Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MTANet: Multitask-Aware Network With Hierarchical Multimodal Fusion for RGB-T Urban Scene Understanding

Understanding urban scenes is a fundamental ability requirement for assisted driving and autonomous vehicles. Most of the available urban scene understanding methods use red-green-blue (RGB) images; however, their segmentation performances are prone to degradation under adverse lighting conditions. Recently, many effective artificial neural networks have been presented for urban scene understanding and have shown that incorporating RGB and thermal (RGB-T) images can improve segmentation accuracy even under unsatisfactory lighting conditions. However, the potential of multimodal feature fusion has not been fully exploited because operations such as simply concatenating the RGB and thermal features or averaging their maps have been adopted. To improve the fusion of multimodal features and the segmentation accuracy, we propose a multitask-aware network (MTANet) with hierarchical multimodal fusion (multiscale fusion strategy) for RGB-T urban scene understanding. We developed a hierarchical multimodal fusion module to enhance feature fusion and built a high-level semantic module to extract semantic information for merging with coarse features at various abstraction levels. Using the multilevel fusion module, we exploited low-, mid-, and high-level fusion to improve segmentation accuracy. The multitask module uses boundary, binary, and semantic supervision to optimize the MTANet parameters. Extensive experiments were performed on two benchmark RGB-T datasets to verify the improved performance of the proposed MTANet compared with state-of-the-art methods.1
Navigation aids in route training : increase navigation speed, decrease route retention

In the case of one car following another to a destination, it is very effective at getting the second vehicle to the destination quickly; however, the driver of the second car may not learn the route. Yet, for individuals, such as firefighters, law enforcement, and military personnel, it is imperative that a route be learned quickly and accurately and that an awareness of the situation is maintained while they traverse the given route. This leads to three questions, (a) will navigation aids affect initial route navigation; (b) will navigation aids affect retention; and (c) will navigation aids affect situation awareness while en route? The hypotheses of this study were that navigation aids would significantly increase the speed at which a person can initially navigate a route, but the use of the aids would significantly decrease the retention of the route navigated. The findings of this study support the hypotheses. The results suggest that participants that followed a confederate and participants that were given verbal directions were quicker and made fewer errors than participants that reviewed a map or initially figured the route out on their own (control group). The study also showed that as the participants navigated the route for a second time with no navigational assistance, the ones that reviewed a map or that were in the control group outperformed participants that initially had a confederate to follow or were given verbal directions their first time through. Finally, no real effects were found on the participants’ situation awareness during the retention portion of the study.
Evaluation of an Online Version of the CFT 20-R in Third and Fourth Grade Children

There is growing demand for digital intelligence testing. In the current study, we evaluated the validity of an online version of the revised German Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFT 20-R). A total of 4100 children from the third and fourth grades completed the online version using a smartphone or tablet. Subsequently, 220 of these children also completed the paper-pencil (PP) version. The internal consistency and construct validity of the online version appeared to be acceptable. The correlation between the raw scores and school grades in German and mathematics was slightly lower than expected. On average, the raw scores for the PP version were revealed to be higher, which was probably due to a learning effect. At the item level, the results show small differences for the subtests Series and Matrices, possibly caused by small differences in the presentation of the items. The correspondence between the versions did not depend on children’s levels of impulsivity or intelligence. Altogether, the results support the hypothesis that the online version of the CFT 20-R is a valid measure of general fluid intelligence and highlight the need for separate norms.
Commissioning of the MAX 700 MHz Test Stand

The MYRRHA project aims at the construction of an Accelerator Driven System demonstrator. The criticality will be sustained by an external spallation neutron flux produced thanks to a 600 MeV high intensity proton beam. This beam will be delivered by a superconducting linac which must fulfil very stringent reliability requirements. Under the MAX (MYRRHA Accelerator eXperiment) program, which aims at pursuing the R&D activities on the ADS-type accelerator, a 700 MHz Cryomodule was developed. The main goal of this test stand is to dispose of a facility to carry out “real scale” reliability oriented studies on a RF Superconducting cavity of the high-energy linac section. This module holds a 5-cell elliptical cavity equipped with its blade cold tuning system and its coaxial power coupler. The experimental work undertaken at IPN Orsay, has allowed to fully qualify the module in machine configuration (high RF power, at 2K), including assessment of the tuning system and measurement of microphonics spectrums. During this study the dynamic behavior of the fast tuning system of the cavity was also measured. We review here the obtained results and lessons learnt by operating this module.
Large‐eddy simulation of very stable boundary layers. Part I: Modeling methodology

