Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aero-microbiology of Selected Poultry Farms in Imo State, South Eastern, Nigeria

The aero-microbiology of selected poultry farms in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria was investigated by microbial analysis. Result revealed that in Owerri poultry farm, Pm2.5 had a range of 8-36±1.4 ug/m3, PM10 had a range of 19-55±1.4ug/m3, a temperature range of 34.1-37.8±4.2oC and a relative humidity of 63.3-81.6±0.0%, while poultry farm at Okigwe had Pm2.5 range of 8±1.4-21±1.4ug/m3, PM10 had a range of 20±1.4- 88±2.8ug/m3, a temperature range of 28.6±1.2-38.1±0.0oc, and a relative humidity of 63.4±0.0-87.0±1.4%. Total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), total coliform count (TCC), Total Staphylococal count(TSC) and total fungi count (TFC) examined showed that THBC group had the highest counts with a range of 1.2-20.8cfu/plate/mins along the distances at 15minutes, 2.7-21.4cfu/plate/mins at 30minutes and 3.5-21.8cfu/plate/mins at 45minutes. While in Okigwe, THBC which was also the highest had a range of 09-22.5 along the distances at 15minutes, 1.2-24.8cfu/plate/mins at 30minutes and 1.0-4.0cfu/plate/mins at 45 minutes. Bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus and Streptococcus species while the fungi isolated were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium Mucor and Rhizopus Species. Temperature, particulate matter and microbial counts were highest during the dry season, while relative humidity was highest during the rainy season respectively. It was observed that as time increased along the distances examined, microbial load also increased. The aero-microbiology of the farms studied showed that the air contained presence of bacteria and fungi of medical importance in both seasons, hence, there is the need to always ensure proper management and evaluation of poultry farms to avoid micro-organisms from exceeding their permissive limits.
Hybrid ZnO/MoS2 Core/Sheath Heterostructures for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

The rational synthesis of semiconducting materials with enhanced photoelectrocatalytic efficiency under visible light illumination is a long-standing issue. ZnO has been systematically explored in this field, as it offers the feasibility to grow a wide range of nanocrystal morphology; however, its wide band gap precludes visible light absorption. We report on a novel method for the controlled growth of semiconductor heterostructures and, in particular, core/sheath ZnO/MoS2 nanowire arrays and the evaluation of their photoelectrochemical efficiency in oxygen evolution reaction. ZnO nanowire arrays, with a narrow distribution of nanowire diameters, were grown on FTO substrates by chemical bath deposition. Layers of Mo metal at various thicknesses were sputtered on the nanowire surface, and the Mo layers were sulfurized at low temperature, providing in a controlled way few layers of MoS2, in the range from one to three monolayers. The heterostructures were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and spectroscopy (XPS, Raman, PL). The photoelectrochemical properties of the heterostructures were found to depend on the thickness of the pre-deposited Mo film, exhibiting maximum efficiency for moderate values of Mo film thickness. Long-term stability, in relation to similar heterostructures in the literature, has been observed.
A toxicokinetic study reflecting the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of deoxynivalenol in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT To identify the specific biomarkers of exposure of DON in chickens, a toxicokinetic study was performed via oral or intravenous application of deoxynivalenol (DON). Doses of 0.75 and 2.25 mg DON/kg of body weight (BW) were administrated intravenously or orally to the chickens. Next, blood samples were collected at several time points and plasma was obtained. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass-spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was used to quantify plasma levels of DON and its metabolite DON-3-sulphate (DON-3S). A non-compartmental analysis was performed to study the main toxicokinetic parameters after intravenous or oral application of the toxin. Regarding oral administration, DON plasma level was below the limit of detection (LOD) of the method (1.5 ng/mL) and DON-3S could not be identified. After intravenous administration of DON at 0.75 and 2.25 mg DON/kg BW, the elimination half-life was 57.1 and 47.7 min, respectively, indicating the rapid elimination of DON. The metabolite DON-3S was found in plasma of broilers exposed to DON intravenously. The absence of DON in chicken plasma after oral bolus application suggests the low absorption of this mycotoxin. The presence of DON-3S in plasma indicates that this metabolite could be the appropriate biomarker of DON exposure in chickens.
Analyzing Prospective Owners’ Choice Decision towards Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Urban India: A Stated Preference Discrete Choice Experiment

