Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MAIZE IN GHANA: AN OVERVIEW OF CULTIVATION TO PROCESSING

Abstract. Maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation in Ghana has been ongoing for centuries. Maize production in Ghana, is predominantly done under rain-fed conditions by poorly resourced smallholder farmers. The agro-ecological zones for maize cultivation in Ghana can be mainly grouped into four; Coastal savannah zone, forest zone, transition zone and Guinea savannah zone. Maize accounts for 50% of the total cereal production in Ghana, with reported postharvest losses between 5% and 70%. Improving food security through a reduction of post-harvest losses is imperative for meeting current development objectives. Stored maize is attacked by 20 different species of insect pests including the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Mots.). There are traditional techniques still in use for maize storage (drying in field, on platform, on ground, and use of mud silos) and modern techniques (using metal silos, solar dryers, chemical, hermetic technique and Purdue Improved Drying Stove). There are various methods used in the maize shelling and storage. Purchasing of modern equipment for shelling and conditioning is highly unaffordable by these subsistence farmers. The lack of commercial or industrial processing of maize, and improper storage facilities is causing immense food losses and insecurity in Ghana. Due to this farmers are compelled to sell their bumper harvest at low prices, and those in barns and warehouses get rotten. The purpose of this paper was to review literature on the cultivation, post-harvest handling, and processing of maize grains in Ghana.
Reverted to Germline with Ig-Framework Regions Substantially HIV-1 with High Breadth and Potency Even Antibodies VRC01 and 10E8 Neutralize

Abs capable of effectively neutralizing HIV-1 generally exhibit very high levels of somatic hypermutation, both in their CDR and framework-variable regions. In many cases, full reversion of the Ab-framework mutations back to germline results in substantial to complete loss of HIV-1–neutralizing activity. However, it has been unclear whether all or most of the observed framework mutations would be necessary or whether a small subset of these mutations might be sufﬁcient for broad and potent neutralization. To address this issue and to explore the dependence of neutralization activity on the level of somatic hypermutation in the Ab framework, we applied a computationally guided framework-reversion procedure to two broadly neutralizing anti–HIV-1 Abs, VRC01 and 10E8, which target two different HIV-1 sites of vulnerability. Ab variants in which up to 78% (38 of 49 for VRC01) and 89% (31 of 35 for 10E8) of framework mutations were reverted to germline retained breadth and potency within 3-fold of the mature Abs when evaluated on a panel of 21 diverse viral strains. Further, a VRC01 variant with an ∼ 50% framework-reverted L chain showed a 2-fold improvement in potency over the mature Ab. Our results indicate that only a small number of Ab-framework mutations may be sufﬁcient for high breadth and potency of HIV-1 neutralization by Abs VRC01 and 10E8. Partial framework revertants of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing Abs may present advantages over their highly mutated counterparts as Ab therapeutics and as targets for immunogen design. The Journal of Immunology , 2014, 192: 000–000.
Local and Global Descriptors in CT Images for Efficient Pattern Classification

: Local and global features have recently attracted growing attention in the field of image processing and pattern recognition. The features from local binary pattern (LBP) for instance, usually lack global spatial information while global descriptors would provide very little local information. This paper develops two descriptors to tackle the existing problems in local and global features by providing more information to describe different textural structures in computed tomography (CT) images. The proposed global and local descriptors can provide more accurate classification results by using hybrid concatenation approach. The experimental procedures are validated for different scales of Emphysema images during the classification process in order to determine the appropriate image size that could yield the maximum classification accuracy. The experimental results show that the descriptors developed from the combined features considerably improve the performance of the classifiers. The results also indicate that the global descriptor outperforms the earlier approaches and demonstrate the discriminating power and robustness of the combined features for accurate classification of CT images.
Effect of Endodontic Irrigants on Root Dentin Microhardness: A Systematic Review

: Removal of the organic and inorganic components of the smear layer in the course of the endodontic treatment is achieved by the use of different endodontic irrigants. Despite their favorable disinfection abilities, they are reported to alter the biomechanical properties of root canal dentin. The aim of this article is to critically review published in vitro studies comparing effects of different irrigation regimes on dentinal microhardness and to identify, synthesize, and analyse the data available over the five-year period from March 2015 to March 2020. The literature search was done on PubMed - MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library and Science Direct database, then the articles were assessed by two independent reviewers. A total of thirteen papers out of 134 titles met the eligibility criteria. All studies reported reduction of root dentin microhardness after treatment with various endodontic solutions. EDTA reduced dentin microhardness to a greater extent in comparison with other solutions regardless of the application time and the total amount of the chelating agent. Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming proved to be a safe method for additional activation of disinfection solutions. solutions were gather the required literature appropriate filters.
The investigation of Tri-tone PSM and its performance

