Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Industry-Based Survey on Development and Integration of Safety Element out of Context

ISO 26262 introduced the concept of Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), a generic element which is developed to be used across many applications, hence, saving a lot of time, effort, and cost. The objective of this paper is to report about the industrial experience applying the SEooC approach. The knowledge about the good practice of this approach is limited regardless of its recommendation by ISO 26262. An industry-based survey was carried out, consisting of two parts: (i) description of the target group and challenges in functional safety and (ii) the SEooC approach.
On the Climatological Aspects of Explosive Cyclones Over the Western North Pacific and East Asia Coastal Areas

Twice daily synoptic charts at surface, 850, 700 and 500 hPa and mean sea surface temperature maps for the winter season as well as each month were used to study the climatological aspects of explosive cyclones over the western North Pacific and East Asia coastal areas in the September-April periods of 1974-1984. Geographical distribution of frequency, interannual and seasonal variations of frequency and frequency distribution of differ­ ent intensities of explosive cyclones were analyzed. The relationships of cy­ clones to a 500 hPa trough, lower-tropospheric baroclinity and sea surface temperature gradients were studied at the formation and explosive stages. It was found that explosive cyclones tended to form and to deepen rap­ idly along the shoreward edge of the warm Kuroshio current over the area of the maximum SST gradient. They also frequently formed and deepened rapidly about 700-800 km ahead of the 500 hPa trough. Results suggest that the flux of sensible heat and latent heat from the warm ocean surface and latent heating over the cyclone area in addition to the baroclinic pro­ cess may have had positive effects on the formation and rapid deepening of explosive cyclones over the western North Pacific. (
A three-year review of lung cancer patient characteristics in a tertiary hospital

Objective: The study sought to determine clinical characteristics and histologic subtypes of a cohort of lung cancer patients in a tertiary facility.Design: Retrospective review of the medical records of histology-confirmed lung cancer cases at the respiratory clinic over a 3-year period.Setting: Respiratory Clinic, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, GhanaParticipants: All adult patients with histologically diagnosed lung cancer were enrolled.Main outcome measures: Lung cancer histological typesResults: The proportion of lung cancer cases was 12.4%. The majority were women (57.8%) and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.8±16.0 years. The patients were predominantly non-smokers (61%). Common symptoms were chronic cough and chest pain. More than two-thirds of the cases presented in clinical stages III and IV with the pre-dominant histological subtype being adenocarcinoma in smokers and non-smokers. Genetic testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Anaplastic Lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations were largely absent.Conclusions: The majority of lung cancer patients presented late with advanced disease. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological subtype in a predominantly non-smoking population, with an increased prevalence among women less than 60 years. This should encourage testing for genetic mutations to improve patient survival.
The role of parents in the motivation of young athletes: a systematic review

Objectives Parents are one of the main social agents that shape young athletes’ experiences and participation in sports, but they are also the least explored group in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of research on the role of parents in the motivation of young athletes. Method The systematic literature review consisted of four electronic databases from which 29 articles published in English and in full-text form in peer-reviewed journals between 1999 and 2023 were retrieved. Results A total of 29 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies collectively surveyed 9,185 young athlete participants and 2,191 parent participants. The sample comprised 26 quantitative studies and 3 qualitative studies. The findings underscore that parents play both unique and synergistic multidimensional roles in motivating young athletes. Parents’ positive goals and values, autonomy-supportive parenting styles, moderate parental involvement, positive parent–child relationships, and a parent-initiated task climate are identified as optimal parenting strategies. Conclusion While parents undeniably play a crucial role in motivating young athletes, the manner and extent of their involvement are key.
Axillary surgery in oncologic breast surgery: a narrative review

