Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two phased histogram of oriented gradient feature selection strategy for face recognition

Face recognition system, as any recognition process, depends highly on features extracted from face images. The selected features play a great role in deciding the recognition rate result. In this paper, a two-phase feature extraction and selection process is used for face recognition system. The process depends on histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) feature extraction and window size use to determine similarity between classes. Low number of features are used (big window size) to divide classes into small closed-similarity groups as first recognition phase. Then, the best matched class is found using larger number of features where differences between classes are bigger. The proposed method was applied to Essex face dataset using support vector machine (SVM) and Naive Bayesian (NB) methods for comparison. The proposed method achieved 5% and 10% better recognition rate compared to SVM and NB respectively.
Imperatives of Paradigm Shift in Current Pedagogical Strategies in Nigerian Public Universities

This paper is an exploratory research that focuses on the extent of preparedness by Nigerian Public Universities (NPUs) to cope with the challenges imposed by the Covid 19 pandemic. NPUs are characterized by traditional pedagogical approaches in academic engagements with students. The advent of Covid 19 requires a change from traditional strategy to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) mediated pedagogical approach to remove constraints imposed by compliance with Covid 19 protocols, namely social distancing, self – isolation and total lock down. Attempt to mitigate the ravaging effect of COVID 19 pandemic, led to the closure of universities in Nigeria (both private and public). This poses serious challenges to NPUs in that, while private universities activated their virtual learning environment for academic engagement with students during the lockdown, NPUs were incapacitated and are yet to be opened. The paper therefore examined the concept of virtual learning, the influence of ICT revolution on pedagogical strategies, the readiness of NPUs for virtual learning as well as constraints to virtual learning in NPUs. Some of the observable challenges facing virtual learning in NPUs include: poor ICT Policy, low internet penetration, high cost of access to the internet as well as attitudinal problems of students and lecturers towards ICT. Based on the problems highlighted, the following recommendations were made: formulation of an enduring ICT policy and its implementation by the Federal Government, adequate funding of NUPs, massive deployment of ICT infrastructure for virtual learning, reduced cost of internet services, provision of WiFi on the campuses, training programmes for lecturers and students on proficiency in ICT skills and improved access to internet facilities by lecturers and students in NPUs.
Ta2O5/SiO2 Multicomponent Dielectrics for Amorphous Oxide TFTs

Co-sputtering of SiO2 and high-κ Ta2O5 was used to make multicomponent gate dielectric stacks for In-Ga-Zn-O thin-film transistors (IGZO TFTs) under an overall low thermal budget (T = 150 °C). Characterization of the multicomponent layers and of the TFTs working characteristics (employing them) was performed in terms of static performance, reliability, and stability to understand the role of the incorporation of the high-κ material in the gate dielectric stack. It is shown that inherent disadvantages of the high-κ material, such as poorer interface properties and poor gate insulation, can be counterbalanced by inclusion of SiO2 both mixed with Ta2O5 and as thin interfacial layers. A stack comprising a (Ta2O5)x(SiO2)100 − x film with x = 69 and a thin SiO2 film at the interface with IGZO resulted in the best performing TFTs, with field-effect mobility (µFE) ≈ 16 cm2·V−1·s−1, subthreshold slope (SS) ≈ 0.15 V/dec and on/off ratio exceeding 107. Anomalous Vth shifts were observed during positive gate bias stress (PGBS), followed by very slow recoveries (time constant exceeding 8 × 105 s), and analysis of the stress and recovery processes for the different gate dielectric stacks showed that the relevant mechanism is not dominated by the interfaces but seems to be related to the migration of charged species in the dielectric. The incorporation of additional SiO2 layers into the gate dielectric stack is shown to effectively counterbalance this anomalous shift. This multilayered gate dielectric stack approach is in line with both the large area and the flexible electronics needs, yielding reliable devices with performance suitable for successful integration on new electronic applications.
Pressure Inactivation Kinetics of Enterobacter sakazakii in Infant Formula Milk

Survival curves of Enterobacter sakazakii inactivated by high hydrostatic pressure were obtained at four pressure levels (250, 300, 350, and 400 MPa), at temperatures below 30°C, in buffered peptone water (BPW; 0.3%, wt/vol) and infant formula milk (IFM; 16%, wt/vol). A linear model and four nonlinear models (Weibull, log-logistic, modified Gompertz, and Baranyi) were fitted to the data, and the performances of the models were compared. The linear regression model for the survival curves in BPW and IFM at 250 MPa has fitted regression coefficient (R2) values of 0.940 to 0.700, respectively, and root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.770 to 0.370. For the other pressure levels, the linear regression function was not appropriate, as there was a strong curvature in the plotted data. The nonlinear regression models with the log-logistic and modified Gompertz equations had R2 values of 0.960 to 0.992 and RMSE values of 0.020 to 0.130 within pressure levels of 250 to 400 MPa, respectively. These results indicate .
In situ detection of the chemistry of individual fog droplet residues in the Pearl River Delta region, China

