Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties and Mix Design of Geopolymer concrete – A review

Geo-polymer concrete (GPC) is a most viable solution to cement as the raw materials depleting down the years and, many countries have started imposing carbon taxes. After a review for the literature reveals that there is no proper mix design procedure developed yet. GPC has better mechanical properties when compared to normal concrete. Curing conditions, setting times, workability, alkaline solution to binder ratios, molarity of alkaline solution, Na2SiO3/NaOH and SiO2/Al2O3 ratios play an important role to develop GPC. This paper presents an overview of Geopolymarization process, mechanical properties and mix design of GPC. Proper mix design of geopolymer concrete can produce desired mechanical properties for ambient curing condition. And geopolymer concrete can consider as eco-friendly construction material. This paper deals with study of advancement in mix design and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete.
Nucléation et croissance de contacts entre cellules biologiques

Nous avons etudie l'agregation de proteines adhesives (les cadherines) lors de la formation de contacts intercellulaires. Les cadherines sont liees au cytosquelette d'actine par un complexe proteique. Nous avons determine des roles respectifs pour la membrane et pour l'actine dans la formation des jonctions adherentes: les lois de nucleation et croissance d'agregats de cadherines fluorescentes entre cellules ont ete acquises et confrontees a des modeles faisant intervenir les proprietes de membrane et la polymerisation d'actine. On a pu ainsi montre le role structurant de l'actine qui impose la forme des contacts. Nous avons aussi mis au point un montage dans lequel une cellule adhere sur une surface recouverte de cadherines. L'apparition de motifs cadherines allonges a ete observee par microscopie a ondes evanescentes. Nous avons montre, comme l'avaient predit les physiciens, que ces agregats se forment a la suite d'une augmentation de la tension membranaire.
Leveraging Iterative Plan Refinement for Reactive Smart Manufacturing Systems

Industry 4.0 production systems must support flexibility in various dimensions, such as for the products to be produced, for the production processes to be applied, and for the available machinery. In this article, we present a novel approach to design and control smart manufacturing systems. The approach is reactive, that is responds to unplanned situations and implements an iterative refinement technique, that is, optimizes itself during runtime to better accommodate production goals. For realizing these advances, we present a model-driven methodology and we provide a prototypical implementation of such a production system. In particular, we employ Planning Domain Definition Language (PDDL) as our artificial intelligence environment for automated planning of production processes and combine it with one of the most prominent Industry 4.0 standards for the fundamental production system model: IEC 62264. We show how to plan the assembly of small trucks from available components and how to assign specific production operations to available production resources, including robotic manipulators and transportation system shuttles. Results of the evaluation indicate that the presented approach is feasible and that it is able to significantly strengthen the flexibility of production systems during runtime. Note to Practitioners—Smart production is an umbrella for a number of shifts and initiatives that deal with digitization of manufacturing/production systems and related issues and potentials. In this work, we present an approach for utilizing automated planning for creating production plans. This is in contrast to the traditional approach, where recipes are programmed into the production system ahead-of-time. However, automated planning relies on specific languages and tools that are hard to master by nonexperts, which is a factor that strongly limited the utilization of plan-driven approaches for industrial automation in practice. Thus, we propose to generate planning tasks automatically with model-driven engineering techniques. We are utilizing the industrial standard IEC 62264 for the description of the production system, and the academic standard Planning Domain Definition Language (PDDL) for planning. PDDL is handled completely transparent to the user, that is the user is shielded from its complexity by employing the IEC 62264 model as the sole frontend.
A study on the total phenolics and antioxidant properties of different solvent extracts of dried leaves of Cassia alata (L.) Roxb.

The study was aimed at investigating the influence of solvent polarities on the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of dried leaves of Cassia alata (L.) Roxb. The sample was extracted separately with methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and water for the determinations of phenolic contents, reducing power and radical scavenging properties. The results revealed that reducing power (RP) and radical scavenging capacity (RSC) in methanolic extract were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of other extracts (acetone, ethylacetate, and water) indicating the effectiveness of antioxidant extraction by methanol and consistently the total phenolics (mg/100g DW) was high in this extract. Moreover, the phenolic contents of the extracts positively correlated with the reducing power and anti-radical potential of the extracts. The findings suggest that methanol could be a perfect solvent for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from the leaves of C. alata (L.) Roxb.
Symmetric Response Magnetoresistance Sensor With Low 1/f Noise by Using an Antiphase AC Modulation Bridge

