Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object Detection in Sonar Images

The scope of the project described in this paper is the development of a generalized underwater object detection solution based on Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) principles. Multiple scales, dual priorities, speed, limited data, and class imbalance make object detection a very challenging task. In underwater object detection, further complications come in to play due to acoustic image problems such as non-homogeneous resolution, non-uniform intensity, speckle noise, acoustic shadowing, acoustic reverberation, and multipath problems. Therefore, we focus on finding solutions to the problems along the underwater object detection pipeline. A pipeline for realizing a robust generic object detector will be described and demonstrated on a case study of detection of an underwater docking station in sonar images. The system shows an overall detection and classification performance average precision (AP) score of 0.98392 for a test set of 5000 underwater sonar frames.
Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Customers Loyalty of Hai and Mawenzi National Microfinance Bank Branches in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The study assessed the effects of corporate social responsibility and customer loyalty in NMB Kilimanjaro. The study aimed to examine whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts do impact customer loyalty; whether CSR initiatives have significant value in helping to attract indirect marketing value for the bank; and to determine whether CSR help to enhance customer loyalty towards a National Microfinance Bank. A case study approach was used to empirically test research model derived from the literature. Sample size of 100 respondents was used to address the research objectives by the use of Purposive sampling. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression model. The findings revealed that the higher the practice of CSR the stronger is the consumer loyalty towards a particular firm. The study revealed that by investing in CSR, a firm could achieve a positive outcome in terms of its financial performance. CSR can provide the additional competitive edge to a particular firm. The study concluded that out that all the CSR programmes are aligned with the Strategic Intent of NMB branches. It also established that programmes do contribute to attainment of the Strategic Intent at NMB through several contributions to the expectations of the various stakeholders of the organization. The key recommendation is that the current CSR programmes should be expanded to engage more employees and serve more needy cases in wider geographical areas. Secondly, NMB need to partner with more co-sponsors in order to benefit from the economies of scale.
HABITAT USE AND PREY SELECTION BY MOUNTAIN LIONS IN AN ALTERED SAGEBRUSH STEPPE ENVIRONMENT By Jonathan Ewanyk

HABITAT USE AND PREY SELECTION BY MOUNTAIN LIONS IN AN ALTERED SAGEBRUSH STEPPE ENVIRONMENT Jonathan Ewanyk Throughout the American West there is an increasing trend of encroachment of woody vegetation on previously open sagebrush steppe habitat. The Modoc Plateau in northeastern California has not been excluded from this encroachment trend and has seen an increase in western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) densities, likely as a result of long-term fire suppression. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) have not previously been studied on the Modoc Plateau, and there is potential for an increase in cover due to juniper encroachment to benefit the hunting behavior of lions. To better understand if the presence of cover is being selected by mountain lions, 17 mountain lions were captured and fitted with GPS collars and their movements and diet were monitored. Using remotely obtained location data, I investigated spatially aggregated clusters of GPS points in search of mountain lion feeding sites and their associated kill sites. I created resource selection functions at both the study area and home range levels to test if lions were killing their prey in areas with higher ambush cover, or rather in areas with higher prey densities. Lions spent more time within parts of their home ranges that had larger western juniper basal area. For killing prey, lions selected areas with increased ambush cover and increased prey densities, compared to what was available within the study area. At the home range level, there was model uncertainty and no selection was observed. At a fine scale, lions selected for areas with more obstructed horizontal visibility, but showed no preference for areas closer to western junipers when killing prey. In areas with declining ungulate populations, there is potential for habitat to be managed by reducing the areas where ungulates are at risk to predation by lions. Through timber cuts and controlled burns, managers have the ability to restore the sage-steppe habitat and reduce areas where ungulates are at greater risk to mountain lion predation.
Prediction of level V metastases in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a single center analysis.

