Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forensic Investigation Into Petroleum Products Consumption, Subsidisation and Fiscal Spending in Nigeria by C. E. Alozie (PhD)

This paper analytically investigated petroleum products procurement, volume of consumption, fiscal expenditure on consumption subsidies, the utilisation of domestic crude-oil allocations in local refining production in satisfying consumption, discipline in the approved subsidy expenditure budget. Ex-post ‘facto’ materials were employed. Numerical descriptive statistics on volume of locally produced-supplied to imported products volume ratios, budget deviation indexing for fiscal discipline; simulated ‘produce or import simulation of prior fiscal expenditures. Results indicate that local refining output of petroleum products were partly the major root cause of insufficient source of supply of products procurements which in turn compelled Nigeria to be reliant on importation in satisfying consumption requirements. Domestic crude allocation utilisation for refining production indicates that only about 33 percent of average aggregate expected minimum refined petroleum products yields of average aggregate volume consumption requirements were recorded. Budget discipline is lacking. Gross undersupply of electricity induced constant rise in the consumption of petroleum products. The paper concludes that lack of proper routine maintenance of extant local refineries, production inefficiencies as well as grossly mismanagement of the daily domestic crude-oil allocations were primarily responsible for the huge fiscal subsidies expenditure. Nigeria’s indulgence in fuels importation and negligence of local refineries is tantamount to creating employment in those other refined fuels producing countries and escalating unemployment in Nigeria. T Fiscal spending on subsidies would have funded proper routine TAM and build four new refineries which is financing option that ought to have guaranteed ‘pareto optimality’ in the economy.
The structural design of tall and special buildings

This paper presents some of the oral discussion by the author and others at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Los Angeles Tall Buildings Structural Design Council. It also includes additional opinions added by the author after the annual meeting. These opinions address the development of a new building code for tall buildings and where the non‐structural engineering decision makers can and must make contributions. It also addresses the very important topic of quality control. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bimodality in reentry latitude predictions for spacecraft in prograde orbits

ABSTRACT Probability distribution functions (PDFs) of atmospheric reentry latitude predictions are shown to be bimodal for spacecraft in low-eccentricity, prograde low Earth orbits at altitudes of 300 km and lower. Using two-line element (TLE) data for initial orbit conditions, coupled with coarse estimates for spacecraft aerodynamic characteristics, parametric simulations produce bimodal distributions that suggest a greater likelihood of reentry near the latitudinal maxima of a given spacecraft's ground track. Various computational measures are used to test for and quantify bimodality in the reentry latitude data sets. Also, a method for approximating bandwidth is introduced for the kernel estimation of reentry latitude probability density. Overall, statistical analysis indicates that actual reentry latitudes are generally within 1-σ of observed hemisphere means as demonstrated by six historical reentry cases.
Quarter-wave Fresnel zone plate lens and antenna

-A new variety of the Fresnel zone planar lens with enhanced focusing quality is proposed. Each full-wave zone is divided into four quarter-wave subzones, which are covered by dielectric rings having equal thickness but different permittivities. Based on this planar lens configuration, a transmissive-type Fresnel-zone antenna for DBS-reception with more than 50% aperture efficiency is developed and examined theoretically.
Preliminary implementation of primary calibration system for laser vibrometer

In this paper, we outline a preliminary implementation of primary calibration for a laser vibrometer (LV) on the basis of newly proposed first ISO draft. The sine approximation method is applied to our calibration system. Under some different measurement conditions, primary calibration is preliminarily carried out for achieving reliable measurements. From these results, the effects of acceleration amplitude stability, mechanical distortion, position of measuring beam, and spot diameter of measuring beam have been discussed. Some conditions required for achieving the reliable calibration is indicated on the basis of the discussion. Additionally, the strict regulations of the distance between spots and such amount of mechanical distortion would be indispensable for guaranteeing a higher reliability of such calibration within an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of less than 0.5 %.
The Promotion of Genomic Instability in Human Fibroblasts by Adenovirus 12 Early Region 1B 55K Protein in the Absence of Viral Infection

