Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of speed, feed rate and tray angle on the dehulling, cleaning and grain loss from an acha (Digitaria exilis) dehulling machine

This study determined the effect of cylinder speed, feed rate and tray angle on the dehulling efficiency and the effect of fan speed, feed rate and tray angle on the cleaning efficiency and grain loss from an acha ( Digitaria exilis) dehulling machine in a 3 × 3 factorial experimental design in three replicates. The cylinder speeds were 1500, 2000 and 2500 rpm and the fan speeds were 160, 185 and 213 rpm. The feed rates were 20, 30 and 40 g min -1 and tray angles of 22.5°, 45°, and 67.5°. The results were analyzed using the analysis of variance at p ≤ 0.05 to determine if the speeds and tray angle inclinations had a significant effect on the dehulling efficiency, cleaning efficiency and grain loss at the various feed rates. The Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means where there was significant difference. The feed rate had no significant effect on the dehulling and cleaning efficiencies and grain loss. The speeds and tray angles had a significant effect on the dehulling and cleaning efficiencies and grain loss. The dehulling efficiency was higher at higher tray angles. The cleaning efficiency was higher at the higher fan speeds and tray angles. The grain loss from the machine was higher at the higher fan speeds and lower at the higher tray angles.
Examining the Impact of Interactive Multimedia Instruction on the Performance of Secondary School Students in Biology in Dedza District, Malawi

This study examined the impact of teaching biology using interactive multimedia on the students’ academic performance in biology at Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS). This study was conducted in three secondary schools in the Dedza district, in the central region of Malawi. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental approach was used in this investigation. A total number of 189 Form Four students were selected from the three schools. The schools were categorized into three groups, namely: (a) urban, (b) rural, and (c) control. The control group received instruction using a teacher-centered approach, while the experimental groups received instruction using interactive multimedia resources. The pretest was conducted for three weeks, after which the posttest was administered. One-way ANOVA in IBM-SPSS software was used to analyse the data. Our findings showed that multimedia instruction packages had a significant impact on student performance (F (2, 188) = 126.557, p < . 001). Furthermore, after the intervention, the scores of the rural group and the urban group significantly varied (p < .001). Gender had a significant influence on the performance of students in biology (F (1, 188) = 8.78, p = . 003). Therefore, the study concludes that the use of multimedia instructional packages helps learners understand abstract concepts in biology, and the study further recommends that multimedia instructional packages be used to teach hard-to-grasp concepts in biology in CDSS.
Evaluation of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnish in arresting caries progression on primary teeth: A comparative clinical study

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride varnish in arresting caries progression on primary teeth. Subjects and methods: This study involved a total of 60 teeth categorized according to the restored primary teeth in two main groups; group A; Anterior teeth (n=30); group B; Posterior teeth (n=30). Then, the anterior teeth were subdivided into two subgroups (n=15); teeth restored with SDF alone (A1) or restored with NaF alone (A2) (n=15). While, the posterior teeth were subdivided into subdivided into two subgroups (n=15); teeth restored with SDF with ART “SMART” (B1) or restored with NaF with ART “SMART” (B2). The clinical and radiographic results in this study was evaluated after 3-months. Results: SDF showed significant clinical success when compared to NaF alone or when used under ART “SMART” technique. While, the anterior teeth showed better results than posterior teeth.the anterior teeth showed significant radiographic success when compared to posterior teeth. Conclusion: The use of SDF solution has better clinical and radiographic outcomes in caries arrest of primary teeth. SDF solution has better caries arrest outcomes in non-cavitated lesion than cavitated lesions in primary teeth.
Generalized Linear Splitting Rules in Decision Forests

Random forests (RFs) is one of the most widely employed machine learning algorithms for general classification tasks due to its speed, ease-of-use, and excellent empirical performance. Recent large-scale comparisons of classification algorithms have concluded that RFs outperform many other classifiers on a variety of datasets. However, the trees in a RF are constructed via a series of recursive axis-aligned splits, rendering the learning procedure sensitive to the orientation of the data. Several studies have proposed “oblique” decision forest methods to address this limitation, which search for good splits that aren’t constrained to be axis-aligned. In this work, we explore how properties of the split selection procedure relate to empirical and theoretical performance. We then establish a generalized decision forest framework called Randomer Forests (RerFs), which encompasses RFs and many previously proposed decision forest algorithms as particular instantiations. With this framework in mind, we propose a default instantiation and provide theoretical and experimental evidence motivating its use. Additionally, we demonstrate how our framework can exploit prior domain knowledge to boost performance. Last, we use RerF to identify important biomarkers for ovarian cancer classification and learn
Exploration of Endophytic Fungi in the Kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) and Their Antibacterial Effect

