Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear estimation and control in the iron ore pelletizing process: An application and analysis of the Extended Kalman Filter

This thesis deals with estimation and control of the balling drums used in the iron ore pelletizing process.First a conceptually new control scheme for balling drums is proposed. In this control scheme a cluster of drums is considered rather than considering each drum to be an independent unit, and the output of each drum is assumed to be oscillating during normal operation. Three states are essential in this scheme, and these are the amplitude of the oscillation, frequency of the oscillation, and its phase angle. These three states are estimated by use of an extended Kalman filter (EKF). The new control scheme thus depends heavily on the state estimation. A simulation of this scheme controlling a cluster of three drums is carried out. In this simulation the drums are modelled as van der Pol oscillators with varying amplitude and frequency of the output.Next the problem of automatically tuning and optimizing the extended Kalman filter is addressed. In spite of its importance, there has been published surprisingly few results on this subject, however, two different methods for EKF tuning has been proposed recently in the literature. One of these is tuning by use of a genetic algorithm (GA), which is also applied in this thesis. It is shown that by use of a simple GA, the extended Kalman filter is well tuned in a reasonable amount of time, provided that the tuning criterion is well defined. Furthermore, the same simple GA is applied for optimizing the EKF with respect to its performance in high noise environment.Finally the stability properties of the EKF is analyzed. It is not possible to guarantee that the states in the signal model used for the state estimation in the new control scheme will be bounded from above, as required in the stability results presented so far. By applying a different bound on the Kalman gain matrix, it is shown that this requirement can be relaxed, and thus convergence of the state estimator applied in the new control scheme can be guaranteed under some given conditions.
Uptake of planning as a self‐regulation strategy: Adolescents’ reasons for (not) planning physical activity in an intervention trial

Abstract Objectives Planning is an effective self‐regulation strategy. However, little is known why some people take up planning and some do not. Such understanding would help interventions to promote planning. We investigated how adolescents explain their (non) use of planning for physical activity after an intervention. Methods Qualitative content analysis was employed to investigate follow‐up interviews (a purposeful sampling; n = 19 low‐to‐moderately active, vocational school students) of Let's Move It trial participants twice post‐intervention: 6–8 weeks and 14 months post‐baseline. In the intervention, planning was one of the key techniques used to promote PA. Results We identified seven categories linked to reasons for (not) using planning. Most were related to feelings anticipated to result from planning. Action‐ and identity‐related concerns were also raised. The reasons for planning were that the plan (1) helps to clarify what to do and to get things done, (2) strengthens the feeling of autonomy, (3) promotes a sense of progress, ability and control over one's PA. The reasons for not planning were that (having) a plan may (1) feel forced and like an unpleasant duty, (2) take away life's spontaneity and freedom, (3) result in anticipated annoyance and bad mood if one fails to enact the plan, or (4) be an effective strategy for others but not for the interviewee. Conclusions Planning may not only link to behavioural control but also the sense of autonomy, and thus subsequent motivation. We suggest various strategies to promote planning, including challenging non‐planner identity and harnessing social dimension of planning.
Hot Spot Mapping and Size Estimation of Illicit Drug Users in Iran: A Pilot Study

Background: Mapping and size estimation of people who use (PWUD) or inject drugs (PWID) are important issues for control of drug use. The aim of this pilot study is to mapping and estimate the number of PWUD and PWID in Iran.Methods: We used the hotspot mapping and size estimation method to estimate the number of illicit drug users in four cities of Iran from December 2017 to January 2019. We identified hotspots by local knowledge of key informants. For size estimation in each hotspot, three estimates were made during hotspot visit: a) KAP-KI (Key Affected Population Key Informant) estimate (drug users met in the hotspot), b) Non-KAP KI estimate (e.g. taxi drivers, shopkeepers nearby the hotspot); c) estimation made by field observers. Locations of hotspots were recorded by the field team and ArcGIS software was used for mapping. Results: A total number of 335 hot spots were identified in four cities of them, 70 (20.9%) were in Ahvaz, 90 (26.9%) in Sari, 67 (20%) in Yazd and 108(32.2%) in district 2 of Tehran metropolitan. We identified nine high-density areas for PWUDs of them three were in Ahvaz, one in the south of Sari, two in district 2 of Tehran and three in Yazd. The total numbers of 1524 key informants were interviewed by the field team in 335 identified hot spots. Based on the median estimated number of PWUD, Ahvaz had the highest estimated number of PWUD (1242, range, 606-1285), followed by Sari (788, range, 373-1044), district 2 of Tehran (684, range, 642-728) and Yazd (123, range, 76-316). The median estimated number of PWID indicated that Ahvaz had the highest estimated number of PWID (843, range, 703-887), followed by Sari (346, range, 307-666), Yazd (228, range, 221-471) and Tehran (18, range, 18-34). Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of geographical targeting of illicit drug users to provide harm reduction programs with a broader reach in Iran.
Bridge Design to Eurocodes: UK Implementation

