Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
lemental analysis of serum and hair from pre-eclamptic South frican women

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. It has been proposed that specific trace and macro elements associated with antioxidant activities may also play a contributory role in aetiology of pre-eclampsia. The aim of this study was to measure the concentrations of thirteen different elements in hair and serum samples from women with a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia and compare them with normotensive controls. Venous blood and pubic hair samples were collected from forty-three pre-eclamptic and twenty-three normotensive pregnant women. In each sample, the concentration of arsenic (As); calcium (Ca); cadmium (Cd); chromium (Cr); cobalt (Co); magnesium (Mg); manganese (Mn); iron (Fe); copper (Cu); lead (Pb); selenium (Se); nickel (Ni); zinc (Zn) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Cobalt concentration in hair was significantly lower in the pre-eclampsia group (1.56 ± 0.74 g/g) compared to the normotensive group (2.89 ± 4.99 g/g) (p = 0.02). The concentrations of Zn and Cr were significantly higher in hair samples from the pre-eclamptic group, compared to the normotensive control group (Zn, 395.99 ± 48.60 vs 330.88 ± 29.70 g/g; Cr, 13.31 ± 2.67 vs 11.05 ± 7.62 g/g: p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences in the hair levels of other elements between groups. Serum Zn was significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic group (0.16–253.4 mg/L) compared to the normotensive group (0.2–48.4 mg/L) (p = 0.01). Serum Ca, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn and Se levels were found to be significantly lower in the preeclamptic group compared to the normotensive group (p < 0.05). This study confirms the association between pre-eclampsia and maternal trace as well as macro element levels. © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Development Processes through Multiple Change Perspectives

Eco-industrial parks are receiving increasing attention in light of the sustainability discourse. Although the formation and development of eco-industrial parks have been investigated, these processes are difficult to grasp. In order to better understand and govern the trajectory of these processes, this chapter attempts to reveal some of their complexity. It addresses the formation of industrial parks from a change perspective, with a focus on the interplay between actors and context. We use two lenses to build a combination of change perspectives: transition management theories, and the episodic and continuous change concepts of organisational theory. Both of these lenses distinguish between change that is planned, abrupt and discontinuous, and change that is emergent, incremental and continuous. The main lesson of the paper is that actors’ perspectives of change and development affect possible governance strategies. Planned change assumes that actors are unable to adapt their underlying structures to the new demands for sustainable development and thus require interventions from the outside. In the case of continuous change, actors are seen as self-organising. This process calls more for facilitation and removal of possible stumbling blocks. In order to choose a good governance strategy applied to the circumstances, these perspectives need to be combined. 1 Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Social Sciences Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium, Corresponding author: Veerle Verguts veerle, verguts@gmail.com 2 Public Administration and Policy Group of Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands. Published under the Creative Commons licence Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 France 194
Bimodal Stimulation Towards Binaural Integration

CONCLUSION. In users of a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid (HA) in contralateral ears, frequency-dependent loudness balancing between devices did, on average, not lead to improved speech understanding as compared to broadband balancing. However, nine out of fifteen bimodal subjects showed significantly better speech understanding with either one of the fittings. OBJECTIVES. Suboptimal fittings and mismatches in loudness are possible explanations for the large individual differences seen in listeners using bimodal stimulation. METHODS. HA gain was adjusted for soft and loud input sounds in three frequency bands (0 548, 548 1000 and >1000 Hz) to match loudness with the CI. This procedure was compared to a simple broadband balancing procedure that reflected current clinical practice. In a three-visit cross-over design with four weeks between sessions, we tested speech understanding in quiet and in noise and administered questionnaires to assess benefit in real world. RESULTS. Both procedures resulted in comparable HA gains. For speech in noise, a marginal bimodal benefit of 0.3 ± 4 dB was found, with large differences between subjects and spatial configurations. Speech understanding in quiet and in noise did not differ between the two loudness balancing procedures.
Design Issues in Language Learning Based on Crowdsourcing : The Critical Role of Gameful Corrective Feedback

Crowdsourcing has revolutionized the software market, affecting the quality, adoption and business models of consumer software applications in many domains of human behaviour. In language learning, however, its impact is still to be seen. Through the lens of the commercial application Duolingo as well as the research prototype DialogDungeon, this paper discusses corrective feedback, a design feature of (technology-enhanced) language learning environments that can be a key driver for both learning success and platform adoption, and which will equally need to be considered in the design of language learning based on crowdsourcing. We address this topic from the literature at the intersection of second language (L2) acquisition, computer-asssisted language learning (CALL), human motivation, and gamification. We conclude with a call for collaboration between educators, L2 acquisition researchers and developers of crowdsourcing-based applications.
Compiler Optimization of an Application-specific Runtime