We use a single‐particle aerosol mass spectrometer coupled with a ground‐based counterflow virtual impactor to measure the chemical compositions of individual submicron fog droplet residues. This is the first report on single particle mass spectrometry measurements of fog droplet residual particles at ground level in an urban area. We show that most of the fog droplet residues were composed of elemental carbon (EC) (67.7%), followed by K‐rich (19.2%) and mineral dust/metal (12.3%) particles. The predominance of EC‐containing particles demonstrated that these particles could be effective fog nuclei and highlights the important influence of anthropogenic emissions on regional climate system. Compared with interstitial and ambient aerosols, nitrate was enhanced, sulfate was depressed, and ammonium‐ and organics‐containing particles were hardly found in the fog droplet residues during fog events, suggesting that dust and metal particles containing nitrate may be preferentially activated and that ammonium and organics may not play important roles in fog formation in Guangzhou. We also present direct observational evidence that trimethylamine and hydroxymethanesulfonate are not found within fog droplet residues, although we previously observed enhanced gas‐to‐particle partitioning of these compounds by fog processing. Additionally, higher fraction or intensities of [K]+, [Fe]+, and [SiO3]− were found in fog droplet residues than in ambient and interstitial particles.
A Lightweight Secure and Energy-Efficient Fog-Based Routing Protocol for Constraint Sensors Network

The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has seen rapid growth in the development of real-time applications due to its ease of management and cost-effective attributes. However, the balance between optimization of network lifetime and load distribution between sensor nodes is a critical matter for the development of energy-efficient routing solutions. Recently, many solutions have been proposed for constraint-based networks using the cloud paradigm. However, they achieve network scalability with the additional cost of routing overheads and network latency. Moreover, the sensors’ data is transmitted towards application users over the uncertain medium, which leads to compromised data security and its integrity. Therefore, this work proposes a light-weight secure and energy-efficient fog-based routing (SEFR) protocol to minimize data latency and increase energy management. It exploits the Quality of Service (QoS) factors and facilitates time-sensitive applications with network edges. Moreover, the proposed protocol protects real-time data based on two levels of cryptographic security primitives. In the first level, a lightweight data confidentiality scheme is proposed between the cluster heads and fog nodes, and in the second level, a high-performance asymmetric encryption scheme is proposed among fog and cloud layers. The analysis of simulation-based experiments has proven the significant outcomes of the proposed protocol compared to existing solutions in terms of routing, security, and network management.
Mass loading induced frequency shift of a thickness-shear vibrating quartz crystal plate considering size effect based on the modified couple stress theory

Abstract An electromechanical coupling model for the thickness shear vibration of a size dependent quartz crystal plate with mass loading is established from the Hamilton’s principle and the modified couple stress theory. The influence of couple stress or size effect on frequency shift and average mass sensitivity of the sensor is studied by numerical examples. The results show that couple stress or size effect can increase the frequency shift and improve the mass sensitivity as well. The thinner the quartz plate, the more significant the size effect on the frequency shift, and the more beneficial it is for mass sensing. Moreover, for very thin quartz plate and large mass ratio, ignoring piezoelectricity will cause large error of frequency shift. But this error will decrease due to the dominant role of size effect when the sensor is thin to a certain thickness.
Novel Salt-Assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Technique for Environmental, Food, and Biological Samples Analysis Applications: A Review

Sample preparation has gained significant recognition in the chemical analysis workflow. Substantial efforts have been made to simplify the comprehensive process of sample preparation that is focused on green sample preparation methodology, including the miniaturization of extraction method, elimination of the sample pre-treatment as well as the post-treatment steps, elimination of toxic as well as hazardous organic solvent consumption, reduction in sample volume requirements, reducing the extraction time, maximization of the extraction efficiency and possible automation. Among various microextraction processes, liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) is most abundantly used in the extraction of the target analytes. The salting-out phenomenon has been introduced into the LPME procedure and has been raised as a new technique called the ‘Salt-Assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (SALLME)’. The principle is based on decreasing the solubility of less polar solvent or analyte with an increase in the concentration of the salt in aqueous solution leading to two-phase separation. SALLME proved to be a simple, rapid, and cost-effective sample preparation technique for the efficient extraction and preconcentration of organic and inorganic contaminants from various sample matrices, including environmental, biological, and food samples. SALLME exhibits higher extraction efficiency and recovery and compatible with multiple analytical instruments. This review provides an overview of developments in SALLME technique and its applications to till date.
When is it responsible to generalize from a single instance?