Background The rate of level V metastases is significantly low and the necessity of routine level V dissection for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with clinically lateral lymph node metastasis (LNM) is still controversial. Methods This study enrolled 114 consecutive PTMC patients with clinically suspected lateral LNM (N1b) who underwent modified radical neck dissection (levels II to V) at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from September 2016 to July 2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the predictive factors of level V metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), accuracy, specificity and sensitivity were used to determine the predictive value. Results The overall and occult rate of level V metastasis were 29.82% (34/114) and 7.02% (8/114), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that level V metastasis was significantly associated with gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE), level IV metastasis and 2-level simultaneous metastasis (all P<0.05). Gross ETE (OR =11.916, 95% CI, 1.404-102.19; P=0.023) and level IV metastasis (OR =8.497, 95% CI, 2.119-34.065; P =0.03) served as independent predictors of level V metastasis in N1b PTMC patients. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of gross ETE and level IV metastasis in predicting the level V metastasis were 25.3% vs. 82.4%, 97.5% vs. 73.8%, 82.69% vs. 76.32%, 80% vs. 57.04% and 75% vs. 90.77%, respectively. The AUC of gross ETE was lower than level IV metastasis (0.605 vs. 0.781, P=0.041). Conclusions Routine level V dissection is necessary in N1b PTMC patients with level IV metastasis or gross ETE. Compared with gross ETE, level IV metastasis is superior in predicting level V metastasis.
Mixed H2/H∞ Control Synthesis for Discrete-time Linear Positive Systems using Enhanced Set of Linear Matrix Inequalities

This paper provides an idea, resulting from linear matrix inequality representation of parameter constraints of discrete-time linear positive systems, to formulate state-feedback synthesis for this class of systems. The design conditions are imposed to obtain control respecting existing strictly positivity or non-negativity in the system matrix description. Formulated as a linear matrix inequality feasibility problem it is reiterated that approach leads iteratively to estimation of norms of closed-loop system
Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi isolates from The Netherlands Nohlmans,

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Articels : Biological Activities of the Essential Oil from Angelica acutiloba

Angelica acutiloba is one of the most intensively cultivated medicinal plants in Korea. The roots of this plant have been used as an important herbal drug, especially for the treatment of various female disorders, as the traditional therapy in Korea and other Asian countries. Consumption of its fresh leaves as a healthy vegetable has recently increased. In this study, essential oil fractions were extracted from the roots and leaves of this plant by steam distillation. Compositions of the two oils were compared by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activities of the essential oil were determined against three strains of Escherichia coli. DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power tests were performed to evaluateits antioxidant activities. The cytotoxic activities of the essential oil against a human breast and a uterine cancer cell line were estimated by MTT tests. Additionally, the morphological changes after treatment of the oil fraction were observed under a microscope. The essential oil fraction and its main components, Z-ligustilide and butylidene phthalide, inhibited the growth of three E. coli strains examined, with minimum inhibiting concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1.0 mg/ml to 8.0 mg/ml. Additionally, the essential oil fraction of A. acutiloba exhibited significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Significant cytotoxic activities of the A. acutiloba essential oil were observed for human uterine (Hela) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines.
Factors Affecting SME Owners in Adopting ICT in Business using Thematic Analysis

In Malaysia, Small Medium Enterprise (SME) has become the main contributor for the income generation and employment thus are expected to increase country’s GDP growth. Hence, it is important for the SME owners to ensure the sustainability of their business in today’s business settings that has moved to digital businesses in which technology is used to create new value in business models, customer experiences and the internal capabilities that support its core operations. Yet, there are still local SMEs who did not fully utilized the advantages of adopting Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in their business operation and transactions. This paper presents an interview done with 12 SME owners that operates their businesses in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The study is to gain an understanding on the factors affecting SME owners in adopting ICT in their business by using the Thematic Analysis method. The outcome shows that there are two central themes that affect ICT usage in SME which are the (1) Internal Factor and (2) External Factor. Further, we identified two (2) components that effect the Internal Factor, namely Company (capital, company’s age, less skilled workers and family business) and SME Owners (time, education, perceptions and experiences) and another two (2) components that affect the External Factor, namely Technology (high cost, complicated, system’s security and stability) and Regulators (government’s initiatives, training skills and no urgency). Hence, the result is important to the SME owners and management as well as the government or the authorities to resolve these issues in order to increase the ICT usage among the SME owners in Malaysia.
Nudging in Supermarkets to Reduce Plastic Bag Consumption among Customers: A Framework for Change

