Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic impact of cassava wastewater on some communities in Benue State, Nigeria

The socio-economic impact of cassava wastewater on some communities in Okpokwu and Ohimini Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria were investigated. These communities are known for high rate of garri production in the State.Twenty structural questionnaires were administered on 293 residents within the study area. A large number (>80%) of the respondents in the community affirmed that garri wastewater had an offensive odour, changed soil colour, attracted mosquitoes and inhibited plant growth. The study revealed that a large number of the processor may not possess an in-depth knowledge on the effect of the cassava wastewater on the human health and environment at large. Environmental sanitation agencies may carry out routine inspection of processing areas as well as educate the processors of the hazards associated cassava wastewater. Keywords— socio-economic, cassava wastewater, environment, practises, benue.
Has COVID-19 Lockdown Affected on Air Quality?—Different Time Scale Case Study in Wrocław, Poland

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are series of negative economic consequences, however, in limiting mobility and reducing the number of vehicles, positive effects can also be observed, i.e., improvement of air quality. The paper presents an analysis of air quality measured by concentrations of NO2, NOx and PM2.5 during the most restrictive lockdown from 10 March to 31 May 2020 on the case of Wrocław. The results were compared with the reference period—2016–2019. A significant reduction in traffic volume was identified, on average by 26.3%. The greatest reduction in the concentration of NO2 and NOx was recorded at the station farthest from the city center, characterized by the lowest concentrations: 20.1% and 22.4%. Lower reduction in the average concentrations of NO2 and NOx was recorded at the municipal station (7.9% and 7.7%) and the communication station (6.7% and 10.2%). Concentrations of PMs in 2020 were on average 15% and 13.4% lower than in the reference period for the traffic station and the background station. The long-term impact of the lockdown on air quality was also examined. The analysis of the concentrations of the pollutants throughout 2020, and in the analyzed period of 2021, indicated that the reduction of concentrations and the improvement in air quality caused by the restrictions should be considered as a temporary anomaly, without affecting long-term changes and trends.
Dynamic Stability of a Bearingless Circulation Control Rotor Blade in Hover

The aeroelastic stability of flap bending, lead-lag bending and torsion of a bearingless circulation control rotor blade in hover is investigated using a finite element formulation based on Hamilton's principle. The flexbeam, the torque tube and the outboard blade are discretized into beam elements, each with fifteen nodal degrees of freedom. Quasisteady strip theory is used to evaluate the aerodynamic forces and the airfoil characteristics are represented either in the form of simple analytical expressions or in the form of data tables. A correlation study of analytical results with the experimental data is attempted for selected bearingless blade configurations with conventional airfoil characteristics.
Compact environmental anomaly sensor (CEASE): a novel spacecraft instrument for in situ measurements of environmental conditions

A small, lightweight, and low power, spacecraft instrument, CEASE, has been designed to measure the local space radiation environment. The instrument's on-board processing algorithms use the collected data to generate warnings of the space environment hazards of radiation damage, dielectric charging and single event effects (SEE). In addition, CEASE can provide detailed space environment data to aid in analysis of anomalies that may occur on the host spacecraft.
The Correlation Between Blood Group Type and Diabetes Mellitus Type II: A Case-Control Observational Study From Pakistan

Introduction Adult-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is defined as a chronic hyperglycemic state, characterized by insulin resistance and declining islet B-cell function, eventually leading to islet B-cell function failure. The present study evaluated the association of T2DM with the type of blood group. Methodology A case-control study was conducted from April 2020 to September 2021 in Karachi, Pakistan. An electronic questionnaire was used to determine if there is an association between ABO blood groups and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our study involved two groups with an equal number of participants. The patient group contained participants who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas the control group contained participants who had never been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Information was collected through a self-administered electronic questionnaire which was circulated through social media. Results The mean ± SD age was reported to be 25.98 ± 12 years. The study found a significant association between blood group B and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.006), whereas a negative association was seen between the blood group O and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.001). It should be noted, however, no significant association was found between the blood groups A and AB and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p>0.05). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that there is an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the ABO blood group system; a significant association was found between blood group B and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, we recommend regular screening for T2DM in individuals with a high-risk profile. Those at risk can adopt measures that are beneficial for them in the long run such as dietary control and physical exercise. Further studies using explorative techniques with a diversified population are recommended.
Effects of Melatonin Supplementation during Pregnancy on Reproductive Performance, Maternal–Placental–Fetal Redox Status, and Placental Mitochondrial Function in a Sow Model