The half tone phase shift mask (PSM) gives significant improvement on DOF for hole pattern printing on wafer. However, we need to be careful when we use it on other patterns such as line and space or patterns surrounded by bright field, because sub-peak effect could cause deterioration of those patterns when they are printed on wafer. Toppan presents a new structure in which Cr film is partially placed on the half tone surface. With this structure, so called Tri-tone PSM, we can block harmful light transmission for non-hole patterns, while keeping the full characteristics of PSM effect on targeted patterns. This structure could also prevent the line shortening problem. Using this structure we can get good printability on smaller geometry without using Optical Proximity Correction(OPC) patterns(serif etc.). Of course this method can offer a perfect shielding of the opaque ring which prevent the wafer damage caused by light leakage. By using this Tri-tone structure, the application of half tone PSM, which is so far limited to hole patterns, would be extended to line patterns.
Backward Causation: Harder Than It Looks

Abstract According to David Albert, there are certain situations where we can cause events that lie in our past. In response to a well-known objection that we never observe backward causation, he argues that there are good reasons why we can’t tell when it obtains. However, I identify another difficulty with Albert’s view: at face value, it has the unattractive consequence that backward causation is not just possible, but rife. In this article, I show how this implication can be blocked. I then use my analysis to defend Albert’s account from a second well-known objection, namely, that it allows us to control the past.
Development of a dynamic mill model structure for tumbling mills

In order to develop a common mathematical and simulation platform for tumbling mills, a review of existing mechanistic models was made identifying the key aspects of grinding and slurry transport which are common to all tumbling mills. A mill model structure has been developed for all types of tumbling mills based on the population balance framework by incorporating breakage characteristics, slurry and solids transport, product classification and discharge, and energy consumption. A size-dependant breakage model developed by the JKMRC is applied. Transport is separated from breakage events and treated as a main sub-model in the new model structure. The model structure is based on dynamic timestepping technique to enable dynamic simulation capability for non-steady-state simulation and control modelling. It is envisaged that the new model will cover a full range of milling conditions. It should enable a smooth transition between different mill types, such as from AG (Autogenous Grinding) to SAG to ball mill. The dynamic mill model structure developed here is the first step towards mechanistic modelling of grinding mills and provides great potential for the optimization of the comminution process.
Prosody and Language Contact: An Experimental Investigation of Interrogative Strategies in Navarro-Labourdin Basque

We report the outcome of a production experiment addressing the intonation of different interrogative strategies in Navarro-Labourdin Basque (a variety spoken in France that has received no attention in the intonational literature do far). We study wh- movement, wh-in-situ and polar questions and show that the ﬁnal raise associated to wh-in-situ and polar questions is very similar, which gives support to the hypothesis that in cer-tain languages a single intonational Q-morpheme may underlie both types of constructions ([2]). Following [1] we suggest that this property of Navarro-Labourdin Basque may derive from its close contact with French, a language with similar interrogative properties.
LSTM Path-Maker : une nouvelle stratégie pour la patrouille multiagent basée sur l’architecture LSTM

For over a decade, the multi-agent patrol task has received a growing attention from the multi-agent community due to its wide range of potential applications. However, the existing patrolling-speciﬁc algorithms based on deep learning algorithms are still in preliminary stages. In this paper, we propose to integrate a recurrent neural network as part of
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEURONAL NETWORKS ON MICROELECTRODE ARRAYS MASTER THESIS

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neural cultures have the potential to model neurodevelopment and specific pathologies, while displaying individual genetic backgrounds. These abilities make them a powerful tool for neurotoxicity testing platforms. Particularly developmental neurotoxicology (DNT) testing can benefit from these advantages. Today, DNT testing is time-consuming and resource expensive. Existing platforms mostly rely on rodents. This led to discussions about data reliability in the context of interspecies extrapolation, cost efficiency and ethical considerations. All this increased interest in human cell derived models. By integrating human iPSC technologies into DNT testing, some of these challenges can be met. By combining many assays and endpoints in a test battery, sufficient predictive power can be obtained and the usage of animal models can be reduced. One of the possible readouts are multi electrode arrays (MEA). MEA can give quantitative and qualitative information about neural cultures and their connectivity. This is done by non-invasive, indirect measurements of action potentials (AP) through the co-occurring extracellular currents. Then, parameters describing network activity are derived from the temporal and spatial distribution of these AP. This shows that MCC on are an eligible additive to neurotoxicological testing.
in Explanted Lymph Nodes Requirements for T Lymphocyte Migration

