Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roots Characteristics of a flexible and mature vegetation: Preliminary results of experimental investigation in a meandering laboratory flume

Vegetation controls sediment dynamics and affects the kinematic characteristics of flow in rivers. The uprooting mechanism is strongly affected by mechanical properties, morphology and branching of the roots system. This work presents preliminary results of experimental work conducted in a laboratory meandering flume. The work aims to investigate how the geometrical and mechanical characteristics of the roots of a real, flexible and mature vegetation could vary along the bend. Results show that both the geometrical and the mechanical characteristics of the roots assume higher/lower values in peculiar sections of the bend suggesting that they could be affected by the kinematic characteristic of flow.
A Comprehensive Crossroad Camera Dataset of Mobility Aid Users

Improving the safety of traffic participants and reducing the severity of injuries as well as the number of fatalities in the event of accidents is becoming ever more important in the development of vehicles and transportation infrastructure. The most vulnerable group of road users is unquestionably pedestrians, of which people with mobility impairments are especially at risk due to reduced reaction speed or reduced visibility due to smaller silhouettes or unusual postures. Successful strategies for increasing safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents include architectural improvements in planning of pedestrian crossings, as well as advancements in their operation. These strategies can benefit from camera based pedestrian detection systems, yet pedestrians using mobility aids are highly underrepresented in common datasets for object detection and classification, if present at all. To fill this gap and enable researchers to develop methods considering pedestrians in their mobility, we present a novel dataset of pedestrians using mobility aids, together with evaluations of state-of-the-art methods for classification and detection.
Computer-Aided Design

This paper describes a method for adding surface details to existing CAD models. Our approach is based on truncated powers, which allows us to align the added details with curved knot lines on the surface. Additionally, (truncated) powers give us precise control over the continuity of the perturbed surface across the (curved) knot lines. Our representation is compatible with current CAD/CAM practise and standards, and we showcase it on several examples. © 2021TheAuthor(s). PublishedbyElsevierLtd.ThisisanopenaccessarticleundertheCCBYlicense (
Decolorization of Methylene Blue using Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Endophytic Fungus

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized and characterized in the current study, and evaluated in terms of their use for the decolorization of methylene blue dye. AgNPs were successfully prepared using a green chemistry process from isolated endophytic fungus. Nine fungal endophytes were isolated from the leaves of Ocimum balilicum L. The four major isolates of Aspergillus sp. , Penicillium sp. , Cladosporium sp. , and Alternaria sp. were tested for the extracellular synthesis of AgNPs. The formation of AgNPs was initially observed as a change in color and was subsequently confirmed by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed a characteristic absorption peak for silver at 420 nm. Aspergillus sp. was determined to be the most potent producer of AgNPs and was subjected to further characterization. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed that the AgNPs were 4–15 nm in size. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystalline pattern of the AgNPs. Based on the sequences of the ribosomal DNA, internal transcribed spacer regions, the major endophytic species was identified as Aspergillus niger and the sequence data were submitted to the GenBank [GenBank: LC009511.1]. Further analysis showed that AgNPs efficiently decolorized methylene blue dye up to 96% within 72 h of incubation. AgNPs could therefore be used as highly economical agents for the rapid removal of dye-based pollutants from the environment and could also be used for the control of other reducible contaminants.
A stochastic method for improving seasonal predictions

Ensemble seasonal forecasts during boreal winter suffer from insufficient spread and systematic errors. In this study we suggest a new stochastic dynamics method to address both issues at a time. Our technique relies on random additive corrections of initial tendency error estimates of the atmospheric component of the CNRM‐CM5.1 global climate model, using ERA‐Interim as a reference over a 1979–2010 hindcast period. The random method improves deterministic scores for 500‐hPa geopotential height forecasts over the Northern Hemisphere extratropics (NH Z500), and increases the ensemble spread. An optimal method consisting in drawing the error corrections within the current month of the hindcast period illustrates the high potential of future improvements, with NH Z500 anomaly correlation reaching 0.65 and North Atlantic Oscillation index correlation 0.71 with ERA‐Interim. These substantial improvements using current year corrections pave the way for future forecasting methods using classification criteria on the correction population.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of Ni/BaTiO3 functionally graded material

