Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health risk assessment of heavy metals from pesticides use in Plateau State, Nigeria

Heavy metals bioaccumulation in agricultural crops fumigated with pesticides has growninto a major concern globally. This study assessed heavy metals concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) in commonly consumed crops and their corresponding soil from agricultural farm lands in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the studied crops ranged from 0.17-100.75, 0.17-54.33, 0.83-28.75, 0.17-5.50, 0.5-0.5mg/kg for Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd respectively. The trend of heavy metals in the crops were in decreasing order of Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd and their concentrations varied in different parts of the crops. The mean concentration of Cd, Pb, and Cr in the studiedcrops were above the WHO, (2019) permissible limits and therefore a call for concern. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the soil varied from 0.5-0.5, 2.50-13.83, 3.67-5.75, 11.83-26.33, and 41-89.50 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn respectively and were below the UNEP, (2013) permissible limits for agricultural soil. The result showed that Pb had the highest transfer factor (1.91) in (Capsicum annuum) and Zn had theleast. Similarly, the result revealed high Pollution index value for Pb compared to other metals. Hazard quotient and Hazard index of all the crops were less than 1; thus the consumption of these crops is unlikely to pose health risks to the target population. However, the result showed health risk from daily intake of some of the studied crops for Pb ((Brassica oleracea, Lactucasativus, Zea mays, Spinaciaoleracea, and Capsicum annuum). Hence, regular monitoring and screening of pesticides for heavy metals should be employed by government agencies.
Evaluation of hemodialysis patients and hemodialysis health workers with COVID-19 IgM and IgG antibody test; a multicenter study from Eskisehir, Turkiye

OBJECTIVE Hemodialysis (HD) patients are a population at high risk for exposure to the severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Undiagnosed mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in HD patients can make these patients a potential source of infection. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the entire spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection with the IgM and IgG rapid antibody kit in HD patients and healthcare providers working in HD unit. METHODS 633 HD patients and 134 health workers from all dialysis centers (three private and three public) in Eskisehir were included in the study. Blood samples obtained from participants were allowed to clot for 30 min at room temperature at 15°C using a serum separator tube. Then it was centrifuged at 1000 g at 2–8°C for 15 min. The supernatant was collected and the samples were stored at -20°C until use. Serum samples stored at the end of the study were studied with the A.B. T. ™ Biotechnology COVID-19 Rapid IgG-IgM Diagnostic Test. Routine examination was measured by standard methods. All participants were evaluated by serological analysis of IgG and IgM antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 recombinant antigen. RESULTS Two symptomatic HD patients (0.27%) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase-chain - reaction test and chest tomography. In 15 (2.36%) of 633 asymptomatic patients, antibody was positive against the SARS-CoV recombinant antigen (IgG in 13, both IgG and IgM in 2), while no antibodies were detected in 134 health workers. CONCLUSION We have shown that most HD patients with SARS-CoV-2 experience the disease asymptomatically, and that antibody testing plays an important role in identifying patients with asymptomatic infection.
Moving Object Detection and Tracking Using Particle Filter

Moving human detection and tracking are challenging tasks in computer vision. Human motion is usually non-linear and non-Gaussian, and thus many common algorithms are not appropriate for tracking. In this paper we propose a robust tracking algorithm based on particle filter. Multiple moving human in a video sequence are detected using frame difference and morphological operation. Then feature points of every person are extracted using a Harris Corner detection algorithm. Finally, Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) is calculated for each feature point and feature points of the corresponding person are tracked using particle filter. Experimental results demonstrate that our method is efficient to improve the performance of tracking.
MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF KARADI EWES WITH THE SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE METHOD OF EVACUATION

At the Sheep Farm, Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, University of Dohuk, milk production and composition was investigated on 12 Karadi ewes lambed within two weeks in April 2007. At bi-weekly intervals, and by separation lambs from their mothers for12 hours , milk yield was recorded in two successive days by weigh-suckle weigh technique followed by hand milking ( SH ) on the 1 st day , while on the 2 nd day, the ewes were hand milked first followed by weigh-suckle- weigh method ( HS). Milk samples were collected to determine chemical composition The overall mean of the daily milk yield (DMY) and total milk yield during pre-weaning period (90 days) averaged 1223.42±48.91 gm and 105.57 kg. , respectively. Age of dam, stage of lactation and method of evacuation had a significant effect on DMY, whereas the effect of sex of lamb was not significant. Estimates of DMY obtained by HS was significantly higher (1288.91±61.38 gm) than that obtained by SH method (1128.24± 61.38gm). Furthermore, estimation of DMY by hand milking only in Karadi ewes represent only 43.8% of the total yield obtained by HS method. Thus, depending on milking only will not express the genetic potential of Karadi ewes for this trait. Milk fat, protein, lactose, solid non fat and total solids averaged respectively, 5.35±0.22, 4.94±0.10, 4.79±0.06, 10.56±0.01 and 15.91±0.25%.
Intracranial compartment volumes and their distribution among clinically diagnosed patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and brain atrophy in a Nigerian population

