Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Effect of Machining Parameters on Surface Quality in Bamboo

The purpose of the study is to obtain optimum processing conditions by investigating the effect of machining parameters of bamboo (Bambusa) material on surface quality. Evaluation was performed for four machining parameters (cutters type, spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut) and their effects on surface roughness. According to obtained data, roughness values increased with increasing machining depth. Increase in roughness values between 8000 rpm and 10000 rpm, decrease in roughness values between 10000 rpm and 14000 rpm, and increase in roughness values between 14000 rpm and 16000 rpm was observed. Roughness value increased with increasing cutter feed speed. Roughness value decreased by increasing number of blades in cutter in cutter type. The lowest roughness value was obtained at a machining depth of 2 mm at a spindle speed of 14000 rpm, a feed rate of 1000 mm/min and a cutter type 3 (four flute spiral end mill).
Information and communication technologies (ICT) towards agricultural development in rural areas: case of smallholder farmers in Umzimvubu local municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa

This paper was initiated in order to find the usage and relevance of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality targeting 138 respondents. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICT, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICT. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services.
Instrumental and Ultrasonic Techniques in Quality Evaluation of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Non-destructive ultrasonic pitch and catch ultrasound measurement of sound velocity was used to assess ripeness in ‘Envy’ apples during storage and to detect brown heart in swede. Ultrasonic group velocity was measured (path length over the transit time) through intact apples along the axial and radial directions of the mature and more mature fruit every two weeks for eight weeks at 4C and 20C. The velocity measurement was also conducted on the defective and non-defective Brown Heart (BH) swedes in an axial direction. Compression, puncture, and sugar level tests were also carried on the two maturity fruit groups, together with a puncture test on the vegetables. The differences between the ultrasonic velocity measured in the axial and radial directions in apples was significantly correlated with the firmness (as assessed by the compression and puncture tests) of the fruit and this is possibly due to increased homogeneity of the fruit during senescence. The correlations between ripeness and ultrasonic velocity in apples, and BH and ultrasonic velocity in swede were supported by the hypothesis of changes of volume fraction of air-water in the parenchyma. The parenchyma of the ripening apple was suggested to have undergone changes of cell compositions of the starch-sugar conversion, cell walls disassembly, and middle lamella disintegration during storage. These changes caused the accumulation of air-water mixtures in the cells, indicating the ripening process in apples. The PCA clearly discriminated the ripening apples based on the weeks of storage (weeks 2 to 8), the maturity levels (mature and more mature fruit), and the orientations of ultrasonic velocity measurements (the axial and radial directions). Meanwhile, the defective BH was suggested to cause the increasing ‘water-core’ of the internal volume in swede parenchyma. This finding was supported by the dissimilar TPA curves between the BH and the healthy swedes. The ultrasonic technique offers an alternative online, fast, economical, non-destructive assessment of firmness for the apples at different ripening stages, storage durations, and storage temperatures. It may assess the fruit ripeness along the postharvest chain and can evaluate the presence and levels of BH of an individual swede. Therefore, this technique signifies cost savings and high standard quality in fruit and vegetables.
Influence of burning and defoliation on Festuca costata (Nees) in the Drakensberg

Fire occurs naturally in grasslands and savannas and it is commonly used as a management tool to influence structure and composition. The ability of a grass plant to recover from fire may be influenced by the fire frequency and intensity (influenced by seasonal weather conditions and fuel load), defoliation and competition from neighbouring plants. This study sought to investigate factors influencing the fire and herbivore dynamics of an evergreen C3 grass, Festuca costata, in a high-altitude C4 dominated grassland in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. We experimentally examined the effect of fire frequency, defoliation and competition from neighbours on the growth dynamics of F. costata. Annual burning significantly decreased aboveground biomass production, number of tillers and tuft circumference of F. costata. Defoliation similarly reduced aboveground biomass production, number of tillers, tuft circumference and specific leaf area of F. costata. Competition from neighbouring plants reduced aboveground biomass production, number of tillers and tuft circumference of F. costata. Given the expected variable impacts of increasing CO2 levels and temperature on C3 and C4 grasses, these results provide insights for managing the matrix of C3 and C4 grasses in the Drakensberg grasslands in a changing climate.
Size‐, species‐, and site‐specific tree growth responses to climate variability in old‐growth subalpine forests