Concurrent Collections (CnC) is a high level programming model designed to support parallel execution. The building blocks of CnC are steps (chunks of code representing units of scheduling or mapping), items (expressing data dependencies between steps), and tags (expressing control dependencies between steps). This paper introduces a runtime that views attributes (the changes in life stage of the CnC components) as events to be processed by event handlers. A major advantage of such a runtime is that it makes the state and the partial ordering of state changes explicit, raising the level at which tool support for debugging, visualising and checkpointing communicate with the programmer. In this paper, we focus on its use as the foundation for a more advanced runtime that employs application-specific optimizations. We do this by compiling the CnC spec to generate an applicationspecific intermediate representation (IR) of the program. We introduce several analysis that can be done on the applicationspecific IR, along with program optimizations that take advantage of those analysis. Other advantage of the attribute-based runtime include enabling the addition of now attributes at the low runtime level, for example to support speculation or demand-driven execution and enabling the programmers to define their own attributes,
Wearable Haptic Display to Present Mass and Internal Dynamics of Virtual Objects

We propose a wearable haptic display to present the sensation of weight and inertial force of virtual objects, which is based on our novel insight that the deformation on fingerpads makes a reliable sensation of weight even when the proprioceptive sensations on wrist and arm are absent. The goal of this project is to meet the increasing demand for realistic haptic feedback with a simple haptic display that delivers realistic existence of virtual objects in entertainment, augmented reality or telexistence systems.
A VALIDATION OF RADAR REFLECTIVITY QUALITY CONTROL METHODS

Quality control of radar reflectivity data is essential for accurate precipitation forecasts and products of algorithms that require clean data. Radar data is frequently contaminated with non-precipitation echoes. Quality control methods should be able to remove a majority of these non-precipitation echoes as well as retain all of the actual precipitation. In this validation study, three quality control methods are tested on sixteen independent radar cases. These cases included non-precipitation such as anomalous propagation, biological return, and electronic interference as well as actual precipitation including weak and strong convection and stratiform rain events. The data was analyzed and then hand-truthed to remove the contamination and create what we refer to as the target. The data was then run through the quality control methods and the results from each were scored against the target. Skill scores were calculated to determine which methods excel in the situations that were chosen.
FIVE YEARS OF WHEELCHAIR EVALUATION

The Veterans Administration has a keen interest in maintaining and improving the quality of wheelchairs and the accessory appurtenances designed to ameliorate the lot of its orthopedically disabled beneficiaries . During the past 5 years approximately 75 wheelchairs and accessories have been examined or evaluated at the Veterans Administration Prosthetics Center, and in many cases, the results have been published in the Bulletin . Among these devices were conventional wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, various kinds of wheelchair accessories, powerdriven chairs, multifunction wheelchairs, curb climbers, and stair-climbing wheelchairs . We know of no other agency which has evaluated a comparable quantity and variety of wheelchairs and related devices . A review of our work in this field during the past 5 years generated the following pertinent questions:
Use of Digital Aerial Photogrammetry Sensors for Land Cover Classification

The modern digital photogrammetric sensors are increasingly popular even in Remote Sensing (RS) field thanks to their ability to acquire in very high resolution and in Multi-Spectral (MS) mode: red, green, blue and in the Near Infrared (NIR) band. In addition, the trend, begun with large-format digital photogrammetric cameras, has also been applied to develop even medium and small format sensors in order to obtain a high geometric resolution of the images. Indeed, depending on the constructional features, these sensors can be mounted on airborne or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms. The aim of the paper is to investigate potentiality MS bands, generated by photogrammetric sensors, in order to build land cover maps. The presence of the NIR band is particularly useful for describing vegetation as through the indices it is possible to clearly distinguish vegetation from other elements present in the image. For the determination of land use classes, according to the "Corine Land Cover" (CLC) standard, an approach that combines remote sensing techniques with the classical ones of photo-interpretation has been experimented. In fact, not all objects of the territory can be recognized in an automatic way, but a reading key is necessary and only the knowledge of the territory can be established by the photo interpreter, such as for some artificial classes. In this paper, a case study on the use of MS image obtained airborne sensor is presented. In particular, using Z/I Imaging Digital Mapping Camera DMC® (manufactured by Intergraph), it has been possible to acquire in MS mode on a specific test area and subsequently, to realize using CLC of the IV level the land cover map with elevated detail.
Librarians’ acceptance of open source Library Information System using the Osis-Utaut Model / Zainab Ajab Mohideen

