Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional groundwater studies using high-resolution aeromagnetic data in Abuja and environs, North-Central Nigeria

Abuja and environs usually experiences water shortage during the dry season as a result of rapid population growth, due to the fact that the water from Lower Usuma Dam used for domestic and industrial purposes are no longer sufficient to cater for its teeming population. The shortage can be minimized through better understanding of lineament configurations of the area. Regional groundwater studies using high-resolution aeromagnetic data in Abuja and environs, North-Central Nigeria were carried out to address water shortages in Abuja and its surroundings. The aim of the study was to identify groundwater targets/potential zones for the purpose of providing sufficient water to the communities in the area. The study area is situated in the North-Central part of Nigeria and lies between latitudes 8 00’- 930’ N and longitudes 630’- 800’ E. First vertical derivative (1VD) technique was applied to the residual magnetic data of the study area using Oasis Montaj software version 8.3 and thereafter extracted lineaments from 1VD map using ArcGIS software version 10.4. 1. Result of 1VD technique indicates that polyphase deformation was pervasive throughout the area as joints, fractures, faults, as well as folds in the map. Major lineament trends identified in the study area are NNE-SSW 27.47%, NE-SW 25.54%, ENE-WSW 18% and N-S 9.57%, the magnitudes and orientations of the lineaments are essential for groundwater movement. The study indicates that Dogon-Kurmi, Gitata, Rafin, Gurku, Karshi, Keffi, Paiko, Farindoki, Takuti, Lambata, Izom, Tudun Wada, Safon Lapai, Mayaki, Gwagwalada, Gidan Ali, Takura, Dafa, Dangara, Abaji, Kwali, Zuba, Madalla, Gauraka, Suleja, Kuje, Abuja, Bwari, Udegi, Zango-Daji, eastern part of Katakwa, Gadabuke, Buga, Koton-Karfe, Bibirako, Kworaki, Toto, Dagoshi and Umaisha have good groundwater prospect. Fieldwork conducted in the area confirmed the existence of lineaments/fractures in the area and as such are targets for groundwater exploration.
Unsupervised learning of depth and ego-motion with absolutely global scale recovery from visual and inertial data sequences

ABSTRACT In this paper, we propose an unsupervised learning method for jointly estimating monocular depth and ego-motion, which is capable to recover the absolute scale of global camera trajectory. In order to solve the general problems of scale drift and scale ambiguity of monocular camera, we fuse geometric movement data from inertial measurement unit (IMU), and use Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) to extract temporal features. Besides, we add a lightweight and efficient attention mechanism, Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to complete the extraction of image features. Considering the scenes with severe illumination changes, ambiguous structures, moving objects and occlusions, especially scenes with progressively-variant textures, the geometric features can provide adaptive estimation results in the case of the degeneration of visual features. Experiments on the KITTI driving dataset reveal that our scheme achieves promising results in the estimation of camera pose and depth. Moreover, the absolute scale recovery for the global camera trajectory is effective.
Which Reference Genes to Choose for qPCR Normalization? A Comprehensive Analysis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Background MCF-7 cell line remains the most extensively studied patient derived model in breast cancer research, providing pivotal results that have over the decades translated to constantly improving patient care. Many research groups, in the past have identified suitable reference genes in various breast cancer cell lines including MCF-7. However, over the course of identification of stable internal controls, a comparative analysis comprising these genes together in a single study have not been previously undertaken. Further, very little is known about how these identified reference genes are expressed in MCF-7 sub-clones and when the cell line is cultured over multiple passages (p), given the heterogenic expression behavior often associated with MCF-7 cell line. We investigated the expression dynamics of 12 previously reported and suggested endogenous reference genes using RT-qPCR, available algorithms (NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper etc.) and TCGA transcriptomic analysis within identically cultured two sub-clones (culture A1 and A2) of MCF-7 cell line cultured over multiple passages. Further candidate reference genes were used to normalize 4 genes of interest (2 simulated and 2 backed by qPCR data) to make an evidence-based recommendation of the least variable reference genes that could be used in MCF-7 cell line. Results The analysis revealed the presence of differential reference gene expression within the sub-clones of MCF-7. In culture A1, GAPDH-CCSER2 were identified as least variable reference gene pair while for culture A2, GAPDH-RNA28S was recommended. However, upon validation using genes of interest, both these pairs were found to be unsuitable control pairs. Normalization with 3 genes and analyzing the combined dataset from culture A1 and A2 (supported by transcriptomic analysis), GAPDH-PCBP1-CCSER2 triplet was found to be least variable and hence potentially more well placed to handle any expression heterogeneity that may arise within sub-clones over multiple passages. Conclusions The variance in expression behavior amongst sub-clones shows the need for exercising caution while selecting and using reference genes for MCF-7. Further, using same reference genes amongst sub-clones can lead to misleading results arising from inaccurate normalization. GAPDH-PCBP1-CCSER2 triplet offers a reliable alternative to otherwise traditionally used internal controls in optimizing intra- and inter-assay gene expression differences.
Scaling-up community self-reporting rate for COVID-19: Implication for assessing the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos, Nigeria