The Dayaknese consume Stenochlaena palustris for the treatment of various diseases. The plants contain chemical compounds that have the potential to be developed as antibiotics. This study aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from the leaves and stems of S. palustris, and further identify and assess the isolated endophytic fungi against microorganisms. The research was carried out in several stages, namely, isolation and purification of endophytic fungi, macroscopic and microscopic identification, activity test on isolates, fermentation and extraction of secondary metabolites, and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the extracts using the disk diffusion method. This experimental laboratory research was conducted in Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan, with a test carried out at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Health Polytechnic Ministry of Health, Palangka Raya. The results showed 3 types of endophytic fungi: SpHtm, SpHjk, and Sporn, identified as Aspergillus sp. , Paecilomyces sp. , and Arthrocristula sp. The antimicrobial effect of the isolated fungi was assessed at various concentrations, i.e., 15, 30, and 45%, against S. aureus and E. coli. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extracts of the SpHtm and SpHjk isolates did not demonstrate any inhibitory response to S. aureus at concentrations of 15, 30, and 45% and did a small inhibitory response to E. coli at an SpHtm concentration of 30% and an SpHjk concentration of 45%, with inhibition zone diameters of 11.63 ± 0.01 and 10.83 ± 0.02 mm, respectively.
Eleven-Year Outcomes of a Screening Project for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) in 65-Year-Old Men

Objective Since 2011, the Department of Vascular Surgery at Oslo University Hospital has offered screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to 65-year-old men living in Oslo, Norway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the screening project on AAA-related mortality and rupture and repair rates in the screened population. Methods This cohort study included men that participated in AAA screening at the Department of Vascular Surgery at Oslo University Hospital in the period May 2011 to September 2019. All men with screen-detected AAA (aortic diameter ≥30 mm) and subaneurysmal aortic dilatation (aortic diameter 25–29 mm) were included. A stratified (1:1 with the subaneurysm group), randomized selection of men with normal aortic diameter (<25 mm) upon screening was also included. The follow-up data on events (ruptures, repairs, and deaths) after screening were collected retrospectively from patient electronic medical records at Oslo University Hospital, the National Population Register and the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry (CoDR). Results In total, 2048 men were included, with a median follow-up time of 7.1 years (IQR 3.8). Among men with screen-detected AAA, 0.6% died of AAA-related causes (0.9 AAA-related deaths per 1000 person-years). The rupture rate was 0.3% among men with screen-detected AAA or subaneurysmal aortic dilatation, giving an incidence of 0.5 ruptures per 1000 person-years. The overall repair rate in the AAA group was 20.6% (36.1 repairs per 1000 person-years) and 0.6% (0.9 repairs per 1000 person-years) in the subaneurysm group. Conclusion In a population screened for AAA, the incidence of rupture and the AAA-related mortality was very low. Almost one-fifth of the participants with screen-detected AAA underwent elective repair, representing a group that might have presented with rupture if untreated. These results indicate that screening is valuable in preventing AAA rupture and AAA-related mortality.
Impacts of the Sahel-Sahara Interface Reforestation on West African Climate: Intra-Annual Variability and Extreme Temperature Events

The impacts of the reforestation of the Sahel-Sahara interface on the seasonal distribution of the surface temperature and thermal extremes are studied in the Sahel (West African region lying between 11°N and 18°N). We performed a simulation with the standard version of the RegCM4 model followed by another one using the altered version of the same model taking into account an incorporated forest. The impacts of the vegetation change are assessed by analyzing the difference between the two runs. The reforestation may influence strongly the frequency of warm days (TG90P) and very warm days (TX90P) by decreasing it over the reforested zone from March to May (MAM) and the entire Sahel during the June-August (JJA) period. These TG90P and TX90P indices decrease may be due to the strengthening of the atmospheric moisture content over the whole Sahel region and the weakening of the sensible heat flux over the reforested zone. The analysis also shows a decrease of the TN90P indice (warm nights) over the Sahel during the wet season (JJA) which could be partly associated with the strengthening of the evapotranspiration over the whole Sahel domain. The analysis of additional thermal indices shows an increase of the tropical nights over the entire Sahel from December to February (DJF) and during the warm season (MAM). The strengthening of the tropical night is partly associated with an increase of the surface net downward shortwave flux over the reforested zone. When considering the heat waves, an increase (a decrease) of these events is recorded over the southern Sahel during JJA and SON periods (over the whole Sahelian region during DJF), respectively. Changes in latent heat flux appear to be largely responsible for these extreme temperatures change. This work shows that the vegetation change may impact positively some regions like the reforested area by reducing the occurrence of thermal extremes; while other Sahel regions (eastern part of the central Sahel) could suffer from it because of the strengthening of thermal extremes.
Influence of rational strategy implementation Sstyle on Pperformance of commercial state corporations in Kenya