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a form of non-obstructive hydrocephalus characterized by the triad of symptoms. These symptoms are typical or atypical. Because of its potential reversibility, researchers have paid attention to its diagnosis and in differentiating it with other forms of dementia such as brain atrophy. To determine the intracranial compartment volumes and their differences among patients with NPH and Brain Atrophy (BA). This was a cross-sectional study involving consenting patients diagnosed with NPH and BA who were referred for routine brain CT. Medical conditions known to influence intracranial volume were excluded. Age -matched normal control were clinically and radiologically confirmednormal and were also recruited. Intracranial volumes and CSF distribution determination was based on Cavalieri test point computation principle. Test point summation was on a locally developed software for this purpose. Overall, the values of BA recorded higher mean values for most of the intracranial compartment volumes. Intraventricular volume was consistently higher in NPH groups. Statistical difference exists among intraventricular and total intracranial CSF volume across patients with BA, NPH and control. A post hoc test revealed control-NPH comparison across these variables. Control-BA comparison was evident in total intracranial CSF volume only. Higher mean values of intracranialcompartment volumes were observed in patients with BA than among patients with NPH and their control. Anthropometric indices did not show any difference between patients with BA, NPH and their control. These indices can be used as basis in objectively differentiating NPH from BA.
Multi-modal emotion-related data collection within a virtual earthquake emulator

The collection of emotion-related signals, such as face video sequences, speech utterances, galvanic skin response, and blood pressure from pupils in a virtual reality environment, when the pupils attempt to evacuate a school during an earthquake, is addressed in this paper. We assess whether pupils’ spontaneous emotional state can be accurately recognized, using classifiers trained on elicited emotional speech and videos.
A Probability Particle Swarm Optimizer with Information-Sharing Mechanism for Odor Source Localization

Abstract This paper deals with the problem of odor source localization using a multi-robot system. Taking limited communication networks among the multi-robot system into account, a new cooperative search algorithm, namely, a probability particle swarm optimizer with information-sharing mechanism, is proposed and independently executed by each robot, by which the team of robots can be efficiently coordinated to locate a stationary odor source. In order to develop the proposed algorithm, an information-sharing matrix, which is used to store information by learning from the position information of robots, is designed. Based on the matrix, the probable position of the odor source as the new position of the robot is produced by following three simple steps. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated in the problem of odor source localization.
Population Variability Generated during Rescue Process and Passaging of Recombinant Mumps Viruses

Recombinant mumps viruses (MuVs) based on established vaccine strains represent attractive vector candidates as they have known track records for high efficacy and the viral genome does not integrate in the host cells. We developed a rescue system based on the consensus sequence of the L-Zagreb vaccine and generated seven different recombinant MuVs by (a) insertion of one or two additional transcription units (ATUs), (b) lengthening of a noncoding region to the extent that the longest noncoding region in MuV genome is created, or (c) replacement of original L-Zagreb sequences with sequences rich in CG and AT dinucleotides. All viruses were successfully rescued and faithfully matched sequences of input plasmids. In primary rescued stocks, low percentages of heterogeneous positions were found (maximum 0.12%) and substitutions were predominantly obtained in minor variants, with maximally four substitutions seen in consensus. ATUs did not accumulate more mutations than the natural MuV genes. Six substitutions characteristic for recombinant viruses generated in our system were defined, as they repetitively occurred during rescue processes. In subsequent passaging of primary rescue stocks in Vero cells, different inconsistencies within quasispecies structures were observed. In order to assure that unwanted mutations did not emerge and accumulate, sub-consensus variability should be closely monitored. As we show for Pro408Leu mutation in L gene and a stop codon in one of ATUs, positively selected variants can rise to frequencies over 85% in only few passages.
Contextualized Project Management Practice: A Cluster Analysis of Practices and Best Practices

The specificity of project management in different contexts and industries is recognized, but little empirical research encompasses a sufficiently broad range of contexts and project types to precisely identify these specificities. This article adopts such a wide perspective based on a large sample of data from an ongoing empirical investigation of project management practice. Contextual archetypes are identified (i.e., clusters of experienced practitioners that share similar organizational and project contexts). Archetypes of contextualized practice are then investigated through the study of the extent of use of empirically identified toolsets in each cluster. The results empirically confirm some well-known assumptions about practice but also sharpen the knowledge and understanding of practice in real complex multidimensional contexts. A new concept of “performing-maturity” emerged from the data. This concept sheds light on the entangled imbrications of maturity, competence, and success. Practices are regressed against performing-maturity to reveal best contextualized practices.
Thermal characterization of compact electronic systems: a portable PC as a study case