Tree-ring data have become widely used to model tree growth responses to climate variability and gain insight about the potential effects of global warming on forests. We capitalized on a rare opportu-nity to develop growth – climate models using tree-ring data collected from all trees ( > 4 cm in diameter at breast height) within 50 × 50 m plots established in subalpine old-growth forests of western Canada. Our objective was to determine how tree growth responses to climate vary among tree size classes, species, and sites. We modeled relationships between times series of annual basal area increment ( Δ BA) and yearly climate variables for individual trees; this approach obviated key statistical criticisms of “ traditional ” tree-ring analysis methods. Time series of annual basal area increment were detrended a priori for size, age, legacy, and competition effects. We found that the overall climate signal in our time series of Δ BA was weak; < 6% of the interannual variance was explained by climate variables. Nevertheless, there were clear patterns in climate – growth relationships related to tree size and species. Relationships between Δ BA and ﬁ ve climate variables increased in strength with tree size class; large trees were most sensitive to annual climate ﬂ uctuations and accounted for ~ 71% of the overall climate effect on growth across all trees and sites. In all stands, Δ BA variance explained by climate variables was stable over the 20th century for large trees but decreased in the 1940s for small trees, indicating a temporal reduction in sensitivity to annual ﬂ uctuations in ﬁ ve climate variables. In coastal forests, relationships between Δ BA and climate for Callitropsis nootkatensis were signi ﬁ cantly different in direction and magnitude than those of co-occurring Pinaceae species. The effect of climate on tree growth was idiosyncratic among stands and could not be discriminated by forest type (coastal vs. interior). Our individual-tree modeling approach adds to a growing body of research providing novel insights about the complexities of tree growth responses to climate variability and the challenges associated with predicting future tree growth and forest productivity using tree-ring data.
A Short Version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-20): Evidence on Construct Validity

Several measures were developed in the past decades to measure personality, focusing on the Big Five Factor Model (BFFM; Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism). Despite the relevance of their findings in different countries, a shared limitation of such measures is their length, demanding time from researchers and participants, which might cause boredom or fatigue, biasing the final results. This research aimed to provide a shorter version for the 44-Item Big Five Inventory (BFI), through two studies (NTotal = 8,119). The structure was assessed using a range of techniques (e.g., PAF analysis, Procrustes rotation). The best 20 items (4 per factor) were chosen to compose the final version of the BFI-20, which presented suitable psychometric evidences across the samples. Thus, due the growing need for shorter measures without losing their psychometric quality, our findings indicate the adequacy of the 20-item BFI and its potential applicability in research context.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Eritrea (#CCG)

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Eritrea, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020-2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Impact of an Educational Program on Sexual Dysfunction Associated With Cervical Cancer

Background: Sexuаlity is an important part of normal human functioning. Causes of sexual dysfunction following cervical cancer treatments may be multi-factoriаl but it may often result from the direct effects of the treatment. Aim: study the impаct of an educational program on sexual dysfunction of women with cervical cancer Methods; Design: А quаsi-experimental design. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospitаl. Subjects: А purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, and а femаle sexual function index. Results: The results of the study progression and improvement of all items of women’s Sexual Function Index (Desire, Аrousаl, Lubricаtion, Orgаsm, Sаtisfаction, and Pain) post-program compаred to pre-one. Conclusion: The teaching program was very effective in improving sexuality for women with cervicаl cancer. Recommendations: Women's counseling activities regarding cervicаl cаncer, and sexuality need to be popularized and facilities and decision-mаking аids mаde available to those who need them.
Natural and forced soil aeration during agricultural managed aquifer recharge

One of the suggested approaches to mitigate the chronic groundwater depletion in California is agricultural managed aquifer recharge (Ag‐MAR), in which farmland is flooded using excess surface water in order to recharge the underlying aquifer. Successful implementation of Ag‐MAR projects requires careful estimation of the soil aeration status, as prolonged saturated conditions in the rhizosphere can damage crops due to O2 deficiency. We studied the soil aeration status under almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] trees and cover crops during Ag‐MAR at three sites differing in drainage properties. Water application included several cycles (2–7) and flooding durations (27–63 h) that varied according to the soil infiltration capacity at each site. We used O2 and redox potential as soil aeration quantifiers to test the impact of forced aeration by air‐injection compared with natural soil aeration. Results suggest an average increase of up to 2% O2 at one site, whereas mixed impact was observed at the two other sites. Additionally, no impact on crop yield was observed for one growing season. Results further suggest that natural aeration can support crop O2 demand during Ag‐MAR if flooding duration is controlled according to O2 depletion rates. In large Ag‐MAR projects, forced aeration might be useful to improve local zones of O2 deficiency, which are expected to occur due to topographic irregularities and spatial variability of drainage properties.
Energy System Contribution during 1500M Running in Untrained and Endurance-Trained Asian Male College Students