This study sought to examine how the rational strategy implementation style influenced the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. This study employed the positivism research philosophy and a descriptive research design. The target population was 1813 staff working in middle-level management (job groups N-Q) in commercial state corporations in Kenya. The multistage sampling method was applied to draw 327 respondents from the target population. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Using linear regression analysis through the SPSS statistical software, this research study established that the rational strategy implementation style had a positive and significant influence on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. Further, this study found that a control system, clear strategic objectives and following pre-arranged activities positively and significantly influenced the financial performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. In addition, a control system and following pre-arranged activities positively and significantly influenced the customer satisfaction of commercial state corporations in Kenya, but clear strategic objectives had no statistically significant influence on the customer satisfaction of commercial state corporations in Kenya. This study concludes that adoption of the rational strategy implementation style enhances the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya, and therefore recommends that in order to improve performance, the management of commercial state corporations should ensure that control systems are in place, that strategic objectives are clear, and that the implementation of strategy follows pre-arranged activities.
Comparison between Different Ultrasound Formulae for Accurate Estimation of Fetal Weight

Background: Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight is a highly influential factor in antenatal management, guiding both the timing and mode of delivery of a pregnancy. The primary goal of this research was to compare the accuracy of 7 different sonographic formulae in estimation of fetal weight at term to show the most accurate formula and obtain the most effective fetal parameter. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Benha University Hospital and included 120 pregnant women aged between (20 - 40 years) without any chronic diseases at term pregnancy (37-40) weeks within one day prior to delivery, the ultrasonic study was done to estimate of Fetal weight. Results: Actual birth weight mean value at time of delivery was 3.16 kg. Mean levels of predicted weights using Formulae was 3.46 kg for warsof, 3.01 kg for vintzileos, 2.85 kg for hadlock I, 2.81 for hadlock II, 2.83 kg for hadlock III, 2.96 kg for hadlock IV and 2.83 kg for shepard formula. Spearman correlation was carried out to predict Formulae in significant correlation with log 10 actual birth weight. Actual birth weight has a significant positive correlation with vintzileos and hadlock IV Formulae. Linear regression analysis was conducted between actual body weight and Formulae results for prediction of accurate birth weight. Vitzileos and hadlock IV results were significantly associated with accurate birth weight. Conclusions: Vintzileos and Hadlock IV formulae were found to be significantly associated with accurate birth weight, while Warsof formula showed overestimation.
Higher-Level Capabilities of System-of-Systems Constituents: A Case of Industrial Ecosystems

In a system-of-systems, independent constituent systems collaborate to achieve broader capabilities they cannot provide on their own. This paper investigates the nature of the constituent system capabilities beyond basic operational actions, to achieve a deeper understanding of what is required to participate in a system-of-systems. Through a case study of industrial ecosystems, the need is shown for planning how to use basic operational capabilities, for dynamic capabilities to achieve long-term evolution, and for resilience capabilities to deal with perturbations. This also affects the governance of the system. The findings are used to extend an existing conceptual model of constituent systems and to characterize collaboration in a system-of-systems that implements a value network.
Detecting Sargassum Bloom Directly From Satellite Top-of-Atmosphere Reflectance With High-Resolution Images

Massive floating Sargassum blooms have occurred frequently in many parts of the global ocean, and satellite remote sensing provides an effective way to monitor their spatiotemporal variation. Coarse-resolution satellite data, however, often suffer from a data gap in nearshore waters and detection uncertainty of Sargassum amount, especially for smaller patches. These limitations may be ameliorated by high-resolution satellite data, yet such great potential is hindered by the lack of reliable and easy-to-implement methods to detect Sargassum slicks. Here, combining the visible and near-infrared (NIR) top-of-atmosphere reflectance ( $R_{\mathrm {TOA}}$ ) data with the random forest (RF) model, a new method, namely the $R_{\mathrm {TOA}}$ -RF model, was designed to automatically detect Sargassum from high-resolution satellite imagery with four wavebands. Specifically, this model was successfully applied to various satellite sensors, including Gaofen1-wide field view multispectral camera (GF1-WFV; 16 m), GF2 multispectral scanner (GF2-MSS; 4 m), GF6-WFV (16 m), Huanjing1A/B charge-coupled device (HJ1A/B-CCD; 30 m), Haiyang1C/D coastal zone imager (HY1C/D-CZI; 50 m). Comparisons with visual inspection and cross-index indicated that all achieved satisfactory performance for detecting Sargassum slicks, with overall accuracy (OA) and Kappa values greater than 96% and 88%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis of the model as an example of different sensors suggested that the $R_{\mathrm {TOA}}$ -RF model can effectively identify Sargassum features under complex ocean background, cloud cover, and sunglint, even under conditions of surface wave glitter and weak Sargassum feature with low false positive rate (< 9.60%). The findings here not only pave the way for operational monitoring of fine-scale Sargassum, but importantly provide thought for developing detection method of macroalgae blooms in global water.
Assessment of the real public exposure to base stations over a day from instantaneous measurement

