Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dry bean response to fertilization using Minjingu phosphate rock and composted Tughutu (Vernonia subligera O. Hoffn).

Aims: The objectives of the study were toevaluate the effects of organic materials from Tughutu (Vernonia subligera O. Hoffn) and locally available Minjingu phosphate rock or commercial Triple super phosphate fertilizer on the plant growth and amount of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) content in bean shoots (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and their residual effects in the soil after harvest. Study Design: The experiments were set up as a randomized complete block design Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted in famers’ fields in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. Methodology: Each farmer’s field was assigned as a replicate. The experimental treatments consisted of six plots as follows: control, Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR) or Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) each at 26 kg P ha, Tughutu at 2.5 t dry matter ha and Tughutu at 2.5 t dry matter ha combined with Minjingu Phosphate Rock or Triple Super Phosphate at 26 kg P ha. Results: The dry matter yield and amount of P and Ca in bean shoots significantly increased by supplying the organic and inorganic fertilizers above the control treatment. Addition of P fertilizers alone or in combination with Tughutu also modified the soil pH and significantly increased the concentration of P and Ca in the soil at harvest. Conclusion: Overall, combination of Minjingu phosphate rock or Triple super phosphate with Original Research Article Ndakidemi; AJEA, 6(1): 51-59, 2015; Article no.AJEA. 2015.064 52 Tughutu enhanced the effectiveness of these fertilizers and resultedin better growth and greater P and Ca amount in the shoots as well as their concentration in the soil at harvest.
Transfer Learning-Based Muscle Activity Decoding Scheme by Low-frequency sEMG for Wearable Low-cost Application

The surface electromyogram (sEMG) contains a wealth of motion information, which can reflect user’s muscle motion intentions. The decoding based on sEMG has been widely used to provide a safe and effective human-computer interaction (HCI) method for neural prosthesis and exoskeleton robot control. The motor intention decoding based on low sampling frequency sEMG may promote the application of wearable low-cost EMG sensors in HCI. Therefore, a motor intention decoding scheme suitable for low frequency EMG signal is proposed in this paper, that is, transfer learning based on Alexnet. Moreover, the effects of different feature extraction methods and data augmentation with Gaussian white noise are fully analyzed. The proposed algorithm is evaluated with the NinaPro database 5. The highest accuracy can reach 70.4%±4.36% in 53 gestures identification of 10 subjects. Some classical machine learning algorithms such as support vector machine (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) are chosen to make comparison, where the SVM with Gaussian kernel function reaches to the maximum accuracy of 67.98%±4.56%. Two-way variance results show significant differences between each other. The experiment results show that the transfer learning is effective for decoding low-frequency sEMG for a large number of gestures.
Synthesis, characterisation and antimicrobial activities of vic-dioxime derivatives containing heteroaromatic hydrazone groups and their metal complexes

Three novel heteroaromatic hydrazone derivatives bearing vic-dioxime groups (L 1 H2: 5-methyl-2-furfural hydrazone glyoxime, L 2 H2: 3-acetylpyridine hydrazone glyoxime and L 3 H2: 4-acetylpyridine hydrazone glyoxime) and their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were prepared. They were characterised by elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), FT-IR, UV, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR. The antimicrobial activities of compounds L 1 H2, L 2 H2, L 3 H2 and their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against 13 bacteria and 5 yeasts. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against 3 bacteria and 3 yeasts were also determined. Among the test compounds attempted, L 1 H2, (Co(L 1 H)2(H2O)2), (Ni(L 2 H)2), (Cu(L 2 H)2), L 3 H2, (Ni(L 3 H)2 and (Co(L 3 H)2(H2O)2) showed some activities against certain Gram-positive bacteria and some of the yeasts tested.
The Extraction of Urban Built-Up Areas by Integrating Night-Time Light and POI Data—A Case Study of Kunming, China