Despite good intentions, the increasing number of plastic bag bans aimed at alleviating marine plastic pollution saw a correlated increase in the number of unintended consequences that emerged alongside the bans, suggesting that human behavior towards plastic bag consumption have not changed, but merely shifted, and are feeding into other major international environmental catastrophes. Nudge theory, which helps people make better choices for themselves without inhibiting their free will, is a potential solution that has been shown to play a subtle but important role in providing options under circumstances where complex information needs to be streamlined for the wider community, avoiding any unintended consequences and behavioural shifts that might arise from instruments that diminishes autonomy. It is therefore timely to look into the insights of nudge theory to encourage a positive behavioural change to reduce plastic bag consumption. Here we apply a systematic literature review to show how successful applications of nudges in supermarkets can be leveraged to reduce plastic bag consumption. We find that the current applications of nudges in various industries worldwide, including supermarkets have produced positive and encouraging results, as well as producing lasting behavioural change among the wider community. Supermarkets are identified as a powerful deployment site of these nudges due to their positioning as a dominant provider of plastic bags to the wider community, as well as being the largest and leading provider of daily food needs. Finally, we synthesise our findings to produce a coherent and testable framework of actionable interventions that supermarkets can employ to nudge customers towards reduced plastic bag reliance, accompanied with a visual timeline of a customer shopping in a supermarket experiencing these nudges.
The impact of implementing enterprise resources planning (ERP) project on firm performance and organizational citizenship behavior as a moderating

ERP implementation requires a substantial investment and typically built through project management, which needs a rigorous and in limited time management. ERP implementation requires enormous efforts to implement because it involves all business functions in the organization and partners (ERP vendors and consultants) This paper aims to examine the impact of implementing an enterprise resources planning project on firm performance and organizational citizenship behavior as a moderating variable. The study has surveyed 61 respondents representing 61 manufacturing companies domiciled in the region of East Java, Indonesia, which has adopted an ERP system for more than five years. Survey used questionnaire designed with a five-point Likert scale. The respondent is the key user who is responsible for the success of the ERP system in its business functions of the company. Data analysis used SPSS version 25 to assess the indicator validity and examine the hypothesis developed. The result showed that the implementation of the enterprise resources planning project directly affected firm performance. Second, organizational citizenship behavior directly influences firm performance. Third, the implementation of the ERP project influences firm performance with organizational citizenship behavior as a moderator variable. This research provides an insight to project manager in building employee relationship to complete the projects on time. This study also enriches the current research in the supply chain theory.
Title Essence of Shock Capturing (Recent Advances on Mathematical Aspects of Nonlinear Wave Phenomena)

The numerical flux of the kinetic Lax-Wendroff scheme [J. Comput. Phys. 211424-447 (2006) & J. Comput. Phys. 255 106-129 (2013)] comprises three parts: a dissipative one (that of the equilibrium flux method), a less dissipative one, and the one corresponding to the time derivative of the flux vector. The formula of the numerical flux is expressed in terms of averages with a common structure, which is slightly different from the standard form for shock capturing. In the present article these averages are simplified and are modified in order to elucidate key structures of numerical dissipation for shock/boundary layer/contactdiscontinuity capturing.
A VECTOR CONTROLLED INDUCTION MOTOR BASED ON THE QZSDMC TOPOLOGY TO OVERCOMES THE VOLTAGE GAIN LIMITATION

This paper proposes a novel four-quadrant vector controlled induction motor (IM) adjustable speed drive (ASD) system based on a recently proposed matrix converter topology called quasi-Z-source direct matrix converter (QZSDMC). The QZSDMC is formed by cascading the quasi-Z-source impedance network and the conventional direct matrix converter (DMC). The QZSDMC can provide buck-boost operation with voltage transfer ratio controlled by controlling the shoot-through duty ratio and bidirectional operation capability. The control strategy, which is based on the indirect field oriented control algorithm, is able to control the motor speed from zero to the rated value under full load condition during motoring and regenerating operation modes. The operating principle of the proposed system is presented in detail. The simulation and the real-time implementation results, using dSPACE 1103 ControlDesk, validate the high performance of the proposed four-quadrants IM-ASD based onQZSDMC system. The proposed four-quadrant vector controlled IM-ASD system based on the QZSDMC topology overcomes the voltage gain limitation of the traditional DMC and achieves buck and boost condition in fourquadrant modes with reduced number of switches, therefore achieving low cost, high efficiency, and reliability, compared with back-to-back converter.
Preliminary Sedimentology of Milk River Equivalent in the New Abbey/Lacadena Gas Fields, Saskatchewan*