As of April 2010, Eurocodes replaced British Standards as the principal design standards for bridges in the United Kingdom (UK). In support of the transition, the Bridge Design to Eurocodes: UK Implementation conference, held at the Institution of Civil Engineers on 22-23 November 2010, brought important background and explanatory information into the public domain. The proceedings of this conference provide an enduring record of the UK’s Eurocodes implementation for bridge design, with papers written by invited engineers and experts who have been at the very heart of Eurocode developments in the UK. Readers are provided with the key technical decisions taken in the development of the National Annexes, as well as important sources of complementary information and practical advice on applying the codes with papers contributed by major client organizations explaining their implementation strategies. Providing definitive, essential and practical information on the implementation of the Eurocodes for bridge design in the UK, Bridge Design to Eurocodes: UK Implementation is essential reading for bridge owners, managers, designers, consultants, contractors, local or central government engineers, academics, and software developers, that is anyone interested or involved in the design, build, maintenance or ownership of bridges.
CpG Island Methylator Phenotype(CIMP) is An Independent Prognostic Marker with Tumor-Promoting Functions in Colorectal Cancer

Background: The CpG island methylator phenotype(CIMP)with extensive promoter methylation isa distinct epigenotype incolorectal cancer (CRC). Changes in microbiota and epigenetic dysregulation might be the key underlying mechanism.Methods: Tissues with stages I–III cancer were collected after proctocolectomy. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was carried to determine the differences in microbiota. Subsequently, BRAF mutation, the status of microsatellite instability (MSI, also known as mismatch repair deficiency) and CIMP were also tested. The Chi-square test was carried out to analyze the relationship between molecular changes (MSI and CIMP) and the development of CRC.Results: Patients in the three groups differed in thetumorlocation(P=0.034) and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (P=0.036). The positive CIMP and MSI-LOW/MSS were more common in the worse prognosis groups. The Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional regression analyses indicated that CIMP and MSI were the independent indicators of poor survival since the positive rates of which were significantly higher in the non-survival group. Besides, there were differences in microbiota among tumor tissues of different prognoses, with the Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis more abundant in the worse prognosis groups.Conclusion: The persistent epigenetic changes influence the prognosis of patients with CRC and the composition of the gut microbiota might be the cause.
Beta-2 microglobulin a robust reference housekeeping genes for RNA expression normalization in real time PCR on human leukocytes

Background: Changes in gene expression are increasingly used to evaluate the effects of exposure to environmental agents. Housekeeping genes (Hk) are essential in these analyzes as internal controls to normalize expression levels assessed in real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Ideal Hk genes (i) are constitutively expressed; (ii) do not respond to external stimuli and (iii) show small or no variation between samples or from one assay to another. Previous studies indicate that some commonly used Hk genes, including glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and beta-actin, have differential expression in various cell lines. The objective of this study is to identify and validate the most appropriate housekeeping genes for RNA expression analysis of human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to antigen like stimulation. Methods: The expression of the five most commonly used genes for a genomic study of lymphocytes was determined [HPRT, 18S, GAPDH, Ubiquitin C (UBC), beta-2 microglobulin (B2M)] on PBMCs, isolated from fresh blood, following activation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28. This leads to the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes in order to modulate the expression of specific genes. Results : Using reverse transcriptase RT-PCR protocol, we show that following activation only B2M remain unchanged in PBMCs. This result has been confirmes In contrast, 18S, HPRT and GAPDH show significant variation in PBMC gene expression. Conclusion: Although our results suggest that the relevance of Hk genes should be determined for each experimental condition, B2M appear to be excellent candidate as internal controls. Keywords : Housekeeping genes, RT-PCR, Human primary PBMC.
Adsorption of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol on bentonite modified with benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance and capacities of the bentonite of Maghnia, modified with benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride, to remove the organic pollutant 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (TCP). The modified sample was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods. The best removal rate (99.52%) was obtained at 19°C, pH 4, solution concentration of 50 mg/L, stirring speed of 180 rpm and contact time of 60 min. The results were well fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the pseudo-second-order is the best model to describe the process.
An Evaluation of Enabling Factors for Technology Transfer in Tanzania Construction Industry