METHODS Five Asian UT (age: 23.8 ± 0.4 yrs, body fat %: 15.9 ± 5.7 %, height: 174.0 ± 4.1 cm, weight: 65.5 ± 4.1 kg) and 5 Asian ET male participants (age: 24.4 ± 3.9 yrs, body fat %: 12.9 ± 6.9 %, height: 169.4 ± 5.1 cm, weight: 60.6 ± 8.1 kg) participated in this study. Participants attended 3 sessions to determine their body composition, submaximal and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test, 1500m track running session (RS) and 1500m treadmill RS. The maximally accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) method was used to calculate energy system contribution.
Steady‐state power operation region of a modular multilevel converter connecting to an AC grid

State Grid Corporation of China Science and Technology Research Project, Grant/Award Number: 5105‐202018129A‐0‐0‐00; State Grid Corporation of China, Grant/Award Number: Unassigned China; China Scholarship Council, Grant/Award Number: Unassigned China Abstract The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become a widely used topology for voltage source converter–based high‐voltage direct current transmission projects. To calculate the power operation region of an MMC directly and efficiently, we propose a novel steady‐state phasor model of the MMC. The model is expressed as an equivalent capacitance in series with a voltage source, where parameters are independent of alternating current (AC) electrical quantity. Based on the model, we propose an open‐ loop approach to determine the operation region boundary of MMC by calculating the envelopes of the P–Q curves. The effect of MMC parameters, the circulating current control, and the short‐circuit ratio of the AC grid to the power operation region can be determined by the size and position of the power operation region. The proposed approach and analysis results were verified by an MMC/AC simulation model built in PSCAD/EMTDC.
Production of extracellular lipase by Bacillus megaterium AKG-1 in submerged fermentation

Bacillus megaterium AKG-1, a soil isolate, has been found to produce thermostable lipase during submerged fermentation (SF). Mannitol at a concentration of 0.2% (w/v) was the best carbon source for lipase production (848 units/mL). Among oils, soyabean oil gave highest lipase yield (1160 units/mL), followed by coconut oil (912 units/mL). Lipase yield was maximum (1000 units/mL) with wheat bran (1%) as sole carbon and nitrogen source, followed by neem seed cake (810 units/mL) and cotton seed cake (790 units/mL).
Evaluation of Safety Performance of Nigerian Construction Industry - A Case Study of the Niger Delta Region