A Ni-BaTiO3 functionally graded material (FGM) was elaborated from 5 separate layers, ranging from 0 to 100 wt. % Ni content, by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method. To estimate the variation of mechanical properties in the FGM thickness, 5 homogenous mixtures (100% BaTiO3, 75% BaTiO3-25% Ni, 50% BaTiO3 - 50% Ni, 25% BaTiO3-75% Ni and 100% Ni) were sintered. The density, the Vickers hardness, the Young's modulus and Poisson ratio were measured. In order to observe the impact of polarization on their properties (in future work), non-destructive tests are performed in this study. Results from monolithic pellet are gathered to identify the power law that governs the variation of this property in the FGM thickness. The results show that each property has its own power law.
The Prospect of Business Undergraduates’ Intention to Engage in Digital Entrepreneurship: Do Government Initiatives Matter?

The synergies between rapid information technology (IT) development and the shifting paradigms of economic transactions have led to the emergence of digital entrepreneurship. This study aims to investigate potential precursors affecting the intention of final-year business students to engage in digital entrepreneurship. This research was examining the IT acceptance among the business students by employing two tailored technology acceptance models based on the theory of planned behavior and theory of reasoned action models. A sample of 302 respondents were analyzed using SPSS and Smart-PLS. The results revealed that fresh graduates’ intentions to engage in digital entrepreneurship were significantly influenced by their own attitudes towards IT. The study also reaffirmed that the dimensions of I. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior model, including attitude towards IT, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms except perceived risk have a “direct effect” on undergraduates’ interest in an Internet-based business model. Although the results have contributed to filling the paucity of the empirical research in digital entrepreneurship,
The Effect of Restricted Hip Extension on Muscle Activity During Functional Movements

Background: Hip flexor tightness is a common problem affecting both active and sedentary individuals and can lead to the development of movement deficiencies potentially resulting in altered muscle activity around the hip joint. The overhead squat, inline lunge, and single leg step-up are common functional movements used to asses for movement deficiencies. The purpose of the study was to compare surface electromyography (sEMG) in the rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (RF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles and GM:BF co-activation ratio during the over-head squat, in-line lunge, and step-up between healthy females with and without hip flexor tightness. Methods: Participants were screened for hip flexor tightness using the modified Thomas Test and classified into a tight hip flexor and non-tight hip flexor group. Muscle activity data was collected using sEMG on the RF, GM, BF, and ST muscles during three functional movements: the over-head squat, in-line lunge, and step-up. Results: There were no statically significant differences in muscles between those with hip flexor tightness and healthy controls during the three tested movements. However, those with hip flexor tightness displayed greater hamstring utilization during all movements (Hedges g = 0.37 - 0.73). Conclusions: Those who have hip flexor tightness appear to adopt a more hamstring-based movement strategy to complete functional movements. More research is warranted to determine the extent to which hip flexor tightness affects functional movement patterns and muscle activity surrounding the hip joint.
Where are the artists? Analysing economies of agglomeration in Castile and León, Spain