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging public health problem with over forty-four million confirmed infections globally. Previous studies showed that stigma impedes response activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government using a multi-stage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on perceived stigmatization. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using Chi-square and logistic regression respectively.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. The proportion of respondents with poor knowledge was 50.5% and awareness for COVID-19 was 95.2%. Television and radio were the two major sources of awareness for COVID-19. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 – 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 – 6.7), ≥ 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 – 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 – 2.9). To reduce the effect of stigmatization, we recommend a holistic response plan designed with basic facts about COVID-19 using programmes targeting married respondents as well as the adults.
Determinants of Bursa Malaysia Stock Market Returns amid the Fourteenth General Election

This study attempts to examine the effect of the Fourteenth General Election on the market returns in Malaysia. It is found that the election effect lasted for 30 days of trading window and the stock market managed to price-in the election news since then. Secondly, market volatility which represents political uncertainty continued to play significant role in determining stock market return, as were in the previous two general elections. Nonetheless, market volatility had adverse effect, and as such Bursa Malaysia might not fulfil the appetite of those investors who demand higher return for higher risks amid election year. In addition, this study for the first time reveals fairly low but significant market integration between Malaysia and US stock market around the general election year. This signifies that apart from domestic political issues and macroeconomic performances amid general election event, investors in Bursa Malaysia need to closely monitor global issues that would affect the US stock market and hence the performance of Bursa Malaysia.
Anatomy and morphometry of the skull of Amazona aestiva (Linnaeus, 1758; Psittaciformes, Aves)

Obtaining craniometric data is key to establishing parameters that can help in the anatomic identification and understanding of species. The aim of the present study was to establish the craniometric data and describe the main skull bones and structures of Amazona aestiva, which has become common in veterinary clinics, originated from the legalized purchase or trafficking of animals. A total of 20 adult specimens were used, donated for studies by the Paraíba Wild Animal Screening Center (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres da Paraíba (CETAS-PB)/IBAMA-PB, Brazil. The skulls were dissected and macerated with water. First were identified the frontal, maxilla, mandible, nasal, jugal and quadrate bones that served as a base to identify other bone structures that were then compared with the skull of other bird species already described in the literature, especially psitacids. Values were obtained by measuring with a digital pachymeter, and the maximum skull length was 63.0 mm, the maximum width 33.0 mm and the rhamphotheca was 33.8 mm long. No significant differences were observed between males and females and well developed cranial kinesis was a remarkable characteristic of the species. The data obtained serve as a base to identify and characterize the species. These data can also aid in the clinic, imaging and veterinary surgery.
Influence of temperature on magnetic properties of silicon steel lamination

In this paper, we studied the influence of thermal effect on the iron loss components by DC and AC magnetic measurement. The measured result shows that iron loss of nonoriented silicon steel is more influenced by temperature than grain oriented one. Based on loss separation model, we have found a suitable iron loss expression for nonoriented and grain oriented steels. Then a temperature dependent iron loss model is proposed, where temperature coefficient k is introduced to consider thermal effect on dynamic loss. The iron loss model is validated by all series of silicon steel stripe made by WISCO. The relative error of the model is about 11% in a wide range of 20∼400Hz, 20∼200°C, 0∼2T. The proposed model can be applicable to other types of magnetic materials as long as their resistivity rate exhibits approximately linear thermal dependence within a temperature range of 20∼200°C.
Earnings Management around the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

This paper examines earnings management around the reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% as enacted by the ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’ (TCJA) of 2017. Building on a theoretical model that considers a higher level of book-tax conformity of ‘real earnings management’ (REM) in relation to ‘accrual-based earnings management’ (AEM), we hypothesize that firms concertedly use these manipulation techniques for different purposes. Specifically, we predict and find that firms engage in REM to shift income from the high-tax period prior to the TCJA to the low-tax period after of the TCJA to realize tax benefits. In contrast, we predict and find that firms use AEM, which has a lower degree of book-tax conformity, to simultaneously increase book income. Consistent with intertemporal income shifting, we also find that these effects reverse in 2018. Overall, our results document a potential unintended consequence of the TCJA on firm behavior that should be useful to policymakers, regulators, and researchers to evaluate the largest tax reform since 1986.
Halomonas Venusta Mediated Detoxification and Biotransformation of Selenite Into Selenium Nanoparticles Exhibiting Various Biomedical Applications