The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a study related to enabling factors for technology transfer in the Tanzania construction industry. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data from stakeholders who were contractors, consultancies, regulatory bodies and a research center. Interview questions were designed to collect data in the area of the level of technology in the construction industry and enabling factors for technology transfer in the construction industry. Findings from the study indicate that the level of technology in the Tanzania construction industry is very low and transfer of technology has not been successful due to lack of enabling factors for TT. Lack of these enabling factors has created impediments to TT process. The study was mainly affected by low rates of interviewee. The key enabling factors for TT obtained from interview with selected firms can be used for the entire construction industry.
Association between Dietary Energy Density and Mental Health in Overweight/Obese Women

Objectives: Mental health, sleep quality and dietary intake are interlinked. Impairment of mental health and low sleep quality may contribute to obesity through the consumption of diets high in energy density. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether dietary energy density (DED) influences mental health. This study aimed to examine the association of DED with mental health indices, including depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality in overweight/obese women.Results: After adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity, subjects in the highest quartile of DED had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but lower serum triglyceride, than those in the lowest quartile (p <0.05). DED was significantly associated with increased odds of stress in the crude (OR =2.15, 95%CI: 1.01-4.56, p= 0.04) and adjusted model for age, BMI, and physical activity (OR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.13-5.79, p=0.02). No significant relationship was observed between DED and depression, anxiety and sleep quality.
Halal logo and consumers' confidence: what are the important factors?

The food consumed by Muslims must meet the Islamic dietary code called Halal. Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted. Muslim consumers are found to be very concerned about the Halalness of the foods they consume. The recent Halal food crises and its diffusion through the media in Malaysia had as consequence, in general, reduced public confidence, and of the Muslims in particular, in the products that they purchase. The lack of enforcement in the monitoring of the Halal food products has caused consumers to query the validity on the products or services claiming to be Halal. These public outcries have triggered the interest of researchers to study the level of confidence on the Halal food products and the logo which is associated with it. This paper aims to assess consumers’ confidence relating to Halal logo on food products and the factors that can help to enhance the level of confidence among the Muslim consumers in Malaysia. A total 600 respondents were interviewed via structured questionnaires to gather information on their level of confidence and purchasing behaviour towards food products with Halal logo. Factor analysis was used to determine the factors which influenced consumers’ confidence towards Halal food. The results indicate that socio-economic variables play an important role when explaining consumer behaviour. The underlying factors contributing to confidence are those related to safety and government involvement, as well as degree of awareness, trustworthy and manufacturing practice. These factors were found to be the major factors determining Malaysian consumers’ confidence on Halal logo of food products.
A performance comparison of proactive and reactive routing protocols of Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET)

Mobile Ad-hoc NETwork (MANET) is a collection of wireless mobile nodes dynamically forming a temporary network without the use of any existing network infrastructure or centralized administration. To support MANET, many routing protocols are already designed, such as DSDV, DSR, AODV, TORA, OLSR, WRP, ZRP and many more. This study analyzes these three routing protocols using Network Simulator version no 2 (ns-2). The performance of these protocols are compared in terms of their packet delivery fraction, average end-to-end delay, normalized routing load and routing overhead (packets) for 50 nodes and 100 nodes model with various numbers of sources. However performance comparison and comparative analysis of these protocols for above mention metrics has not yet been performed. This study does that comparison and pointed out the relative strengths and weakness of those proactive and reactive routing protocols.
PENGARUH HARGA, LOKASI, DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN(Studi kasus pada Stove Syndicate Café Semarang)