Although the requirements for T lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes (LNs) are well studied, much less is known about the requirements for T lymphocyte locomotion within LNs. Imaging of murine T lymphocyte migration in explanted LNs using two-photon laser-scanning ﬂuorescence microscopy provides an opportunity to systematically study these requirements. We have developed a closed system for imaging an intact LN with controlled temperature, oxygenation, and perfusion rate. Naive T lymphocyte locomotion in the deep paracortex of the LN required a perfusion rate of > 13 (cid:1) m/s and a partial pressure of O 2 (pO 2 ) of > 7.4%. Naive T lymphocyte locomotion in the subcapsular region was 38% slower and had higher turning angles and arrest coefﬁcients than naive T lymphocytes in the deep paracortex. T lymphocyte activation decreased the requirement for pO 2 , but also decreased the speed of locomotion in the deep paracortex. Although CCR7 (cid:2) / (cid:2) naive T cells displayed a small reduction in locomotion, systemic treatment with pertussis toxin reduced naive T lymphocyte speed by 59%, indicating a contribution of G (cid:3) i -mediated signaling, but involvement of other G protein-coupled receptors besides CCR7. Receptor knockouts or pharmacological inhibition in the adenosine, PG/lipoxygenase, lysophosphatidylcholine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate pathways did not individually alter naive T cell migration. These data implicate pO 2 ,
Correlations between Kidney and Heart Function Bioindicators and the Expressions of Toll-Like, ACE2, and NRP-1 Receptors in COVID-19

Abstract Background: COVID-19 impacts the cardiovascular system resulting in myocardial damage and also affects the kidneys leading to renal dysfunction. This effect is mostly through the binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and Neuropilin-1(NRP-l) receptors. Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) typically combine with microbial pathogens and provoke an inflammatory response. Aim: This work aims to compare the changes in kidney and heart function bioindicators and expressions of TLRs (TLR2 and TLR2) as well as ACE2 and NRP-l receptors in moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. The correlations between kidney and heart function bioindicators and expressions of these receptors are also studied. Patients and Methods: In this study, 50 healthy control and 100 COVID-19 patients (55 male and 45 female) were enrolled. According to WHO guidelines, these participants were divided into severe (50 cases) and moderate (50 cases). Serum creatinine, blood urea, CKMB, LDH, and Troponin I were estimated. We measured the gene expression for Toll-Like Receptors (TLR2, TLR4), ACE2, and NRP-1 in the blood samples using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT -PCR). Results: In comparison with the healthy group, all patients exhibited a significant elevation in serum creatinine, blood urea, cardiac enzymes, and CRP. As well, all studied patients revealed a significant elevation in the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, ACE2, and NRP-1 mRNA. In all patients, CKMB, ACE2, and NRP-1 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated to both TLR2 and TLR4 expression levels. Moreover, serum creatinine and blood urea were positively correlated to both TLR2 and TLR 4 expression levels in the severe group only. Conclusions: Our study concluded that expression levels for TLR2, TLR4, ACE2, and NRP-1 mRNA in both severe and moderate patients were positively correlated with renal biomarkers and cardiac enzymes. Innate immune markers can be important because they correlate with the severity of illness in COVID-19.
Review of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Automated Vehicles: Identifyingpotential barriers and challenges for the certification of automated vehicles using existing FMVSS

The purpose of this work is to identify instances where the existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) may pose challenges to the introduction of automated vehicles. It identifies standards requiring further review - both to ensure that existing regulations do not unduly stifle innovation and to help ensure that automated vehicles perform their functions safely. The Volpe team conducted two reviews of the FMVSS: a driver reference scan to identify which standards include an explicit or implicit reference to a human driver and an automated vehicle concepts scan to identify which standards could pose a challenge for a wide range of automated vehicle capabilities and concepts. In summary, the review revealed that there are few barriers for automated vehicles to comply with FMVSS, as long as the vehicle does not significantly diverge from a conventional vehicle design. Yet, automated vehicles that begin to push the boundaries of conventional design (e.g., alternative cabin layouts, omission of manual controls) would be constrained by the current FMVSS or may not fully meet the objectives of the FMVSS. Many standards, as currently written, are based on assumptions of conventional vehicle designs and thus pose challenges for certain design concepts, particularly for ‘driverless’ concepts where human occupants have no way of driving the vehicle. Some constraints, of course, may be warranted; this work does not assess the merits of potential future requirements for such vehicles.
Accelerated Project Delivery: Case Studies and Field Use of 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning in Caltrans Projects: Phase II – Additional Training and Materials

This report documents the AHMCT research project “Accelerated Project Delivery: Case Studies and Field Use of 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning in Caltrans Projects: Phase II – Additional Training and Materials. ” This work continued AHMCT’s Phase I efforts [8]. The report body provides motivation and background information for fixed 3D terrestrial laser scanning, along with the details for Caltrans District training and deployment. The report appendices provide in-depth material suitable for use in future Caltrans training, deployment, and ongoing use of 3D laser scanning, including: planning and scanning field work, point cloud registration, point cloud post-processing, scanner setup and troubleshooting, and an equipment packing list.
Design and optimization of mode converter based on long period fiber grating

