Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Germination and seedling growth at low temperature: comparisons of Lotus species and effects of selection and seed source in L. pedunculatus Cav.

The association of seed size, type of life cycle (annual/perennial), and ploidy (diploid/tetraploid) with low temperature (5∞C), germination rate, and seedling growth was examined under controlled conditions in 9 Lotus species. Seeds harvested at 2 localities from 2 populations of L. pedunculatus, one selected for early flowering and the other unselected for flowering time, were included in the study to examine the influence of selection history and seed provenance on cold temperature germination rate and seedling growth. Seed size and ploidy level were not sig- nificant factors influencing germination rate of the Lotus species, but both seed size and life cycle had significant associations (P < 0.01) with seedling dry weight. Seed of the selected, early flowering population of L. peduncula- tus germinated significantly faster than that of the unselected population (P < 0.01), and this difference was more pronounced in seed from the site where early flowering would confer advantages of better seed production and the potential for better persistence through seedling recruitment. A narrow-sense heritability estimate for the germina- tion rate of L. pedunculatus was high at the 2 localities (0.84 - 0.17 and 0.65 - 0.16) and it was thus promising as a selection criterion for improved establishment. If interspecific hybridisation can be achieved between the annual and perennial species, a longer term prospect exists to utilise the high capacity of annual species to germinate and grow at low soil temperatures.
From the past to the future of therapeutic orthoses for upper limbs rehabilitation

Introduction: The expansion of assistive technologies has been increasing significantly, involving almost all the daily activities, performed by disabled people. One of the highlights to be mentioned is the robotic orthoses, which are being used to amplify movements, to replace amputated limbs, and for a variety of rehabilitation therapies, among others. This study aims to present a review about upper limbs’ orthoses, discussing their weaknesses, potentialities, and pointing out for future perspectives under the motor rehabilitation. Methods: For this research, it had been identified 161 papers, based on the bibliographic bases from IEEE and Science Direct, which were filtered by the keywords orthoses, hand, upper-limbs and technology. After the appropriate exclusions, 22 papers were analyzed. Results: This review indicates that most of the orthoses have been developed for rehabilitation therapies to be employed by people who have suffered stroke, cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury. This research summarized that the upper limbs movements are effectively produced by electric or pneumatic actuators, having a variety of degrees of freedom. Conclusion: This review has shown that, although there are many orthoses styles, ranging from electric to pneumatic actuators; also there are some technical restrictions that prevent their use by most people. However, upper limb orthoses seem to be a great solution for the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke.
Impaired cerebral hemodynamics in late-onset depression: computed tomography angiography, computed tomography perfusion, and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

Background Late-onset depression (LOD) is often difficult to recognize when there is an absence of a family history of depression and less severe psychopathology. Increasing evidence has shown that the development and course of LOD symptomatology are associated with cerebrovascular comorbidities and cerebral microvascular lesions. This study was designed to evaluate the associations of LOD with macrovascular and microvascular changes in the brain by using a multi-imaging method, including computed tomography angiography (CTA), CT perfusion (CTP), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to explore the course and pathomechanism of LOD. Methods A total of 116 participants were divided into two groups. Participants older than 60 years who met the diagnostic criteria of depression [International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 10th Edition] were enrolled in the LOD group, and the remainder were age- and sex-matched into the control group. The cognitive/mood status of all participants was evaluated by an experienced neuropsychologist. Global and regional mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured by CT cerebrovascular perfusion imaging; the stenosis of the bilateral intracranial large arteries (internal carotid artery, anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and vertebral artery) was recorded by CTA; regional white matter hyperintensity (WMH) loads were evaluated by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI; and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate depression status. Results Our key findings were the following: (I) participants in the LOD group were more prone to intracranial arterial stenosis (81.1% vs. 74.6%), had more severe stenotic arteries compared with controls (Z=2.024, P<0.05), and significantly more participants with LOD had severe stenosis of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (9.4% vs. 0%, P<0.05); (II) there was a significant difference in hypoperfusion of the frontal and parietal lobes superposed on global cerebral hypoperfusion between the two groups (P<0.001); (III) and there was a significant difference in high WMH loads in deep white matter (DWM) between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions A low global or regional perfusion state, moderate-to-severe stenosis of MCAs, and high WMH loads could be used as imaging biomarkers to indicate diffuse or localized cerebral macrovascular and microvascular pathology in LOD.
The avifauna and conservation status of the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique

