Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blood clot stabilization after different mechanical and chemical root treatments: a morphological evaluation using scanning electron microscopy

Purpose This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different debridement techniques and conditioning procedures on root surface morphology and blood clot stabilization. Methods Two debridement techniques (curette [CU] vs. high-speed ultrasound [US]) and 2 conditioning procedures (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] and phosphoric acid [PA]) were used for the study. Seven experimental groups were tested on root surfaces: 1) no treatment (C); 2) CU; 3) US; 4) CU+EDTA; 5) US+EDTA; 6) CU+PA; and 7) US+PA. Three specimens per group were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface characterization. Additional root slices received a blood drop, and clot formation was graded according to the blood element adhesion index by a single operator. Data were statistically analyzed, using a threshold of P<0.05 for statistical significance. Results The C group displayed the most irregular surface among the tested groups with the complete absence of blood traces. The highest frequency of blood component adhesion was shown in the CU+EDTA group (P<0.05), while no differences were detected between the CU, US+EDTA, and CU+PA groups (P<0.05), which performed better than the US and US+PA groups (P<0.05). Conclusions In this SEM analysis, EDTA and conventional manual scaling were the most efficient procedures for enhancing smear layer removal, collagen fiber exposure, and clot stabilization on the root surface. This technique is imperative in periodontal healing and regenerative procedures.
192 GHz push–push VCO in 0.13 [micro sign]m CMOS

A 192 GHz cross-coupled push–push voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is fabricated using the UMC 0.13 µm CMOS logic process. The VCO can be tuned from 191.4 to 192.7 GHz. The VCO provides output power of ∼−20 dBm and phase noise of ∼−100 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset, while consuming 11 mA from a 1.5 V supply.
Engineering and Related Programs’ Teaching Methods in Nigeria

The failure of engineering education in Nigeria has been blamed on many factors from various research findings. To have an in-depth view of some of the problems, this study reviewed research findings on the methods of teaching engineering and related programs in Nigerians institutions of learning. The study reviewed articles and theses on teaching methods in Nigeria, skills need of the 21st century and the 4th industrial revolution, and how the existing teaching methods impart the needed skills. The review showed that: the most popular teaching methods of teaching engineering and related programs in Nigeria are lecture method, laboratory experiment, field trip and final year practical project; the skills that the 21st century industry and 4IR demand are critical thinking, innovation and creativity, problem solving, teamwork, life-long learning, and communication skills; the teaching methods employed in Nigeria are not able to impart the needed skills. The researchers, therefore recommended innovative, students centered learning like problem based learning, project based learning, inquiry based learning and well as effective utilization of instructional resources like multimedia, simulations and virtual laboratory for the teaching and learning of engineering, science and technology programs
Construction manpower demand forecasting: A comparative study of univariate time series, multiple regression and econometric modelling techniques

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the vector error‐correction (VEC) econometric modelling technique in predicting short‐ to medium‐term construction manpower demand.Design/methodology/approach – The VEC modelling technique is evaluated with two conventional forecasting methods: the Box‐Jenkins approach and the multiple regression analysis, based on the forecasting accuracy on construction manpower demand.Findings – While the forecasting reliability of the VEC modelling technique is slightly inferior to the multiple log‐linear regression analysis in terms of forecasting accuracy, the error correction econometric modelling technique outperformed the Box‐Jenkins approach. The VEC and the multiple linear regression analysis in forecasting can better capture the causal relationship between the construction manpower demand and the associated factors.Practical implications – Accurate predictions of the level of manpower demand are important for the formulation of successful pol.
Occurrence and distribution of heavy metals in the tissues of Physa acuta (D.) in relation to the contamination level of sediments from Boumerzoug wadi (Algeria)