Background and Objective With the improved survival for breast cancer there is now an increased focus on quality of life after treatment. Axillary surgery is known to be associated with significant risk of arm morbidity feared by the patients, and several studies have shown de-escalation is possible in different settings. In this review, an overview will be given on new techniques and procedures for de-escalation of axillary surgery in breast cancer patients and the subsequent implications for adjuvant systemic treatment. Methods This study is a narrative review. PubMed was searched for relevant publications in English published between January 2018–June 2023. Only publications with major impact on clinical practice have been included with main emphasis on meta-analysis. In addition, Clinicaltrial.gov has been searched for on-going studies. Key Content and Findings New tracer techniques are described as well as the on-going reduction in axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) at primary surgery even in node positive patients, and the axillary staging possibilities after down-staging of the axilla by neoadjuvant treatment. Finally axillary staging at local recurrence and in case of ductal carcinoma in situ is described. Conclusions ALND is no longer routinely recommended in many node positive patients and further de-escalation is investigated. The lack of knowledge on precise axillary status will require cooperating studies between oncologists and breast surgeons in order to avoid escalation of systemic treatment due to the lack of applicability of trial eligibility criteria. Furthermore, investigations on the use of axillary imaging for staging are needed.
Brain Health and Cognition in Older Adults: Roadmap and Milestones towards the Implementation of Preventive Strategies

In this narrative review, we delve into the evolving concept of brain health, as recognized by the WHO, focusing on its intersection with cognitive decline. We emphasize the imperative need for preventive strategies, particularly in older adults. We describe the target population that might benefit the most from risk-based approaches—namely, people with subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, we consider universal prevention in cognitively unimpaired middle-aged and older adults. Delving into multidomain personalized preventive strategies, we report on empirical evidence surrounding modifiable risk factors and interventions crucial in mitigating cognitive decline. Next, we highlight the emergence of brain health services (BHS). We explain their proposed role in risk assessment, risk communication, and tailored interventions to reduce the risk of dementia. Commenting on ongoing BHS pilot experiences, we present the inception and framework of our own BHS in Monza, Italy, outlining its operational structure and care pathways. We emphasize the need for global collaboration and intensified research efforts to address the intricate determinants of brain health and their potential impact on healthcare systems worldwide.
The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance of Italian SMEs

The utilization of digital technologies is rapidly increasing businesses’ capacities for innovation and growth, especially in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with strong benefits in efficiency, competitiveness, and market reach. We aimed to study the impact of digital technologies on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Italian SMEs, with regard to three main ICT areas: e-business, e-marketing, and e-commerce. Using a regression analysis, the study found that e-business tools have an unclear impact on cross-border e-commerce, while e-marketing tools, such as data tracking for medium-sized enterprises and social media for all SMEs, have a positive and significant impact on the online export performance. Finally, we examined the impact of being present on a marketplace rather than having a proprietary e-commerce website, and we found that having a presence on marketplaces such as Amazon or Alibaba is more effective than having a proprietary e-commerce website in terms of cross-border online sales. These results are useful both for policy makers and managers, since making informed decisions to develop SMEs is crucial for industrial strategy effectiveness.
Improving Millimeter-Wave Radar Target Recognition Using Self-Attention and Multi-layer Feature Fusion Network

In this paper, we propose an improved method for enhancing millimeter wave radar target recognition through the utilization of self-attention and a multilayer feature fusion network. Traditional millimeter wave radar exhibits limitations in terms of accuracy in elevation angles and resolution in angular dimensions, thereby resulting in restricted efficacy in the detection of complex scenes. 4D millimeter wave radar is capable of providing elevation angle data, which can be utilized to generate 3D point cloud images. The point cloud produced by 4D radar exhibits sparsity, clutter, and noise, resulting in a disparity between the imaging results and the true target geometry. Traditional methods for point cloud recognition exhibit subpar performance. To address this issue, we employ deep learning methodologies to accomplish point cloud segmentation. Our method employs PointNet and a self-attention mechanism to extract global features, while also enhancing feature representation through the integration of a multilayer local-global feature fusion structure. Additionally, we introduces a point cloud denoising algorithm aimed at improving the quality of the input data. We collected a 4D radar target part segmentation dataset, and completed manual annotation. Experiments indicate an effectiveness of our method with overall accuracy of 88.6%, which is suitable for processing 4D radar point cloud.
Factors Affecting the Online Learning Outcomes of Higher Educational Institutions in Nepal