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can help decarbonize road transport in urban India. To accelerate the diffusion of PHEVs, investigation of commuter preferences towards the attributes of PHEVs is necessary. Therefore, the present study analyzes prospective owners’ choice decisions towards PHEVs in a typical Indian context. A stated preference survey was designed to collect responses from the current owners of conventional vehicles (CVs) in Delhi, India, and Mixed Logit (ML) models were developed to estimate commuters’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for a set of key PHEV-specific attributes. The decomposition effect of prospective owners’ sociodemographic characteristics and trip characteristics on the mean estimates of random parameters was investigated by developing ML models with heterogeneity. Subsequently, the influence of improvement of each PHEV-specific attribute on prospective owners’ choice probability was investigated by calculating marginal effects. Among the various PHEV-specific attributes considered in the present study, high WTPs are observed for decrease in battery recharging time, reduction in tailpipe emission and increase in electric range. Therefore, an added emphasis on these attributes by vehicle manufacturers is likely to enhance the attractiveness of PHEVs to Indian commuters. The results also highlight the importance of government subsidy for promoting PHEVs in the Indian market. Prospective owners’ income, availability of home-based parking space, and average daily trip length are found to significantly influence the choice decision of Indian commuters towards PHEVs.
Effect of a Training Program on Hepatic Fat Content and Cardiometabolic Risk in Postmenopausal Women: The Randomized Controlled Trial

This 10-week randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of two different training modalities on hepatic fat content and cardiometabolic risk in sedentary postmenopausal women. Besides, alterations in physical fitness, hepatic fat content, and cardiometabolic risk will be associated with changes in those blood parameters that are usually modifiable by exercise training. Postmenopausal women (N = 32; ~61 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups; (1) based on international exercise recommendations (EX group; n = 16), (2) exercise plus whole-body electromyostimulation (EX+EMS group; n = 16). Cardiometabolic risk score was calculated based on the international diabetes federation’s clinical criteria. Hepatic fat content was estimated using the fatty liver index. After the intervention, the cardiometabolic risk and the fatty liver index decreased, showing a higher impact on EX + WB-EMS. Physical fitness was assessed through aerobic and strength tests belonging to “Eurofit Testing Battery”. In all of them, significant differences were observed (p < 0.001), though EX+ EMS experienced better improvements (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 10-week exercise training program, especially with WB-EMS, triggered improvements in physical fitness and reduced cardiometabolic risk and hepatic fat content in sedentary postmenopausal women.
User Information Satisfaction Among Female Refugees and Immigrants as Assessed by the Level of Information Literacy on Social Media

Female refugees and immigrants face various challenges in accessing, using, and sharing information during their integration process. In the context of COVID-19, this study aims to identify the user information satisfaction of female refugees and immigrants living in Finland and Sweden. Using a dataset comprising 232 respondents, the research model was examined through structural equation modelling. The results show that information overload in social media streams has an impact on information fatigue and consequently on the information avoidance behaviour of the target group. The results also show that information literacy helps to avoid social media information overload, in addition to its direct effect on user information satisfaction. Being familiar with the perceived COVID-19 challenges also positively impacts user information satisfaction. In view of the fact that European countries are receiving an everincreasing number of refugees and immigrants, the findings of this study provide both theoretical and practical contributions.
BEST PRACTICE OF ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT: THE IMPACT ON RURALS’ BANK PERFORMANCE

This research aims to examine the role of enterprise risk management (ERM) on rural banks' performance. ERM is measured by the structure, governance, and process in the risk management process. The bank performance as the dependent variable use measurement both financial and non-financial. The study sample is the rural banks in Riau Island provinces, consisting of 63 questionnaires as the data for further analysis. The result showed that ERM enhances the rural banks' performance, both financial and non-financial. It showed that the practice of ERM does well when the rural bank is well-established.
Sensitivity analysis of solute kinetics in a four compartmental model for hemodialysis patients

Sensitivity Analysis of the most advanced four compartmental mathematical model explaining solute kinetic in the hemodialysis patients was performed on the basis of the data collected from six patients with different Body Mass Indices (BMIs). The toxin concentration in all compartments increases with the decrease in the BMIs of the patients. The clearance rate, kclear, and the volume of extracellular compartment, VE, are the most sensitive while the volume of the muscle tissue compartment, VMT, and the clearance rate, kMT, are the least sensitive parameters during dialytic interval. The production rate, G, and the volume of the extracellular compartment, VE, are the most sensitive while kclear and kE, AT are the least sensitive parameters of all parameters during the interdialytic interval. The overall production rate, G, remains more sensitive than the clearance rate, kclear during one complete cycle.
Compensatory video gaming. Gaming behaviours and adverse outcomes and the moderating role of stress, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness

