Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Recognition with Deep Learning; Experimenting with Data Augmentation and Neural Networks

In the recent years, classification through deep learning has seen a large increase in popularity. In particular Deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) have shown a great deal of promise in image recognition. It is a machine learning concept with a performance that occasionally outperforms even humans, under certain conditions. With this, there has been a lot of exploration with what other applications deep learning can accomplish. In sound recognition, the field has mostly been restrained toward Acoustic Speech Recognition (ASR). However, recent work has shown potential for Acoustic Event Recognitions (AERs) applications as well. For this field, it is common to manually extract spectrograms from audio files and apply these spectrograms as input to a CNN. It has been shown to produce decent results, reaching typical object recognition accuracy levels [39]. However, the AER field has progressed slower, compared to object recognition, when it comes to creating labelled data for supervised learning tasks. This thesis has studied the effectiveness of CNN with several different spectrograms extracted from AER data. It will show that the most robust spectrogram for this type of data is Mel Spaced Log Filter Banks (MSFB) with a high number of filters; while the Wavelet based Scalogram will excel at higher pitched audio. The research will also demonstrate how the constraint posed by limited amount of AER data can be reduced by applying audio augmentations methods directly to the audio time-signal. The constraint can be reduced additionally by utilizing CNNs with no downsampling in the spectrograms frequency domain, and by extracting and adding the first-order dynamics of the spectrograms.
Therapeutic potential of metformin in normal glucose tolerant persons with metabolic syndrome

Abstract With an increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) early detection and timely management of cardiometabolic risk factors are crucial to prevent complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are no defined treatments for MS apart from addressing each of its components such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia. The mechanism responsible for diabetes prevention is related to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hyperinsulinaemia. Metformin has been established as a first-line therapy in patients with T2DM because it counteracts hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia and reduces cardiometabolic risk. Although the cardiovascular benefits with metformin are clearly demonstrated in diabetic and prediabetic patients, the efficacy of metformin in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors in persons with MS and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) remains inconclusive. This review focuses on the evidence base considering the therapeutic potential of metformin in NGT persons with MS representing a high-risk population for development of T2DM and CVD.
PENGARUH PERMODALAN, AKTIVA PRODUKTIF DAN LIKUIDITAS TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS BANK RAKYAT INDONESIA SYARI’AH PERIODE 2010-2018

This research was conducted with the aim of examining the effect of capital, earning assets and liquidity on profitability at Syari'ah Bank Rakyat Indonesia. In its analysis capital is represented by the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), earning assets are represented by Non Performing Financing (NPF), liquidity is represented by Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) and profitability is represented by Return On Equity (ROE). The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that partially CAR has a negative and significant effect on ROE, which means that capital has a positive and significant effect on profitability, then NPF has a negative and significant effect on ROE. profitability, then FDR has a positive and significant effect on ROE, which means that liquidity has a negative and significant effect on profitability. While simultaneously CAR, NPF and FDR have a significant effect on ROE, this means capital, earning assets and liquidity together have a significant effect on profitability.
A splice site-sensing conformational switch in U2AF2 is modulated by U2AF1 and its recurrent myelodysplasia-associated mutation

An essential heterodimer of the U2AF1 and U2AF2 pre-mRNA splicing factors nucleates spliceosome assembly at polypyrimidine (Py) signals preceding the major class of 3ʹ splice sites. Among myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), U2AF1 frequently acquires an S34F-encoding mutation. The influence of the U2AF1 subunit and its S34F mutation on the U2AF2 conformations remains unknown. Here, we employ single molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to determine the influence of wild-type or S34F-substituted U2AF1 on the conformational dynamics of U2AF2 and its splice site RNA complexes. In the absence of RNA, the U2AF1 subunit stabilizes a high FRET value, which by structure-guided mutagenesis corresponds to a closed conformation of the tandem U2AF2 RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). When the U2AF heterodimer is bound to a strong, uridine-rich splice site, U2AF2 switches to a lower FRET value characteristic of an open, side-by-side arrangement of the RRMs. Remarkably, the U2AF heterodimer binds weak, uridine-poor Py tracts as a mixture of closed and open U2AF2 conformations, which are modulated by the S34F mutation. Shifts between open and closed U2AF2 may underlie U2AF1-dependent splicing of degenerate Py tracts and contribute to a subset of S34F-dysregulated splicing events in MDS patients.
Spanish Wine Cooperatives’ Business Performance: Innovation Capabilities and Miles and Snow Strategies