The large‐eddy simulation of very stable boundary layers (SBLs) remains challenging due to the large anisotropy of turbulent motions resulting from buoyancy suppression effects, and to the general reduction of its energetic scales. Here, we develop a novel large‐eddy simulation model setup to enable the modeling of the very SBL, avoiding the use of the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory at its lower boundary condition, as it breaks down in these conditions in agreement with previous studies. The new approach requires very fine grids in the vertical direction, in the order of a few centimeters. A series of Ekman‐layer‐type boundary layers under weak‐wind conditions ( ug=1$$ {u}_{\mathrm{g}}=1 $$ and 2 m ·$$ \cdotp $$ s −1$$ {}^{-1} $$ ), and strong surface cooling rates (1 and 3 K ·$$ \cdotp $$ hr −1$$ {}^{-1} $$ ) at high latitude is studied using isotropic grids of 0.05 and 0.10 m resolution. The low‐order statistics show some sensitivity to the grid resolution; for example, both the SBL height and the low‐level jet position decrease with increasing grid resolution. In general, some differences are spotted regarding the shape of the wind speed and temperature vertical profiles, compared with weakly to moderately stratified conditions, suggesting that the structure and characteristics of the SBL evolve with increasing stratification. Moreover, the wind turning is significant from the surface, where the surface wind angle relative to the geostrophic wind is about 50 °$$ {}^{\circ} $$ . Lastly, two regimes within very stable conditions can be qualitatively identified primarily based on the gradient Richardson number ( Ri$$ Ri $$ ) profiles: In the less stable regime, Ri$$ Ri $$ increases almost linearly with height and a quasi‐steady state is achieved; however, in the most stable regime, Ri$$ Ri $$ sharply increases near the surface and remains constant throughout the SBL while increasing with time up to Ri≈0.4$$ Ri\approx 0.4 $$ . Thus, a quasi‐steady state is not achieved; and although turbulence does not collapse, it remains weak.
Sub-chronic exposure to Leachate from Ojota, Lagos is associated with Liver and kidney toxicity in Rats

This study evaluated the toxicity of Leachate from Ojota, Lagos dumpsite on the kidney and liver of male Wistar rats. Forty-five male albino rats weighing 180 ±5.5 grams were randomly divided into five groups (n=9). Group A rats drank distilled water throughout the experimental period while rats in group B, C, D and E were exposed to 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% leachate via drinking water for 45 days respectively. Daily intake of leachate was measured for each group. On the last day, the animals were fasted 8 hours overnight and blood samples were collected for liver and kidney function tests. Our finding revealed that rats exposed to 25%, 50% and 75% drank more of the leachate. There were marked increase (P<0.05) in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in rats exposed to different concentrations of the leachate. Rats exposed to 75% and 100% leachate showed significant increase (P<0.05) in serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity was higher in other groups compared to control, while rats exposed to 25% and 50% leachate had increase in the serum direct bilirubin concentration (P<0.05). Creatinine level was markedly high in rats exposed to 100% leachate while the rats that were exposed to 50% and 100% leachate had elevated urea level. Conclusively, leakage of leachate into water bodies especially ground water and its exposure through drinking may pose a high risk on liver and kidney function.
Does Dynamic Non-Linear Relationship Drive Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Financial Performance?

The aim of this paper is to generate an empirical estimation of the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Financial Performance by exploring the possibility of the existence of a non-linear relationship driving these two variables. Using a strongly balanced panel data with 2580 observations from 215 African listed firms over 12 years (2005-2016), the study investigated the short-run impact of CSRD through the Arellano-Bover /Blundell-Bond technique and the long-run effect via the Delta Method based on non-linear combinations of parameters estimated. The results indicate that in the short run, CSRD affects positively ROA while a negative significant relationship between the three-lagged measure of CSRD and ROA is also revealed. The results present the insignificance of the impact of CSRD on the other firm performances variables namely ROE, ROS. In the long run, CSRD is positively linked to all of the responses variables except ROE. Thus, the findings show that CSR practices do not generate benefit immediately. CSR effort positively affects firm financial performance in the following years after implementing it. Therefore, Managers should be aware that social practices should constitute an integrant part of overall firm strategy in order to achieve great profit.
Optimization of the materials distribution in composite systems