Purpose: This study primarily aims to examine and evaluate the factors affecting the outcomes of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic period among university students in Nepal. Similarly, this study investigated management students’ perception of online management courses and explored the presence of factors that help to generate online learning outcomes in management courses and devise an online learning outcomes model. Methodology: Using a survey research design, the study applied a cross-sectional study in three out of eight universities that taught management courses. A purposive sampling method was applied to select the respondent students. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to establish internal consistency and evidence of validity. To assess the responses to online classes, a multivariate linear regression analysis was used. Findings: Digital pedagogy, learning environment, ICT knowledge, COVID-19 context, ICT-friendly University and curriculum, and outcomes were identified as the factors from exploratory factor analysis. The overall students’ perceptions of the online management course had high reliability with Cronbarch’s alpha of 0.941. However, only three factors; digital pedagogy, learning environment, and ICT friendliness of university and curriculum were found to be significant as per the regression analysis. Originality/value: This study contributes to the management of higher educational institutions and the model can be used in future research. The findings will support on quality improvement of the online teaching mode. Implications: Nepalese universities have to work on the development of ICT infrastructure and courses should be redesigned with ICT features in mind for effective online learning. Furthermore, Nepalese higher educational institutions should step forward for institutional transformation, especially by following an ICT-friendly curriculum and structure with a gradual introduction of digital pedagogy in its regular courses.
RADIATION RISK ASSESSMENT IN MINING SITE OF PAAGO, ISEYIN LOCAL GOVT, OYO STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

The hazards of being over-exposed to ionizing radiation at various mining sites are of great concern to environmental scientists. This study aims to measure the activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th radionuclides at various mining sites of Paago, Iseyin local Government, Oyo state, Southwestern Nigeria using a well calibrated HPGe detector. Twenty (20) soil samples were obtained, analyzed, and compared with the WHO recommended standard. The results obtained indicate that 40K, 238U, and 232Th values ranging from 58.40 to 950.41Bqkg-1, 5.57 to 24.22Bqkg-1, and 4.1 to 25.93Bqkg-1. The gamma absorbed dose rate in the soil samples ranged from 6.85nGyh-1 to 45.73nGyh-1, with mean absorbed dose rate lower than the WHO recommended average value of 59nGh-1. The annual effective dose rates in the air varied from 14.26 to 19. 74μ Svyr-1 with an average value of 17.99 μSvy-1, while the highest and lowest values of radium equivalent in the soil were 113.68Bqkg-1 and 21.62Bqkg-1. These findings shows that the external and internal hazard indices obtained were less than unity and the means activity concentration of the three radionuclides was lower than the world average recommended value indicating that the study areas pose no significant radiological threat to the populaces, and the crops are safe for consumption.
Influence of Use of Individualized Educational Program in Teaching Science Subjects on Academic Performance in Sciences of Deaf Students’ at Ngala School for The Deaf, Nakuru County, Kenya

The study sought to determine the influence of use of individualized educational program in teaching science subjects on academic performance in sciences of deaf students’ at Ngala school for the deaf in Nakuru County. The study used a descriptive case study design. The target population is 472 respondents at Ngala secondary school of the deaf. Quantitative data was presented using percentages, frequency tables and charts. The study found out that the teachers discussed their individualized educational program with their students after every continuous assessment test and during academic clinics. Interview with the Principal indicated teachers were using individualized educational program in monitoring learners performance though this was being done to a less extend. Observation in learning trend revealed that, though teachers maintained higher standards of academic learning which were not limited to Academic Clinic, marking of exercise books, follow up on students corrections and doing revision of continuous assessment tests, there was no documentary evidence to support existence of individualized educational program in school.The study concluded that there are no record to support existence of an individualized educational program in school as the Law requires. This had made many learners with special needs who required individualized educational program to lag behind hence creating a gap in performance in sciences in national examinations. The study recommended that there is need for intensive immersion of teachers on individualized educational program preparation which may include organizing in-service teachers training Courses on individualized educational
High-resolution Holocene climate and hydrological variability from two major Mediterranean deltas (Nile and Rhone)

High-resolution records of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and terrestrial n-alkanes (TERR-alkanes) combined with pollen from the same sedimentary sequences were generated to assess variations in the Nile River discharge over the Holocene. These independent proxy records indicate a period of wetter conditions in the Nile watershed during the early-Holocene consistent with insolation-driven enhanced monsoon precipitation, known as the African Humid Period (AHP). The detection of a dry episode around 9200 yr BP in the TERR-alkane and pollen time series suggests a temporary weakening of the monsoon intensity most probably triggered by extratropical cooling in the North Atlantic. An interval of C4 grass expansion between 8800 and 8400 yr BP was also evidenced from the TERR-alkane distribution and confirmed by palynological data. SSTs of the coastal waters off the Nile delta reveal strong fluctuations in the early-Holocene followed by a slight warming and two pronounced cold intervals around 3500 yr BP and 1500 yr BP. Comparison of these results with the same proxy data acquired from the Rhone River sediments (NW Mediterranean Sea) highlights an east–west contrast in the climate signals.
Emerging Trends in Autonomous Vehicle Perception: Multimodal Fusion for 3D Object Detection