Abstract Agricultural cooperatives’ economic performance and efficiency today have great economic and social relevance. Consistent with the recent literature, this article examines wine cooperatives and compares them with wine investor-owned firms, studying their innovation capabilities, Miles and Snow strategies, and performance. A survey was conducted in all the wineries in Spain, with 339 responses. The interactions between the independent variables and the dependent variable were analyzed using the logit regression model. The study points out that cooperatives do not have fewer innovation capabilities, nor are they more inefficient, than investor-owned firms, although the factors that modulate their economic performance are different. (JEL Classifications: L66, M10, P13, Q13)
Who stands to benefit? Wellbeing, belonging and challenges to equity in engagement in extra-curricular activities at university

Students’ engagement in extra-curricular activities can play a significant role in their development of a student identity, as well as leading to a greater sense of belonging and wellbeing. However, individual characteristics such as sociability may influence the likelihood of students engaging in extra-curricular activities. We collected mixed mode data from two online surveys to explore students’ perceptions of the impact of engagement in extra-curricular activities on their experience at university, as well as the mediating role of engagement in extra-curricular activities in the relationships between extraversion and wellbeing and sense of belonging to the University. Our data demonstrate that extraversion is positively associated with both belonging and wellbeing, and that engagement in extra-curricular activities also mediates these relationships. Our qualitative data uncover further nuances in engagement with extra-curricular activities; while many perceived outcomes are positive, some students express regret at opportunities missed, and find it challenging to balance extra-curricular activities and their studies. Taken together, these findings indicate that not all students stand to benefit equally from engagement in extra-curricular activities. Providing a range of opportunities that are accessible to a wide range of students may promote equity in participation in extra-curricular activities.
Overland runoff erosion dynamics on steep slopes with forages under field simulated rainfall and inflow

Although numerous studies have acknowledged that vegetation can reduce erosion, few process‐based studies have examined how vegetation cover affect runoff hydraulics and erosion processes. We present field observations of overland flow hydraulics using rainfall simulations in a typical semiarid area in China. Field plots (5 × 2 m2) were constructed on a loess hillslope (25°), including bare soil plot as control and three plots with planted forage species as treatments—Astragalus adsurgens, Medicago sativa and Cosmos bipinnatus. Both simulated rainfall and simulated rainfall + inflow were applied. Forages reduced soil loss by 55–85% and decreased overland flow rate by 12–37%. Forages significantly increased flow hydraulic resistance expressed by Darcy–Weisbach friction factor by 188–202% and expressed by Manning's friction factor by 66–75%; and decreased overland flow velocity by 28–30%. The upslope inflow significantly increased overland flow velocity by 67% and stream power by 449%, resulting in increased sediment yield rate by 108%. Erosion rate exhibited a significant linear relationship with stream power. M. sativa exhibited the best in reducing soil loss which probably resulted from its role in reducing stream power. Forages on the downslope performed better at reducing sediment yield than upslope due to decreased rill formation and stream power. The findings contribute to an improved understanding of using vegetation to control water and soil loss and land degradation in semiarid environments.
Five Year Retrospective and Current Prevalence of Malaria in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

Background: Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide, particularly in Africa, with Nigeria having the greatest number of cases. This study evaluated a five-year (20122016) retrospective and a current trend (August-December 2017) of malaria prevalence in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Methods: The retrospective review was conducted by extracting data on malaria cases from the Summary Record Book at Bunkure Primary Health Care Facility. In the current survey, a total of 400 participants were examined using peripheral blood sample obtained by venous puncture to estimate the current malaria prevalence. All data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Original Research Article Bukhari et al.; IJTDH, 40(2): 1-9, 2019; Article no.IJTDH. 53787 2 Results: In the retrospective period, a total of 12,387 suspected malaria patients were diagnosed using Rapid Diagnostic Test kit, out of which 9,746 (78.7%) were positive for malaria. The infection was higher in females (45.27%) and in subjects above or equal to 5years of age. There was no significant difference in prevalence between the gender (P= 0.322) and the age groups (P = 0.630). Of the 400 participants examined, 193 were found positive for malaria, representing a prevalence rate of (48.3%), much lower than the prevalence rate in the retrospective period (78.7%). The higher prevalence of the infection was found in males (32.25%) and the age group between 5-12 years (14.25%). The difference in prevalence was statistically not significant between the genders (p = 0.87) and the age groups (p = 0.142). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there was a significant decline (P < 0.05) in trend of malaria prevalence in the study area, which may be attributed to the effectiveness of the ongoing control interventions in the locality. This study indicates the need for continuous monitoring of malaria prevalence using both microscopy and RDT for assessment of impact of malaria intervention in the area.
Care provision fit for a future climate

Climate change is expected to result in hotter, drier summers with heatwaves of greater frequency, intensity and duration. The implications for older people in care homes are serious, as they are vulnerable to negative health effects from excessive heat. This study examined how far care settings in the UK are fit for a warming climate, and considered the care sector’s preparedness, drawing on four case study schemes.
Evaluating environmental sustainability strategies in freight transport and logistics industry