With the urban built-up area becoming one of the most prominent forms of urban expansion, accurately extracting the urban built-up area is becoming more and more important to judge the urbanization process and evaluate the urban environment. Since it is difficult to significantly improve the accuracy of single satellite data in the extraction of urban built-up areas, this study proposes a method integrating POI (Point of Interest) data and Luojia-1A data to improve the extraction accuracy of urban built-up areas. In this study, integrated Density Graph, OSTU and geometric mean are used to extract urban built-up areas respectively. The highest precision of urban built-up areas extracted before data integration is 74.3% with the highest Kappa value of 0.54; while the highest precision of urban built-up area extracted after data integration is 91.4%, with the highest Kappa value of 0.91. Therefore, it can be concluded that compared with the existing widely used night-light-based methods, this method can integrate the advantages of POI data and Luojia-1A data, that is, it can not only solve the long-term oversaturation phenomenon of night light data, but also can extract urban built-up areas in a more refined way. The method used in this study, which integrates POI data and Luojia-1A data, can not only provide a new method for urban built-up area extraction, but also can play an active guiding role in urban planning and construction.
Energy-Efficient and Fast Data Collection in UAV-Aided Wireless Sensor Networks for Hilly Terrains

Energy-constrained sensor nodes are often deployed in remote, hilly, and hard-to-reach areas for civilian and military purposes. In such wireless sensor networks (WSNs), an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be used to collect data from the sensor nodes. Low-altitude UAVs can be utilized to reduce the energy consumption of WSNs by optimizing the data collection position. In this study, we designed an energy-efficient and fast data collection (EFDC) scheme in UAV-aided WSNs for hilly areas with the help of a UAV as a data mule. First, we proposed a central bias hybrid energy-efficient distributed clustering algorithm for grouping the sensors. Then, we applied a modified tabu search algorithm to optimize the UAV position for collecting data from a cluster. To achieve fast data collection, we developed the traveling salesman problem with the derived data collection positions and solved it by applying a modified genetic algorithm. Based on our simulation results, the proposed EFDC scheme outperforms the conventional ones in terms of energy consumption, scalability, control overhead, delay, and load balancing.
Lithium storage in nitrogen-rich mesoporous carbon materials

Nitrogen-rich mesoporous carbon materials were obtained by pyrolyzing gelatin between 700 and 900 °C with a nano-CaCO3 template. The mesoporous structure and the high nitrogen content endowed these materials with reversible capacities up to ca. 1200 mA h g−1. The high specific surface area and the nitrogen doping are responsible for the capacity loss in the initial cycle. FTIR and XPS studies indicate that the nitrogen in the material exists in the form of pyridinic, pyrrolic/pyridonic and graphitic nitrogen. The Raman spectroscopic analysis indicates that the structure of the mesoporous carbon becomes more disordered during discharge and is restored during recharge, a behavior similar to that in nitrogen-free hard carbon materials. The reversible structural variation of these carbon materials ensures their high cyclic reversibility.
Spiking Neurons Ensemble for Movement Generation in Dynamically Changing Environments

Spiking neurons might play a larger role than simply as an efficient signal transmitter. Several studies have demonstrated how movements can be generated using networks of spiking neurons. However, the complexity of spiking neural networks makes their implementation difficult, and the use of spiking neurons in robotics has remained largely impractical. In this paper, we show that the addition of a single layer of spiking neurons can help improve performance on stabilization tasks in dynamically changing environments. In a one-dimensional inverted pendulum stabilization task, the spiking neurons seem to expand the space of usable parameters of the controller. Using a robot arm in 3-D space, the additional layer of spiking neurons suffices to improve performance up to 30% on an inverted pendulum stabilization task. We expect this technique to enhance performance in most stabilization tasks but also tasks that are essentially similar such as reaching tasks and posture control. We also expect the effects of this layer to be greatest when the optimal tuning of control parameters is difficult, such as when the environment is unpredictable and dynamic.
Stability and Flow-Induced Flocculation of Fumed Silica Suspensions in Mixture of Water-Glycerol