An analysis of the thermal behavior of compact electronic systems is presented. The chosen case study is a portable PC and the analysis is performed with an experimental and a numerical approach. The temperatures of the various parts of the system were measured by thermocouples under two different working conditions. Simulations used a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. Issues involving the numerical prediction of operating temperatures are highlighted and discussed. In particular the importance of radiative exchange in the system is studied. A simple, yet effective model for the heat-pipe of the system considered is presented together with the procedure for tuning it. The influence of materials on the thermal behavior of the complete system is investigated by simulation. Considerations regarding the thermal aspects of compact electronic systems are also reported.
ADDITIONAL ASPHALT TO INCREASE THE DURABILITY OF VIRGINIA'S SUPERPAVE SURFACE MIXES

Although Superpave has been successful in preventing rutting, many believe that the design asphalt content needs fine-tuning to produce durable mixes. This investigation used various laboratory tests to test samples of field surface mixes (12.5 mm and 9.5 mm) to predict changes in mix properties as extra asphalt was added. Permeability, 50-blow Marshall volumetrics, rutting, and fatigue tests were used. An analysis tool using gyratory compaction was also used to predict what the level of pavement voids would have been had higher asphalt contents been used. For most of the mixes, properties improved as the asphalt content was increased. The asphalt content could have been increased as much as 0.5% in most of the mixes with no harmful effects. It is reasonable to expect that the beneficial effects would increase the life of a surface mix by approximately 5%. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) uses approximately 2 million tons of asphalt in surface overlays per year at a cost of approximately $35 per ton. The cost of adding 0.5% more asphalt would be approximately $1 per ton. With an estimated increased service life of 5%, VDOT would save approximately $1.5 million per year. The researcher recommended that the effects of increasing the design asphalt content of Superpave mixes be explored and tested in the field.
The forward edge transference within self-psychology and the activation of inborn capacity through interpretation and internalization

This paper builds on the ideas of self-psychologists Marian Tolpin and Richard Geist in two ways. Firstly, the idea of using forward edge transference as fostering the promotion of psychological health and well-being. I present two verbatim clinical examples showing the use of forward edge transference, and thus the intersubjective engagement between therapist and patient. I suggest that forward edge transference, rooted in healthy and self-affirming childhood experiences, can lie buried and forgotten. Secondly, using the same two examples, this paper adopts the notion of interpretation as a carrier of selfobject functions and shows how the interpretation of forward edge transferences has the potential to catalyse (forgotten) inborn capacity. Internalization, a part of selfobject function and psychic development, is re-thought of as a process in which an interaction between patient and therapist appears to (re)activate inborn potential/capacity for the patient rather than as something the patient ‘takes in’ from the other/selfobject.
Analyzing Postgraduates’ Motivation in Writing Master Dissertation

Motivation is an important element in determining students’ learning and achievements during their study period. This study investigates problems faced by students in writing a dissertation at the postgraduate level. Postgraduate and research students are found to be under constant pressure which leads to demotivation to finish their studies within the candidacy period. This article utilizes the cross-sectional quantitative research method. The research data were obtained through self-administered online questionnaires that were distributed to 72 postgraduate students from 3 different programs who were selected using the convenient sampling technique. The research participants are those who have opted to write a dissertation as a partial requirement to graduate. The findings were analyzed using mean statistics to explore rhetorical problems learners face in the writing of their dissertation. The findings show that the value component that includes intrinsic and extrinsic goal orientation portrays the respondents' priority to make sure that they can better understand the requirements in writing the dissertation. Nevertheless, results of the study which has been developed under the three main components items namely value , expectancy and affective are useful for teachers to take into consideration the factors that motivate and influence postgraduate students to keep writing their dissertation. Hence, future researchers should consider bringing the study to another level by including students’ participation f rom myriad universities and states to ensure that a better solution can be provided in enhancing students’ motivation in writing their dissertation.
Radiological performance assessment for the E-Area Vaults Disposal Facility

This report is the first revision to ``Radiological Performance Assessment for the E-Area Vaults Disposal Facility, Revision 0'', which was issued in April 1994 and received conditional DOE approval in September 1994. The title of this report has been changed to conform to the current name of the facility. The revision incorporates improved groundwater modeling methodology, which includes a large data base of site specific geotechnical data, and special Analyses on disposal of cement-based wasteforms and naval wastes, issued after publication of Revision 0.
Malware Detection Using Ensemble N-gram Opcode Sequences

