Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Type of Student Engagement That Exists in English Classrooms of Public Basic Schools in Ghana

Current studies on student engagement and achievement posited that there are three dimensions of student engagement and there is a correlation between the three dimensions of student engagement and achievement. Several researches conducted in Ghana have looked at aspects of student engagement. However, the issue of poor academic performance continues to be a huge challenge. It is imperative therefore to conduct a study to find out the type of student engagement that exists in the public basic schools, in order to find out the underlying factor that impedes good performance in these schools as a way of finding solution to the challenge of poor performance. The study employed a quantitative approach of inquiry, using 61 English language teachers in the Cape Coast metropolis in Ghana. The data was collected by a five-point Likert Scale questionnaire which was analysed using descriptive statistics (Means and Standard Deviation). The study found out that, though there are traits of the three dimensions of student engagement, the dominant dimension was the Emotional. Thus, in Cape Coast, the three dimensions are not at play in the English classrooms so achievement could not happen.
Semi-supervised Deep Learning in Motor Imagery-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces with Stacked Variational Autoencoder

Recently, deep learning methods have contributed to the development of motor imagery (MI) based brain-computer interface (BCI) research. However, these methods typically focused on supervised deep learning with the labelled data and failed to learn from the unlabelled data, where additional information may be critical for performance improvement in MI decoding. To address this problem, we propose a semi-supervised deep learning method based on the stacked variational autoencoder (SVAE) for MI decoding, where the input to the network is an envelope representation of EEG signal. Under the framework of SVAE, the labelled training data and unlabelled test data can be trained collaboratively. Experimental evaluation on the BCI IV 2a dataset reveals that SVAE outperforms competing methods and it also yields state-of-the-art performance in decoding MI tasks. Hence, the proposed method is a promising tool in the research of the MI-based BCI system.
Design and Implement the Continuous Flickering SSVEP-BCI in Augmented Reality

Brain-computer interface (BCI) provides a new way to express our minds without peripheral nerves and muscles. In this work, a process control recognition method based on continuous flickering is proposed to output continuous commands. Phase matching method was applied in this work, matching the test data with the template with the same phase to improve the accuracy. We also put forward a high tolerance criterion and give a new definition to the recognition result of attention shift period. We first conducted a screen-based continuous flickering feasibility verification experiment using correlation component analysis algorithm (TRCA) method, and the recognition accuracy reached 85% and 90% under high tolerance criterion. The average offline simulation information translates rate (ITR) was 455.8 bit/min, and the highest ITR reached 524.7bit/min, which certificated the feasibility. Furthermore, we carried out a drone control experiment based on augmented reality (AR)-BCI using extended filter bank canonical correlation analysis (extended-FBCCA), and achieved an average accuracy of 90% and ITR of 49.1 bit/min, having better performance than repetitive visual stimulus (RVS) with intervals.
Development of a Framework to Understand Tables in Engineering Specification Documents

Several works have been done in the last decades for understanding tables in documents, but most of them were not specifically designed to understand tables in engineering specification documents. Tables in engineering specifications have characteristics such as various table structures with restricted terms. A framework is developed to address the issues in understanding tables in engineering specification documents. The framework consists of three steps: (1) Identifying minimal tables, (2) classifying cells, and (3) extending a domain knowledge map. A modified XY-tree algorithm was developed to find minimal tables, and a neural network algorithm was adopted to classify cells into labels and data. Then, specific domain rules were developed to discover concepts and relationships from terms in the classified cells. It is assumed a domain ontology is given, and it is extended with new concepts and relationships extracted from tables. We illustrated how each step performed with engineering table examples. The proposed framework could be used for searching product specification and for discovering hidden knowledge from tables in engineering specification documents.
Interval-Based LDA Algorithm for Electrocardiograms for Individual Verification

This paper presents an interval-based LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis) algorithm for individual verification using ECG (Electrocardiogram). In this algorithm, at first, unwanted noise and power-line interference are removed from the ECG signal. Then, the autocorrelation profile (ACP) of the ECG signal, which is a mathematical representation of the degree of similarity between a given time series and a lagged version of itself over successive time intervals, is calculated. Finally, the interval-based LDA algorithm is applied to extract unique individual feature vectors that represent distance and angle characteristics on short ACP segments. These feature vectors are used during the processes of enrollment and verification of individual identification. To validate our algorithm, we conducted experiments using the MIT-BIH ECG and achieved EERs (Equal Error Rate) of 0.143%, showing that the proposed algorithm is practically effective and robust in verifying the individual’s identity.
Genetic diversity and relationship of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) germplasm as revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism markers