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the metallic contamination of sediments, and metals bioaccessibility via their distribution in the gastropod Physa acuta (Pulmonata). The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soft tissue and shell of P. acuta, as well as in fresh surface sediments from the Boumerzoug wadi and its tributaries, northeastern Algeria, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The samples were collected from ten sites on five occasions (May, September and December 2016, March and July 2017). Results showed that the trace metal mean concentrations in sediments, tissues and shells of the gasteropod, followed a decreasing order: Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd. The pseudo-total contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediment were about 0.45 ± 0.43, 12.19 ± 2.49, 51.70 ± 19.82, 46.70 ± 39.60, 296.15 ± 105.83, 36.50 ± 10.93, 32.40 ± 9.10, and 186.72 ± 118.93 mg/kg dw, respectively. The concentrations of the metals studied in P. acuta were age dependent, with adults having significantly higher concentrations than juveniles. All heavy metal concentrations detected were higher in soft tissue with the lowest coefficient of variation than in shells for both adults and juveniles. The presence of a significant direct relationship between the Cd content in the sediment and in the soft tissues of P. acuta in both adults (r = 0.83; P < 0.01) and juveniles (r = 0.53; P < 0.01), and the high bioaccumulation factor observed make this gastropod a good indicator for the monitoring of freshwater sediment contamination by this metal.
Diagnostic Value of Serum Glypican 3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Control Study of Patients Seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem which has been increasing in Nigeria with a doubling in the incidence rate in the past 10 years. Current diagnosis of HCC relies on clinical information, liver imaging and measurement of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The reported sensitivity and specificity of AFP are not sufficient for early diagnosis, and so additional and more sensitive markers are needed. One of such tumor markers is serum Glypican 3 (GPC3). So, this study aimed to determine the frequency of GPC3 in apparently healthy controls and patients with HCC, comparing the diagnostic efficacy of GPC3 to AFP in HCC and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of combined AFP and GPC3 in the diagnosis of HCC.Fifty patients with clinical, radiological and/or histological features of HCC, and fifty apparently healthy controls who were HBsAg and anti-HCV negative and had normal abdominal ultrasonography scan were recruited for the study. Serum estimation of AFP and GPC-3 were done for all the subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of GPC3 was 54 % and 44% respectively based on a receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve –derived optimum cut-off level >20 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of AFP were 64% and 100% at an ROC derived optimum cut- off level of 20 ng/ml. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for AFP was 0.69 and was significantly larger than that of GPC3 which was 0.42(p <0.001). The diagnostic value of GPC3 in our patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is poor in comparison with AFP. Keywords : Glypican 3, Diagnostic value, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Nigeria DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/59-06
A rough super-Brownian motion

We study the scaling limit of a branching random walk in static random environment in dimension $d=1,2$ and show that it is given by a super-Brownian motion in a white noise potential. In dimension $1$ we characterize the limit as the unique weak solution to the stochastic PDE: \[\partial_t \mu = (\Delta {+} \xi) \mu {+} \sqrt{2\nu \mu} \tilde{\xi}\] for independent space white noise $\xi$ and space-time white noise $\tilde{\xi}$. In dimension $2$ the study requires paracontrolled theory and the limit process is described via a martingale problem. In both dimensions we prove persistence of this rough version of the super-Brownian motion.
BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL PERCEPTIONS OF A PROPOSED RAIL STATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSIT PLANNING

This study reports results of a survey of the differences in attitudes and perceptions between residents and business owners residing or operating in close proximity to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) North Line in Atlanta, Georgia. The major goals of the survey were to: identify the relative importance of MARTA's environmental, social, and economic impacts as perceived and anticipated by residents and business persons; estimate the extent to which factors, other than MARTA, influence citizens' perceptions of transit construction and service; provide a basis of information against which future surveys can be gaged in order to obtain attitudinal changes about the impacts of MARTA and transit service.
THz DETECTION BY RESONANT 2-D PLASMONS IN FIELD EFFECT DEVICES

We demonstrate the resonant detection by the two-dimensional electron plasma waves in gated two-dimensional electron gas. Such detection was demonstrated for two devices: for a field effect transistor (FET) THz detector, where the standing 2-D plasmon is tuned to the frequency of the THz radiation by varying the gate bias and for double quantum well field effect transistors with a periodic grating gate, which exhibit a rich spectrum corresponding to standing 2-D plasmons under the metal part of the periodic gate.
Determination of Coined-Bead Geometry in the V-Bending Process

The coined-bead technique is commonly applied in the V-bending process to eliminate the spring-back feature and to achieve the required bending angle. In the present research, which is based on a stress distribution analysis, the effects of a coined-bead geometry in the V-bending process on the increased compressive stress in the bending allowance zone and on the increased reversed bending zone in the leg of the workpiece were observed and characterized. The research also illustrated the variations in spring-back and spring-go characteristics for different coined-bead widths and heights. As the bead width increased, the spring-go decreased, increased, and decreased again for different simulated bead heights and workpiece materials. The research was able to disprove previously suggested theories for coined-beaded V-bending, which suggested that a smaller bead width should be applied to cancel out the spring-back characteristic. In addition, the spring-back characteristic returned when an oversized bead width was applied. Therefore, to achieve the required bending angle, the size of the bead width was optimized both to provide a balance between a favorable stress distribution in the bending zone and reversed bending zone and to reduce the bending load.
Summary of the Fourth AIAA Computational Fluid Dynamics Drag Prediction Workshop