Research on technology acceptance is rapidly developing in multidisciplinary fields. Technology acceptance is focused either on users’ beliefs or for the betterment of system development. Both aspects are considered equally important to determine the users’ acceptance of a system. This research aims to investigate acceptance of open source library information system, like, Koha using an expanded UTAUT model called the OSIS-UTAUT model. The unified theory of acceptance (UTAUT) and use of technology model is applicable for both. The UTAUT model is widely used to test end-users’ ‘acceptance and use’ of a system, whereas the user acceptance test (UAT) focuses on functional and technical aspects of the system. In this study the UTAUT model is extended to include the system’s success, user skills and system cost aspects to measure librarians’ acceptance of Koha OSLIS (open source library information system). The proposed model known as the open source information system (OSIS). The model test the influence of system quality (SQ), information quality (IQ), Information technology skill (ITS) and cost (C) in addition to the constructs from UTAUT model, namely performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), self-efficacy (SE) and attitude towards using technology (ATUT). The survey instrument consist of 61 items representing all ten constructs. In the initial stage four expert validation of the survey instrument was performed. The respondents are Koha OSLIS librarians’ from selected academic libraries of public and private universities in Malaysia. A pre-test performed using the SPSS version 22 on a sample of 30 pioneer users’ of Koha OSLIS obtained a cronbach alpha’s value of > 0.7. The sample is considered moderately skewed-left hand tail with aleptokurtic distribution-heavier tail (kurtosis >0). A total of 215 responses were subjected to Partial Least Square (PLS) Professional version 3.0 software. Bootstrapping is performed to check the discriminant validity. Several items were removed and the final instrument has 56 items. The R2 value indicates a strong relationship between the variables and data used to build the proposed model. The R2 value of 79% represents the amount of variance in the dependent variable of user acceptance of Koha open source library information system is explained by the independent variables. Path analysis supported five of the proposed relationships, namely ATUT, PE, SQ, SI and IQ. Four other relationship, C, EE, ITS and SE were not supported for this dataset. This study contributes to the measure of user acceptance of open source library information system from both user behavioral aspect and system success aspect. The OSIS-UTAUT model is shown to be applicable for the measurement of librarians’ acceptance of Koha OSLIS. It is hoped this understanding will contribute to better management of OSLIS acceptance and use in academic libraries.
Development of Uniform F 1 Hybrid Varieties of Korean Radish Using Self-Incompatibility in Double-Crossing

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is one of the major vegetables comprising ‘Kimchi’, which is the general term given to a group of fermented vegetables in Korea. The radish for ‘Kimchi’ is different from the European radish, which is used mainly in salads, and will be referred to as ‘Korean radish’ hereafter. Radish possesses self-incompatibility (SI) which prevents self-fertilization by recognizing selfpollen on the stigmatic surface. SI has been effectively used to produce uniform F1 hybrid seeds; however, SI has caused problems in seed propagation of parental lines. Radish also bears a small number of seeds per pod compared to Chinese cabbage. To produce parental seeds effectively, breeders have made double-crossed (DC) varieties using similar inbreds, even though DC varieties show low uniformity. We have tried to increase seed production and uniformity by using cross-compatible near-isogenic lines (CCNILs). We have modified the single seed descent method by employing DNA markers on the S-locus. Hundreds of inbreds have been developed from two parental sets after one parental cross and five generations of inbreds. In each generation, PCR-based selection has been performed to select SI heterozygotes. We have tried to make inbreds possessing a different SI allele but with other genes fixed. Ways to use CCNILs in radish breeding will be discussed. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
An Assessment of Influence of Teachers’ Discipline Management Strategies on Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination in Public Secondary Schools in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Discipline in schools is about positive behavior change in order to create conducive environment for learning. When discipline is achieved in secondary schools, it becomes instrumental in students academic performance. This study focused on assessment of the influence of teachers’ discipline management strategies on KCSE performance in public secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of school rules on KCSE performance. The county has had a trend of grade wastage from KCPE to KCSE. The study adopted descriptive survey research design which used mixed method approach. The study targeted 104 public secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County, with 10 boys schools, 17 girls schools and 77 mixed schools. Stratified random, purposive sampling method and Krejcie & Morgan population sample table was used to determine the sample size. Principals and teachers were the respondents in this study. Interview schedule for 21 principals and 346 questionnaires for teachers were used as tools for data collection. The study sampled 42 schools, which constituted 40% of the total population size. The researcher prepared the instruments with expert judgment by supervisors. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient (α) was employed in determining the reliability of the instruments. A pilot study of 10% of the sample schools and respondents was carried out from each of school category. Alpha index of 0.869 was obtained for the teachers’ questionnaires. The reliability of the interview schedule was ensured by the consistency of the questions and the order in which they were administered. The study used descriptive statistics which included frequencies, measures of central tendencies (mean) and measures of dispersion (standard deviation). Inferential statistics Pearson r was used to test the relationships of the hypotheses with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in analyzing the data. The data from the interview guide was arranged thematically, transcribed and then presented verbatim in order to triangulate the results. The results revealed that school rules did not influence KCSE performance positively. The findings of this study are expected to be of benefit to different stake holders, who are sensitized with new information on alternative disciplinary strategies to be used on students’ discipline in schools, the policy makers are assisted to come up with a new policy on use of alternative disciplinary methods in schools. KEYWORDS: Management strategies,academic performance, secondary schools, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-11-12 Publication date : April 30 th 2019
KNX to MQTT/AMQP