ABSTRACT Based on the general assumption that even problematic behaviours are associated with an inherently health-promoting motivation to cope with unpleasant or unsatisfying life situations, the compensatory model of media use focuses on how psychosocial vulnerabilities moderate links between media behaviours and adverse outcomes. The present paper means to further develop this approach by exploring the moderating role of state- and trait-level factors (state: perceived stress; trait: social interaction anxiety and loneliness) on the relation between video game consumption (i.e. playing duration and habitual gaming), motivations (i.e. achievement, social, immersion), and engagement (harmonious and obsessive engagement) within a large-scale sample of mostly heavy gamers. Overall, results provided further evidence for the compensatory approach, with perceived stress emerging as a critical psychosocial factor that intensified positive and negative relations between several gaming behaviours and harmful outcomes. Moreover, our results reiterated the heuristic importance of intra- and interpersonally pressured (i.e. obsessive) engagement to explain adverse gaming outcomes as well as self-determined (i.e. harmonious) engagement as a potentially fruitful gateway toward more healthy gaming. These findings constitute solid empirical groundwork that may contribute to effective prevention and intervention methods against problematic gaming.
Nexus between Economic Phenomena and Growth Rate of Fishery Sector in Nigeria

Time series data that spanned from 1981-2019 sourced from CBN, FAO, and UNCTAD data banks were used to determine the growth of fishery sector in Nigeria. The obtained data was analyzed using the two-step methodology of Engel and Granger, Granger causality, and the impulse response function. The result showed evidence of co-integration between fishery GDP growth rate and the economic phenomena. Also, the GDP growth rate of the sector is efficient as it established a long-run equilibrium but the slow pace at which it corrects the distortion in its equilibrium makes the state of the efficiency to be a weak one. Furthermore, the fishery’s GDP growth rate is affected by high inflationary trend, red-tapism, and poor credit utilization. Empirical evidences showed that unexpected local shocks on the economic phenomenon will have a transitory effect on FGDP growth rate, thus will die-out over time. It was observed that the effect of the internal mechanism on the growth rate is passive while the external system effect is active on the growth rate. Therefore, the study recommends the need for policy strengthening by the concerned stakeholders viz: tiding of inflationary trend, red-tapism, and ineffective credit utilization, thus enhancing the growth of the sector.
Maxwell Points of Dynamical Control Systems Based on Vertical Rolling Disc - Numerical Solutions

We study two nilpotent affine control systems derived from the dynamic and control of a vertical rolling disc that is a simplification of a differential drive wheeled mobile robot. For both systems, their controllable Lie algebras are calculated and optimal control problems are formulated, and their Hamiltonian systems of ODEs are derived using the Pontryagin maximum principle. These optimal control problems completely determine the energetically optimal trajectories between two states. Then, a novel numerical algorithm based on optimisation for finding the Maxwell points is presented and tested on these control systems. The results show that the use of such numerical methods can be beneficial in cases where common analytical approaches fail or are impractical.
Contemporary friendships and social vulnerability among youth: Understanding the role of online and offline contexts of interaction in friendship quality

The prevalence of internet-connected devices in everyday life means that social interactions now frequently take place online. However, for socially vulnerable youth, it may be particularly important to examine distinctions between online and offline contexts of friendships. The current study sought to increase understanding of friendships in the digital era by exploring the associations of social anxiety and loneliness with frequency of interactions with friends, and in turn, friendship quality, as moderated by primary context of interaction with friends (online, offline, or equally online and offline). A sample of Australian young adults (N = 658; 59.8% female; Mage = 19.41, SD = 2.04) who reported having friendships conducted across both online and offline contexts were included in the study. A serial mediation model tested the effects of social anxiety on perceptions of friendship quality, through loneliness and frequency of interacting with friends. The findings suggest that social vulnerabilities are negatively associated with friendship quality for young adults who primarily interact with friends offline or both online and offline. However, among those who primarily interact with friends online, social vulnerabilities are not significantly associated with friendship quality. These results provide insight into contemporary friendships and highlight how social vulnerabilities are associated with perceptions of friendship quality across online and offline settings.
Deathly storytelling in the ecological city: how pigeons became falcon food in Baltimore, Maryland

ABSTRACT Cities are important sites of accumulation within capitalism, but also home for many humans and non-humans. Rock pigeons (Columba livia) are ubiquitous, but not always welcome, and are thus subjected to a variety of exclusionary tactics – including killing. On the other hand, charismatic non-humans like peregrine falcons (Falco perigrinus) are often encouraged to occupy prominent urban spaces by local government, conservation groups, businesses, and media. This paper explores how the presence of pigeons and falcons came to be valued differently within the urban context of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. I examine how the stories being told about falcons and pigeons play an important role in defining their value, in particular in relation to the city’s role as a site of capitalist accumulation. Baltimore specific stories which posit pigeons as an ecologically important food source for falcons, and credit falcons with reducing urban pigeon populations imbue both species of non-humans with particular values in relation to one another. My analysis reveals that new values are placed on non-human death in the city through storytelling, and, in an imagined triumph of capitalism, the city is redeemed as a space of human and non-human flourishing in the face of anthropogenic environmental contamination.
Equilibrium optimizer of interswarm interactive learning strategy