Results from the Fourth AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop are summarized. The workshop focused on the prediction of both absolute and differential drag levels for wing–body and wing–body/horizontal-tail configurations of the NASA Common Research Model, which is representative of transonic transport aircraft. Numerical calculations are performed using industry-relevant test cases that include lift-specific flight conditions, trimmed drag polars, downwash variations, drag rises, and Reynolds-number effects. Drag, lift, and pitching moment predictions from numerous Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics methods are presented. Solutions are performed on structured, unstructured, and hybrid grid systems. The structured-grid sets include point-matched multiblock meshes and overset grid systems. The unstructured and hybrid grid sets comprise tetrahedral, pyramid, prismatic, and hexahedral elements. Effort is made to provide a high-quality and parametrically consistent family of grids for each g.
Single-Pass Baling of Corn Stover

A single-pass corn grain and stover harvester was produced by coupling a combine harvester and towed large round baler. An accumulation hopper and metering system was added to the baler to allow for continuous collection of stover through the bale wrapping and ejection cycles. Both the accumulation metering system and the baler were powered hydraulically by the combine. When harvesting with an ear-snapper header at an average of 5.6 ha·h-1 and stover collection rate of 1.4 Mg·ha-1, fuel use was increased by an average of 11% over baseline operation without the baler. Bale dry densities of 164 to 206 kg·m-3 were achieved in this configuration. The feed system capacity was more than sufficient to handle the mass-flow collected with the ear-snapper header, so the baler and feed system only needed to be operated approximately 38% of the harvest time. When using a whole-plant header to achieve average stover collection rates of 4.5 Mg·h-1 , combine area capacity was reduced by more than 50% and the accumulator feed system was less effective at unloading the long stalks collected. Increasing the aggressiveness of the combine residue chopper reduced the hopper unloading time by 69%, but the additional processing of material also increased combine fuel use. Single-pass bales produced at greater than 250 g·kg-1 moisture were not well conserved unless stored anaerobically.
The association between remuneration systems of community health workers in India and promoted maternal health outcomes: a cross-sectional study

Background: This study assessed the association of remuneration systems of paid-for-performance Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and salaried Anganwadi workers (AWWs) on seven maternal health outcomes in four states in India: Andhra Pradesh (AP), Chhattisgarh, Odisha (Orissa), and Uttar Pradesh (UP). Methods: The cross-sectional study surveyed mothers of children aged 6-23 months. A total of 3,455 mothers were selected via multistage cluster sampling. The seven health outcomes related to the community health worker (CHW) visits were: institutional delivery, complete immunization, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, timely introduction of complementary feeding, continued breastfeeding during child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs). Results: The results varied by state. Mothers who received ASHA visits were significantly less likely to have an institutional delivery, timely introduction of complementary feeding, awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs), proper handwashing, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months in at least one of the four states. Conversely, AWW’s home visits were positively predictive of the following health outcomes in certain states: complete immunization for index child, continued breastfeeding during the child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of NHDs. Conclusions: ASHAs’ home visits were not more strongly associated with health outcomes for which they were paid than outcomes for which they were unpaid. AWWs’ home visits were positively associated with awareness of NHDs, and associations varied for other recommended health behaviors. Further research could elucidate the causes for successes and failures of CHW programs in different states of India. Keywords: ASHA, AWW, CHW, Performance-Based Incentives, Maternal and Child Health
Bioactive Compounds Responsible for Antioxidant Activity of Different Varieties of Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Elucidated by 1H- NMR Based Metabolomics

ABSTRACT Several studies have demonstrated strong antioxidant activity of date fruits. Nevertheless, limited data is available for the bioactive compounds responsible for the activity. In this study, the antioxidant activity of five different date varieties (Ajwa, Anbara, Piyarom, Rabbi and Deglet Nour) extracted using 80% ethanol was determined using free radical scavenging (DPPH), ferric reducing power (FRAP) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS) assays. The 1H- NMR was employed to profile the bioactive metabolites present in the dates. The obtained results demonstrated that the Piyarom extract had the highest total phenolic content (355 mg GAE/100g DW), total flavonoid content (57.07 mg/100g DW) and exhibited good antioxidant activity with IC50 of 16.2 µg/mL, 26.38 mmol Fe (II)/g and 11.3 µg/mL for DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP antioxidant power and ABTS antioxidant capacity, respectively. The metabolites responsible for the variation between different date’s varieties were successfully identified using 1H-NMR–based metabolomics. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis depicted clear and distinct separations into three clusters representing the five date varieties. The metabolites responsible for the separation were identified as sucrose, betaine, fructose, ascorbic acid, glycine, and arginine. Correlation study from PLS biplot revealed that glucose, ascorbic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and citric acid are responsible for the antioxidant activity measured.
Naturalistic Entheogenics: Précis of Philosophy of Psychedelics

