Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Librarians’ Awareness of Social Media Usage for Informal Scientific Communication in University Libraries in South-south, Nigeria

This study investigated librarians’ awareness of social media usage for informal scientific communication in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. The study helps to examine the extent of librarians’ awareness of social media as well as the various social media tools available to librarians. The descriptive survey method was used for the study. The population of this study was 284 librarians in university libraries in South-south Nigeria. The researcher adopted the entire 284 population as the sample size for this study using the complete enumerative sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and 284 copies of questionnaire were administered for this study. In response, 202 copies were retrieved and found useable, thereby indicating a response rate of 71%. The data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, statistical mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient r. The study contributed significantly to knowledge as it has been able to establish that a significant relationship exist between librarians’ awareness of social media usage and informal scientific communication. The findings indicated that study revealed that librarians in university libraries in South-South Nigeria use that Facebook, Whatssap, Google+, twitter and YouTube for informal scientific communication. The study also revealed that librarians are aware of social media usage for informal scientific communication, although the extent of awareness is low. The study recommended that University Librarians and other library administrator should sensitize library staff on the use of different social media tools for informal scientific communication because the world is now a global village. The study also recommended that Library associations should encourage the creation of invincible colleges using different social media tools such as Facebook, whatssap, and blogs as this will promote the use of social media for informal scientific communication among librarians. The study concluded that for there to be an improved informal scientific communication among librarians (especially those in University libraries in South-south), there is need for librarians to be aware and fully adopt social media and other emerging technologies.
Optimization-Based Sensor Fusion of GNSS and IMU Using a Moving Horizon Approach

The rise of autonomous systems operating close to humans imposes new challenges in terms of robustness and precision on the estimation and control algorithms. Approaches based on nonlinear optimization, such as moving horizon estimation, have been shown to improve the accuracy of the estimated solution compared to traditional filter techniques. This paper introduces an optimization-based framework for multi-sensor fusion following a moving horizon scheme. The framework is applied to the often occurring estimation problem of motion tracking by fusing measurements of a global navigation satellite system receiver and an inertial measurement unit. The resulting algorithm is used to estimate position, velocity, and orientation of a maneuvering airplane and is evaluated against an accurate reference trajectory. A detailed study of the influence of the horizon length on the quality of the solution is presented and evaluated against filter-like and batch solutions of the problem. The versatile configuration possibilities of the framework are finally used to analyze the estimated solutions at different evaluation times exposing a nearly linear behavior of the sensor fusion problem.
Coming Full Circle: Why Social and Institutional Dimensions Matter for the Circular Economy

In light of the environmental consequences of linear production and consumption processes, the circular economy (CE) is gaining momentum as a concept and practice, promoting closed material cycles by focusing on multiple strategies from material recycling to product reuse, as well as rethinking production and consumption chains toward increased resource efficiency. Yet, by considering mainly cost‐effective opportunities within the realm of economic competitiveness, it stops short of grappling with the institutional and social predispositions necessary for societal transitions to a CE. The distinction of noncompetitive and not‐for‐profit activities remains to be addressed, along with other societal questions relating to labor conditions, wealth distribution, and governance systems. In this article, we recall some underlying biophysical aspects to explain the limits to current CE approaches. We examine the CE from a biophysical and social perspective to show that the concept lacks the social and institutional dimensions to address the current material and energy throughput in the economy. We show that reconsidering labor is essential to tackling the large share of dissipated material and energy flows that cannot be recovered economically. Institutional conditions have an essential role to play in setting the rules that differentiate profitable from nonprofitable activities. In this context, the social and solidarity economy, with its focus on equity with respect to labor and governance, provides an instructive and practical example that defies the constraints related to current institutional conditions and economic efficiency. We show how insights from the principles of the social and solidarity economy can contribute to the development of a CE by further defining who bears the costs of economic activities.
Variational Segmentation of Vector-Valued Images With Gradient Vector Flow

In this paper, we extend the gradient vector flow field for robust variational segmentation of vector-valued images. Rather than using scalar edge information, we define a vectorial edge map derived from a weighted local structure tensor of the image that enables the diffusion of the gradient vectors in accurate directions through the 4D gradient vector flow equation. To reduce the contribution of noise in the structure tensor, image channels are weighted according to a blind estimator of contrast. The method is applied to biological volume delineation in dynamic PET imaging, and validated on realistic Monte Carlo simulations of numerical phantoms as well as on real images.
Global Optimization for Shape Fitting