The main purpose of this report is to document aspects of the sedimentology of the Milk River equivalent (Myhr and Meijer-Drees, 1976) in the new Abbey and Lacadena gas fields in southwest Saskatchewan. The study focuses on 54m of continuous core cut by Husky at 11-24-2119W3M, an early development well drilled in late 2001 near the center of the reservoir. This core was logged for basic attributes followed by preparation of 61 thin sections to investigate mineralogy, texture and various reservoir quality issues. Results are presented along with brief discussions of, and comparisons with Hatton area Milk River equivalent (MRE). A secondary purpose of the report is to discuss implications of the documented sedimentology to historic and modern models of MRE deposition.
Effect of nitric oxide on metabolism of fresh-cut apples and lettuces in relation to surface browning

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)%%%%Surface browning is an important cause of deterioration of fresh-cut produce during postharvest handling. Nitric oxide (NO) has recently been found to delay the onset of surface browning in fresh-cut apples and iceberg lettuce. Effectiveness of NO applied as NO gas and the NO donor compound 2,2’-(hydroxynitrosohydrazino)-bisethanamine (diethylenetriamine nitric oxide, DETANO) dissolved in phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) solution on the physiological parameters of ethylene production, respiration and water loss, and biochemical parameters of total phenol content, PPO activity, ion leakage and lipid peroxide level were investigated. Granny Smith apple slices treated with 10 µl. l⁻¹ NO gas and 10 mg.l⁻¹ DETANO showed delayed development of surface browning and also resulted in a lower total phenol content, inhibition of PPO activity, reduced ion leakage and reduced rate of respiration but had no significant effect on ethylene production, water loss or lipid peroxide level as measured by malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels. The two control treatments of phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) and water dips also had significant effects on all parameters compared to untreated slices. The relative effectiveness treatments on postharvest life, apple physiology and biochemistry was DETANO > NO gas > phosphate buffer > water > untreated. The NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and Piloty’s acid dissolved in water also inhibited development of surface browning but were not as effective as DETANO. Apple slices dipped in chlorogenic acid dissolved in water showed surface browning within an hour of treatment. Dipping in DETANO solution negated the effect of chlorogenic acid whether applied before or after dipping in chlorogenic acid solution while the buffer and NO gas were also effective. A UV-scan of chlorogenic acid dissolved in water showed a marked decreased in absorbance over the eight day storage period suggesting that chlorogenic acid was oxidised by aerial oxygen. The addition of NO gas and DETANO accelerated the loss of chlorogenic acid. It is suggested that browning development of fresh-cut produce can be inhibited by action taken soon after cutting. The concentration of phenols on the surface could be the rate limiting steps in browning development with non-enzymatic oxidation of phenols by atmospheric oxygen a contributor to browning. NO gas, DETANO and SNP inhibited the surface browning of green oak lettuce slices. The optimum concentration of DETANO or SNP (500 mg.l⁻¹) and NO gas (100 μl.l⁻¹) resulted in approximately 60% and 30% increase in postharvest life over untreated slices respectively.
Effectiveness of magnetocardiography to identify patients in need of coronary artery revascularization: a cross-sectional study.

Background Patients with angina-like symptoms need invasive or non-invasive angiography to determine whether revascularization is necessary. For patients in need of revascularization, undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) may delay the treatment of revascularization and increase exposure to contrast agents and radiation. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to accessed the effectiveness of magnetocardiography (MCG) to identify patients who should undergo coronary revascularization. Methods A total of 203 patients who were suffering from angina-like symptoms and underwent percutaneous coronary angiography (PCA) between July 27, 2015 and April 10, 2017 at the 8th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. In all patients, 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and MCG test were performed before PCA. For each subject. The value at every single sampling point was extracted from T wave of each MCG channel in time sequence. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for each two T-waves. A binary logistic regression diagnosis model of these coefficients was established to identify patients in need of revascularization. Results Ten pairings of coefficients were entered into diagnostic regression model as covariates. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.747 (95% CI: 0.680-0.815), and the asymptotic P value was less than 0.001. At the cut-off value of 0.55, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 72.9%, 65.9%, 74.8%, 63.6% and 69.9%, and the positive and negative post-test probabilities were 65.9% and 25.7%. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for 12-lead ECG were 67.0%, 62.7%, 63.5%, 70.5% and 55.1%, respectively. However, when those acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients were ruled out from both groups, the MCG model had an accuracy of 68.2%, a sensitivity of 70.1%, a specificity of 66.3%, a PPV of 68.5% and an NPV of 67.9%. But, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for 12-lead ECG were 60.0%, 55.2%, 65.1%, 62.3% and 58.1%, respectively. Conclusions Patients suffering from angina-like symptoms, with a logistic regression model value over 0.55, should be recommended for PCA.