Abstract: Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial forage legume widely distributed in the northern temperate regions of the world. Its genetic improvement has been relatively slow due, in part, to the lack of genetic information including molecular characterization of sainfoin germplasm. An attempt was made to evaluate genetic diversity and relationships among 38 sainfoin accessions collected from different regions of the world using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Five AFLP primer pairs were used to assess 367 individual plants, which produced 1042 polymorphic AFLP bands. The frequencies of the scored bands in all assayed individuals ranged from 0.003 to 0.973, with a mean value of 0.165. The analysis of molecular variance revealed higher within-accession (84.3%) genetic variation than among accessions (15.7%). The genetic distance based on inter-accession distance matrices was significant for most accessions but was not significant for accessions sharing similar parents. A dendrogram of the collected accessions showed two clusters at an inter-accession genetic distance coefficient of 0.36. The revealed information on genetic distance and genetic diversity of the sainfoin accessions is useful for selecting genetically diverse germplasms for sainfoin genetic improvement efforts.
Development of in vitro and in vivo models of uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer of the eye in adults. Despite successful treatment of the primary tumour, approximately half of patients diagnosed with UM will develop metastases. To date, treatments for metastatic UM have had only limited effect, hence prognosis remains poor. Metastatic UM occurs predominantly in the liver. The mechanisms responsible for this remain largely unknown. Investigations into the molecular and cellular processes underlying UM development and metastasis are essential to develop therapeutic approaches directed against dissemination of this disease. In vitro and in vivo models play a crucial role in basic and translational oncology research. The scope of the work presented in this thesis was to develop innovative and clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo preclinical models that reproduce various aspects of metastatic processes in UM. In Chapter 2, primary UM cells were used to establish 3D tumour spheroids which retained many morphological and molecular characteristics of the original tumour. These 3D tumour spheroids more accurately mimic the 3D in vivo environment in which cancer cells reside and as a result can be used in co-culture assays, drug assays, and further transferred to an animal model to examine metastatic progression. Chapter 3 outlined one such in vivo model; the chick embryo. This model represents an accessible and economical in vivo model that has long been used in developmental biology. A panel of UM cell lines that represent the characteristic genetic and morphological profile in UM were used to form tumour nodules on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and metastatic colonisation in internal organs following intravenous injection. Cells predominantly homed to the chick embryo eye spreading widely within the uveal tract, and to the liver, representative of the disease in patients allowing for a better understanding in the spread of this disease. Furthermore, cell lines forming tumour nodules on the CAM can be further used to assess candidate therapeutic drugs in an in vivo setting. Chapter 4 aimed to investigate such drug candidates by assessing the effects of targeted clinical inhibitors on UM cell lines. One particular inhibitor, the bromodomain PPI inhibitor JQ1, caused cell cycle arrest in two UM cell lines paving the way for many further insightful investigations. The models established in this thesis represent valuable, inexpensive and rapid in vitro and in vivo systems that can improve our understanding of the metastatic process in UM and provide a platform for the preliminary testing of potential new agents to aid molecular-based cancer therapy.
Study on the Control Effect of Sedimentation on Coalbed Methane in Daning-Jixian Area, Ordos Basin

Daning-jixian area is the main distribution area of Carboniferous-Permian coal-bearing rock series in eastern Ordos basin. the enrichment of coalbed methane in the study area is not only controlled by the modern characteristics of the structure, but also closely related to the buried-palaeogeothermal-hydrocarbon history of coal reservoirs under the control of tectonic evolution, which is an important kinetic factor for coalbed methane enrichment. The characteristics, lithology, lithofacies and spatial assemblages of coal-bearing rocks are controlled by the sedimentary environment, and the multigenerational reservoir-cap assemblage increases the thickness and sealing property of the caprock, so the depositional action is very large It controls the coal reservoir gas material base, reservoir cover combination characteristic and reservoir property, and affects the coal bed methane preservation through the combination relation between coal seam and surrounding rock.
Putative hydrophobins of black poplar mushroom (Agrocybe cylindracea)

ABSTRACT Hydrophobin proteins were extracted from Agrocybe cylindracea mycelia, the culture media (potato dextrose broth, PDB), and fruiting bodies. The putative hydrophobins obtained showed approximate sizes ranging from 8.0 to 25.0 kDa, dependent on their source. Multiple hydrophobin protein bands were detected in fruiting bodies. The hydrophobin yielded from aerial mycelia, or fruiting bodies, was approximately 6 mg/g dried weight. The crude extracts were examined for their properties in regards to surface modification, emulsification, and surface activity. Coating of hydrophobic Teflon sheet with crude extract made the surface significantly hydrophilic, whereas exposure of glass surfaces to extracts resulted in enhanced hydrophobicity. Crude extracts from culture media of A. cylindracea displayed emulsifying activity when mixed with hexane and could significantly reduce the surface tension of 60% ethanol and deionised water. The putative hydrophobin protein band from culture media (9.6 kDa), as analysed using LC-MS/MS, contained an amino acid fragment structurally similar to class I hydrophobin proteins from Basidiomycetes.
Tolerance and accumulation of lead by endophytic association between Festuca arundinacea and Lewia sp.