We propose a global optimization framework for 3D shape reconstruction from sparse noisy 3D measurements frequently encountered in range scanning, sparse feature-based stereo, and shape-from-X. In contrast to earlier local or banded optimization methods for shape fitting, we compute global optimum in the whole volume removing dependence on initial guess and sensitivity to numerous local minima. Our global method is based on two main ideas. First, we suggest a new regularization functional with a data alignment term that maximizes the number of (weakly-oriented) data points contained by a surface while allowing for some measurement errors. Second, we propose a touch-expand algorithm for finding a minimum cut on a huge 3D grid using an automatically adjusted band. This overcomes prohibitively high memory cost of graph cuts when computing globally optimal surfaces at high-resolution. Our results for sparse or incomplete 3D data from laser scanning and passive multi-view stereo are robust to noise, outliers, missing parts, and varying sampling density.
3D partial face matching using local shape descriptors

In this work, we propose and experiment an original solution to 3D face recognition that supports accurate face matching also in cases where just some parts of probe scans are available. In the proposed approach, distinguishing traits of the face are captured by first extracting keypoints of the 3D depth image and then measuring how the face depth changes in the keypoints neighborhood using local shape descriptors. Face similarity is evaluated by comparing local shape descriptors across inlier pairs of keypoints that match between probe and gallery scans. The recognition accuracy of the approach is experimented using the Face Recognition Grand Challenge v2.0 data set.
Feasibility of Using Shape Memory Alloys to Develop Self Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridge Girders

Post-tensioned (PT) structural elements are used quite often in bridges due to their ability to span long widths economically while providing an aesthetically pleasing structure. PT systems are also preferred in bridge construction because they greatly increase structural capacities and are fairly easy to implement effectively. Although PT systems provide many advantages for designers and constructors, these systems have raised concerns regarding corrosion of the PT tendons. The degree of corrosion of PT tendons is critical to the structural performance of PT systems and the cost to replace tendons can exceed several hundred thousand dollars per tendon. Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a class of smart materials that have unique properties such as excellent re-centering ability, good energy dissipation capacity, excellent fatigue resistance, and high corrosion resistance. This project investigated the feasibility of developing self post-tensioned (SPT) bridge girders by activating the shape memory effect of SMAs using the heat of hydration of grout. In particular, the project investigated the temperature increase due to the heat of hydration of grout. A typical plastic cylinder was filled with grout at room temperature to monitor the temperature inside the duct during the grout's hydration. Three commercially available grouts were considered in the tests: Euclid, Sika Grout 300 PT, and Five Star Special Grout 400. The grouts were mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. A single steel tendon was placed in the center. A thermocouple was attached at that tendon within the duct to measure the temperature. A data acquisition system was used to collect the temperature data for 48 hours. The variation of the temperature versus time was examined. DISCLAIMER The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the information presented herein. Figure 8. After pouring grout into 4 " x 8 " cylinder, steel tendon is placed inside, and it is
Measurement of the Verdet Constant of Polarization-Maintaining Air-Core Photonic Bandgap Fiber

We propose a method based on the white-light interference technique for measuring the Verdet constant of a polarization-maintaining air-core photonic bandgap fiber (PM-PBF). The experimental results show that the Verdet constant of the PM-PBF is ~3.3 mrad/T/m for the broadband light with a spectral width of ~38 nm and a mean wavelength of ~1550 nm, which is ~124 times less than that of a conventional stress-induced birefringent fibers called PANDA fibers (~0.41 rad/T/m for the same broad-spectrum light). The results indicate that the nonreciprocal error induced by the Faraday effect in a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) made of the PM-PBF is theoretically ~25 times less than that of a conventional FOG made of the PANDA fiber when other conditions, such as the fiber twist, fiber coil area, and so on, are the same.
Diverse functions of homologous actin isoforms are defined by their nucleotide, rather than their amino acid sequence

β‐ and γ‐cytoplasmic actin are nearly indistinguishable in their amino acid sequence, but are encoded by different genes that play non‐redundant biological roles. The key determinants that drive their functional distinction are unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that β- and γ-actin functions are defined by their nucleotide, rather than their amino acid sequence, using targeted editing of the mouse genome. Although previous studies have shown that disruption of β-actin gene critically impacts cell migration and mouse embryogenesis, we demonstrate here that generation of a mouse lacking β-actin protein by editing β-actin gene to encode γ-actin protein, and vice versa, does not affect cell migration and/or organism survival. Our data suggest that the essential in vivo function of β-actin is provided by the gene sequence independent of the encoded protein isoform. We propose that this regulation constitutes a global ‘silent code’ mechanism that controls the functional diversity of protein isoforms.
Fast Dummy-Fill Density Analysis With Coupling Constraints