Summary We report the current status of birds at the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique. Despite being the only known locality for the Namuli Apalis Apalis lynesi and the nominate race of the Dapplethroat Arcanator orostruthus, the mountain is very little known ornithologically. Prior to our survey it had only been visited by an ornithologist in 1932, when Jack Vincent collected in the area for three weeks. During our week-long survey in November-December 1998 we recorded 130 bird species from the Namuli area, including all three globally threatened species reported by Vincent (Thyolo Alethe Alethe choloensis, Dapplethroat and Namuli Apalis). The higher-elevation (>1,500 m) forests are still largely intact, but most of those at lower elevations have been cleared for agriculture. The alethe and apalis are common, occurring in remnant forest patches and secondary scrub as well as pristine forest from 1,160 to 2,000 m. The Dapplethroat is restricted to large, intact forests above 1,500 m, but also is fairly common (up to 2–3 singing males per hectare; greater densities than recorded elsewhere). Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica was recorded for the first time in Mozambique, and was suspected of breeding at 1,400 m. We estimate that some 1,300 ha of pristine forest remains on the main massif between Gurue and Mount Namuli, but this area is being reduced by burning and “subsistence” logging. Approximately 7,000 people currently live in the area east of the main forest. Grazing by goats and pigs on the montane grasslands surrounding the forests is another problem, but the gravest threat is posed by improved road access to the area, which could open the forests to commercial logging. In addition to being the sole locality known for the Namuli Apalis and the nominate race of Dapplethroat, the Namuli forests probably support the largest single populations of Thyolo Alethe and the well-marked belcheri race of Green Barbet. These populations make Namuli arguably the most critical Important Bird Area for Mozambique, and the remaining forests have a high priority for conservation action.
Review of The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Internet banking and Mobile banking

The adoption of new technology has been under debate since the 1970s. Over the decades, many theories and models have proposed to address the consumer adoption issues; one of them is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The focus of this research article is to highlight the significance of the TAM model in explaining system adoption and usage in Internet banking and Mobile banking. This research paper will provide insight by providing a comprehensive review of the literature in the context of the TAM model its extensions, development, and shortcomings. This research study contributes to the existing literature; and will be beneficial for future researchers interested in Internet banking and Mobile banking research comprehending the TAM model.
The Reflection Spectra Of The Fruit Tree Leaves In The Presence Of Solar Radiation In Three Positions

Reflection spectra demonstrating the optical properties of leaves provide information on reflectance of some specific wavelength. These spectra allow to define the color of the leaves by chromatic coordinates and in addition also the wavelength of the "dominant" color of the leaves. Reflectance images of various intact leaves were taken in four selected bands at 440, 550, 690, and 800 nm and compared with their reflectance spectra in the visible to near infra-red (range: 400 to 800 nm). In addition, the individual leaf samples were further characterized by their specific colorimetric values for visual impression (CIE 1931). The results demonstrate that leaf reflectance is determined by the following basic parameters: (a) the leaf pigment content (absorption of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the pigment protein complexes of chloroplasts and, in red leaves, also of epidermal anthocyanins (b) the structure of the leaf surface. The measurements were carried out with three types of leaves (sun, half-shade and shade) for pear variety Santa Maria.
On distributed strains in a CFA pile via DFOSs measurements and numerical analysis

Fibre Optic Sensors (FOSs) offer unprecedented possibilities for the monitoring of engineering structures, such as foundation systems. Notably, the type of FOSs known as Distributed Fibre Optic Sensors (DFOSs) has the capability of monitoring variations in the observed physical field, such as strain and temperature, with spatial continuity along the fibre. This paper presents and discusses the distributed strain measurements collected along a continuous flight auger (CFA) pile, belonging to the foundation raft of a new bridge subjected to an acceptance static load test. The monitoring was performed using a DFOS system, which works according to the optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) method and provides a spatial resolution of 10 mm and a strain resolution of 1 με. The in-situ monitoring results were used to calibrate a 3D Finite Element Model of the foundation system. The soil properties for the numerical model were also selected on the basis of a load test previously carried out on a similar pile at the same site. RÉSUMÉ: Les capteurs à fibre optique (FOS) offrent des possibilités sans précédent pour le contrôle des structures d'ingénierie, telles que les systèmes de fondations. Spécialement, le type de FOS connu sous le nom de capteur à fibres optiques distribuées (DFOS) a la capacité de surveiller les variations du champ physique observé, telles que la déformation et la température, avec continuité spatiale le long de la fibre. Cet article présente et discute des mesures de déformation distribuées collectées le long d'un pieu à la tarière à vis continu (CFA), appartenant au radier de fondation d'un nouveau pont soumis à un test de réception en condition statique. Le contrôle a été effectuée à l’aide d’un système DFOS fonctionnant selon la méthode de réflectométrie optique du domaine de fréquence (OFDR) et offrant une résolution spatiale de 10 mm et une résolution de déformation de 1 με. Les résultats du contrôle in situ ont été utilisés pour calibrer un modèle 3D d'éléments finis du système de fondation. Les propriétés du sol utilisé dans le modèle ont également été sélectionnées à la lumière d'un test de charge précédemment effectué sur un pieu similaire sur le même site.
A Design of Online Examination System Model for the Radio Frequency Spurious Certification