The adenovirus 12 early region 1B55K (Ad12E1B55K) protein has long been known to cause non-random damage to chromosomes 1 and 17 in human cells. These sites, referred to as Ad12 modification sites, have marked similarities to classic fragile sites. In the present report we have investigated the effects of Ad12E1B55K on the cellular DNA damage response and on DNA replication, considering our increased understanding of the pathways involved. We have compared human skin fibroblasts expressing Ad12E1B55K (55K+HSF), but no other viral proteins, with the parental cells. Appreciable chromosomal damage was observed in 55K+HSFs compared to parental cells. Similarly, an increased number of micronuclei was observed in 55K+HSFs, both in cycling cells and after DNA damage. We compared DNA replication in the two cell populations; 55K+HSFs showed increased fork stalling and a decrease in fork speed. When replication stress was introduced with hydroxyurea the percentage of stalled forks and replication speeds were broadly similar, but efficiency of fork restart was significantly reduced in 55K+HSFs. After DNA damage, appreciably more foci were formed in 55K+HSFs up to 48 h post treatment. In addition, phosphorylation of ATM substrates was greater in Ad12E1B55K-expressing cells following DNA damage. Following DNA damage, 55K+HSFs showed an inability to arrest in cell cycle, probably due to the association of Ad12E1B55K with p53. To confirm that Ad12E1B55K was targeting components of the double-strand break repair pathways, co-immunoprecipitation experiments were performed which showed an association of the viral protein with ATM, MRE11, NBS1, DNA-PK, BLM, TOPBP1 and p53, as well as with components of the replisome, MCM3, MCM7, ORC1, DNA polymerase δ, TICRR and cdc45, which may account for some of the observed effects on DNA replication. We conclude that Ad12E1B55K impacts the cellular DNA damage response pathways and the replisome at multiple points through protein–protein interactions, causing genomic instability.
Evaluation of built-in test

Built-in test (BIT) provides fault finding as a means to aid in system assembly, test, and maintenance. An investigation to evaluate BIT of a particular electronics board used in the in-flight entertainment system for Boeing 777s is described. We found BIT proved useful when failure occurrences were uniquely associated with the operating environment, situations which can result in no-fault found, or could-not duplicate (CND) failures upon test. We also observed cases where the BIT failed to observe failures, and in some cases pointed to the wrong cause of failure. These and other advantages and disadvantages of BIT implementation are discussed.
Ultrawide bandwidth optical receivers

Low-noise p-i-n/HEMT optical receivers with bandwidths in excess of 16 GHz have recently been developed using advanced microwave design and packaging techniques. Here, state-of-the-art receiver technology, including design tradeoffs and implementation techniques for this class of ultrawide bandwidth receiver, is discussed. Some directions for future research are explored. >
A STUDY OF THE GROUPED ARRANGEMENTS OF STUD CONNECTORS ON SHEAR STRENGTH BEHAVIOR

Firstly, failure mode and shear strength of stud connectors were investigated based on push-out test results. Secondly, the practicability of a proposed analytical method was verified on the basis of a comparison with test results and the failure mechanism of the grouped arrangement was investigated. Lastly, parametric analyses on concrete strength and on the longitudinal spacing of stud connectors were conducted and shear strength reduction equations of the grouped arrangement of stud connectors were proposed.
Baseline Assessment of Poultry Production, Pharmaceutical Product Use, and Related Challenges on Commercial Poultry Flocks in Kano and Oyo States of Nigeria