Melatonin (MT) is a bio-antioxidant that has been widely used to prevent pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and IUGR during gestation. This experiment evaluated the impacts of dietary MT supplementation during pregnancy on reproductive performance, maternal–placental–fetal redox status, placental inflammatory response, and mitochondrial function, and sought a possible underlying mechanism in the placenta. Sixteen fifth parity sows were divided into two groups and fed each day of the gestation period either a control diet or a diet that was the same but for 36 mg of MT. The results showed that dietary supplementation with MT increased placental weight, while the percentage of piglets born with weight < 900 g decreased. Meanwhile, serum and placental MT levels, maternal–placental–fetal redox status, and placental inflammatory response were increased by MT. In addition, dietary MT markedly increased the mRNA levels of nutrient transporters and antioxidant-related genes involved in the Nrf2/ARE pathway in the placenta. Furthermore, dietary MT significantly increased ATP and NAD+ levels, relative mtDNA content, and the protein expression of Sirt1 in the placenta. These results suggested that MT supplementation during gestation could improve maternal–placental–fetal redox status and reproductive performance by ameliorating placental antioxidant status, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Fluorescence Quenching by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in Carbon–Cadmium Sulfide Core-Shell Quantum Dots

Carbon quantum dots (QDs) are an active subject of research in many areas of science and engineering for various applications. The present work reports the first occurrence of a carbon–cadmium sulfide core-shell QD prepared by an extremely simplified wet chemical approach where the CdS shell plays the role of a fluorescence quencher to the carbon core. The quenching effect was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy (steady-state and lifetime). These QDs stand as a potential candidate for sensing and imaging applications.
The Vista of Application of Specific Anaphylaxis Accurate Diagnosis Based on DNA Single-Nucleotide Methylation Sites

Anaphylaxis has rapidly spread around the world in the last several decades. Environmental factors seem to play a major role, and epigenetic marks, especially DNA methylation, get more attention. We discussed several GEO opening data classifications with TOP 100 specific methylation region values (normalized M-values on line) by machine learning, which are remarkable to classify specific anaphylaxis after monoallergen exposure. Then, we sequenced the whole-genome DNA methylation of six people (3 wormwood monoallergen atopic rhinitis patients and 3 normal-immune people) during the pollen season and analyzed the difference of the single nucleotide and DNA region. The results' divergences were obvious (the differential single nucleotides were mostly distributed in nongene regions but the differential DNA regions of GWAS, on the other hand), which may have caused most single nucleotides to be concealed in the regions' sequences. Therefore, we suggest that we should conduct more “pragmatic” and directly find special single-nucleotide changes after exposure to atopic allergens instead of complex correlativity. It is possible to try to use DNA methylation marks to accurately diagnose anaphylaxis and form a machine learning classification based on the single methylated CpGs.
A Fast and Accurate Numerical Method for Radiative Transfer in the Atmosphere

To solve the radiative transfer equations for the atmosphere, we turn to an equivalent integral equation which has no numerically singular terms. An iterative scheme is proposed for its solution and convergence is proved. The side effect of this proof is an existence result for the radiative transfer equations, in one spatial variable, with frequency dependent absorption and scattering coefficients. A numerical study is given with some comments on the effect of greenhouse gases on the temperature in the atmosphere. Résumé. Pour résoudre les équations du transfert radiatif pour l’atmosphère nous nous tournons vers une formulation intégrale équivalente qui a l’avantage de ne pas contenir de fonction singulière. Une méthode itérative est proposée pour sa résolution et un résultat de convergence est donné. En corollaire un résultat d’existence et d’unicité est prouvé pour les équations du transfert radiatif, 1D en espace, sous des hypothèses assez générales sur les coefficients d’absorption et de scattering et leurs dépendances en fréquence. Une étude numérique termine cette étude ainsi que quelques commentaires sur l’effet des gaz à effet de serre sur la temperature de l’atmosphère. 2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 00X99, 85AXX, 65M12. Manuscript received and accepted 17th June 2021. ∗Corresponding author. ISSN (electronic) : 1778-3569 https://comptes-rendus.academie-sciences.fr/mathematique/ 1180 Olivier Pironneau
Modelling CO₂ transport and the effect of impurities: a new equation of state for CCS pipeline transport