The creative economy has become the subject of increasing interest in recent years, both in economic development studies and the analysis of spatial disparities. Various studies have examined the spatial logics of cultural and creative industries, although analyses into the location and agglomeration of artists therein remain few and far between. The present work thus seeks to explore the location and spatial structure of the cultural sector in a Spanish region, focusing specifically on the purest artistic activities and using micro‐spatial disaggregation. Spatial econometric techniques are used to identify location patterns, pinpoint territorial activity clusters and to measure agglomeration economies. La economia creativa se ha convertido en un tema de creciente interes en los ultimos anos, tanto en los estudios de desarrollo economico como en el analisis de las disparidades espaciales. Varios estudios han examinado la logica espacial de las industrias culturales y creativas, aunque los analisis sobre la ubicacion y la aglomeracion de los artistas en esos lugares siguen siendo escasos. El presente trabajo tienen por objeto examinar la ubicacion y la estructura espacial del sector cultural en una region espanola, centrandose especificamente en las actividades artisticas mas puras y utilizando la desagregacion microespacial. Se emplearon tecnicas econometricas espaciales para identificar patrones de localizacion, identificar conglomerados de actividad territorial y medir las economias de aglomeracion. 経済発展の研究と空間的格差の分析のいずれにおいても、近年、創造的経済(creative economy)が研究課題としてますます関心を集めている。 これまで、様々な研究により文化産業と創造産業の空間理論が検討されてきたが、その中でのアーティストの立地と集積に関する分析はほとんど行われていないままである。 そこで本稿では、純粋な芸術活動に特異的に対象を絞り、ミクロ空間詳細化の手法を用いて、スペインの地方における文化産業セクターの立地と空間的構造を探索する。 空間計量経済学的手法により、立地パターンとピンポイントでの領域別の活動クラスタを識別し、集積の経済を測定する。
Al-Azhar International Medical Journal Al-Azhar International Medical Journal

Background : In recent years, proper management of post-traumatic craniocervical instability has been possible. However, there is a paucity of literature with long-term follow-up of these patients. Purpose : The aim was to assess outcomes after surgical treatment of post-traumatic instability with occipitocervical ﬁ xation with or without fusion. Materials and methods : Among 20 patients with post-traumatic unstable craniocervical junction who underwent occi-pitocervical ﬁ xation, there was an equal number females and males, with a mean age of 62.85 ± 17.23 years. The outcomes of neck disability index, neck pain visual analog scale, neurological assessment by American Spinal Injury Association score, imaging, complications, and bony fusion were assessed. Radiological assessment of anterior dental interval, posterior dental interval, and posterior occipitocervical angle was done. Results : Clinically, all patients presented with neck pain and only one with tetraplegia. The mean follow-up was 90.8 months. A solid bony fusion was achieved in 100% of the patients. The neck disability index and the visual analog scale improved signi ﬁ cantly from 26 ± 6.4 and 7.7, respectively, at the presentation to 15.3 and 3.6, respectively, at the ﬁ nal follow-up. The anterior and posterior atlantodental interval and the posterior occipitocervical angle improved signi ﬁ - cantly. One patient required early revision. Conclusion : Occipitocervical ﬁ xation with or without fusion can be considered a valuable option in the treatment of instability with a high fusion rate and fewer complications. Temporary occipital ﬁ xation may be considered with later removal but may be associated with unintended occipitoatlantal fusion.
AMOC Stability Amid Tipping Ice Sheets: The Crucial Role of Rate and Noise