Poultry production is a major component of the livestock sector in Nigeria and continues to expand rapidly; however, it is still constrained by low productivity. A farm survey was conducted to provide a baseline assessment of poultry production (products generated, farm costs, and revenue), pharmaceutical use, and related challenges faced by farmers on 44 commercial poultry farms in Oyo and Kano states of Nigeria. Live spent layers, eggs, and used beddings were the most frequently sold products for revenue. Antibiotic products were widely used, the most reported were Doxygen, Tylosin, and Conflox. Overall, 40% of farms used feed additives (including toxin binders, minerals, and vitamins) and 12% used coccidiostats. Access to pharmaceutical products was a key challenge and appeared to disproportionally affect farmers in the northern part (Kano) of Nigeria. Other challenges included perceived antibiotic ineffectiveness, high cost of drugs, and long distances to pharmaceutical suppliers. Challenges related to vaccine use were unavailability, distance to the supplier, and health issues interfering with the vaccination schedule. Study findings highlight the need for improved access to veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly in the northern states. Further investigations into the causes of antibiotic ineffectiveness and strategies for distribution of high-quality, effective pharmaceuticals are also necessary.
Influence of loading on the electromechanical admittance of piezoceramic transducers

Damage detection using electromechanical (EM) impedance in structural health monitoring (SHM) of engineering structures is rapidly emerging as a useful technique. In the EM impedance method, piezoceramic (PZT) transducers are either surface bonded to or embedded inside the host structure and are subjected to electric actuation. The EM admittance signatures of the PZT transducers, which consist of real and imaginary parts, serve as indicators to predict the health/integrity of the host structure. However, in real life, structural components such as slabs, beams and columns are constantly subjected to some form of external loading. The EM admittance signature obtained for such a constantly loaded structure is different from that obtained when damages are present in the structure. This paper presents an experimental and statistical investigation to show the influence of loading on EM admittance signatures. It is also observed that the susceptance signature is a better indicator than the conductance signature for detecting in situ stress in the host structure. This observation is further supported by a statistical analysis. This paper is expected to be useful for the non-destructive evaluation of engineering structures with external loading.
Analytical ballistic theory of carbon nanotube transistors: Experimental validation, device physics, parameter extraction, and performance projection

We developed a fully analytical ballistic theory of carbon nanotube field effect transistors enabled by the development of an analytical surface potential capturing the temperature dependence and gate and quantum capacitance electrostatics. The analytical ballistic theory is compared to the experimental results of a ballistic transistor with good agreement. The validated analytical theory enables intuitive circuit design, provides techniques for parameter extraction of the bandgap and surface potential, and elucidates on the device physics of drain optical phonon scattering and its role in reducing the linear conductance and intrinsic gain of the transistor. Furthermore, a threshold voltage definition is proposed reflecting the bandgap-diameter dependence. Projections for key analog and digital performances are discussed.
The aerodynamic design of aircraft

Dietrich Kuchemann's The Aerodynamic Design of Aircraft is as relevant and as forward looking today as it was when it was first published in 1978. It comprises the philosophy and life's work of a unique and visionary intellect. Based upon material taught in a course at Imperial College London, the insight and intuition conveyed by this text are timeless. With its republication, Kuchemann's influence will extend to the next generation of aerospace industry students and practitioners and the vehicles they will produce. Kuchemann establishes three classes of aircraft based on the character of flow involved. Each class is suitable for a distinct cruise speed regime: classical and swept aircraft for subsonic and transonic cruise, slender-wing aircraft for supersonic cruise, and wave-rider aircraft for hypersonic cruise. Unlike most engineering texts, which focus on a set of tools, Kuchemann's approach is to focus on the problem and its solution - what kind of flow is best for a given class of aircraft and how to achieve it. With this approach, Kuchemann fully embraces the true inverse nature of design; rather than answer "what flow given the shape," he strives to answer "what flow given the purpose" and then "what shape given the flow. "
A qualitative investigation of factors influencing successful reward-based crowdfunding campaigns in the UK and China