In this précis I summarise the main ideas of my book Philosophy of Psychedelics . The book discusses philosophical issues arising from the therapeutic use of classic psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD. The book is organised around what I call the Comforting Delusion Objection to psychedelic therapy: the concern that this novel and promising treatment relies essentially on the induction of non-naturalistic metaphysical beliefs, rendering it epistemically (and perhaps, therefore, ethically) objectionable. In the book I develop a new response to this Objection which involves showing that a popular conception of psychedelics as agents of insight and spirituality is both consistent with a naturalistic worldview and plausible in light of current scientific knowledge. Exotic metaphysical ideas do sometimes come up, but they are not, on closer inspection, the central driver of change in psychedelic therapy. Psychedelics cause therapeutic benefits by altering the sense of self, and changing how people relate to their own minds and lives--not by changing their beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality. Thus, an "Entheogenic Conception" of psychedelics as agents of insight and spirituality can be reconciled with naturalism (the philosophical position that the natural world is all there is). Controlled psychedelic use can lead to genuine forms of knowledge gain and spiritual growth--even if no Cosmic Consciousness or divine Reality exists.
SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IMPACT: THE MXIT PHENOMENON

An empirical study has been conducted to determine the extent to which South African youth uses MXit, and its effect on them. The purpose of the study was to indicate to parents, employers, as well as other relevant stakeholders, the level of usage, as well as the impact of MXit, on its users. Since the target market of MXit is youth, the authors have conducted a survey of a number of school-going and working youth by means of a questionnaire. The sample consisted of primary school learners, as well as high school learners, higher education learners and young working people. The research methodology used was a literature survey and a questionnaire. Demographic results indicated that the profile of the typical MXit user is a female aged above 13 years, who uses MXit between 18:00 and 24:00, for two hours and less. The study has shown that issues surrounding MXit do not seem to be as serious as reports indicate. However, incorrect usage of mobile technology and, in particular, the MXit application, could have a negative impact on users in relation to their personal safety, emotional well-being as well as to their productivity at work, school and play. Furthermore, the research also highlights the role that parents should play in understanding and monitoring their children’s’ mobile technology usage.
Brand Spirit: How Cause Related Marketing Builds Brands

Cause Related Marketing Cause Related Marketing Defined The Pre-conditions for Cause Related Marketing The Commodity Threat and the Importance of Loyalty Communications Clutter and Expert Consumers Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the Loss of Trust The Diana Effect and the Opportunity for Brands The Third Wave in Branding Brands and Anthropomorphy in Branding The Three Waves in Branding The Power of Belief Systems The Essentials of Cause Related Marketing Differentiating CRM From 'Charity Promotions' The Nature of Giving Making a Commercial Case for CRM Charity or Cause? Creating a CRM Campaign Preliminary Stages in Developing a CRM Campaign Establishing the Territory Developing a CRM Concept Creating a CRM campaign Crystallizing a CRM Campaign Media Neutrality and Corporate Body Language CRM and the Digital Revolution M easurement Getting Down To It Implementing CRM in a Grand Scale Implementing CRM on a Smaller Scale CRM's Past and Future Charity Culture Victorian Paternalism to 20th Century Philanthropy The Company Town 'Nanny State' to 'Stakeholder Society' The Millenium Effect .
Lifestyle has Significant Influence over Obesity among School Children in Bangladesh

Background: Childhood obesity associated with lifestyle changes poses a major public health challenge. Objective: To assess the contributing factors of childhood obesity among school children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: Overweight and obesity were studied in 504 school children (age: 11.31±1.39, M±SD; M/F: 256/248) using updated body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) reference. Socioeconomic status on basis of family income and life style factors like meals, vehicle-use, sedentary entertainments and outdoor activities were considered. Results: Obesity was higher in children from high socioeconomic class (high vs. middle vs. low socioeconomic status: obese 22.2% vs. 11.8% vs. 3.7%; p<0.001). Meal frequency was statistically similar among BMI groups. About 55% of obese children used vehicle while 79.7% of underweight went by foot (p<0.001). Obesity and overweight were relatively higher among children spending more time in sedentary entertainment [1 hr vs. 2 hr vs. 3 hr vs. 4 hr (obesity and overweight): 11.5% and 8.6% vs. 14.7% and 15.4% vs. 12.8% and 15.4% vs. 22.2% and 5.6%] but not significant (p=0.158). Similarly, no significant difference for BMI between groups spending time with outdoor games for one hour or less or more (p=0.304). BMI positively correlated with socioeconomic condition (r=0.286, p<0.001), sedentary entertainments (r=0.131, p=0.003) and use of vehicles (r=0.122, p=0.006). Socio-economic condition (p=0.007) and use of vehicle in going to school (p=0.005) were found to be independent predictors for obesity. Conclusions: More use of vehicles for going to school and better socioeconomic status seem to be important contributing factors for childhood obesity in Bangladesh.