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has reccently been categorised as core tipping element, for it is believed to be prone to critical transition under climate change, implying drastic consequences on a planetary scale. Moreover, the AMOC is strongly coupled to polar ice sheets via meltwater fluxes. On one hand, most studies agree on the fact that a collapse of the Greenland ice sheet would result in a weakening of AMOC. On the other hand, the consequences of a collapse of the West Antarctica ice sheet are less well understood. However, some studies suggest that meltwater originating 5 from the Southern Hemisphere is able to stabilize the AMOC. Using a conceptual model of the AMOC and a minimal parameterization of ice sheet collapse, we investigate the origin and relevance of this stabilization effect in both the deterministic and stochastic cases. While a substantial stabilization is found in both cases, we find that important rate and noise-induced effects result in bifurcation-induced tipping approaches to be inaccurate for predicting the AMOC stability.
Elemental Characterization and Source Identification of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in an Industrial Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Fine particles (PM2.5) are mainly generated by combustion processes including emissions from motor vehicles, combustion of fossil fuel for power generation and large industrial processes such as ore and metal smelting. They may also include natural emissions such as fine windblown soils, sea spray and smoke from biomass burning. Based on the field study conducted, the concentrations of PM2.5 at the different locations vary with respect to anthropogenic activities. The PM2.5 levels obtained ranged from 14.00 to 32.67 μg/m 3 during wet season and 18.67 to 34.67 μg/m during dry season. Trace elements especially heavy metals are significant components of Original Research Article Okuo et al.; PSIJ, 16(2): 1-11, 2017; Article no.PSIJ. 36683 2 PM2.5 in industrial environments. The heavy metals are of particular concern due to their persistence in the environmental media and their human toxicity. The particulate matter concentration was obtained using Casella cel-712 microdust pro-real time dust monitor and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the elemental content. The Enrichment Factor (EF) analysis showed very high enrichment for the elements; Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Na, K, Mg, and Ca in the fine fraction (PM2.5). The Principal Component Analysis explained three common contributing sources of fine particulates (PM2.5) such as entrained soil, sea salt and combustion. Spatial variation was performed and mean concentration of some of the elements in the various locations showed significant difference at P<0.05. Correlation matrix was also determined and some of the elements were strongly correlated while some were not. Seasonal variation for the elemental concentration also revealed that the mean values for some of the elements were statistically significant at P<0.05 for both seasons.
Biodynamic, organic and integrated agriculture effects on cv. Italia table grapes juice, over a 3-year period experiment: an 1 H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics study

Background The new trend demanding for “natural” agri-food products has encouraged the application of more sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods, which limit or avoid the use of synthetic chemicals. This approach is increasing in viticulture, one of the sectors with the highest commercial value since grapes and derived products are largely consumed foodstuffs, with appreciated nutritional and sensory features. In this work, 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H NMR) was applied for the metabolic profiling of cv. Italia table grapes samples, from the same origin area, cultivated with different treatments (biodynamic, organic and integrated) and collected in three subsequent vintages. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed on NMR-data with the aim of comprehensively researching the possible influences on metabolites due to the use of diverse agricultural practices. Results Both inter-annual variability (2020, 2021 and 2022 vintages) and different vineyard treatments (biodynamic, organic and integrated) resulted as significant drivers for samples differentiation in the preliminary unsupervised analysis of the ( 1 H NMR spectra derived) metabolic profile data. Nevertheless, supervised data analyses showed that inter-vineyards variability, due to application of diverse farming methods, had a comparable discriminating effect with respect to harvesting years. Ethanol, sugars (as α-/β-glucose), organic acids (as malate) and amino acids (as arginine, leucine, glutamine) resulted the most viticultural practices-dependent metabolites. Interestingly, results from pairwise comparisons between treatments indicated the biodynamic samples with respect to the organic ones as the best-observed differentiation. This was followed by the biodynamic vs integrated and organic vs integrated samples comparisons, in decreasing discrimination order, as confirmed by the descriptiveness and predictive ability parameters of the corresponding pairwise OPLS-DA models. Conclusions Results highlighted that metabolites’ composition in cv. Italia table grapes juice is significantly affected by the use of different kinds of vineyard managements (biodynamic, organic and integrated, here investigated). Metabolomics study, here employing 1 H NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis, offers powerful tools to elucidate the metabolic differences among classes of samples.
EFFECT OF SALINITY AND DROUGHT STRESS ON GROWTH PARAMETERS, GLYCOSIDE CONTENT AND EXPRESSION LEVEL OF VITAL GENES IN STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES BIOSYNTHESIS