A new high-sensitive magnetic sensor which is referred to a symmetric response magnetoresistance (SRMR) sensor is proposed. This sensor uses giant magnetoresistance (GMR) elements which have symmetric field response. An ac magnetic field with frequency <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is applied to the GMR elements in order to modulate a small detecting magnetic field. Due to the symmetric response of the MR element, a carrier signal of the ac magnetic field is converted to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and the detecting signal is converted to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. By using a full bridge circuit, where two pairs of GMR elements have opposite phase of the applied ac field, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> components can be eliminated at the differential output terminal of the bridge. Since this system converts the frequency range of the detecting magnetic field to higher one, its noise level, which is dominated by the 1/<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> noise, can be decreased. In this study, the SRMR sensor with the antiphase ac modulation bridge was fabricated and investigated. The effect of noise reduction and carrier signal suppression were confirmed by a circuit simulation based on the fabricated GMR element. A full-bridge circuit using four dual-spin-valve GMR elements was fabricated. It was confirmed that the carrier signal (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> components) was reduced to less than the signal level (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> components). An increase in the noise level was found at the frequency range near <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, which may be due to slight asymmetry shown in the magnetoresistance (MR) response.
Children Use of Emergency Care: Differences Between Natives and Migrants in Italy

In this paper we study the differences between natives and migrants in the appropriate use of emergency care. We focus on children under one year of age using a sample of more than 45,000 children living in the Metropolitan area of Milan. Consistently with the literature, our findings show that migrants’ children are characterized both by a higher probability to use emergency care and by a higher likelihood of an inappropriate use of this service. These findings are robust to the inclusion of additional controls, family doctor’s characteristics, as well as potential selection bias. We also explore potential mechanisms driving these results. We find that linguistic and cultural distance between natives and migrants explain the higher use of emergency services and the inappropriate use of these services. Conversely supply side factors do not seem to play any relevant role. These findings suggest that integration policies aimed at increasing language proficiency of immigrants would be helpful in improving the appropriate use of emergency care.
Sandfly-Borne Viruses of Demonstrated/Relevant Medical Importance

Sandflies show distribution in a vast geographical area from Europe to Asia, Africa, Australia, and Central and South America where they can transmit a large number of viruses. Between these viruses, the most important are grouped into the Phlebovirus genus (family Phenuiviridae ). Among them, several sandfly-borne phleboviruses cause self-limiting febrile disease (sandfly fever) or central and peripheral nervous system infections. Data concerning the geographic distribution of these phleboviruses has drastically increased during the last decade in both the new and the old worlds. The current situation depicts a high viral diversity with taxonomic groups containing human pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses. This merits to provide insight to address the question of medical and veterinary public health impact of all these viruses, which are poorly studied. To do so, integrated and translational approaches must use ecological, epidemiological, serological and direct clinical evidence. Beside, other viruses transmitted by sandflies and belonging to Rhabdoviridae and Reoviridae families can also be of veterinary and public health importance. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive view of the sandfly-borne viral pathogens of the public health impact on humans and other vertebrates in the old and new worlds.
Constitutive modelling of cyclic sand behaviour for offshore foundations

The wind energy industry has gained a key role in the global fight against greenhouse gas emissions. Although fossil fuels have still the largest share in the global energy mix, the production of wind energy, especially offshore, has rapidly grown since the 1990s. According to the International Energy Association, Europe targets offshore wind to become the main electricity source by 2040. To meet such a goal, significant developments in research and technology are ongoing to reduce/optimise the high costs for materials, manufacturing, transportation, and installation of offshore wind farms. A significant cost item for offshore wind turbines (OWTs) is represented by their supporting structures and foundations, especially as the rush towards bigger OWTs and larger water depths poses a serious threat to cost reduction targets. To make offshore wind competitive in the energy market, reducing investment costs is mandatory. Since OWT foundations mobilise up to around 18% of the total investment in typical offshore wind projects, the importance of reconsidering/improving geotechnical design approaches for offshore foundations is selfapparent.
Improved Direct Torque Control Method for Dual-Three-Phase Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machines With Back EMF Harmonics

In this article, we propose a novel switching-table-based direct torque control (ST-DTC) method to eliminate the current harmonics in dual-three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous machines due to the back electromotive force (back EMF) harmonics and voltage vector selection. By employing a novel space voltage vector selection strategy and the optimal action time for different groups of vectors, a novel ST-DTC method is developed. Furthermore, in order to implement standard pulsewidth modulation (PWM) switching sequence, a centralization PWM method for 36 voltage vectors is introduced. The proposed method can effectively reduce the phase current harmonics caused by both back EMF distortion and voltage vector selection, and still reserve the advantages of the conventional ST-DTC, such as fast torque response and simple structure. Its effectiveness is verified by simulations and experiments.
EFECTO DEL HONGO METARHIZIUM EN EL CRECIMIENTO DE LA PLANTA AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS

Metarhizium es reconocido por sus multiples funciones como un hongo entomopatogeno usado en el control biologico de plagas de insectos y por realizar simbiosis con las plantas, se ha demostrado el potencial que Metarhizium tiene en el crecimiento y desarrollo de las especies vegetales, pues Metarhizium coloniza las raices de las plantas endofitamente; esta interaccion planta-hongo genera un intercambio de nutrientes, propicia tolerancia a condiciones adversas en la planta como sequia, enfermedades causadas por microorganismos, entre otros. En el presente trabajo, se realizaron interacciones en condiciones de invernadero e in vitro para determinar el efecto en el crecimiento de la planta Amaranthus hypochondriacus con hongos del genero Metarhizium, observando que al exponer las plantulas de amaranto a las cepas del hongo Metarhizium, si existe una interaccion hongo-planta, pero que no afecta el crecimiento de la planta Amaranthus hypochondriacus en condiciones de invernadero.
Effects of plant extracts of Bakayan tree (Melia azadirachta L.) on Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Azadirachtin, spinosad and plant extract of Bakayan tree (Melia azadirachta L.) against to Aphis gossypii were tested for contact effects at different concentrations against the pre-adult periods. It has been determined that the mortality rate of the cotton aphid individuals treated with Azadirachtin reached 100 % on the 5th day and this value was obtained on the 2nd day in Spinosad treated the cotton aphid individuals. Similarly, the exract of M. azadirachta was affected on the 2nd day of 50 cc dose application. When the data obtained from 40 and 50 cc doses of Melia extract were examined, it was observed that 100 % mortality was detected on the 2nd day in both doses and this rate was reached on the fourth day in 30, 20, 10 and 5 cc doses. In this study; the doses of 40 and 50 cc of the extract obtained from M. azadirachta killed 100 % of A. gossypii on the second day and thus the insecticidal effect of this extract against the pest was determined. Keywords : Melia azadirachta L. , Aphis gossypii, Hemiptera: Aphididae
Application of the ESA (Engage, Study, Activate) Method in English Teaching for First Grade Students in Primary Schools

This purpose of this paper is to explore the application of ESA method in English Teaching for Grade 1 Elementary Students. This method was applied to discover its effectiveness in assisting first grade elementary students in English teaching. Data were obtained from first grade Elementary Students in State Elementary Schools 2 and 3 Serangan, Denpasar. The teaching process was designed for eight meeting which lasted for two months or half a semester by applying the Engage, Study and Activate processes. Engage is the beginning of teaching activities in which the teacher or instructor attract students' interests through fun activities in the form of games. Meanwhile, in the Study, the teacher delivers the teaching material introduced in the Engage. Meanwhile, in Activate, the teacher tries to provide some exercises related to the topic for the students to use the language. The exercises provided in activate is also given through game and acts as the most effective way in the teaching process for the beginner. The result showed that the student is really active in the class because the teaching process is carried out in fun way. Furthermore, it enables students to raise their hands while answering answer the game or quiz-related questions given by the teacher. The students have the courage to speak even though only one or two words have been introduced, which indicates that the method is effective in the English teaching for first grade elementary students. Keywords, engage, study, activate, game, English language teaching
Effect of Computerization on Banks’ Performance in Quoted Nigerian Banking Sector

The effect of computerization in banks became of concern to the researcher as its adoption in banking sector and its application has become a major concern to all banks who are deliberating on whether to fully go technological or use partial manual and technology. This study aim to examine the effect of e- banking on ROA of which a survey was carried out on three banks listed on the Nigerian stock Exchange, using panel data of 10 years ranging from 2009 – 2018; while ATM value and volume were used as measurement tool for e-banking, ROA were used as a tool for bank performance. Descriptive analysis was used to ascertain the mean (1.865608; ATM volume, 666288.8; ATM value, 4.514933; ROA) median, Maximum, Minimum. Correlation was carried out and a positive and strong relationship between ATM volume and Value with the performance indicators of selected banks in Nigeria were generated.Regression was carried out on all variables, and hausman test was used to determine which of either pool, random and fixed model to pick, and fixed was picked. Using fixed regression on the effect of e-banking on ROA, the result of the estimated model shows that (ROA) has positive relationship and statistically significant effect on ATM volume in the long run.The work suggests that Management of Nigerian quoted banks should increase their commitments into e- banking channels in order to improve returns from their business transaction. Keywords : Computerization, Technology, E- Banking, Measurement, Performance. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-16-17 Publication date: August 31 st 2020
Evaluation of bio-physiological and yield responses of stay green QTL introgression sorghum lines to post-flowering drought stress