ABSTRACT Crowdfunding is a means of accessing funding for a new project in exchange for equity, interest payments, or nonmonetary rewards that can be physical or digital. It is different from traditional funding in the sense that it relies on large numbers of people investing small sums of money, making it less risky for individual investors, rather than a large sum from a venture capitalist. We interviewed project founders in the United Kingdom and China and the similarities and differences between successful reward-model campaigns were analyzed. It was found that, while there are several similarities, there were some interesting differences. For example, Chinese founders hired click farmers to push their project up the rankings on the crowdfunding site, used certain colors that had cultural significance in their pitch, and a heavily discounted preorder was suggested as the best way of enticing a relatively risk-averse crowd. This article should help those project founders who are considering a crowdfunding campaign in either country to maximize their chances of success.
A Luneberg-lens update

Some proposed satellite-based mobile communication systems require multibeam systems at millimeter-wave frequencies. This is a primary factor in the renewed interest in Luneberg lenses. Luneberg (1944) lenses prove useful in a variety of antenna and scattering applications. In antenna applications, their chief advantages are an ability to form multiple beams that may point in arbitrary directions, and their broadband behavior. Lens weight, and complexities involved in manufacturing such lenses, remain their primary drawbacks. Unfortunately, no significant advances in the fabrication techniques have come to pass in forty years. However, operation at millimeter-wave frequencies makes the lens weight inconsequential. The vast majority of the research on spherical lenses took place before computers were commonplace in antenna design. The author reviews some of the applications of Luneberg lenses, and adds some more recent data, generated using a numerical model. >
PEMAKNAAN AKUNTABILITAS MASJID: BAGAIMANA MASJID DAN MASYARAKAT SALING MEMAKMURKAN?

Abstrak: Pemaknaan Akuntabilitas Masjid: Bagaimana Masjid dan Masyarakat Saling Memakmurkan? Penelitian ini bertujuan menggali praktik akuntabilitas pada masjid Jami’ Sungai Jambu di mana masjid ini dinilai sebagai masjid yang termasuk aktif di Sumatera Barat. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif – etnometodologi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa masjid dan masyarakat saling memakmurkan melalui suatu hubungan yang saling bersinergis. Kemakmuran masjid terwujud melalui hubungan dua arah antara masjid dan masyarakat walaupun internal kontrol dan pengawasan pengelolaan keuangan serta manajemen keuangan pada organisasi masjid dianggap masih lemah. Abstract: Understanding Mosque Accountability: How do The Mosque and Society Prosper Each Other? This paper aim s to explore the accountability practice in Masjid Jami ’ Sungai Jambu. The mosque is recognized as the most active one concern in social, education , and economic programs in West Sumatera. This paper has employed qualitative approach through ethnomethodology as method. The finding show s that mosque and community prosper each other through a synergetic relationship between them . The prosperity of the mosque is realized by two-way relationship between them , although it is often regarded that the i nternal control and financial management at the mosques are still frail and has low quality management.
Neonatal sepsis-causing bacterial pathogens and outcome of trends of their antimicrobial susceptibility a 20-year period at a neonatal intensive care unit

Background Due to increases in the number of infants born with younger gestational age (GA) and lower birth weight, the incidence of neonatal sepsis is increasing. Purpose We investigated the changes in the prevalence of bacterial pathogens, their antimicrobial susceptibility, and sepsis-related mortality during 20 years at a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods The study period was divided into two 10-year phases (1998–2007 vs. 2008–2017). Medical records were reviewed to gather data on demographics, causative microbial pathogens, incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms, antimicrobial susceptibility, and rates of sepsis-related mortality. Results In both study phases, the most common pathogens for neonatal sepsis were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (28.6%) and Enterobacter cloacae (16.1%) for early-onset sepsis (EOS, ≤72 hours after birth) and CoNS (54.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.9%) for late-onset sepsis (LOS, >72 hours after birth). CoNS and S. aureus showed 100% sensitivity to vancomycin in both phases. The susceptibility of S. aureus to oxacillin increased from 19.2% to 57.9% in phase II than phase I. K. pneumonia and E. cloacae showed increases in its susceptibility to gentamicin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone in phase II than phase I. In both phases, the most common pathogens that caused sepsis-related death were K. pneumoniae (18.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.6%). Sepsis-related mortality rate was higher in infants with GA <37 weeks than those with GA over 37 weeks (P=0.016). In addition, the mortality rate of neonatal sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria was significantly higher than that caused by gram-positive bacteria (P<0.001). Conclusions CoNS was the most common pathogen for EOS and LOS. While we found significant changes in antimicrobial sensitivities over time. GA below 37 weeks and gram-negative organisms are associated with mortality rate.
Biological Indicators of Soil Condition on the Kabanyolo Experimental Field, Uganda