The Construction industry contributes greatly to the socio economic development of any nation. Despite its importance, the Construction industry has been ranked as one of the most hazardous industries across the globe. This research evaluated the safety performance of Construction companies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and the effect of management commitment to safety management implementation on safety performance. Qualitative and Quantitative research survey method was deployed. The study population comprises nine construction companies in the Niger Delta, selected through stratified sampling method. 190 respondents were purposively selected from the nine construction companies for questionnaire administration. The collected data was analyzed descriptively to determine the safety performance of the industry. Pearson Moment correlation statistics was used to establish the relationship between management commitment to safety management implementation and safety performance in the industry. Obtained results revealed a moderate level of safety performance at leading indicators with average mean of 3.23 Original Research Article Ugwu et al.; JSRR, 27(2): 94-103, 2021; Article no.JSRR. 67317 95 ±1.22 in Construction industry in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and poor level of safety performance at lagging indicators with average mean of 3.42±1.26. Interestingly, a strong, positive correlation was identified between Management Commitment and Safety performance for leading indicators, which was statistically significant (r = .506, n = 190, p = .005). A strong negative correlation however was seen between Management Commitment and Safety Performance for lagging indicators, which was statistically significant (r = -.408, n = 190, p = .003). This implies that where top management is committed to implementation of occupational health and safety management in such organization, there would be better safety practices and reduced rate of accidents.
Immune Implication of ASF1B Gene in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Anti-silencing function 1B (ASF1B) has been demonstrated to contribute to tumorigenesis. However, its carcinogenic and immune effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been reported. This study aimed to identify immune role of ASF1B in HCC.Methods: HCC datasets obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to investigate the role of ASF1B gene in HCC, followed by validation using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) website. CIBERSORT analysis was performed to evaluate immune cell infiltration levels. The TISIDB and cBioPortal network tool were used to seek ASF1B-associated immunomodulators and its co-expressed genes. TCGA cohort was divided into train set and test set according to the ratio of 7:3. Cox regression was used to identify ASF1B-associated prognostic immunomodulators in train set, followed by internal validation using the test set. Based on the median risk-score, HCC patients were divided into high- and low-risk group for the further survival curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, as well as nomogram and calibration curves analysis. Finally, the dataset collected from the GEO was adopted for external validation.Results: ASF1B was over-expressed in TCGA HCC cohort and contributed poor prognosis, which was verified in two GEO datasets (GSE14520 and GSE6764) and GEPIA, as well as Kaplan Meier Plotter network tool. The immune cell infiltration levels were found to be associated with the ASF1B copy numbers and mRNA expression. A total of 78 ASF1B-associated genes were screened out, including 7 immunoinhibitors, 21 immunostimulators and 50 tightly co-expressed genes. Finally, 5 ASF1B-associated genes (TNFSF4, TNFRSF4, KDR, MICB and CST7) were identified to be strongly related to HCC survival. Survival analysis demonstrated that the prognosis of patients in high-risk group was poor. The prognosis predict model, which was established by nomogram based on risk-score, and was validated in both TCGA test set and GEO validated datasets, exerted excellent predictive power in this study.Conclusion: Our findings showed that the ASF1B was associated with HCC immunity. The selected ASF1B-asociated immune markers could be promising biomarkers for the prognosis of HCC.
Cardiac autonomic response during recovery using whole-body vibration after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (Respuesta cardiaca autónoma durante la recuperación utilizando vibración de cuerpo completo, después de una prueba de ejercicio cardiopulmo

In the last years the nervous and cardiovascular response to exercise has taken on an important relevance, both in sport and health field. In this line, accelerating cardiovascular appears to play a key role in various sports fields. The study aims to examine and compare the acute effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on cardiac autonomic response after maximal exercise in university runners and physical education student. Twenty men participated in a cross-over study, 10 university runners team (UR) and 10 physical education student (PES) with ages around 18 to 24 years. In each condition, was perform an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test followed (i) active recovery time using WBV (25 Hz and peak displacement of four mm) and (ii) passive recovery period (no WBV; 0 Hz-0 mm), separated by seven days. Active recovery consisted in one minute seated using WBV and one minute no WBV by six times (12 minutes) more five minutes of passive recovery, and passive recovery consisted in 17 min seated on platform without vibration. Active recovery had significant differences compare to passive recovery (P<0.05). Furthermore, in active recovery, PES had better heart rate response than UR group, however results were not significative. There was not a clear relation between the lineal components of heart rate variability (HRV) in our results. WBV has positive effect in participant’s recovery, however, is necessary establish protocols about the intensities and time adequate for allow accelerate recovery the parasympathetic reactivity, for that reason yet can’t conclude clearly respect to the more effectivity intensity WBV depending to characteristic of subject.
Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia

By various chromatographic separations, three quassinoids, pasakbumin-C ( 1 ), 13 α ,21-epoxyeurycomanone ( 2 ), and eurylactone A ( 3 ) were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of E. longifolia. Their structures were determined by 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and in comparison with literature data.
Characterizing Online Media on COVID-19 during the Early Months of the Pandemic

The 2019 coronavirus disease had wide-ranging effects on public health throughout the world. Vital in managing its spread was effective communication about public health guidelines such as social distancing and sheltering in place. Our study provides a descriptive analysis of online information sharing about coronavirus-related topics in 5.2 million English-language news articles, blog posts, and discussion forum entries shared in 197 countries during the early months of the pandemic. We illustrate potential approaches to analyze the data while emphasizing how often-overlooked dimensions of the online media environment play a crucial role in the observed information-sharing patterns. In particular, we show how the following three dimensions matter: (1) online media posts’ geographic location in relation to local exposure to the virus; (2) the platforms and types of media chosen for discussing various topics; and (3) temporal variations in information-sharing patterns. Our descriptive analyses of the multimedia data suggest that studies that overlook these crucial aspects of online media may arrive at misleading conclusions about the observed information-sharing patterns. This could impact the success of potential communication strategies devised based on data from online media. Our work has broad implications for the study and design of computational approaches for characterizing large-scale information dissemination during pandemics and beyond.