A novel mode converter which is based on long period fiber grating (LPFG) is proposed. A graded-index optical fiber is introduced to induce strong mode coupling at wide bandwidth. By optimize the fiber configuration and parameters, and the appropriate choice of grating parameter, high mode conversion efficiency with cross-talk lower than -20 dB and wide operation bandwidth over 180 nm can be achieved.
Flight Test Assessments of Pilot Workload, System Usability, and Situation Awareness of Tasar

Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) is a NASA-developed on-board automation concept intended to identify trajectory improvement opportunities clear of known traffic, weather, and airspace restrictions prior to the aircrew initiating a trajectory-change request to Air Traffic Control (ATC). The software implementation of the TASAR concept is the Traffic Aware Planner (TAP). A flight trial was conducted with commercial airline pilots flying in a Piaggio Avanti flight test aircraft, with the TAP software installed onboard. This paper focuses on the results of the subjective assessments of pilots collected during this flight trial, specifically, pilot workload, situation awareness, and system usability. These data were subjected to statistical analyses, and the results generally indicate the following: there were no statistical differences for any measure as a function of pilot position in the aircraft; pilot cognitive workload was reported as low; and system usability ratings were reported as high. Generally, ratings of comprehensibility, usefulness, and usability of TAP’s human machine interface (HMI) and features were high. These results will be used to further refine and improve the capabilities and features of the TAP HMI in preparation for operational use with NASA partner airlines.
Economic evaluation and optimization model of pumped storage project under the background of new power system construction

Pumped storage is the main regulating power supply of power system. It is more urgent to build a new power system with new energy as the main body. In order to accelerate the development of pumped storage projects, it is urgent to improve the economic evaluation method of pumped storage projects under the background of new power system construction. Firstly, the value of pumped storage in ensuring the safety and reliability of the new power system, improving the utilization level of renewable energy, and improving the performance of power generation, distribution and consumption of the new power system is analyzed. Then, the economic evaluation model of pumped storage project is optimized, and an index system covering value contribution to the new power system, financial profitability and anti risk ability is constructed. Finally, through the comparative analysis of pumped storage and coal-fired power generation projects, the scientificity and rationality of the model are verified.
Covariance Evaluation for Nuclear Data of Interest to the Reactivity Loss Estimation of the Jules Horowitz Material Testing Reactor

In modern nuclear technology, integral reactor parameter uncertainty evaluation plays a crucial role for both economic and safety purposes. Target accuracies for operating and future nuclear facilities can be obtained only if the available simulation tools, such that computational platforms and nuclear data, are precise enough to produce reduced biases and uncertainties on target reactor parameters. The quality of any engineering parameter uncertainty quantification analysis strongly depends on the reliability related to the covariance information contained in evaluated libraries. To propagate properly nuclear data uncertainty on nuclear reactor parameters, science-based variance-covariance matrices are then indispensable. The present work is devoted to nuclear data covariance matrices generation for reactivity loss uncertainty estimations regarding the Jules Horowitz Reactor (JHR), a material testing facility under construction at CEA-Cadarache (France). During depletion, in fact, various fission products appear and the related nuclear data are often barely known. In particular, the strenuous and worldwide recognized problem of generating fission product yields covariances has been mainly considered. Present nuclear data libraries such as JEFF or ENDF/B do not have complete uncertainty information on fission yields, which is limited to only variances. The main goal of this work is to generate science-based and physically consistent fission yields covariances to be associated to the existing European library JEFF-3.1. 1. Variance-covariance matrices have been evaluated using CONRAD (COde for Nuclear Reaction Analysis and Data assimilation, developed at CEA-Cadarache) for the most significant fissioning systems.
Promotion of Nanotechnology for Properties of Anode Materials in Li-ion Batteries

In recent years, the lithium-ion battery has been considered as one of the most potential energy storage technologies. At present, with the promotion of various electronic products (such as mobile phones, computers, cameras, etc.) and the popularity of electric vehicles, the requirements for battery performance have been further enhanced. In the research of enhancing battery performance, the improvement of electrode material is the most important aspect. For the traditional carbon anode materials, its performance cannot meet the needs of the next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, it is urgent to find new generation anode materials with a high specific capacity, high power, high safety, high cycle performance, and low cost. Among many improved methods of anode materials, nanotechnology is often considered. It has a significant effect on improving the cycle life, rate performance, and safety of batteries. This paper will mainly discuss three promising anode materials (silicon, lithium titanate, and transition metal oxides) and their improvement methods based on nanotechnology, including the current research progress, advantages, and disadvantages.