Soil biological activity is an integral characteristic reflecting the state of soil fertility, biodiversity, and the activity of soil processes carried out by soil organisms. In Africa, studies of soil biological properties are few compared to the agrochemical research. In this paper, we present an assessment of multiple biochemical and microbiological properties of soil from an agricultural field located in the African tropical savanna. We determined basal respiration, substrate-induced respiration, C of microbial biomass, the potential activity of denitrification, nitrogen fixation activity, and estimated prokaryotic components in the soil microbial complex by quantitative PCR. Basal respiration of soils ranged from 0.77 ± 0.04 to 1.90 ± 0.23 μg C-CO2·g−1·h−1, and substrate-induced respiration ranged from 3.31 ± 0.17 to 7.84 ± 1.04 μg C-CO2·g−1·h−1. The C reserves of microbial biomass averaged 403.7 ± 121.6 μg C·g−1 of soil. The N2O emission from the upper layer on average amounted to 2.79 ng N-N2O·g−1·day−1, and the potential denitrification activity reached 745 ± 98 ng N-N2O·g−1·h−1. The number of copies of bacterial genes varied from (0.19 ± 0.02) × 108 to (3.52 ± 0.8) × 108 copies·g−1, and of archaea—from (0.10 ± 0.01) × 107 to (0.29 ± 0.01) × 107 copies·g−1 of soil. These results were in good agreement with the studies in other seasonally wet tropical regions: the biological activity was relatively low. The difference between biological indicators of the experimental field and the reference profile were insignificant except for nitrogen loss, which was higher in the ploughed field. Biological indicators strongly varied in space; we explained their heterogeneity by non-uniform management practices in the course of agrochemical field experiments in the past. The use of organic fertilisers may cause the release of climatically active gases due to intensive microbial respiration and denitrification, but the intensity of emission would strongly depend on the cultivation and management method.
Earthing grid parameters with conductor surrounded by an additional substance

An extensive analysis has been carried out of the influence on touch voltage and earthing grid resistance of placing an additional substance in the trench surrounding the conductor. Earthing grid resistances and touch voltages have been computed by two different methods: a simple approximative analytical method and a much more accurate boundary element method. It has been shown that the approximate analytical method gives sufficiently good results. The influence of the additional substance in the trench on touch voltages is especially significant for large earthing grids, while the influence on earthing grid resistance is smaller.
Detecting temporal workarounds in business processes – A deep-learning-based method for analysing event log data

ABSTRACT Business process management distinguishes the actual “as-is” and a prescribed “to-be” state of a process. In practice, many different causes trigger a process’s drifting away from its to-be state. For instance, employees may “workaround” the proposed systems to increase their effectiveness or efficiency in day-to-day work. So far, ethnography or critical incident techniques are used to identify how and why workarounds emerge. We design a deep-learning-based method that helps detect different workaround types in event logs. Our method tracks indications of potential workarounds in the early stages of their emergence among deviating behaviour. Our evaluation based on four real-life event logs reveals that our method performs well and works best for business processes with fewer variations and a higher number of different activities. The proposed method is one of the first information technology artefacts to bridge the boundaries between the complementing research disciplines of organisational routines and business processes management.