A systematic investigation has been performed to relate the effect of glycerol composition to the rheological properties of aqueous suspensions of hydrophilic fumed silica at pH far from the isoelectric point. Steady state/dynamic rheology and electrophoresis measurements are compared to correlate the stability of the suspension with particle-particle and particle-solvent interactions. Although the extent of electrostatic stability is reduced by addition of glycerol, the rheological properties show a transition from a highly flocculated gel to stable dispersions containing no microstructures. This is attributed to a high degree of hydrogen-bonding between glycerol and the Aerosil surface silanol groups. Small dissociation of NaCl and particles reduce the effect of ion exchange and particle bridging mechanisms when the suspensions destabilise in the presence of glycerol. The high viscosity of glycerol is important with respect to the formation of a thick solvation layer around the particles. These parameters give rise to short-range, non-DLVO repulsive solvation forces, which stabilise the dispersion. At intermediate concentrations of glycerol (30–60 wt%) the apparent viscosity increase abruptly and irreversibly as both the extent and time of shearing are increased. The shear rate for the onset of the shear thickening is found to be retarded by decreasing the particle and salt concentration as well as by increasing the glycerol concentration. It is postulated that at intermediate glycerol concentration, where the height of the energy barrier is small, mechanical forces can activate the particles to overcome the energy barrier to enter the region where attractive forces dominate. Here, domination of the hydrodynamic forces to the colloidal forces under the shear results in formation of irreversible gels which does not relax to its initial condition.
Identity-based Handover Authentication Scheme without Pairing or Wireless Networks

Handover authentication scheme for mobile network enables mobile nodes to roam safely on different access points. Recently, a handover authentication protocol called pairhand and its improved scheme have been proposed, which are superior to all other schemes in security and efficiency. However, both schemes are based on bilinear pairings, which is a complex operation. In this paper, a novel pair-less handover authentication protocol is proposed. It eliminates the pairing operations, and further reduces the computation cost on mobile user without losing any security features.
Photodecomposition of Kraft Lignin Catalyzed by Titanium Dioxide

The photocatalytic reaction of kraft lignin at titanium dioxide photocatalyst was investigated. Kraft lignin was completely decomposed into carbon dioxide and water through dehydrodimers of phenol derivatives constituting kraft lignin, methanol and organic acids such as oxalic and formic acids. Aromatic compounds such as vanillin could not be recovered due to their tendency to dehydrodimerization and the strong oxidizing power of the photo-generated holes by the action of which the dehydrodimers were completely decomposed into carbon dioxide and water. The production of methane, ethane, and ethylene was much smaller than that in the decomposition with hydroxyl radicals in homogeneous solution.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of nickel(II) complexes with a tridentate Schiff base derived from heterocyclic aldehyde

A series of nickel(II) complexes, namely [Ni(L)2] (1), [Ni(L)(HL)](ClO4)(H2O) (2), [Ni(HL)(bipy)(H2O)](NO3)(ClO4)(H2O) (3), and [Ni(HL)(dien)](ClO4)2(H2O) (4) have been synthesized with Schiff base (L) derived from 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and benzoylhydrazine. The elemental analyses of the complexes indicate stoichiometry ML2 and M(L)(B), where L = N-[(1)-pyridin-2-ylmethylidene]benzohydrazide, B = diethylenetriamine/2,2′-bipyridine. L is a deprotonated as well as neutral tridentate ligand. Single-crystal X-ray structures of 1–4 reveal distorted octahedral geometry in the complexes. The molecules are connected by various hydrogen-bonding interactions. Magnetic susceptibility measurements at room temperature were 2.79–2.91 MB. The electrochemical behavior, superoxide dismutase, and antibacterial activities of these complexes were made by cyclic voltammetry, the alkaline DMSO-nitro blue tetrazolium chloride assay, and the paper disc diffusion method, respectively.
An Information Inequality Motivated by the Gaussian Z-Interference Channel