ABSTRACT This paper proposes an equilibrium optimiser of interswarm interactive learning strategy to plan the shortest flight path of drones. This paper divide the population into a learning swarm and a learned swarm. When the global best fitness value does not change in consecutive k generations, interswarm interactive learning behaviour is triggered. In addition, this paper also proposes a global optimal disturbance strategy to improve the exploitation capability of particles and balances exploration and exploitation by introducing linearly decreasing inertia weights. The algorithm is tested on 23 benchmark functions, and the test results show that the algorithm has greater advantages.
Seeing or acting? The effect of performing gestures on foreign language vocabulary learning

We evaluate the impact of gestures during the teaching of vocabulary in a foreign language (FL). Spanish speakers learned words in a FL in four gesture conditions according to the relationship between the meaning of the words and the gestures (congruent gestures, incongruent gestures, gestures without meaning, and no gestures). The participants learned the words by performing gestures (‘do’ teaching group) or by observing the gestures performed by others (‘see’ teaching group). Compared to the meaningless gesture condition, the processing of congruent gestures facilitated the recall of second language (L2) words in the ‘see’ and ‘do’ teaching groups. However, the interference effect associated with the processing of incongruent gestures was greater in the ‘see’ teaching group than in the ‘do’ teaching group. Thus, the performance of gestures seems to mitigate the negative impact that the use of gestures may have on the teaching of vocabulary in a foreign language.
A solid‐state time‐temperature indicator used in chilled fresh pork monitoring

A solid‐state enzymatic time‐temperature indicator (TTI) was developed in this paper. Glucoamylase microcapsules, emulsifier, and substrate solution were mixed uniformly, then the mixture was coated on a paper and could be activated by an agar cover. Both single factors and orthogonal experiments were conducted to obtain qualified formulations whose endpoints ranged from 5 to 6 days with storage temperature maintained at 4°C. The Arrhenius activation energy (EA) of obtained TTIs was also calculated at 107, 97.5, 88.0, 107, 98.5, 87.7, and 89.7 kJ/mol. For the application of TTIs to chilled fresh pork monitoring, both the spoilage mechanism and kinetic properties of pork were studied and an EA value of 64.7 kJ/mol was obtained. After isothermal verification, a qualified TTI formulation was obtained, of which the mass of glucoamylase microcapsules was 0.02 g, the mass of amylose was 5 g, the concentration of iodine solution was 0.1M, and the thickness of agar cover was 2 mm. The time‐temperature history of chilled fresh pork can be indicated by the colour response of the TTI.
Alleviating File System Journaling Problem in Containers for DBMS Consolidation

SUMMARY Containers o ﬀ er a lightweight alternative over virtual machines and become a preferable choice for application consolidation in the clouds. However, the sharing of kernel components can violate the I / O performance and isolation in containers. It is widely recognized that ﬁle system journaling has terrible performance side e ﬀ ects in containers, especially when consolidating database management systems (DBMSs). The sharing of journaling modules among containers causes performance dependency among them. This dependency violates resource consumption enforced by the resource controller, and degrades I / O performance due to the contention of the journaling module. The operating system developers have been working on novel designs of ﬁle systems or new journaling mechanisms to solve the journaling problems. This paper shows that it is possible to overcome journaling problems without re-designing ﬁle systems or implementing a new journaling method. A careful conﬁguration of containers in existing ﬁle systems can gracefully solve the problems. Our recommended conﬁguration consists of 1) per-container journaling by presenting each container with a virtual block device to have its own journaling module, and 2) accounting journaling I / Os separately for each container. Our experimental results show that our conﬁguration resolves journaling-related problems, improves MySQL performance by 3.4x, and achieves reasonable performance isolation among containers. key
Optimal Secret Protections in Discrete-Event Systems

In this article, we study a security problem of protecting secrets in discrete-event systems modeled by deterministic finite automata. In the system, some states are defined as secrets, each of which is associated with a security level. The problem is to design an event-protecting policy such that any event sequence from the initial state that reaches a secret state contains a number of protected events no less than the required level of security. To solve this secret securing problem, we first develop a layered structure called the security automaton. Then, we show that the problem is transformed to a supervisory control problem in the security automaton. We consider two criteria of optimality on protecting policies: 1) disruptiveness, i.e., protecting policies with a minimum degree of disturbance to legal users’ normal operations; and 2) cost, i.e., protecting policies with a minimal cost. For the optimality on disruptiveness, we prove that a minimally disruptive protecting policy is obtained by using the classical supervisory control theory in the security automaton. For the optimality on cost, we develop a method to obtain a protecting policy with minimal cost by finding a min-cut in the security automaton.