-Stevia [ Stevia rebuaidana (Bertoni)], a family of Asteraceae is known to yield diterpenoid steviol glycosides (SGs) that is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. The present work examined the effects of different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100mM) of NaCl and mannitol on growth, physiological response, glycosides content and expression profile of four genes in steviol glycosides biosynthesis pathway after 30 days of culture. The results showed that NaCl and mannitol significantly (p < 0.05) affect the no. of shoot, shoot length, root no. and root length. As NaCl and mannitol concentration increases leaf DW, stem DW, root DW, shoot DW and leaf FW were decreased markedly by 30-70 % and 50-55 %, respectively at 100mM. In addition, transcript expression profiling of genes involved in steviol glycoside biosynthesis pathway showed an increased in expression genes; KAH, UGT85C2, UGT74G1 and UGT76G1 in 50, 75 and 100mM NaCl concentrations compared with control. Interestingly, expression ratio of UGT76G1 (Rebaudioside A) was significantly increased by 67% as compared to UGT74G1 (Stevioside), showing that salinity stress plants are sweeter than normal plant, whereas all four genes were down-regulated in drought stress conditions. These results were compared with the steviol glycoside contents measured in the leaves that was quantified by HPLC. Results showed that amount of Rebaudioside A was significantly increased to 45.83, 63.32 and 80.21 mg g -1 at 50, 75 and 100mM NaCl condition whereas significant decrease was found in all treatment condition of mannitol. Present work thus suggests that NaCl is acting as an enhancer and manitol acting as a repressor of transcription to genes of steviol glycoside biosynthesis pathway that could alter the production of steviol glycosides.
Brief Communication Complex phenotypic heterogeneity of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with a homogenous TERT promoter mutation

: To clarify the mechanism underlying the development and poor prognosis of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA), we characterized liver cancer driver mutations and poor prognostic markers in both the HCC and intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) components of a cHCC-CCA tumor. The telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT) promoter mutation C228T was quantified by digital polymerase chain reaction using DNA from multiple mi - crodissected cancer components of a single cHCC-CCA nodule. The protein expression of cancer-related markers, including TERT, was examined by serial thin-section immunohistochemistry and double-staining immunofluores - cence. TERT promoter mutation and TERT protein expression were detected in all cancer components but not in noncancer regions. TERT promoter mutation frequencies were similar among components; those of TERT protein-positive cancer cells were higher in iCCA and mixed components than in HCC. The frequencies of Ki67-and p53-positive cells were similarly higher in iCCA and mixed components than in HCC. However, double-positive cells for the three proteins were unexpectedly rare; single-positive cells dominated, indicating phenotypic microheterogeneity in cancer cells within a component. Interestingly, HCC and CCA marker protein immunohistochemistry suggested dedifferentiation of HCC and transdifferentiation from HCC to iCCA in HCC and iCCA components, respectively. Such phenotypic intercomponent heterogeneity and intracomponent microheterogeneity were detected in a tumor nodule of cHCC-CCA uniformly carrying the early HCC driver mutation. Moreover, poor prognostic markers were randomly expressed without a regular pattern, consistent with the poor prognosis.
Comparison of the Elemental Structure and Emission Characteristics of Selected PVC and Non PVC Ceiling Materials Available in Nigerian Markets

The recurring fire outbreak in buildings in Nigeria is quite alarming, just as the shift to the use of PVC as a choice for ceiling material due to its aesthetic appearance is on the increase. Hence this study determined the emission characteristics PVC and non-PVC samples. This was done with a view to establishing their suitability as ceiling materials in building designs for tropical countries and providing thermal and combustion data for building stakeholders that could help to checkmate man made fire disasters. This experiment involves the burning of a consistent mass, 50g of 6 samples of 3 PVC and 3 non-PVC in an open furnace where the combustion is carefully controlled. It investigates the flue gasses concentration emitted in the cause of fire outbreak and its effect on occupants. It responds to the question in mind that not only visible flame kills but also toxicity from flue gas can be detrimental to health of victims. The results showed that PVC samples are unwelcome in terms of their emission characteristics which were due to their elemental makeup of their composites such as PVC recorded highest Carbon composition of 77.9% and lowest oxygen composition of 18.0 %. VOCs are cancerous, cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting and eventual death. Benzene, a known VOC, is used in making PVC which is a human carcinogen compound. Ceiling materials that will achieve low noxious emission and as well fire retardant should be investigated and employed for use. These materials can be improved upon to achieve environmental friendly building materials.