Conventional approaches to tackling malware attacks have proven to be futile at detecting never-before-seen (zero-day) malware. Research however has shown that zero-day malicious files are mostly semantic-preserving variants of already existing malware, which are generated via obfuscation methods. In this paper we propose and evaluate a machine learning based malware detection model using ensemble approach. We employ a strategy of ensemble where multiple feature sets generated from different n-gram sizes of opcode sequences are trained using a single classifier. Model predictions on the trained multi feature sets are weighted and combined on average to make a final verdict on whether a binary file is malicious or benign. To obtain optimal weight combination for the ensemble feature sets, we applied a grid search on a set of pre-defined weights in the range 0 to 1. With a balanced dataset of 2000 samples, an ensemble of n-gram opcode sequences of n sizes 1 and 2 with respective weight pair 0.3 and 0.7 yielded the best detection accuracy of 98.1% using random forest (RF) classifier. Ensemble n-gram sizes 2 and 3 obtained 99.7% as best precision using weight 0.5 for both models.
A comprehensive double knife-edge diffraction computation method based on the complete Fresnel theory and a recursive series expansion method

This paper deals with the mathematical study of the surface Fresnel integral (SFI) which enables a rigorous computation of the double knife-edge diffraction. The proposed method, which is based upon an analytical series calculation for the SFI, becomes valid whatever the conditions of reception. Besides, the mathematical procedure that is proposed here involves the incident shadow boundary neighborhood for both knife-edge obstacles. Results are compared with some reference well-known values which correspond to asymptotic cases, the global system for mobile communications (GSM) and DCS1800 frequency bands, and a set of measurements. The suggested analytical method has been shown to be in very good agreement with these expected particular theoretical values and field-strength measurements, where different shadowing conditions, including frequency dependence such as mobile communications bands, have been considered for the sake of comparisons.
Enhanced performance in GaAs TUNNETT diode oscillators above 100 GHz through diamond heat sinking and power combining

Single-drift GaAs TUNNETT diodes on integral heat sinks exhibit no sign of saturation in RF output power nor efficiency and are thought to be thermally limited. Therefore, diodes from the same MBE material were fabricated using a different selective etching technology and mounted on diamond heat sinks for improved heat dissipation. RF output power levels of over 80 mW with corresponding DC to RF conversion efficiencies of 5.2% were measured between 104 GHz and 107 GHz. To further increase the available RF output power, two TUNNETT diodes were power combined using two radial line full height waveguide cavities. The combined RF output power was 46 mW at 102.3 GHz from two diodes on integral heat sinks and 96.5 mW at 105.9 GHz from two diodes on diamond heat sinks with corresponding combining efficiencies of 80% and more. This is the first successful demonstration of power combining with TUNNETT diodes and the power levels and efficiencies from either single or combined devices are the highest reported to date from any devices made of III-V materials (e.g., GaAs and InP). <<ETX>>
THE DEVELOPMENT OF METROLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEM

Metrology services are carried out in order to protect the consumers and producers in terms of obtaining fair rights in trade transactions. The Metrology Center as the implementor of metrology still faces obstacles in the implementation of its services, currently the service has only reached 24.7% of the total metrology equipment used. Obstacles that occur in addition to the problem of inadequate facilities and infrastructure are also because the process of capturing metrological data is still done manually using many paper documents. In each service element, there are various kinds of documents that must be filled out manually and in the end these documents will be archived separately. This flow of data and information has not been well documented, although the output data from this process will be processed into metrology information that will be used by management above it in making decisions. Metrology Information System was developed to overcome the obstacles that exist in The Metrology Center, in addition to supporting the performance of The Metrology Center as well for the success of E-Government. The development of a metrological information system uses the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) method with a Business Process re-engineering approach for metrology services.
Lateral Vision Angles in Roadway Geometric Design

One of the main safety factors in merging areas and at skewed intersections is lateral visibility. Two field studies have been conducted to investigate both the vision angles from rear-view mirrors and the dimensions of the best-selling cars in Spain. The impact of the available lateral visibility in merging areas and at skewed intersections has been evaluated, and safe skew angles at both locations have been proposed. A minimum direct field of vision of 220° for drivers was assumed, while design vehicle dimensions were determined from measurements. Then, a skewed intersection that offerred an adequate intersection sight distance was determined. Taking into account the experimental lateral visibility design angles and the dimensions of the design vehicle, a new design has been proposed for merges during which no vehicle can be found in the driver’s blind spot. Another model was proposed for safe lane changing. Minimum angles of vision for the left and right rear-view mirrors in lane changing were determin.