Endophyte assisted phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly alternative for the remediation and treatment of soils contaminated with heavy metals. The effect of the association between endophytic fungus (Lewia sp.) and Festuca arundinacea on the tolerance and accumulation of lead (Pb) was studied after 45 days of culture in contaminated soil. The tolerance to 2,500 mg Pb Kg-1 was quantified by biomass production and the accumulation of lead in shoots and roots. The phytoremediation potential was quantified by estimating the tolerance index (TI), the bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). The Pb accumulation in roots (14 ± 4.2 mg g-1), was 3-fold higher in plants inoculated in comparison with only plant (3.73 ± 0.64 mg g-1); The TI was 0.76 and 0.56, the BCF was 0.31 and 0.23 for inoculated and non-inoculated plants, respectively. The TF was not detected in both cases, indicates that when working with this association there is not risk of trophic transfer of lead, according to parameters obtained, Lewia sp. improved growth and tolerance of F. arundinacea in Pb contaminated soil. The association between F. arundinacea-Lewia sp. can be considered a promising endophytic association for the remediation in situ.
Capture of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Traps Baited with Torula Yeast Solution Versus Cucumber Volatile Plugs

Abstract Several species of invasive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most damaging pests of agricultural crops in the world. Detection of these pests relies primarily on traps baited with male-specific lures. Traps with protein food baits are also employed to attract females, but these baits are fairly weak, and there is considerable interest in developing more powerful lures for female tephritids. Recently, a plug that emits cucumber volatiles was developed as a lure for cucurbit-infesting species, and a recent field study showed that traps baited with these plugs attracted more females of the Australian cucurbit pest Bactrocera cucumis (French) than traps containing a protein bait. The objective of the present study was to gather additional data regarding captures of a closely related species, the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), in traps baited with a torula yeast and borax (TYB) solution (a standard food lure) compared with traps baited with the cucumber volatile (CV) plug. Data collected from 5 locations on Oahu, Hawaii, showed that traps baited with the TYB solution captured significantly more melon flies than traps baited with the CV plugs. At 4 sites, where hosts were scattered, melon fly captures were relatively low, and males were trapped in significantly greater numbers than females in both TYB- and CV-baited traps. At the remaining site, hosts were very abundant, melon fly captures were high, and females were trapped in significantly greater numbers than males in both TYB- and CV-baited traps. Possible explanations for the superior performance of TYB-baited traps are discussed.
Career counselling university students with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT One of the central missions of career counselling in higher education is to promote diversity, making the helping process more accessible and effective for students with special needs. With this goal in mind, some key issues pertaining to the career development needs and challenges of young university students with learning disabilities (LDs) are addressed in this article. The focus in the article is on the major psychological dynamics of the target group, linking LDs to the life-career experiences of these students in light of career maturity and career self-efficacy. Career counselling implications for this group are proposed, considering the role of the career counselling professionals in promoting social justice and supporting those with particular barriers.
Rôles du facteur sigma à fonction extracytoplasmique SigX dans l'adaptation, la formation de biofilm et la réponse à des stress de l'enveloppe chez Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa est un pathogene opportuniste de l’Homme responsable de nombreuses infections des voies pulmonaires et urinaires chez des patients immunodeprimes. Largement etudie pour son implication dans la severite des symptomes lies a la mucoviscidose, le« bacille pyocyanique » constitue un enjeu majeur en termes de securite sanitaire puisqu’il represente apres Escherichia coli et Staphylococcus aureus la 3eme cause d’infections nosocomiales en France (INVS, Enquete nationale de prevalence des infections nosocomiales en France, 2012). La persistance de P. aeruginosa notamment dans le cadre medical, est largement due a sa grande capacite a s’adapter et a se developper en communaute organisee au sein de biofilm. Le genome de P. aeruginosa contient de nombreux genes codant des systemes de regulation dont la majorite est impliquee dans des mecanismes de perception-transduction de signaux, conferant a la bacterie son fort pouvoir d’adaptation. Parmi ces systemes, les facteurs sigma a fonction extracytoplasmique (ECF), des sous-unites transitoires de l’ARN polymerase, jouent un role fondamental dans la resistance et l’adaptation aux stress. SigX est un facteur sigma ECF, implique dans la virulence et la formation de biofilms, ainsi que dans la production des acides gras a courte chaine. Au cours de cette etude, les fonctions cellulaires de SigX ont ete precisees, Nous avons montre que SigX joue un role important dans la composition, la fluidite et la permeabilite membranaires, et par consequent dans le metabolisme de la cellule. L’activation de SigX en reponse a des conditions entrainant un stress de l’enveloppe, telles que la perte de la porine majoritaire OprF, la presence d’une concentration de sucrose dans le milieu de culture ou d’une concentration sub-inhibitrice de tobramycine, suggere que cet ECF, comme AlgU, pourrait appartenir a la classe des ECF de type RpoE.De maniere remarquable, certaines alterations de l’enveloppe pourraient induire la formation de biofilm, un phenotype impliquant au moins partiellement SigX. Il conviendra a present de caracteriser les mecanismes moleculaires conduisant a l’activation de SigX et de preciser le role de ce facteur sigma dans la formation de biofilm.
Invasive Species Management on Military Lands: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/ CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) based Gene Drives