The optimization of structures in macro scale is widely used nowadays. The goal of the paper is to apply optimization techniques to obtain better performance on the micro level. The presented methods open new possibilities. The structures build with the use of materials with optimal microstructure can obtain the best performance. The microstructure can be optimized taking into account loads of the macro structure. The optimization of microstructure is not easy currently, but in future, in applications where performance of the structure is very important, the presented approach may be used with success. A bio-inspired method based on the artificial immune system (AIS) is used to solve the optimization problem. Immune computing provides a great probability of finding the global optimum. The optimal topology is generated by the level set approach. Optimization (identification) of the topology and the distribution of the mass density of microstructure considered to two materials by the minimization of the fitness function which depended on the coefficients of stiffness matrices. The paper presents methodology, algorithm of optimization and numerical examples.
Developing and validating a scriptwriting task in the context of student difficulties with fraction multiplication and division

ABSTRACT Teaching simulations such as scriptwriting tasks offer a novel way to support pre-service teachers in gaining diagnostic competencies and in guiding students to work through difficulties. We first report on the theory-driven development of a scriptwriting task, specifically the theoretically-founded language- and accompanying content-related challenges concerning fraction multiplication and division that were embedded in the task. In a validation study, nine experts in mathematics education and/or academic language development participated in an expert rating of the scriptwriting task, assessing the intended embedded student difficulties. As a further means of examining content validity, a second study was conducted in which 32 completed dialogues from the scriptwriting tasks from pre-service primary mathematics teachers were compared to the results of the expert rating. Findings of the validation study highlighted that the experts recognised the intended embedded content. Correspondingly, the results of the second study revealed that the pre-service teachers also identified the intended content.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Essential Oils: Experimental and Computational Approaches

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants, also known as Mexican tea, and locally known as Mkhinza, is a polymorphic annual and perennial herb, and it is widely used in folk medicine to treat a broad range of illnesses in Morocco. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical content and the antioxidant and the antibacterial properties of essential oils isolated from D. ambrosioides aerial components, growing in Eastern Morocco (Figuig). Hydrodistillation was used to separate D. ambrosioides essential oils, and the abundance of each phytocompound was determined by using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). In vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and inhibition of β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays were used to determine D. ambrosioides essential oils’ antioxidant activity. The findings revealed relative antioxidative power and modest radical scavenging. The antibacterial activity of the essential oils was broad-spectrum, with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis as the most susceptible strains tested. To elucidate the physicochemical nature, drug-likeness, and the antioxidant and antibacterial action of the identified phytocomponents, computational techniques, such as ADMET analysis, and molecular docking were used.
Growth Performance of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fed with Varying Inclusion Levels of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Bark

The cost incurred in raising fish to table size in fish farming has been a major issue both to the farmers and the consumers at large. To address this concern this study assessed the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed varying inclusion levels of water melon (Citrullus lanatus) bark. A total of 120 samples with 0.75±0.209g mean weight and 3.9±0.31cm mean total length were acclimated in the laboratory for a period of 14 days during which they were fed to satiation twice daily. Subsequently, they were randomly assigned to the five treatments diets with replicate in each case at 12 fish per treatment; T1 with 00%, T2 with 25%, T3 with 50%, T4 with 75% and T5 with 100% levels of inclusion as possible replacement for equal weight of soybeans. The set-up ran for 12 weeks and the growth parameters (lengths and weight) were determined on weekly basis. Weight gain and specific growth rate were calculated. The physico-chemical parameters of the test media were also determined on weekly basis according to standard methods. The data generated were subjected to one way analysis of variance. From the results: Treatments with 50% and 75% inclusion levels performed slightly better than the control in terms of weight gain. The highest weight obtained in T2 and T3 were 31.71±0.35g and 31.48±1.71g, respectively. Similarly, the optimum requirement of watermelon bark level in the formulation of practical diets for improved growth of C. garienpinus were 50% and 75% in terms of lengths. T2 and T3 had the highest total lengths with 19.05±0.35cmand 15.90±2.80cm, respectively; while the standard lengths in T2 and T3 were 13.50±0.35cmand 13.45±2.85, respectively. Hence, water melon bark can replace the more expensive soybean thereby reducing cost of production and curtail environmental filth and disposal problems associated with watermelon bark waste in Nigeria.
Robust dimensional variation control of compliant assemblies through the application of sheet metal joining process sequencing