Marine environment is in constant threat due to anthropogenic activities which are involved in disturbing the aquatic flora and fauna due to accumulation of toxic metals and metalloids. The current study involves the use of microbial remediation strategy for reduction of toxic sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) into less toxic elemental Se (Se0) with concurrent synthesis of Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) possessing several biomedical potential. Selenite reducing bacterial strain isolated from Mandovi estuary of Goa, India was identified as Halomonas venusta based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and designated as strain GUSDM4. It's maximum tolerance level for Na2SeO3 was 100 mM. The 2, 3-diaminonaphthalene based spectroscopic analysis clearly demonstrated 93% reduction of 4 mM Na2SeO3 to Se0 during late stationary growth phase of Halomonas venusta. Biosynthesis of SeNPs commenced within 4 h during log phase which was clearly evident from red colour in the growth medium and a characteristic peak at 265 nm revealed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The intracellular synthesis of SeNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of these bacterial cells. Characterization of SeNPs by X-ray crystallography, TEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis clearly demonstrated spherical SeNPs of 20-80 nm diameter with hexagonal crystal lattice. These SeNPs at 50 µg/mL exhibited 90% free radical scavenging activity and also demonstrated anti-biofilm activity at 20 µg/mL against common human pathogens which was evident by SEM analysis. These SeNPs interestingly revealed excellent dose-dependent and selective anti-proliferative activity against A549 cancer cell line and mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi. Therefore, these studies have demonstrated amazing potential of marine bacterium, Halomonas venusta in bioremediation along with biosynthesis of SeNPs and their applications as free radical scavenger, anti-biofilm, chemo-therapeutic and larvicidal agents which is the first report of its kind.
Effect of Phosphorus Fertilization and Content of Plant-available Phosphorus (P-AL) on Algal-available Phosphorus in Soils

Abstract The fate of excess fertilizer P was studied using a sequential P extraction procedure of soil samples from two, PK fertilization field trials in southeastern Norway. At both sites there was an increase in the resin-P and NaHCO3-Pi (Pi = inorganic P) fractions with increasing P additions; both of these fractions were closely correlated to algal-available P (measured as total reactive P, TRP). Further, in a study of 17 soil samples it was found that TRP was positively correlated to inorganic P and plant-available P (P-AL). P-AL explained 83% of the variation in TRP. The quantity of particulate P that was soluble in a soil suspension increased considerably when the solution:soil ratio was increased from 2:1 to 2000:1. The “equilibrium” level of P in the solutions increased with increasing level of P-AL in the soil.
Blood Flow Restricted Low-Load Resistance Exercise in Patients with Knee Pain: A Pilot Cohort Study.

Background: Blood flow restricted low-load exercise (LL-BFR) has been shown to elicit beneficial adaptations in muscle size and strength. The aim was to investigate if LL-BRF was feasible in patients with knee pain in a rehabilitation setting. A secondary objective was to investigate functional performance, knee muscle strength and patient-reported outcomes.Methods: Data were collected from April-June 2018. Patients with knee Osteoarthritis or knee pain/functional loss after previous knee surgery were included. LL-BRF was performed twice weekly for 4-8 weeks as unilateral leg press with an individualized pressure (40% LOP) at 30% of one repetition maximum. Two protocols were tested (3-4 rounds, 30 second pauses). Patients were assessed by a 30-second chair-stand-test, Timed Up & Go, thigh circumference (TC), knee extensor strength (MVC) by handheld dynamometer, and completed the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) score at baseline and follow-up.Results: Adherence to training was 95.6%. Few and minor adverse events were observed. One opatient dropped out due to pain aggravation in relation to baseline testing. Scores on three out of five KOOS subscales improved more than 10 points. Also, functional tests and MVC of the affected limb improved (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The study indicates that supervised LL-BFR is feasible in patients with knee pain. At follow-up, the patients experienced subjective and functional gains.Trial registration: Danish Data Protection Agency (Journal No 1-16-02-90-18).
Microencapsulation of Calamansi (Citrus Microcarpa) Essential Oil onto β-Cyclodextrin for Cotton Fabric Application

Microencapsulation in textiles is a cost effective and long-lasting method in storing volatile substances over a long period of time which can be used for several applications such as antimicrobial textiles. In this study, coprecipitation method was used for the microencapsulation of calamansi essential oil (guest molecule) in β-cyclodextrin (wall material) using 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid as crosslinker. The microcapsules were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) before incorporated onto the scour-bleached cotton fabric using pad-dry-cure method. The developed cotton fabrics were further characterized using SEM and FTIR. The mass ratio of 3:1 (β-cyclodextrin to oil) with constant stirring time of 8 hours obtained the highest microencapsulation yield of 72.03%. SEM micrographs revealed that the synthesized microcapsules were tiny cube- liked in structure. The FTIR spectra of the microcapsule showed similar peaks with β-cyclodextrin and no peaks similar with the calamansi oil, indicating the successful encapsulation of the guest molecule with the wall material. The DSC thermograms further showed evidence for the encapsulation. The successful incorporation of the microcapsules onto the cotton fabric was evidenced in the SEM micrographs while FTIR confirmed the crosslinking through butane tetracarboxylic acid with a peak at 1714 cm-1 that did not appear on the untreated fabric. This showed an ester carbonyl bond that may have formed between the fabric and microcapsule.
An efficient execution of Monte Carlo simulation based on delta-tracking method using GPUs