In modern very large scale integration manufacturing processes, dummy fills are widely used to adjust local metal density in order to improve layout uniformity and yield optimization. However, the introduction of a large amount of dummy features also affects wire electrical properties. In this paper, we propose the first coupling-constrained dummy-fill analysis algorithm which identifies feasible locations for dummy fills such that the fill-induced coupling capacitance can be bounded within the given coupling threshold of each wire segment. A speedup approach is presented based on the cache concept. The algorithm also makes efforts to maximize ground dummy fills, which are more robust and predictable. The output of the algorithm can be treated as the upper bound for dummy-fill insertion, and it can be easily adopted in density models to guide dummy-fill insertion without disturbing the existing design.
Biologia Plantarum Xx (x): Xxx-xxx, 20xx Gibberellin a 3 as an Epigenetic Determinant of Global Dna Hypo-methylation in Tobacco

Gibberellins (GAs) are a large family of tetracyclic diterpenoids, controlling important aspects of growth and development throughout the plant life cycle. To explore the possibility that gibberellin A 3 (GA 3) signalling induces epigenetic alteration(s), we carried out a field experiment study using Nicotiana tabacum as a model system. The GA 3 application on leaves resulted in increased plant-height, foliage density, leaf cell area, and trichome density. The plants exposed to GA 3 also exhibited: 1) increased chromatin de-condensation, 2) reduced global DNA methylation, 3) reduced DNA methyltransferases (NtDNMTs) activities accompanied by decreased amounts of NtMET1 and NtCMT3 transcripts, and 4) partial restoration of phenotype and expression of epigenetically silenced reporter transgene. Based on these observations, we propose that GA 3 application induces complex epigenetic reprogramming , which may lead to distinct developmental phenotypes. These results could provide an important insight for future studies on epigenetic mechanism(s) in other important crops.
Within host selection for faster replicating bacterial symbionts

Wolbachia is a widespread, intracellular symbiont of arthropods, able to induce reproductive distortions and antiviral protection in insects. Wolbachia can also be pathogenic, as is the case with wMelPop, a virulent variant of the endosymbiont of Drosophila melanogaster. An extensive genomic amplification of the 20kb region encompassing eight Wolbachia genes, called Octomom, is responsible for wMelPop virulence. The Octomom copy number in wMelPop can be highly variable between individual D. melanogaster flies, even when comparing siblings arising from a single female. Moreover, Octomom copy number can change rapidly between generations. These data suggest an intra-host variability in Octomom copy number between Wolbachia cells. Since wMelPop Wolbachia with different Octomom copy numbers grow at different rates, we hypothesized that selection could act on this intra-host variability. Here we tested if total Octomom copy number changes during the lifespan of individual Drosophila hosts, revealing selection for different Wolbachia populations. We performed a time course analysis of Octomom amplification in flies whose mothers were controlled for Octomom copy number. We show that despite the Octomom copy number being relatively stable it increases slightly throughout D. melanogaster adult life. This indicates that there is selection acting on the intra-host variation in the Octomom copy number over the lifespan of individual hosts. This within host selection for faster replicating bacteria symbionts may be in conflict with between host selection against highly pathogenic Wolbachia.
Syncretism in Dutch dialects

Dutch dialects show an enormous amount of variation with respect to the verbal inflectional paradigm. To wit, some dialects only have two forms in the present tense indicative to express all persons in singular and plural, whereas other dialects use three or even four different forms to do so. However, not every inflectional pattern is equally likely to occur; some patterns are found nowhere, whereas others are geographically widespread and stable over time. We will show that these recurring patterns of syncretism are also typologically well-attested. The recurring pattern involves neutralization of a morphosyntactic distinction in the marked half of the paradigm. More specifically, we see that plural and past tense are neutralizing contexts. We will show that a grammar that solely uses underspecification of affixes to account for the observed syncretisms, misses a generalization that can only be expressed by impoverishment rules or some other equivalent paradigmatic means.
Potential Impact of Antiretroviral Chemoprophylaxis on HIV-1 Transmission in Resource-Limited Settings