This research was conducted as a decline in sales at Stove Syndicate Cafe for several months, so we have to know what factors that influence the purchase decision . This study aims to determine the effect of price , location and product quality on purchase decision on Stove Syndicate Cafe Semarang and which ones have the most impact. The research data was collected from 100 consumers Stove Syndicate Cafe Semarang.Samplingin this study using non- probability sampling technique . The analysis used in this study is multiple regression analysis . Before multiple regression analysis also do validity and reliability testing and classical assumption testing.And after that also do the hypothesis testing and coefficient of determination Regression analysis showed variable of price, location and product quality have a positive influence to the purchase decision . The most influential variable was quality of product, followed by price and the location. The analysis result using T test showed that price , location and quality of the products individually have a significant influence on purchasing decisions This equation model had F value of 34.791 with a significance level of 0.000. The analysis result using coefficient of determination was discovering about 50.6% variable of purchasin decision can be summarized by the variant of variable price,location and product quality, whilst 49.4% summarized by other variable which unexplained in this research
No Coil® Placement in Patients Undergoing Left Hemicolectomy and Lower Anterior Resection for Colorectal Cancer: Efficacy, Tolerability and Differences.

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of the gastrointestinal tract. Anastomotic leak (AL), is the most important complication of colorectal surgery. In this retrospective study, we evaluated efficacy and tolerability of transanal tube No Coil® in patients with CRC undergoing low anterior resection (LAR) and left hemicolectomy (LC). Methods. Thirty-eight patients operated by the same team for primary colorectal adenocarcinoma were collected, 24 LC and 14 LAR. Neither defuncioning stoma nor neoadjuvant therapy not was administered to anyone patients. No Coil® was placed immediately after the end of surgical treatment.Results. In our experience, LC was performed in 24 individuals (63%), LAR in 14 individuals (37%). AL was evident in 2,63 % of the sample; no statistical difference was found in AL occurrence between LC and LAR with only one patient in LAR group.Conclusion. With our preliminary data, we suggest that No Coil® placement can be considered as a valuable procedure assisting colorectal surgery, but further studies are required to confirm and enlarge actual evidence.
An Extension of the Theory of Water Hammer

The usual theory of water hammer which is used to compute the magnitude and velocity of pressure waves in a pipe filled with an elastic fluid was given by Joukowsky in 1898. This theory predicts that pressure waves travel without change of shape. In the present paper, water-hammer waves are considered without some of the simplifications made in the Joukowsky theory. The equations of motion for a thin cylindrical tube are used. Only the case where the velocity of sound in the material of the pipe wall is greater than in the fluid will be considered. Much of the analysis would be valid in the opposite case, but the relative speeds of the various waves would differ.
Multistage morphology-based license-plate location algorithm

This paper describes a new license-plate location algorithm using a sequential multistage approach, where each stage consists of a different sub-algorithm. All the proposed sub-algorithms make use of morphological operations performed over both gray-scale and binary images. In order to ascertain the performance of the proposed algorithm, and to fairly compare it with license-plate location algorithms developed by other authors, a well-defined evaluation method is used. Results have shown that the proposed algorithm produces at least one accurate license-plate location hypothesis for 97.18% of 673 images acquired at a highway toll fence.
The Effects of Mouth Bacterial Infection on Saliva Flow

Background: Mouth bacterial infections most probably due to dental cares are a prevalent disease. Salivary flow rate is affected by many diseases but there is not enough published data about the effect of mouth bacterial infection on the salivary flow rate. Objective: this study examines the relationship between salivary flow rate and mouth bacterial infection in adult population. Methodology: cross sectional study. Result: salivary flow rate is affected by mouth bacterial infection as it is founded to be very low flow rate in 17% and low flow rate in 40% of the sample population. Conclusion Salivary flow rate is affected by oral bacterial infections that need urgent medical intervention to improve the outcome of those patients.
Wind tunnel performance comparative test results of a circular cylinder and 50% ellipse tailboom for circulation control antitorque applications

Abstract : A low speed wind tunnel study to quantitatively evaluate the performance (lift and drag) of a circular cylinder and comparable 50% ellipse was conducted. Circular cylinder performance was evaluated at slot positions of 80 deg to 135 deg, measured relative to freestream; 50% ellipse performance was measured for angles of attack between -5 deg and 30 deg. Tests were conducted at three blowing coefficients, 0.3, 0.4 (optimal historically) and 0.5, to evaluate tailboom performance sensitivity. Circulation control test results revealed optimal c1 values at an approximate 116 deg slot position, corresponding to cd values no greater than that of a smooth cylinder. The 50% ellipse results revealed optimal c1 values at approximately 18 deg AOA, though associated with considerable drag. For all three blowing coefficients, the circular cylinder L/D values were consistently three to four times greater than their 50% ellipse counterparts. Recommendations for future NOTAR(TM) tailboom design modifications and later research are made.