In this EngD project I developed a new, analytic equation of state for use in the area of CCS pipeline transport. It was my aim to design a model which would exhibit a high degree of accuracy within the anticipated window of operation of CCS pipelines; from 260 to 335K and 1 to 200bar, whilst simultaneously retaining a simplicity and ease-of-use, a lack of which made some other available equations particularly unwieldy. Having conducted a comprehensive literature review and attended many academic and industrial conferences throughout this project, I felt that there was a need for an equation of state which could perform both these functions. This was the key motivation for my work, and the model presented in this thesis was developed in order that it might contribute towards negating the many concerns that currently surround the pipeline transport stage of CCS. I aimed for the proposed model to display a complexity approaching that of some of the simpler equations currently available, whilst incorporating sucient flexibility to give thermodynamic predictions to a standard approaching that of those which are more complicated. I defined criteria by which the proposed model could be judged, so that it could be applied with condence in the determination of the physical properties of carbon dioxide mixtures during CCS pipeline transport. Work was carried out by fitting the parameters of the proposed model to experimental data gathered from the literature, so that it would be able to determine the homogeneous phase pressure and vapour-liquid equilibrium behaviour of carbon dioxide and other relevant gas mixtures. The project yielded a number of excellent outputs, not least the satisfaction of the primary aim which was the proposal of a model, which through this EngD, I demonstrated had the ability to meet the demands that were set. In carrying out this work, I also developed several highly useful auxiliary mathematical methods which helped in ensuring the proposed model was as accurate as possible. For the case of modelling pure carbon dioxide, the proposed equation worked exceptionally well, providing highly accurate predictions for homogeneous density and vapour liquid equilibrium, which were well within the targets set. A paper on this was published in May 2013. In extending the model to incorporate some binary mixtures I again found that it demonstrated a clear ability to capture the necessary physical behaviours within the target range. I concluded with suggestions as to ways in which the work presented here could be developed further, as well as the many avenues for future work in other areas that this EngD project had opened up.
The ability of probiotics to ameliorate blood and gonad damage caused by copper toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract Background and Aim: Industrial waste, such as heavy metals, is a major source of water pollution; at high levels, such pollution can reduce river water quality to the extent that it becomes unsuitable for aquaculture of freshwater fish. This study aimed to focus on the effects of copper (Cu) exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and specifically the ability of Lactobacillus-based probiotics supplementation in fish feed to ameliorate damage to gonads and negative effects on red blood cells (RBCs), whole blood cells (WBCs), hematocrit (HCT) levels, hemoglobin (HGB) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels following such exposure. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Nile tilapia fish were divided into eight groups: A negative control (without probiotics or Cu), a positive control (with probiotics but without Cu), three treatments with probiotics in feed, and one of three Cu concentrations (0.75, 1.50, or 3.00 mg/L), and three treatments with these three Cu concentrations but without probiotics in feed. The probiotics concentration in feed was 25 mL/kg (1×108 CFU/mL). Feeding was for 15 days, after which the hematological parameters, gonadal (testis) structure, and MDA levels of fish were analyzed. Results: Exposure to Cu significantly (p<0.05) affected fish hematology (decreased HGB, HCT, RBC, and WBC levels) and altered the structure of the testes. However, the addition of probiotics to fish feed significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated these effects on hematology and maintained the histological structure of the gonads. Conclusion: Cu exposure at ≥1.5 mg/L affected the hematologic parameters, gonadosomatic index, MDA levels, and testicular cells and tissue of Nile tilapia. However, probiotics supplementation in fish feed helped ameliorate the negative effects of Cu on these parameters. Thus, the Lactobacillus-based probiotics used in this study were apparently able to neutralize Cu toxicity in Nile tilapia.
Hematological Manifestations of COVID-19 and Their Prognostic Significance in an Intensive Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started as a pathology chiefly affecting the lower respiratory tract. It was first encountered in Wuhan, China. As an infection with an unknown etiology, it was extensively studied in order to establish its profile with respect to the probable manifestations and required medical management. The hematological profile of a patient typically affected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed lymphopenia with an altered neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, raised inflammatory markers like D-dimer, interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase, and serum ferritin. The prognostic significance of these markers has been studied in this cross-sectional study. Patients and methods Data were collected from consecutive subjects admitted in the intensive care unit of Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, who were aged more than 16 years and were later confirmed to be positive for COVID-19 through throat/nasal swab (rapid antigen test/reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)). Written informed consent (by signature or thumbprint) was obtained from all participants. Statistical analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of the chi-square test and z-test for the difference between two means. The software used in the analysis was SPSS 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and GraphPad Prism 7.0 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA). P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results A total of 200 patients were studied. Fifty-nine point five percent (59.5%) of those who succumbed were over 50 years of age and a significant number (23.5 %) had comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. There was a significant positive correlation between the mortality rate and mean platelet volume (P=0.001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (P=0.001), raised D-dimer (P=0.006), serum ferritin (P=0.0001), lactate dehydrogenase (P=0.0001), and C-reactive protein (P=0.0001). Conclusion The analysis of the data collected highlights the correlation between the studied hematological manifestations of COVID 19 and their association with the severity of the disease.
A simple approach to probability of error for equal gain combiners over Rayleigh channels