: Current information technology plays a signiﬁcant role in a lot of people live. The uses of information technology in education have begun to play a key role of teaching more and more. Developers have seen the opportunity and the importance of using information technology for people living, so the awareness of developing the online examination system on the internet for the Ofﬁce of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is proposed to replace a traditional examination of radio frequency spurious certiﬁcation. The problems in the traditional examination system are times, expenses, and spaces including staffs in each of an examination. Each examination wastes a lot of costs of personnel allowances, accommodations, papers, printing costs, and space rental. The burdens of the examinees are a travelling times and costs to be at the examination location arranged by the Ofﬁce of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. Taking an advance of existing technologies to develop an online examination system model for people who want to get the radio frequency spurious certiﬁcation, examinees can take the radio frequency spurious examination on the internet anywhere and anytime. Our model could improve the examination processes, reduce all costs and times of examinees and the NBTC, and bring the advantages of current available technologies to make it efﬁcient, convenient, and effective. The online examination system model will check conditions such as an examinee must pass a training of radio frequency spurious classes (theoretical and practical training classes). A practical training class will provide a practical examination. Then, examinee must take the radio frequency spurious examination passing 90% scores. The radio operators must obtain a radio frequency spurious certiﬁcation in accordance with the rules followed by NBTC. The online examination system model randomly creates questions of each examination form for each examiner effectively. Examinees must answer each question in the system depending on the set of time. After an examination, examinees can check results on the system. The online examination system model is developed using the Adobe XD. This paper shows how to apply an online examination system model to improve the traditional examination model. Our system can support the examination of a radio frequency spurious certiﬁcation by the ofﬁce of NBTC. It shows that our online examination system model is efﬁcient, reliable, and sufﬁcient to use and replace in the traditional radio frequency spurious exam. The system responses for the needs of NBTC processes, employees, and examinee candidates as well.
Increment of the microscopy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in inmates

Objective: To evaluate an easy and low-cost procedure to improve the diagnosis of tuberculosis among inmates devoid of risk of contamination for laboratory professionals. Methods: Sputum samples from inmates were analyzed after treatment with sodium hypochlorite and spontaneous sedimentation compared to direct conventional smear microscopy, culture and the rapid molecular test by the Xpert®MTB/RIF system. The Open Epi and SPSS programs were employed for the statistical analyzes. Results: Of 436 sputum samples from inmates 71 were culture positive (true positives). Out of these 50 were positive by the conventional direct microscopy and 67 by the processed sputum microscopy technique what corresponds to 29% increase in positivity compared to the conventional microscopy. Conclusion: The procedure evaluated maintains the advantages and increases the sensitivity of the conventional direct microscopy. The implementation of this procedure among vulnerable group of persons with limited access and resources could increase the identification of pulmonary tuberculosis cases.
Active Learning for Air Quality Station Deployment

Recent years have seen a decline in air quality across the planet, with studies suggesting that air pollution is a signiﬁcant cause of death. Governments have set up large scale air quality monitoring stations to aid them in formulating policies for air quality. However, these air quality stations are expensive to install, and have thus been often sparsely deployed. Motivated by sparse air quality monitoring and the expensive cost of air quality monitoring stations, we propose an active learning based solution to recommend locations to install air quality monitoring stations. We use a Gaussian Processes based approach for this purpose, motivated by their ability to encode prior knowledge using custom kernels. We demonstrate via extensive experimentation that our proposed approach outperforms several baselines on a publicly available dataset.
Frequency Control of Microgrid with Renewable Generation using PID... (Regad Mohamed et al)