We establish an information inequality that is motivated by the capacity region computation for the Gaussian Z-interference channel. This yields an improved slope for the capacity region at Costa's corner point. We believe the inequality may also be of independent interest as it provides a non-trivial upper bound on the entropy of sums of independent random variables.
What they don’t teach you at Harvard-Smithsonian: In search of Navier-Stokes model of the Solar System

In this paper, we will discuss shortly a nonlinear cosmology model inspired by analogy between cosmology phenomena and low temperature physics, especially superfluid vortices dynamics. We described: (a) a nonlinear cosmology model based on Navier-Stokes turbulence equations, which then they are connected to superfluid turbulence, and (b) the superfluid turbulence can lead to superfluid quantized vortices, which can be viewed as large scale version of Bohr’s quantization rule, and (c) this superfluid quantized vortice interpretation of Bohr’s rule allow us to predict quantization of planetary orbits in solar system including new possible orbits beyond Pluto. This paper is intended as a retrospect of what happened after the publication of earlier papers, and also some related ideas we developed since that time. In the second section we also discuss a recent development in matter-creation hypothesis, by virtue of unmatter concept and its extension. It is our hope that the new proposed view will inspire younger physicists and cosmologists to develop more realistic nonlinear cosmology models. And although some of our predictions since 2004 have come to observed data, we also hope the ideas presented here can be further verified with observation data.
FLORA OF MACROLICHENS IN THE ALPINE AND SUBALPINE ZONES OF MOUNT KENYA (KENYA)

S u m m a ry : First results of an inventory of the macrolichen flora in the alpine and subalpine zones of Mount Kenya (Kenya, East Africa) are presented. In the investigation area, which is located on the W e ­ stern side of the mountain, approximately 155 species of macrolichens in 47 genera could be found. Of the hitherto 105 reliably identified species (i.e. 67%), seven are new records for eastern Africa, nine for the Republic of Kenya and one species has not been reported before for Mount Kenya. In addition to saxicolous habitats, stands of tree heather in the lower parts of the study area show a conspicuous and species rieh macrolichen Vegetation, whereas the terricolous macrolichen Vege­ tation is only poorly developed. Eutrophication is a common feature of saxicolous habitats in the alpine zone and it is hypothesized that this is caused by the influences of tourism in this area. The identification of the remaining material is in progress and a comprehensive account of the results will be published after the end of this work.
Prevalence of khat chewing during pregnancy in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering green plant mainly chewed for recreational. Khat chewing is becoming on rising at alarming rate and adversely affects the socio-economic, psycho-social, and physical health including the health of the fetus. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of khat chewing during pregnancy and its associated factors. Methods Databases: PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS and AJOL were searched. Weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of depression. Heterogeneity across the studies was assessed by Cochrane chi-square and quantified by I2 statistics test. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to determine publication bias. Sensitivity test and subgroup analysis were also performed. Results In this study, a total of 9,915 study participants were included from 22 studies. The pooled prevalence of khat chewing was found to be 20% (95% CI; 14%-27%). Tests of heterogeneity demonstrated evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 98.46%, p < 0.001). However, the analysis of sensitivity tests and publication bias showed absence of influential study and publication bias [Egger’s test (P = 0.02)]. Factors such as: being Muslim, lower educational status, family history of mental illness, and partner previous history of khat chewing were associated with khat chewing. Conclusion One in five pregnant women has history of khat chewing. Thus, authors’ suggest the need of screening for khat chewing as an integrated part of Antenatal care.
Interlaminar Discectomy in Sweden Successful Introduction of Full-Endoscopic Lumbar