Background The potential impact of pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PrEP) on heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 infection in resource-limited settings is uncertain. Methodology/Principle Findings A deterministic mathematical model was used to simulate the effects of antiretroviral PrEP on an HIV-1 epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa under different scenarios (optimistic, neutral and pessimistic) both with and without sexual disinhibition. Sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the effect of uncertainty in input parameters on model output and included calculation of partial rank correlations and standardized rank regressions. In the scenario without sexual disinhibition after PrEP initiation, key parameters influencing infections prevented were effectiveness of PrEP (partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC) = 0.94), PrEP discontinuation rate (PRCC = −0.94), level of coverage (PRCC = 0.92), and time to achieve target coverage (PRCC = −0.82). In the scenario with sexual disinhibition, PrEP effectiveness and the extent of sexual disinhibition had the greatest impact on prevention. An optimistic scenario of PrEP with 90% effectiveness and 75% coverage of the general population predicted a 74% decline in cumulative HIV-1 infections after 10 years, and a 28.8% decline with PrEP targeted to the highest risk groups (16% of the population). Even with a 100% increase in at-risk behavior from sexual disinhibition, a beneficial effect (23.4%–62.7% decrease in infections) was seen with 90% effective PrEP across a broad range of coverage (25%–75%). Similar disinhibition led to a rise in infections with lower effectiveness of PrEP (≤50%). Conclusions/Significance Mathematical modeling supports the potential public health benefit of PrEP. Approximately 2.7 to 3.2 million new HIV-1 infections could be averted in southern sub-Saharan Africa over 10 years by targeting PrEP (having 90% effectiveness) to those at highest behavioral risk and by preventing sexual disinhibition. This benefit could be lost, however, by sexual disinhibition and by high PrEP discontinuation, especially with lower PrEP effectiveness (≤50%).
LEACH Algorithm Based on Load Balancing

This paper discusses advantages of LEACH Algorithm and the existing improved model which takes the famous hierarchy clustering routing protocol LEACH Algorithm as researching object. Then the paper indicates the problem that in the algorithm capacity factor of cluster head node is not taken into account leading the structure of clusters to be not so reasonable. This research discusses an energy-uniform cluster and cluster head selecting mechanism in which “Pseudo cluster head” concept is introduced in order to coordinate with “Load Monitor” Mechanism and “Load Leisure” Mechanism to maintain load balancing of cluster head character and stability of network topology. On the basis of LEACH Protocol improving algorithm of LEACH-C, CEFL and DCHS. NS2 simulation instrument is applied to do simulation analysis on the improved algorithm. Simulation result shows that LEACH-P Protocol effectively increase energy utilization efficiency, lengthens network lifetime and balances network load. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i9. 3287 Full Text: PDF
Generation and transfer of knowledge in IT-related SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the generation and transfer of knowledge in information technology‐related small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey of 105 employees from 30 organizations in Barcelona, Spain, the authors use a structural equation approach to validate the conceptual model.Findings – Personal motivation and the opportunity to learn from other employees are critical to generate knowledge. The attitudes and abilities of those who take part in the transfer process are also relevant, and this is especially true in cases when knowledge is highly tacit. Personal development is one example of knowledge‐based organizational and social development.Practical implications – The results point to the importance of the roles of managers and employees as bearers of initiative, voluntary effort and commitment. At the same time, they suggest that the firm's strategic planning process should include the knowledge to be transferred.Originality/value .
Production of Furfural and its Application in Biorefinery

In this new energy economy era, the importance of renewable energy resource needs to be highly addressed, as the demand of energy dramatically increases and fossil fuel is being exhausted. Lignocellulosic biomass is considered as the sustainable and renewable feedstock to produce biochemicals and biofuels that are the alternative for petroleum derived products. Furfural is a natural precursor for the range of furan based chemicals and solvents such as methylfuran, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyltetrahydrofuryl ether, ethyl levulinate, levulinic acid, and alkanes. Thus, furfural should be a renewable platform chemical for biochemicals and renewable biofuels. In this paper, the concept of biorefinery, furfural production and its applications are briefly reviewed.
The microenvironment in primary cutaneous melanoma with associated spontaneous tumor regression: evaluation for T-regulatory cells and the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment

Spontaneous tumor regression, regression in the absence of therapeutic intervention, can be identified histologically in over 25% of primary cutaneous melanomas at initial diagnosis. A unique subset of T lymphocytes found in areas of regression can be histologically distinguished from tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) found in areas of tumor progression. We call this unique subset of T lymphocytes regression-associated T lymphocytes (RATs). The aim of this study is to determine the phenotype of lymphocytes and the density of specific cell types linked to immunosuppression in areas of tumor progression compared with areas of tumor regression. These specific cell types include T-regulatory cells (Tregs) and S100A9+ cells. A total of 14 primary cutaneous melanomas with areas of progression and regression were used. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to identify CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, Tregs, and S100A9+ cells. Two independent observers manually counted three high-powered ×40 fields. There was no predominance of CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes in either RATs or TIL. We identified a lower density of Tregs in RATs compared with TIL when using the FOXP3+/CD4+ Treg marker (P=0.04) and a marginal difference when using our second, confirmatory Treg marker, FOXP3+/CD25+ (P=0.11). We observed a lower density of S100A9+ cells in RATs compared with TIL (P=0.002). There was an observable difference in the tumor microenvironments of RATs and TIL, with RATs having a significantly lower density of Tregs and S100A9+ cells. We deduce that the absence of immunosuppression in areas of regression allows for a more robust immune response and thus effective eradication of tumor cells.