The pursuit of autonomous driving relies on developing perception systems capable of making accurate, robust, and rapid decisions to interpret the driving environment effectively. Object detection is crucial for understanding the environment at these systems’ core. While 2D object detection and classification have advanced significantly with the advent of deep learning (DL) in computer vision (CV) applications, they fall short in providing essential depth information, a key element in comprehending driving environments. Consequently, 3D object detection becomes a cornerstone for autonomous driving and robotics, offering precise estimations of object locations and enhancing environmental comprehension. The CV community’s growing interest in 3D object detection is fueled by the evolution of DL models, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Transformer networks. Despite these advancements, challenges such as varying object scales, limited 3D sensor data, and occlusions persist in 3D object detection. To address these challenges, researchers are exploring multimodal techniques that combine information from multiple sensors, such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR, to enhance the performance of perception systems. This survey provides an exhaustive review of multimodal fusion-based 3D object detection methods, focusing on CNN and Transformer-based models. It underscores the necessity of equipping fully autonomous vehicles with diverse sensors to ensure robust and reliable operation. The survey explores the advantages and drawbacks of cameras, LiDAR, and radar sensors. Additionally, it summarizes autonomy datasets and examines the latest advancements in multimodal fusion-based methods. The survey concludes by highlighting the ongoing challenges, open issues, and potential directions for future research.
First in situ observations of binary raindrop collisions

In this article, we present the first‐time observations of binary raindrop collisions in rainfall events. These observations constitute a critical step in concluding a long‐standing debate on the controlling physical process, binary raindrop collision versus spontaneous raindrop breakup, for the raindrop size distribution (DSD) evolution from cloud to ground level. Our raindrop collision observations were made possible by a new instrument called the High‐speed Optical Disdrometer (HOD) that we recently developed for precipitation microphysics investigations. Our approximately 1 year long field campaign that covered 33 rainfall events provided 11 observations of binary raindrop collisions and outcomes but no spontaneous breakup observation. The field‐observed collision rate (i.e., number of raindrop collisions within the measurement volume of the HOD per unit time) showed an increasing trend with increasing rain rate as expected from the theoretical collision rate predictions. Furthermore, the field‐observed collision rates were (i) comparable (for rain rates less than approximately 50 mm/h) and (ii) significantly larger (for larger rain rates) than the theoretically predicted rates that have been used in various numerical investigations that suggest the controlling role of raindrop collisions in DSD evolution. Our observations, yet to be supplemented with observations from comprehensive field campaigns at different geographic locations and rainfall events for a definitive conclusion, support the collision‐driven DSD evolution hypothesis.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceutical Residues from Water and Sewage Effluent Using Different TiO2 Nanomaterials

Pharmaceuticals are widely used and often discharged without metabolism into the aquatic systems. The photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds propranolol, mebeverine, and carbamazepine was studied using different titanium dioxide nanostructures suspended in water under UV and UV-visible irradiation. Among three different photocatalysts, the degradation was most effective by using Degussa P25 TiO2, followed by Hombikat UV100 and Aldrich TiO2. The photocatalytic performance was dependent on photocatalyst dosage, with an optimum concentration of 150 mg L−1. The natural aquatic colloids were shown to enhance the extent of photocatalysis, and the effect was correlated with their aromatic carbon content. In addition, the photocatalysis of pharmaceuticals was enhanced by the presence of nitrate, but inhibited by the presence of 2-propanol, indicating the importance of hydroxyl radicals. Under optimum conditions, the pharmaceuticals were rapidly degraded, with a half-life of 1.9 min, 2.1 min, and 3.2 min for propranolol, mebeverine, and carbamazepine, respectively. In treating sewage effluent samples, the photocatalytic rate constants for propranolol (0.28 min−1), mebeverine (0.21 min−1), and carbamazepine (0.15 min−1) were similar to those in water samples, demonstrating the potential of photocatalysis as a clean technology for the effective removal of pharmaceuticals from sewage effluent.