The aim of the work was the design and implementation of an IoT protocol broker in order to enable communication between IoT devices and building automation systems (BAS). The first part gives a short overview on BAS and the IoT. Furthermore, MQTT and AMQP, two common IoT communication protocols are discussed and compared. Next, a short overview of KNX is given, an international standard communication system for BAS. Finally, the work presents a documentation of the implemented IoT broker.
Total Order Probabilistic Broadcast

Total Order Probabilistic Broadcast is an alternative specification of Total Order Broadcast, differing from the original one by a probabilistic notion of Agreement only. This weakened notion of Agreement allows for efficient implementations, as we illustrate through a gossip-based algorithm which, in an asynchronous system characterized by probabilistic failure rates of message receptions, and crash failures of processes, achieves a high probability of delivery, and scales well in terms of message and membership complexity. We convey these claims of scalability through analysis and simulation results.
Infineon ’ s most well balanced high voltage MOSFET technology

This document describes Infineon’s latest high voltage (HV) superjunction (SJ) MOSFET technology, the new 600 V CoolMOSTM P7. The electrical characteristic of 600 V CoolMOS P7 provides all the benefits of a fast switching SJ MOSFET combined with low conduction losses while keeping the oscillation tendency low, giving ease-of-use. To avoid failures during assembly 600 V CoolMOSTM P7 offers an ESD robustness greater than 2 kV (HBM) for all products. This feature enables design engineers to easily design power converters with high efficiency, high power density, high levels of robustness and cool thermal behavior. 600 V CoolMOSTM P7 is a price/performance competitive solution, replacing 600 V CoolMOS P6 and is universally applicable, including being suitable for hard and soft switching topologies such as power factor correction (PFC) and LLC.
Animacy classification based on morphosyntactic corpus frequencies : some experiments with Norwegian nouns

This paper presents results from experiments in automatic classification of animacy for a set of Norwegian nouns using decision-tree classifiers. The method makes use of seven linguistically motivated syntactic and morphological features of these nouns extracted from an automatically annotated corpus of Norwegian. It classifies unseen nouns and achieves an accuracy of 90% under 10-fold cross-validation, as well as single hold-out training and testing.
The Effect of Epoxy Concentration and Fibre Loading on the Mechanical Properties of ABS/Epoxy-Coated Kenaf Fibre Composites

In this work, thermosetting resin, epoxy and fibre loading were used in optimizing the strength at which ABS/epoxy coated kenaf fibre (EKF) composites would perform apparently during mechan- ical stress. Kenaf bast fibres were resin coated before incorporated into engineering thermoplas- tic ABS at its processing temperature (230˚C), cured in-situ at internal mixer and later compres- sion moulded at 210˚C under 65 kg/cm2 pressure. The results showed the optimum level of tensile strength with thermoset and fibre loading as well as increase in strong interfacial bonding while the hardness values increased with increasing thermosetting and fibre contents. Both the tensile and flexural modulus apparently increased as the fibre contents increased.
Local and Intersegmental Interneurons with Chemosensory Inputs from the Locust Ovipositor

Sensory afferents from the ovipositors influence the behaviour of locusts before and during egg-laying. Contact chemoreceptors, known as basiconic sensilla in insects, occur dispersed and crowded in fields between mechanosensory receptors on the ovipositor of the female desert locust Schistocerca gregaria and serve to control the chemical features of the substrate before and during oviposition. Responses of contact chemoreceptors to aqueous solutions of salts (NaCl), sugars (glucose), acids (citric acid), oviposition aggregation pheromones (veratrole and acetophenone), alkaloids (quinine and tomatine), and phenolic compounds (salicin) were seen. Higher order processing occurs in local and ascending interneurones of the terminal abdominal ganglion. We focussed on a cluster of interneurons extending in the anterolateral region of the eighth abdominal neuromere. Several have ascending collaterals to more anterior abdominal ganglia. The physiological and morphological differences between the chemosensory interneurons suggest that there is no specific centre for processing taste information in the locust terminal ganglion.