The assessment of the real public exposure to signals emitted by base station antennas of mobile telephony over a day from an instantaneous measurement performed any time during the day is investigated. The considered RF ? eld sources were the mobile communication GSM850 and GSM1900 downlink signals received in an outdoor ? xed site in an urban environment. Two traffic channels were analyzed: Ch133 (870.2 MHz), corresponding to the GSM850 and Ch674 (1962.6 MHz), corresponding to the GSM1900. A mathematical model, based on the mean value and the standard deviation of the instantaneous electric field intensity, was proposed for predicting the maximum electric field exposure over a day for a week starting from an instantaneous measurement. The results of assessment of the maximum electric field exposure using this method were compared with those obtained using another method recently proposed by other authors, and it was shown that they can be more realistic.
Oxidation Effects on Short-Term Creep Response in Air of Commercially Pure Titanium (CP-2 Ti)

The creep response in the air of commercially pure titanium was investigated at 550, 600, and 650 °C to assess the effect of oxidation on the mechanical response. Experiments demonstrated that prolonged exposures at high temperatures produced a marked reduction in the minimum creep rate under a given applied stress. Microhardness measurements showed that a hardened zone formed in proximity to the surface due to oxygen penetration into the metal. A simplified composite model was then used to describe the creep response. In this model, the sample consisted of two zones, the hard case that was enriched in oxygen and the soft pure-titanium core, both creeping with similar strain rates. Calculations led to an estimation of the dependence of the minimum creep rate on stress and temperature for the hard high-oxygen zone. The simplified composite model presented here provided a good description of the experimental creep data for pure titanium, tested in its air, and a reliable picture of the effect of oxidation on complex Ti alloys.
Development of Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cells Based on Anion-Exchange Electrolytes and Catalysts with Reduced Platinum Content

Studies have been carried out to optimize the composition, formation technique and test conditions of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) of hydrogen–oxygen anion-exchange membranes fuel cells (AEMFC), based on Fumatech anion-exchange membranes. A non-platinum catalytic system based on nitrogen-doped CNT (CNTN) was used in the cathode. PtMo/CNTN catalysts with a reduced content of platinum (10–12 wt.% Pt) were compared with 10 and 60 wt. % Pt/CNTN at the anode. According to the results of studies under model conditions, it was found that the PtMo/CNTN catalyst is significantly superior to the 10 and 60 wt. % Pt/CNTN catalyst in terms of activity in the hydrogen oxidation reaction based on the mass of platinum. The addition of the Fumion ionomer results in minor changes in the electrochemically active surface area and activity in the hydrogen oxidation reaction for each of the catalysts. In this case, the introduction of ionomer–Fumion leads to a partial blocking of the outer surface and the micropore surface, which is most pronounced in the case of the 60Pt/CNTN catalyst. This effect can cause a decrease in the characteristics of MEA AEMFC upon passing from 10PtMo/CNTN to 60Pt/CNTN in the anode active layer. The maximum power density of the optimized MEA based on 10PtMo/CNTN was 62 mW cm−2, which exceeds the literature data obtained under similar test conditions for MEA based on platinum cathode and anode catalysts and Fumatech membranes (41 mW cm−2). A new result of this work is the study of the effect of the ionomer (Fumion) on the characteristics of catalysts. It is shown that the synthesized 10PtMo/CNTN catalyst retains high activity in the presence of an ionomer under model conditions and in the MEA based on it.
Event‐triggered Guaranteed Cost Consensus of Networked Singular Multi‐agent Systems

The problem of event‐triggered guaranteed cost consensus of discrete‐time singular multi‐agent systems with switching topologies is investigated in this paper. To save the limited network communication bandwidth of multi‐agent systems, a novel event‐triggered networked consensus mechanism is proposed. Based on the graph theory and singular system theory, sufficient conditions of guaranteed‐cost consensus of discrete‐time singular multi‐agent systems are derived and given in the form of the linear matrix inequalities, respectively. A co‐design approach of the multi‐agent consensus gain matrix and the event‐triggered parameters is presented. Furthermore, based on the approach of second class equivalent transformation for singular systems, the cost function is determined, and an explicit expression of consensus functions is presented. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.