This paper provides a conceptual framework on green initiatives adoption in companies operating in freight transport and logistics industry and presents an overview on the emerging green practices and information systems adopted. On the basis of a literature review on the topic, a research question was identified and addressed through an analysis conducted in a sample of freight transport and logistics companies. This research question regards the behaviours of freight transporters in adopting green practices and information systems. As for the adoption of both green practices and information systems, the paper shows that freight transporters are not a homogeneous industry, but different types of behaviour emerge. As for the relationship between the degree of adoption of green practices and information systems, the paper proposes a taxonomy bringing together sustainable strategies for adopting green initiatives. Specifically, four strategies are identified: sustainability leaders, green practice adopters, information system adopters, and sustainability followers. These sustainable strategies highlight the different phases of the process of adoption of green initiatives.
Health Belief Model Tentang Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Penggunaan VCT pada Ibu Hamil di Puskesmas Kota Malang

ABSTRAK Siska Wahyu Wakhida, S021408060, 2016. Health Belief Model tentang Faktor – Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Penggunaan Voluntary Counseling and Testing Pada Ibu Hamil di Puskesmas Kota Malang. Tesis. Pembimbing I: Dr. Argyo Demartoto M.Si, Pembimbing II: Prof. Bhisma Murti. ,dr.,MPH. ,MSc. ,PhD. Magister Ilmu Kesehatan Masyarakat Program Pascasarjana Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta. Latar Belakang: Kota Malang sebagai kota dengan kasus HIV/AIDS terbanyak ketiga di Jawa Timur, transmisi perinatal sebesar 3,88%, balita (< 4 tahun) sebesar 1,94% dengan total kematian sebesar 5,44%. Kemenkes RI menyebutkan bahwa penegakkan status HIV pada ibu hamil sedini mungkin sangat penting untuk mencegah penularan HIV kepada bayi,. Salah satu prinsipnya adalah dengan menggunakan layanan VCT pada ibu hamil. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor yang mempengaruhi penggunaan VCT pada ibu hamil dengan menggunakan Health Belief Model di Kota Malang pada tahun 2016. Metode: Penelitian ini adalah studi penelitian analitik observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional, subjek sampel dipilih secara fixed disease sampling sebanyak 120 subjek penelitian dengan jumlah kelompok kontrol 2 kali 40 dari kelompok kasus 40. Teknik analisis data menggunakan path analysis Hasil: Ada hubungan persepsi keseriusan (p = 0,001), persepsi kerentanan (p = 0,001), manfaat (p = 0,008), hambatan (p = 0,005), cues to action (p = 0,001) dan efikasi diri (0,001) terhadap penggunaan VCT. Kesimpulan: Persepsi keseriusan, persepsi kerentanan, manfaat, cues to action berhubungan secara positif terhadap penggunaan VCT sedangkan hambatan berhubungan secara negatif terhadap penggunaan VCT sehingga perlu pemberian pendidikan kesehatan pada ibu hamil tentang VCT untuk mencegah penularan HIV/ AIDS dari ibu ke anak. Kata Kunci: Health Belief Model, VCT
The Social Life of Rumors

In the aftermath of 9/11, with respect to the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan have been the site of immense violence and destruction, including from US drone attacks, ground military operations by the Pakistan Army, and retaliatory attacks by different factions of Taliban fighters. Using uncertainty as an analytic and ethnographic concept, this article traces the social life of the rumors, conspiracy theories, and stories that float around this violence. It draws attention to their multiple and often contradictory effects: rumors simultaneously breed fear and confusion, help forge intimacy, and provide certainty and coherence. Rather than subvert power relations or simply critique the powerful, I suggest that rumors and conspiracy theories provide the means through which tribal Pashtuns live and make their way in a social world in which they remain unequal, but coeval, participants.
An Efficient Rule Based Algorithm for Fire Detection on Real Time Videos

The projected work shows generic rule in YCbCr color space based fire pixel detection is proposed for smart building which will complement the conventional electronic sensor based fire detection system. The proposed method handles YCbCr color model is used for decoupling the luminance and chrominance which added discriminate the color than RGB color model. This algorithm has been tested on fire and fire like images which results in 97.95% detection accuracy. Obtained experimental results have been compared with other existing algorithms and it is observed that gives a very high the proposed algorithm detection accuracy and feasible true positive rate in fire images.
Using Annealing Treatment on Fabrication Ionic Liquid-Based PVDF Films