A new technique for determining the probability of error of a general equal gain (EG) combiner over Rayleigh channels is presented in this paper. Unlike the existing methods, the new procedure takes a single step and directly derives the error performance from the characteristic function of the decision variable, thereby avoiding the lengthy process of deriving the distribution of the sum of Rayleigh variates and thus eliminating all approximations required therein. The new solution is exact and much simpler compared to the existing results. It takes the form of a one-fold integral, which can be easily evaluated by using the Hermite numerical method.
Assessment of Seismic Damage of Buildings and Related Environmental Impacts

AbstractSustainable development studies have recently begun to consider damage loss attributable to natural hazards. A sustainable perspective on building design entails an understanding of a structure’s life-cycle environmental costs and consideration of the associated environmental impacts induced by natural hazards. Damage repair costs lead to additional material and energy consumption, creating harmful environmental impacts. Merging the results obtained from a natural hazard evaluation and related environmental impacts for buildings in seismically prone areas provides a novel outlook for sustainable design decisions. To evaluate the environmental impacts caused by buildings, the long-term effects accrued throughout a building’s lifetime and the effects associated with damage repair need to be quantified. A literature review and a proposed method for this type of analysis have been developed and are discussed. Using Athena and HAZUS-MH software, this study evaluated the performance of steel and concret.
Temperature dependence and post-stress recovery of hot electron degradation effects in bipolar transistors

The authors present the results of a study of the BJT (bipolar junction transistor) degradation process due to hot electrons with the goal of better understanding the degradation rate of current gain and noise characteristics under various temperature and bias conditions. Degradation was produced by reverse biasing (-4 V) the base emitter junction of bipolar transistors at various temperatures (-75 to 240 C), with stress periods ranging from 1/60th of a second to over 1000 h. Post-stress recovery of the degradation was studied using both high-temperature annealing and base-emitter forward biases. Two mechanisms which decrease the rate of degradation at higher temperatures are the reduction in the number of hot electrons at higher temperatures and the simultaneous annealing of the states produced by hot electrons at higher temperatures. Experimental data are used to develop a model description of the hot-electron-induced gain degradation process which includes both the temperature dependence of the number of hot electrons and the temperature dependence of a simultaneous repassivation process which is observed at high ambient temperatures. <<ETX>>
Competitiveness factors: a study of the real estate market in China

The execution of ‘macro‐adjustment’ policies by the central government to cool down the overheated real estate market in the past few years has created an unfavourable operating environment for real estate developers in Mainland China. Developers need to rethink their business model and create a new form of competitive advantage in order to survive. Despite this, research into the factors that influence the competitiveness of the real estate market in China has been limited. Therefore, a survey of 58 real estate practitioners, experts and academics in China was conducted to probe opinion on the factors that influence competitiveness in real estate firms in China. Survey results suggest that the developer's financial competency, market coverage and management competencies are vital to its competitiveness. Findings also highlight the importance of industry recognition/award, share in different types of property sales/development projects, profit after tax, growth rate of their securities price, and diversification of R&D in reflecting the competitiveness of real estate developers in China. The findings provide an insight into the factors that influence competitiveness in China's real estate market and also assist practitioners to formulate competitiveness improvement strategies.