Abstract : Applications of genetic engineering-based technologies to the control of invasive species are emerging as an important area of innovation. As a mechanism to spread the desired genes and associated traits into the tar-get population, gene drive is recognized as a promising genetic biocontrol strategy to combat invasive species. Unlike existing technologies that de-pend on the cumbersome custom-making of new proteins for each DNA target, the CRISPR system uses RNA as its DNA-homing mechanism, which makes it low cost, high efficiency, easy to implement, and dramatically shortens the design-build-test cycle for gene drive development. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology can alter multiple loci at the target gene that prevent mutations from blocking the spread of the drive. It can also be used to develop multiple types of gene drives such as precision, immunization, and reversal drives to precisely target a specific subpopulation, protect a population from any future gene drive invasions, and overwrite previously released drives in case of unanticipated effects, respectively. Poised to become a self-sustaining, highly efficient, environmentally benign, and cost-effective alternative for invasive species control, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene drives can sweep a deleterious gene through a population exponentially faster than the normal Mendelian in-heritance, and thus suppress or eradicate the target invasive species.
Transmission Line Scene Classification Based on Light-VGGNet

In recent years, power departments have gradually utilized UAV to carry out regular inspections of transmission lines to ensure the safety and stability of power systems. However, a large number of images without useful information are usually captured during the UAV inspection. These images that contain no transmission line information are transmitted to the ground station with informative images, which leads to the surge of workload. To solve this problem, we propose an intelligent image filtering method based on the VGGNet, which is called Light-VGGNet. Firstly, this paper collects the aerial images captured by cameras during the UAV inspection and builds an aerial dataset of transmission line scenes. Then, the Light-VGGNet is proposed, which achieves much lower memory consumption and faster running speed than those of the VGGNet. We use the aerial image dataset to train the proposed network. Finally, the best weight is loaded and utilized to predict the label of the test dataset.
Validating the Efficiency of the FeS2 Method for Elucidating the Mechanisms of Contaminant Removal Using Fe0/H2O Systems

There is growing interest in using pyrite minerals (FeS2) to enhance the efficiency of metallic iron (Fe0) for water treatment (Fe0/H2O systems). This approach contradicts the thermodynamic predicting suppression of FeS2 oxidation by Fe0 addition. Available results are rooted in time series correlations between aqueous and solid phases based on data collected under various operational conditions. Herein, the methylene blue method (MB method) is used to clarify the controversy. The MB method exploits the differential adsorptive affinity of MB onto sand and sand coated with iron corrosion products to assess the extent of Fe0 corrosion in Fe0/H2O systems. The effects of the addition of various amounts of FeS2 to a Fe0/sand mixture (FeS2 method) on MB discoloration were characterized in parallel quiescent batch experiments for up to 71 d (pH0 = 6.8). Pristine and aged FeS2 specimens were used. Parallel experiments with methyl orange (MO) and reactive red 120 (RR120) enabled a better discussion of the achieved results. The results clearly showed that FeS2 induces a pH shift and delays Fe precipitation and sand coating. Pristine FeS2 induced a pH shift to values lower than 4.5, but no quantitative MB discoloration occurred after 45 d. Aged FeS2 could not significantly shift the pH value (final pH ≥ 6.4) but improved the MB discoloration. The used systematic sequence of experiments demonstrated that adsorption and coprecipitation are the fundamental mechanisms of contaminant removal in Fe0/H2O systems. This research has clarified the reason why a FeS2 addition enhances the efficiency of Fe0 environmental remediation.