M. Regad, M. Helaimi, R. Taleb, Ahmed M.Othman, Hossam A. Gabbar Laboratoire Génie Electrique et Energies Renouvelables (LGEER),Electrical Engineering Department, Hassiba Benbouali University, Chlef, Algeria Electrical Power and Machine Department, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Egypt Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), 2000 Simcoe St. N. , Oshawa ON L1H 7K4 ON, Canada
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF DC-DC CONVERTER FOR ROBOTIC SYSTEM

In this paper, the DC servo motor drives are widely used in high performance robotic applications. In high performance applications, the speed of the motor is affected by load disturbance, parameter variations, and model uncertainties. In order to maintain the constant speed, the compensation of factors that affects the motor speed is indispensable and it is one of the important and challenging tasks. The essential converter topologies for example the Buck, Boost, Fly back, SEPIC, Cuk and others have been alluring and are actualizing straight forward, minimal cost, and low power converters. The boost converter topologies are affected by the load variation and the presented electric stress which reduces the conversion ratio and efficiency of the system. Also, the speed and position control of DC servomotor utilizing different control systems and the likelihood of control of the tip of the robot leg by central pattern generator are additionally talked about. Moreover, to improve the steadiness affectability using Foot Force Stability Margin on desired robot attributes is also discussed. Further, the Non-ruled Sorting Genetic Algorithm was also taken into account to solve the compelled nonlinear multi-target streamlining issue. Finally, a detailed analysis on kinematics, dynamics, stability and energy consumption of a realistic six-legged robot is also given. Along with this, the current controlling strategies for DC – DC converter, voltage controlling of boost converter and their performance on the basis of conversion efficiency, voltage ripple were also discussed.
The vast thin plane of M31 corotating dwarfs: an additional fossil signature of the M31 merger and of its considerable impact in the whole Local Group

The recent discovery by Ibata et al. (2013) of a vast thin disk of satellites (VTDS) around M31 oers a new challenge for the understanding of the Local Group properties. This comes in addition to the unexpected proximity of the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) to the Milky Way (MW), and to another vast polar structure (VPOS), which is almost perpendicular to our Galaxy disk. We nd that the VTDS plane is coinciding with several stellar, tidally-induced streams in the outskirts of M31, and, that its velocity distribution is consistent with that of the Giant Stream (GS). This is suggestive of a common physical mechanism, likely linked to merger tidal interactions, knowing that a similar argument may apply to the VPOS at the MW location. Furthermore, the VTDS is pointing towards the MW, being almost perpendicular to the MW disk, as the VPOS is. We compare these properties to the modelling of M31 as an ancient, gas-rich major merger, which has been successfully used to predict the M31 substructures and the GS origin. We nd that without ne tuning, the induced tidal tails are lying in the VTDS plane, providing a single and common origin for many stellar streams and for the vast stellar structures surrounding both the MW and M31. The model also reproduces quite accurately positions and velocities of the VTDS dSphs. Our conjecture leads to a novel interpretation of the Local Group past history, as a gigantic tidal tail due to the M31 ancient merger is expected to send material towards the MW, including the MCs. Such a link between M31 and the MW is expected to be quite exceptional, though it may be in qualitative agreement with the reported rareness of MW-MCs systems in nearby galaxies.
A Multilevel Investigation of Fall Prevention Behavior Among Nursing Staff of South Korean Geriatric Hospitals

BACKGROUND: There is lack of empirical evidence on whether organizational variables affect the fall prevention behavior of nursing staff working at Korean geriatric hospital. Aim This study aimed to investigate individual and organizational characteristics associated with the fall prevention behavior of nurses and nurse aides. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. A convenient sample of 426 clinical nurses and nurse aides from 8 geriatric hospitals in South Korea was recruited between October and November 2019. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to estimate the effects of individual- and organization-level predictors. RESULTS: The result indicated that fall prevention self-efficacy (β=0.41, p<.001) was a significant individual-level predictor. At the organizational level, Nurse to nurse aides ratio (β=.21, p=.005) and number of patients per physical therapist (β=-.28, p=.014) were significant predictors. Furthermore, there was a significant change of R2 (p=.034) when organizational variables were included in the regression model. CONCLUSION: To increase fall prevention behavior of nurse and nurse aides, administrators in geriatric hospital should recognize the importance of staffing, such as nurse and physical therapist. Further studies are proposed to investigate the empirical evidence about the association between organizational variables and patient outcomes.