Background: The introduction of full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) procedures has made it possible to challenge microscopic discectomy as the gold standard method to treat lumbar disc herniations. Purpose: The aim of the present study is to investigate the introductory-phase postoperative clinical improvement for FELD patients regarding leg pain, patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), complications, reoperations, and learning curve analysis. Methods: All patients who underwent FELD at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, were prospectively included during 2013– 2017. A total of 92 patients were enrolled and followed up for 1 year. The characteristics of the study population, degree of leg pain, complications, learning curve, and PROMs were retrieved from patient records and the National Quality Register for Spine Surgery (Swespine). Results: The postoperative results demonstrated major improvements; leg pain measured by a numerical rating scale (0–10) decreased from 7.4 6 2.25 to 2.76 6 2.70, with a mean improvement of 4.54, ( 3.62–5.46) 95% confidence interval (CI). The Oswestry Disability Index decreased by 30.48 ( 36.27–23.73) with a 95% CI, and the EuroQol-5D increased by 0.39 (0.21–0.57) 95% CI. An assessment of the final surgical result showed that 91.6% ranked their general situation as better or much better. Specifically, regarding postoperative leg pain, 87% regarded their leg pain as completely gone, much better, or somewhat better, while 13% regarded their leg pain as unchanged or worse. A learning curve analysis showed that for every 10th FELD procedure performed; the duration of surgery decreased by 2 minutes. Conclusions: In our study, the introduction of FELD as a safe, quick procedure for the treatment of lumbar disc herniations can yield significant gains in patient-reported outcome measurements and pain reduction. The rate of recurrence and complications is comparable to that of standard surgery. Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery
“Take Those Old Records Off the Shelf” A Uses & Gratifications Study of Different Music Platforms

5 Introduction.6 Literature Review.8 Music Technology Changes and Evolution.8 Uses and Gratifications.11 Why People Listen to Music.15 Research Questions.16 Method.17 Data Analysis.19 Results.22 Discussion.26 Limitations.31 Future Studies.33 Conclusion.33 References.35 Appendix.40 USES & GRATIFICATIONS OF DIFFERENT MUSIC PLATFORMS 5
FBG-Based Sensing for Structural Health Monitoring of Road Infrastructure

Institute of Telecommunications, Riga Technical University, Azenes st. 12, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia Department of Roads and Bridges Riga Technical University, Kipsalas st. 6B, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia Institute of Materials and Structures, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas st. 6B, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia Saint-Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” (ETU), 5 Prof. Popova Street, Saint Petersburg 197376, Russia
Ion Exchange Recovery of Rhodium (III) from Chloride Solutions by Selective Anion Exchangers

Abstract The paper describes the results of a study of the recovery of rhodium (III) from chloride by sorption from strongly and weakly acidic solutions (2 M HCl and pH = 3) by macroreticular anion exchangers on the basis of methylacrylate and divinylsulfide as long-chained cross-linking agent. The initial concentration of Rh (III) in the contacting solution was 0.25–2.15 mmol/L, the process temperature was 20, 30, and 50°C. It was shown that polyfunctional anion exchanger ANS-80 has the best sorption characteristics and can be recommended for quantitative recovery of rhodium (III) at 50°C.
Do Environmental Regulations Do More Harm Than Good? Evidence from Competition and Innovation

This study examines whether and how competition affects corporate strategic responses to stringent environmental policies. Using the nonattainment status of U.S. counties as a source of exogenous variation in environmental regulation, we find that competition fosters green innovation as firms respond to stricter regulatory policy. Additional analyses using a subsample of firms in counties whose pollutant concentrations are marginally above or below EPA standards for regional air quality and exploiting exogenous variations in product market competition further reinforce our baseline evidence. The results suggest that the cost of relocation is a critical mechanism that compels firms to innovate when responding to tightened environmental policies and heightened competitive pressure. Regulation-induced green innovation helps competitive firms better achieve product differentiation and attract more corporate customers than their less competitive peers. Finally, competitive firms' strategic responses to stringent environmental regulations result in improved market share growth, markup, profit margin, and abnormal return.