategies employed in recent times for the diagnosis of five major eye diseases, i.e., Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, Cataract, and Retinopathy of prematurity. This article is organized according to the deep learning implementation process pipeline, where commonly used datasets, evaluation metrics, image pre-processing techniques, and deep learning backbone models are first illustrated followed by an extensive review of different strategies for each of the five mentioned retinal diseases is presented. Finally, this article summarizes eight major research directions available in the field of retinal disease diagnosis and outlines key challenges and future scope for the present research community.
Barriers to an effective voucher programme for community-based aged care: a professional perspective

Long-term care for older people is increasingly turning to consumer-directed approaches. As a case in point, the Hong Kong Government recently implemented a new voucher programme for community-based aged care based on a consumer-directed approach: the Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly (CCSV). The objectives of this study were to explore the lived experience of professional workers vis-à-vis the new programme and to identify barriers to effective voucher use by older people in Hong Kong. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 16 professionals who had primary responsibility for the voucher programme for community-based aged care. The interview guide covered five main areas: (a) professional's perception and experience on the voucher programme; (b) the decision-making process around the voucher programme; (c) personal capacities of older people; (d) family support and social networks; and (e) institutional support. Findings indicate several barriers to effective use of the CCSV including: lack of self-awareness of service needs, lower education level, poor health condition, lack of financial resources, lack of family support, inadequate family involvement in decision-making, lack of peer and professional support, lack of available services and poor service accessibility. Suggestions for strengthening the voucher programme include institution of a case management model and public education. Different factors or elements are required to facilitate older people to make sound and informed choices, and a case manager can assist in combining different resources and forms of support towards effective use of the CCSV.
Investigating the Uncertainty in Flow at Gauging sites in Gippsland Using Australian Standard 3778.2.3

The methodology outlined in Australian Standard 3778.2. 3 was used to estimate the uncertainty in the flow data reported for 80+ sites in Gippsland. The flow data is obtained by applying a rating table to monitored water levels. The uncertainty estimated in these flow data results from two sources: the uncertainty in the flow estimates due to uncertainty in the recorded water level; and the uncertainty in the flow estimates due to the uncertainty in the rating table. A number of problems were encountered using the methodology, not all of which could be satisfactorily resolved and which had to be worked around. However, given that at present there are no uncertainty estimates for flow data routinely available, an indication of the range of uncertainty in the reported flow values was calculated from the data available. Results indicated the uncertainty in the annual flow at most monitoring sites in Gippsland ranged from +/- 5% to +/- 15% in 2005-2006. These results provide valuable guidance for decisions on changes in monitoring protocols to reduce uncertainty where desired and possible. The process of estimating the uncertainty in the flow provided additional valuable information about the data collected at the monitoring sites. In addition, uncertainty calculations can contribute to auditing procedures by highlighting sites that require investigation. However, further work is required to enable the consistent calculation of uncertainty by different parties. Uncertainty in the flow should be reported as a routine part of data dissemination to enable the user to take into account the confidence level of hydrological data in decision making.
INDUCTION OF UNSCHEDULED DNA SYNTHESIS IN HAIRLESS MOUSE EPIDERMIS BY 8-METHOXYPSORALEN PLUS ULTRAVIOLET A (PUVA)

―― Induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) by 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) plus ultraviolet A (UV-A) (PUVA) was investigated in the epidermis of female hairless mice by means of an in vivo - in vitro assay using a liquid scintillation counting method. Groups of three to five 8-week-old female hairless mice had 8-MOP applied once onto two areas of the back after stripping of the stratum corneum with adhesive tape to enhance skin penetration, and were irradiated with UV-A. Skin samples were taken and cultured in a medium containing [ 3 H]thymidine with or without hydroxyurea (HU) for 2 hr. DNA of the epidermis was extracted, and the incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA and the DNA content were determined with a liquid scintillation counter and a fluorescence spectrophotometer, respec-tively. Induction of UDS was judged in terms of the UDS index [(the ratio of DNA synthesis in the presence of HU to that in its absence) × 100]. In a time-course study, the UDS index was increased at 1, 2 and 24 hr after 1 × 10 5 J/m 2 UV-A irradiation with 0.001% 8-MOP, reaching the maximum level at 24 hr. In a dose-response study, it was significantly increased at the dose of 1 × 10 5 J/m 2 of UV-A at 24 hr with 0.001% 8-MOP, but showed no significant change at the doses of 0.5 × 10 5 , 2 × 10 5 and 4 × 10 5 J/m 2 . In a further study on the effect of varying the dose of 8-MOP, the UDS index was significantly increased at 0.001 and 0.002% 8-MOP at 24 hr after 1 × 10 5 J/m 2 UV-A irradiation, reaching the maximum level with 0.002% 8-MOP. The increase of the UDS index in these studies was less than 3-fold. These results show that PUVA causes a small induction of UDS, which might be due to slow DNA excision repair over a long period.
Microsoft Word-16821466-file00

Since several years, our group develops quinoxalinic compounds. Two of them, EAPB0203 and EAPB0503, have emerged as the most promising anticancer drugs. In the present work, we determined metabolism pathways using liver microsomes from four mammalian species including human. We identified the P450 isoform(s) involved in the metabolism. Then, the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of EAPB0203 and EAPB0503 were investigated in rat after intravenous and intraperitoneal administration. Biotransformation of the compounds involved demethylation and hydroxylation reactions. Rat and dog metabolized the compounds with a higher rate than mouse and human. In all species, CYP1A1/2 and CYP3A isoforms were the predominant enzymes responsible for the metabolism. From human liver microsomes, unbound intrinsic clearances were around 56 ml/min/g protein. EAPB0203 and EAPB0503 were extensively bound to human plasma proteins, mainly serum albumin (HSA) (~98-99.5%). Thus, HSA could act as carrier of these compounds in human plasma. The Scatchard plots showed patterns in which the plots yielded upwardly convex hyperbolic curves. Based on the Hill coefficients, there appears to be interaction between the binding sites of HSA, suggesting positive cooperativity. The main in vitro metabolites were identified in vivo. Total clearances of EAPB0203 and EAPB0503 (3.2 and 2.2 l/h/kg, respectively) were notably lower than the typical cardiac plasma output in rat. The large volumes of distribution of these compounds (4.3 l/kg for EAPB0203 and 2.5 l/kg for EAPB0503) were consistent with extensive tissue binding. After intraperitoneal administration, bioavailability was 22.7% for EAPB0203 and 35% for EAPB0503 and a significant hepatic first-pass effect occurred. This article has not been copyedited and formatted. The final version may differ from this version. DMD Fast Forward. Published on July 21, 2010 as DOI: 10.1124/dmd.110. 034579 at A PE T Jornals on M ay 9, 2022 dm d.aspurnals. org D ow nladed from