Imperfections are inherent in every manufactured part when the hundreds of sheet metal components that form the automotive Body In White (BIW) are assembled together, significant deformation and variability are possible. Although early work by Takazawa (1980) showed that compliant components can absorb individual component variability when assembled, interactions between the components and successive operations complicates analysis of the assembly process and prediction of the assembled output. Therefore, improving vehicle dimensional quality requires more detailed knowledge of the assembly process and control of features critical to functionality and aesthetic appeal. In the automotive industry, these features include: uneven gaps and flushness between panels, high closure forces, and incorrect seal gaps leading to leaks and excessive noise. Despite significant research in the field of compliant assembly, there have not been sufficiently detailed studies regarding the joining sequence process. Further, existing works are based on a number of assumptions that limits the applicability of their results. This thesis addresses this gap by utilising the joining process sequence to control deformations and minimise dimensional variation during the assembly of complex non-ideal compliant components. In this work, a geometry class to represent complex compliant assemblies is presented; the interactions of process sequences and variations examined; the criteria for robust sequence selection established; and a method for the rapid identification of robust sequences is developed. In addressing the aim of this research a number of key findings were developed. A broad method of classifying the input variation of the components is presented. Using this basis, identifying when the joining process has a significant influence on final assembly dimensionality can be established. The pre-existing guidelines of fixed-to-free end were then further generalised for complex geometries, resulting in
A Video-Based Behavioral Intervention Associated with Improved HPV Knowledge and Intention to Vaccinate

The aim of this study was to design, develop, and evaluate the feasibility of a theory- and evidence-based intervention to improve human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine knowledge and intention to vaccinate, among parent–daughter dyads. A theory- and evidence-based online behavioral intervention, “Is the HPV vaccine for me? ”, was developed to improve HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and intention to vaccinate. Knowledge, intention to vaccinate, and feasibility of the intervention were evaluated in a prospective, randomized, controlled feasibility trial. A total of 49 parent–daughter dyads completed the baseline knowledge assessment (n = 24 control, n = 25 intervention), and 35 dyads completed the knowledge assessment at week 2 (n = 17 control, n = 18 intervention). The intervention resulted in a statistically significant increase in HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and intention to vaccinate. All intervention participants found the video interesting, while 96% found it useful. This intervention was found to be useful, effective, safe, and acceptable in this feasibility study.
Effect of the Pulsed Laser Energy on the Properties of CdO: NiO Composite Thin Films for Solar Cell Applications

In this work, thin films of cadmium oxide: nickel oxide (CdO: NiO) were prepared by pulsed laser deposition at different pulse energies of Nd: YAG laser. The thin films' properties were determined by various techniques to study the effect of pulse laser energy on thin films' properties. X-ray diffraction measurements showed a mixture of both phases. The degree of crystallinity and the lattice constant increase with the laser energy increase, while the lattice strain decreases. FE-SEM images show that the substrates' entire surface is uniformly covered, without any cracks, with a well-connected structure consisting of small spherical particles ranging in size from 15 to 120 nm. Increasing the laser power causes to increase the particle size irregularly. EDX analysis showed increased oxidation in the samples using laser energy. The AFM of the thin film deposited at minimum energy shows the uniform deposition of samples prepared at the lowest energy. They are increasing pulses energy of the laser cause to increase in the average particle diameter and surface roughness. The charge carrier concentration decreases, and its mobility increases with laser energy. The I-V characteristics for CdO: NiO/porous-PSi heterojunctions prepared by different laser energies show photovoltaic properties. Optimum efficiency of the samples prepared with the lowest laser energy.
Non-Isothermal Crystallization of Titanium-Dioxide-Incorporated Rice Straw Fiber/Poly(butylene succinate) Biocomposites

In this work, titanium dioxide (TiO2)-incorporated rice straw fiber (RS)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) biocomposites were prepared by injection molding with different TiO2 powder loadings. The RS/PBS with 1 wt% TiO2 demonstrated the best mechanical properties, where the flexural strength and modulus increased by 30.34% and 28.39%, respectively, compared with RS/PBS. The non-isothermal crystallization of neat PBS, RS/PBS composites, and titanium-dioxide-incorporated RS/PBS composites was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The non-isothermal crystallization data were analyzed using several theoretical models. The Avrami and Mo kinetic models described the non-isothermal crystallization behavior of neat PBS and the composites; however, the Ozawa model was inapplicable. The crystallization temperature (Tc), half-time of crystallization (t1/2), and kinetic parameters (FT) showed that the crystallizability followed the order: TiO2-incorporated RS/PBS composites > RS/PBS > PBS. The RS/PBS with 1 wt% TiO2 showed the best crystallization properties. The Friedman model was used to evaluate the effective activation energy of the non-isothermal crystallization of PBS and its composites. Rice straw fiber and TiO2 acted as nucleating agents for PBS. The XRD results showed that the addition of rice straw fiber and TiO2 did not substantially affect the crystal parameters of the PBS matrix. Overall, this study shows that RS and TiO2 can significantly improve the crystallization and mechanical properties of PBS composites.