ABSTRACT An efficient execution method for Monte Carlo simulation using graphic processing unit (GPU) is proposed. The delta-tracking method is used since the delta-tracking method can reduce conditional branches and complexity of code implementation, which degrade computational performance on GPUs. In order to improve parallel efficiency in the eigenvalue calculation, generated fission neutrons are recorded using the atomic operation which avoids the data race in GPUs. We also propose a method to efficiently tally neutron flux in a region. The present method is based on the atomic operation and use of fixed-point type number instead of common floating-point type number. The verification calculations using the C5G7 benchmark problem show effectiveness of the proposed numerical algorithms on GPUs through comparison with calculations using central processing units.
Present Bias, Asset Allocation and the Yield Curve

This paper presents a present-biased general equilibrium model that explains many features of bond behavior. Present-biased investors increase (decrease) short-term (long-term) hedge demands compared to standard preferences. Hence, present bias drives up (down) short-term bond prices (yields) and drives down (up) long-term bond prices (yields), explaining the bond premium puzzle. The model produces realistic bond behavior with a present-bias factor of beta=0.35 and a long-term annual discount factor of delta=0.97, in line with the experimental literature. Bond behavior is best explained for a present-bias interval of at most 1 year, providing an estimate for the investor's duration of the present.
Capillary suction time as a fundamental measure of sludge dewaterability

In this paper, Capillary Suction Time (CST) ap paratus is mathematically analyzed and a model is suggested that includes both equipment variables and variables related to sludge characteristics. The constant describing the ease with which sludge yields its water is defined as the "filterability constant" and it is shown that this parameter can be used as a fundamental measure of sludge dewaterability. J. Water Pollut. Control Fed. 60, 215 (1988)
Advanced nanoarchitectures of carbon aerogels for multifunctional environmental applications

Abstract In recent decades, carbon aerogels (CAs) have attracted increasing attention. Compared with other carbon materials, CAs are available in macroscopic diverse morphologies with tunable hierarchical porosity and large specific surface area. The interconnected carbonaceous framework also endows CAs with excellent electrical properties. CA can be a promising material for various purposes through proper design and functionalization. In this article, we place an emphasis on CAs based on resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and graphene sheets. We review the state-of-the-art progress on the preparation of functionalized CAs, and the relationships between their advanced nanoarchitectures and performances in environmental remediation, including adsorption, capacitive deionization and catalysis, are discussed. The challenges in design and application of CAs are also proposed.
Facilitating Osteogensis of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate And Biodentine by Autogenous Bone Marrow. (experimental Study on Rabbit)

Maxillofacial surgery employs several surgical procedures in soft and hard tissues. When hard tissues are involved, for instance, periapical surgery, cyst enucleation, tumor resection, preprosthetic surgery, when the large bony defect remaining intact it is necessary to replace by bone grafting. An in vivo and vitro studies has also shown that Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and biodentine promotes both dental and bony regeneration in pulp and periradicular tissues and both have excellent biocompatibility. Materials and Methods: 20 rabbits of both sexes were enrolled in this study, three monocortical defects were created on Mandible, one considered as control and the others implanted with MTA and biodentine, on tibia, three monocortical defects were created on the same animal. Post-operative follow up date 7,14,21and 28 Days. C.T. scan was used as parameter for bone density measurement. Results: showed that non-significant difference at Day7 and14 in Mandible and significant at Day21 and 28 compared to control, While nonsignificant at Day 7 in Tibia and significant at 14 and21 post-operatively with highly significant at Day28 compared to control. Conclusion: MTA and biodentine have effect on process of osteogenesis and will facilitating when it implanted with Bone marrow.
Pengaruh Kepemilikan Asing , Leverage, Cash Holdings Dan Debt Maturity Terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Perusahaan

This study aims to examine the effect of foreign ownership, leverage, cash holding and debt maturity on financial performance in property and real estate companies listed on the Indonesia stock exchange (idx) in the period 2014-2018. This study is categorized as causative research. The population in this study are property and real estate companies listed on the Indonesia stock exchange (idx) in the period 2014-2018. By using purposive sampling method, there were 24 companies as the research’s sample. The type of data used is secondary data and used is panel regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that foreign ownership, cash holding and debt maturity has no significant effect on financial performance, only leverage has significant effect on financial performance