In this study, a simple method to obtain pure β-phase directly from the melt process is proposed. A series of PVDF and ionic liquid (IL) was prepared by a solvent casting method with appropriate associated with the subsequent annealing treatment. IL plays a role of filler, which can create strong electrostatic interaction with PVDF matrix and directly induce β-phase crystallization on the PVDF during the melt. PVDF film sample is immersed in hot water for annealing treatment at different temperatures (25 °C to 70 °C). We found that annealing in high temperatures especially can not only increase more IL inserted into the amorphous region of polymer matrix to make more phase transformation, but also accelerate IL removal. Characteristics and performance of the PVDF films were investigated by use of FTIR, XRD, SEM, and AFM. Piezoelectric coefficient d33 as well as d31, degree of crystallinity, and sensitivity are measured in experiment to verify the performance of PVDF film.
Evaluating the Importance of the Concurrent Methylation Pattern of the DAPK1 Gene and the Quantification of Human Papillomavirus as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Cervical

10.30699/jogcr.4. 2.62 Background & Objective: Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women worldwide and is one of the leading causes of deaths in women with cancer in developing countries. The most well-known cause of this cancer is being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). This study aimed at evaluating the concurrent methylation pattern of the human papillomavirus genome in studying the DAPK1 gene as a diagnostic biomarker in cervical cancer.
Governance networks shaping the G20 through inclusivity practices

ABSTRACT This article analyses how global governance networks contest, influence, and shape the Group of Twenty (G20) forum through the latter’s growing inclusivity practices, with important effects on global economic governance norms and practices. These transnational networks include public, intergovernmental, private, and civil society actors that interact through professional ‘ecologies. ’ Some network actors participate in the G20’s official engagement forums, others contribute to G20 policy formulation and implementation in other ways, including member-state representatives and officials from international institutions. The research includes evidence from participant observation, semi-structured interviews, public statements, and document analysis, deploying analytical tools from social constructivism, discourse analysis, and the sociology of professions. It examines G20 policy-shaping capacities of global governance networks, especially on macroprudential financial regulation, sustainable economic growth, and sustainable development. The research finds that governance networks have contributed significantly to decentralising global governance authority by diversifying its actors since the 2008 financial crisis.
Diurnal Cycle of Convection over Lake Titicaca Basin Based on the Satellite Data from the Climate Prediction Center Morphing (CMORPH)

This paper examines the diurnal cycle of convection (DCC) over Lake Titicaca Basin (LTb) during summertime months based on the high spatial resolution (8 x 8 km2) and hourly temporal resolution, estimates of Climate Prediction Center Morphing technique (CMORPH). Analysis was performed using observed data from rain gauges (Rg-SENAMHI) for the period 2002 to 2013. Graphical comparisons and several statistical metrics such as correlation coefficient, bias, and root mean square error were used to evaluate CMORPH product. Spatial maps and graphic metrics of diurnal cycle were developed to assess CMORPH data, spatial dependency an accuracy over the LTb. Approximately, 43% of the total Rg-SENAMHI variation is explained CMORPH data. The correlation between Rg-SENAMHI and CMORPH is positively over southeast and northern LTb, and negatively in the central and southern LTb. A underestimation bias is observed over most the LTb areas and overestimation bias (e.g., Lagunillas, Isla Suana and Desaguadero stations). In general, spatial patterns of rainfall over the LTb were captured through CMORPH data. Over the surrounding lake area, high mountain, and plateau area, maximum peaks of precipitation occur in the early evening, neverhtheless over low areas such as the lake, surrounding and valleys, maximum precipitation values occur early morning. The results show that DCC its very related by surface exchange processes and local circulation resulting from solar radiation and heterogeneous topography.
Fijian Pre-Service Teachers’ Ideas about Science and Scientists

ABSTRACT This paper reports findings from a small study with Fijian pre-service teachers about their perceptions of science and scientists. No known study of this nature has been conducted in Fiji nor in other Pacific Island Countries. The study drew on previous studies using Draw-A-Scientist Test as well as critiques of the instrument using qualitative methods associated with critical literacy approach to understand the relationship between Fiji school science curriculum and pre-service teachers’ knowledge of science and scientists. 88 pre-service teachers participated in this study. Data collection included participants’ drawings and written descriptions of scientists, notes taken during group discussions about their knowledge of science and scientific activities, and transcripts of interviews with some of the participants. While the findings resonate with similar studies conducted elsewhere, they have particular significance in a Pacific context where countries are attempting rapid technological transformations.
Variational Autoencoders with Normalizing Flow Decoders

Recently proposed normalizing flow models such as Glow have been shown to be able to generate high quality, high dimensional images with relatively fast sampling speed. Due to their inherently restrictive architecture, however, it is necessary that they are excessively deep in order to train effectively. In this paper we propose to combine Glow with an underlying variational autoencoder in order to counteract this issue. We demonstrate that our proposed model is competitive with Glow in terms of image quality and test likelihood while requiring far less time for training.