Although large samples are always better than small samples and always confer greater justification on general claims than small samples, this paper argues for situations where even a small sample can justifiably be thought to be representative of the population and we are justified in believing, or having a pro-attitude towards, a general claim by generalizing from it. It is not fallacious to make inductive inferences in these situations from small samples. I will describe three such scenarios. On the other hand, when it cannot justifiably be thought to be representative of the population then it is always fallacious, irrespective of other considerations. I will describe one such scenario in which generalizing from a small sample has been claimed to be justified on the grounds of cognitive economy and will show that this claim is false unless the scenario reduces to one of the first three. Since generalizing from a single instance is a limiting case of generalizing from a small sample, I will focus on generalizing from a single instance. Whatever can be shown with regard to a single instance follows a fortiori for all small samples. As it turns out, it is very difficult for a reasoner reasoning in good conscience to commit to a fallacy of hasty generalization, and if a fallacy can only be committed by insincere reasoners and cannot be made by reasoners reasoning in good conscience, then it is not very interesting, as it is not really an error in reasoning. The reason for this is that for the reasoner to have reasoned fallaciously, they must have knowingly ignored evidence, and this is something that a sincere reasoner is not likely to have done. Equally, the charge that someone has committed this fallacy is not easy to substantiate and amounts to accusing the reasoner of insincerity.
Performance Enhancement of 5G Millimeter Wave Antenna Module Integrated Tablet Device

This article describes the design and considerations for millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G antenna modules embedded in a tablet device. The antenna module consists of eight-chain broadside antenna array and two pairs of four-chain endfire antenna array. A dual-polarized air-filled stacked patch antenna is designed for the broadside patch antenna. Although the performance can be deteriorated due to a plastic cover, the proposed antenna enables an adaptable design for a dielectric cover. A novel surface-mountable chip antenna is also proposed, to implement a vertical polarized (V-pol.) endfire antenna on a low-profile substrate. To integrate a dual-polarized endfire antenna in a confined space, a horizontal polarized (H-pol.) mesh grid antenna and a V-pol. chip antenna are collinearly integrated. In addition, a plastic cover on the tablet is modified to enhance the performance of the endfire antenna array. The cumulative distribution function (cdf) of effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is utilized to evaluate spherical coverage, based on the 5G standard of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The spherical coverages are presented by varying the types of plastic cover, the effects of the blockage, and the number of mmWave 5G modules.
Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on the Proliferation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Chondrogenic Differentiation via Bmp2 /Smad Signaling Pathway

BackgroundAlthough Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) regiment has been applied to the treatment of cartilage injury clinically, the effect of LIPUS stress loading on the proliferation and differentiation of hUCMSCs is still controversial. Yet the specific mechanical mechanism of LIPUS stimulates cartilage differentiation of hUCMSCs has not been clarified.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) via BMP2 /smad signaling pathway in vitro.MethodThe hUCMSCs at P4 were randomly divided into control group(no LIPUS), L30 group (30mW/cm2), L50 group (50mW/cm2), L80 group (80mW/cm2), each LIPUS group respectively loaded 5, 10, 20 min/d, the cell proliferation activity was detected by CCK-8 assay after continuous irradiation for 5 days. For chondrogenic differentiation, hUCMSCs were divided 4 groups as follows: control group, Noggin group, LIPUS group, Noggin+LIPUS group, LIPUS irradiation was given 50w/cm2, 5min/d. Cartilage formation after 3 weeks was evaluated by Alician blue staining for GAG and COL II immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis of Sox-9, COL II Aggrecan, BMP2, Smad1, Smad5 and Smad9. Result： (1) The proliferation activity of L50 group(50w/cm2 , 5min/d) was noticeably higher compared with other groups, Alcian blue staining of GAG , COL II fluorescent staining in the LIPUS group were much stronger, quantitative RT-PCR assays showed that the expression of COL II, GAG, Sox-9, smad1, smad5 and smad9 in LIPUS group was significantly increased. Conclusion：The suitable LIPUS irradiation can promote cell proliferation, 50mW/cm2 intensity at 5min/d is most significant. And it can promote chondrogenesis of hUCMSCs via upregulating MP2 /smads signaling pathway.
Study on Eight Flavone C-glycosides in Dendrobium officinale Leaves and their Fragmentation Pattern by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn

OBJECTIVE To identify flavone C-glycosides in Dendrobium officinale leaves by high performance liquid chromatography with DAD and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). METHODS The chromatographic separation was carried out at 30 ℃ on a XB C18 column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) eluted with gradient program.The mobile phase consisted of methanol and water containing 0.4% formic acid.The detection wavelength was 335 nm and the on-line UV spectra was recorded in the range of 190-400 nm.The mass spectra was obtained by Agilent ion trap mass spectrometer in the negative ion mode with capillary voltage 4 500 V,dry gas temperature 350 ℃,dry gas flow 12.0 L·min-1,nebulizer pressure 241 kPa;mass range recorded m/z 50-600.RESULTS Eight flavone di-C-glycosides from D.officinale leaves,whose aglycone was apigenin and monosaccharide was connected with C-6 and C-8,were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn for the first time.The study further proved the characteristics of fragmentation pattern of flavone C-glycosides in ESI-MSn.CONCLUSION The method is simple and rapid for the identification of D.officinale leaves.The characteristics of fragmentation pattern of ESI-MSn in flavone di-C-glycosides provide a reference for rapid detection and identification of flavone C-glycosides.
Mapatoppo as a The Tradition of Using Attributes for Bugis Migrant Pilgrims

This study aimed to determine the reasons for migrant Bugis pilgrims to carry out the mapatoppo ritual, the mapatoppo process and the impact of the mapatoppo on the lives of migrant Bugis pilgrims. This research is included in qualitative field research. The research setting is located in Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, Jambi Province with a focus on Kuala Jambi Subdistrict, especially Tanjung Solok Village and Kampung Laut Village as the base for overseas Bugis people. The research subjects in this study were the village head and his staff as many as 2 people, 20 people for haji and hajjah of Bugis migrants and 2 people as topanrita ( ulama / ustadz ) of Bugis. The results of this study found three main conclusions: first, the pilgrims were interested in performing the mapatoppo ritual because they considered the mapatoppo ritual as a symbol for wearing the pilgrims attributes officially. In addition, they also consider the mapatoppo ritual as a means of dipalecceki barakka (the process of transferring barakka / blessings from anre gurutta or sheikhs). Second, the mapotoppo process for the male congregation begins with the way they sit in a half circle in front of their sheikh. Then they are summoned before the sheikh one by one. Then they were asked to intend and then paired with a white rimless fezlike cap and surubeng by the sheikh. They do this in turn until it's finished. Meanwhile, the mapotoppo process for women congregation begins with the way they sit in a half circle in front of the sheikh's wife. Then they were asked to intend and they were taught to use talulung. After finishing using the talulung, then put trispak on top of the talulung . Then they are dressed in kabbe (skipping clothes). Third, the impact felt by pilgrims who have carried out the mapatoppo ritual is that they always wear Hajj clothing on official occasions and in everyday life. In addition, they also enforced againts not to work for 40 days. They just rested at home while worshiping and waiting for the arrival of their family and neighbors
Importance of Nanoparticulate systems in emerging Biomedical research - An update

Nanotechnology is the branch of science and engineering accomplished by design, synthesis, characterisation, and application of materials or devices in the nanometer scale. It permits identification, development and establishes the use of material frameworks, devices and technologies withs unique properties and functions from their structures at the Subatomic, atomic, molecular as well as supermolecular levels. In recent decades, nanotechnology has attracted unparalleled attention in broad areas of research. It has been used in various fields like Engineering and Technology, Material Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology and other areas of Life science. Nanoparticles have been playing a promising role in the advancement of diagnosis and therapeutics of many health issues. They are providing the way for new approaches of drug delivery to target specific sites and achieve enhanced bioavailability. In this review, we provide an overview of the use of Metallic nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, Charge reverse nanoparticulate systems, Carbon nanotubes, Magnetic, Controlled release nanoparticles, Herbal nanoparticles etc., in Various biomedical fields like Drug delivery, Gene therapy, Tissue regeneration, Implants, Diagnosis, Imaging and treatment of various diseases. Even though numerous nanoparticulate systems were developed, only a few of them are transformed into practical use in clinical environments. Hence, focus on the development and commercialisation of nanoparticulate system is entailed.
Molecular Diversity Analysis in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Using RAPD Markers

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) is considered as major textile fiber around the world. This research aimed to analyze the molecular diversity among 9 cotton genotypes collected from Cotton Development Board, Bangladesh using the 7 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Some total of 18 DNA bands were obtained and among them, 13 were polymorphic bands. The range of DNA amplification varied from 180 to 800 bp. The percentage of polymorphism was about 50.71. Genetic diversity ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 with an average value of 0.34. Nei’s genetic distance ranging from 0.1667 to 0.6667 and most importantly PIC value ranged from 0.18 to 0.35 with an average value of 0.27. The PIC value indicated that most of the studied cotton genotypes were moderately diversified and homogenous as well as no heterozygosity found. A dendrogram indicating the relative genetic similarity of the Bangladeshi cotton genotypes was constructed which followed in two major clusters (A and B) among the studied material. The Cotton Development Board (CDB), Bangladesh committed to working on cotton improvement and this investigation will be helpful for the selection of diversified genotypes in varietal improvement in cotton. The output of this research will be a baseline for future molecular research work on cotton genotypes in Bangladesh.