Drought is the most drastic abiotic stress that limits crop production in sub-Sahara Africa. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is among the most climate resilient cereals of the future due to its tolerance to drought and heat. Thus, identification of tolerant genotypes and plant characteristics that contribute to drought adaptation is timely. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of 12 genotypes, including seven Stay-green (Stg) QTL introgression sorghum lines and their two donor; and three recurrent parents, to induced post-flowering drought stress. The recurrent parents were varieties released for drought prone lowlands of the country, and the donor parents were lines known to have stay-green properties. The study was conducted at Werer, in the Great Rift-valley of Ethiopia, during the off-season of 2014 under well-watered and water limited conditions. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among genotypes under water deficit regimes, for all measured physiological, biochemical (proline content), yield and yield related traits. Three Stg QTL introgression lines showed better tolerance to drought than their recurrent parents, as reflected by yield and maintenance of green leaf area. Three Stg QTL introgression lines, Teshale/E36-1, Gambella/B35-5 and Meko/B35-12, gave the highest grain yield under post-flowering drought stress, and B35 and Teshale/B35 gave the poorest yield under similar conditions. Therefore, these improved lines bear potential for use as alternatives in breeding programmes and for possible release in parts of the country where post-flowering drought stress is frequent. Proline content, weight of hundred seeds (HSW) and CO2 assimilation are effective screening tools for Stg property due to their high correlation with other parameters.
Placental calcification: ultrastructural and X-ray microanalytic studies.

: Calcification is common in human placentas and is widely recognized as a normal part of maturation and aging of this organ. Eleven human placentas were studied by light and electron microscopy to elucidate the mechanism of placental calcification. Earliest mineral deposits were seen along the trophoblastic basement membrane of the chorionic villi undergoing fibrinoid degeneration. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed crystalline deposits within small membrane-bound vesicles; the latter appear to be derived from degenerating cells and were particularly numerous within the basement membrane. X-ray microanalysis of these deposits revealed calcium and phosphorus peaks and the pattern of calcium hydroxyapatite was noted by electron diffraction. This pattern of calcification, i.e., precipitation of calcium hydroxyapatite in association with extracellular membrane bound vesicles, is similar to that seen in physiologic and pathologic calcifications of other tissues.
Retinal OCT Image Segmentation: How Well do Algorithms Generalize or How Transferable are the Data?

The success of deep learning depends, among other things, on a large amount of labeled data. However, in medical applications, large labeled datasets are the exception, rather than the rule. Manual image labeling is time-consuming and is generally performed only with the purpose of developing algorithms, and not as a part of standard clinical practice. The goal of this study is twofold. Since there is always a trade-off between the ability to collect data and achieve the best possible performance, we wanted to explore how performance depends on the amount of data. For this purpose, a database of manually annotated OCT images was collected. Also, we wanted to see how much transfer learning can help. Retinal OCT images vary depending on the type of device, therefore developed methods should be as robust as possible. Transfer learning was performed so that the model was trained with similar OCT images and then fine-tuned with images from the collected database. It has been shown that transfer learning helps in terms of generalization and better prediction in case the source database is similar to the target database. We can also assume that further improvement can probably be achieved by adding images from another distribution (medical or nonmedical).
The temporal variation of ammonia and nitrite content in extensive ponds with tilapia.

The accumulation of organic material in an extensive pond can cause accumulated ammonia and nitrite compounds, which can be toxic for aquaculture organisms, reducing the rates of fishery production. The purpose of this study was to determine the temporal variations of the levels of ammonia and nitrite in extensive ponds. This study used a survey method on three plots of extensive ponds, conducted every two weeks. Samples were analyzed using the IBM SPSS application with the One-Way ANOVA to determine whether there were differences in ammonia and nitrite levels among the measurement times. In addition to ammonia and nitrite contents, there were also some supporting parameters observed, namely dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, pH and salinity. The measurement results showed that there were significant changes in ammonia levels (P<0.01), with values of 0.112-0.537 mg L, and nitrite levels also presented significant differences (P<0.05), with values of 0.01-0.12 mg L. The measurements of the supporting parameters during the study showed fluctuating results, with pH values between 8.4 and 9.4, temperatures between 31.95 and 35.63C, dissolved oxygen levels between 6.13 and 9.04 mg L, and salinity values from 8.33 to 25.33 mg L. There were temporal variations in ammonia and nitrite levels. Fluctuations in ammonia and nitrite levels in extensive ponds did not endanger the cultivation of organisms. The results of hemoglobin from fish cultivation showed that it was in normal levels.