Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Electronic Procurement in the Public Sector: The Case of Songwe District Council

The study aimed to determine the factors affecting the adoption of electronic procurement in the public sector: the case of Songwe District Council. The specific objectives were to determine effects of relative advantage on the adoption of electronic procurement system in Songwe District Council, determine the effects of complexity on using electronic procurement system and to determine the effects of trialability on using electronic procurement system. The research employed a quantitative approach. The target population was 56 respondents from the selected departments. Data was analysed descriptively, 32(57%) agreed that relative advantage had effect on electronic procurement system adoption, 14(25%) disagreed while 10(18%) were neutral. of complexity effects on electronic procurement system adoption, 25(45%) agreed on the statements that, the electronic procurement system was difficult to understand, the organization provided training to departments on the use of electronic procurement system and staffs knew how to evaluate tenders by using the electronic procurement system, 20(35%) disagreed and 11(20%) were neutral. Thus, the findings revealed that complexity had effect on electronic procurements system adoption. 26(46%) agreed on the statements that, electronic procurement system adoption had been experimented with limited basis and the Songwe District Council had available network connections whereas 15(28%) disagree and 15(26%) neutral. The study recommends that the Songwe District council should employ more trialability in using electronic system since they have positive and significant results especially when more training will be engaged on the adoption of electronic procurement system. The findings of this study can be adopted in other districts councils with similar administrative and development characteristics as well as among other government institutions
Trends and Forecasts for Inbound Tourism to China

Summary The development of tourism in China over the last two decades is reviewed. It is argued that the success of the economic reforms in China which has resulted in fast economic growth has also been the main cause of rapid tourism growth in China. Forecasts of international tourist arrivals by source country market and destination region within China are generated over the period 2001-05. An integrative approach is used which combines both time-series and econometric methodologies, termed structural integrated time-series econometric analysis (SITEA).
Modi�able Risk Factors for Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Background Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause of stroke, but the conclusion about risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis is still controversial. The aim of our present meta-analysis and systematic review was to explore the modi�able risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis. Methods We searched PubMed from January 1962 to October 2018 to include longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. The results were pooled using random effects model. Heterogeneity was measured by I2 statistic and publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. Results A total of 14,700 articles were screened, of which 76 with 27 factors were eligible. Our meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies indicated nine factors (hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, smoking, metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, and higher low density lipoprotein) were signi�cantly associated with the presence of carotid plaque, among which four (hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia) could elevate the risk of atherosclerosis by at least 50%; and one factor (hypertension) was associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness. In the systematic review, another �ve factors (negative emotion, socioeconomic strain, alcohol, air pollution, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)) were also related to the presence of atherosclerosis. The cross-sectional associations with most of the above 14 factors were further con�rmed by longitudinal studies. Among them, the managements of 4 factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and OSAS) were indicated to prevent carotid atherosclerosis by cohort studies. Conclusions Effective interventions targeting pre-existing disease, negative emotion, lifestyle and diet may reduce the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. Further good-quality prospective studies are needed to con�rm these �ndings.
Imaging Spectrum of Severe Urinary Tract Infection Complications Presenting as a Seminal Vesicle Abscess, Prostatic Abscess, and Renal Abscess in Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Urinary tract infections are more common and severe, and they carry worse outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The infections are typically caused by resistant pathogens, leading to many complications. Various impairments in the immune system, poor metabolic control, and incomplete bladder emptying due to autonomic neuropathy may all contribute to the enhanced risk of urinary tract infections in these patients. We present an imaging spectrum of a severe urinary tract infection presenting as renal, prostatic, and seminal vesicle abscesses in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Challenges and Problems Faced by EFL Teachers in Teaching Allomorph through Narrative Text

The fact that teaching English in Indonesia is still driven by textbooks makes not many students have the ability to communicate in English and even they often experience mispronunciation. This study was conducted to find out how to teach allomorphs as a provision to strengthen knowledge of English pronunciation. In addition, this study also seeks to reveal how the challenges faced by EFL teachers in the Allomorph learning process. There are 3 stages that the teacher can do to teach allomorphs through narrative texts; introduction to phonetic symbols, reading the text, and analyzing and practicing the types of allomorphs. From the use of the selected narrative text, it reveals 3 types of allomorphs from 4 types that have been introduced to students in the form of past tense, plural number, and regular possessive. Some of the challenges and problems faced by EFL teachers in teaching English pronunciation, especially allomorphs, is the lack of student motivation to learn. In addition, EFL teachers still hold on to the old philosophy about the lack of importance of learning pronunciation, making this teaching even more difficult. The lack of class hours and the large number of students in EFL classes are also challenges for teachers.
Factors affecting academic performance of students at the University of Burao (UOB), Somaliland

The academic performance of students has been a subject of interest for educational researchers for a while; however, most of the research in this area was done outside of Somaliland. Therefore, this study examined factors affecting the academic performance of students in Burao, Somaliland. The study aimed to investigate the influence of employment status, learning style preference, test anxiety, and English communication problems on the students’ GPAs. The undergraduate students of the University of Burao participated in this study. Using stratified sampling, 333 students were chosen from six different faculties, and data was gathered by a questionnaire. The response rate was 69%, so data from 230 students were analyzed using a Binomial logistic regression with the help of SPSS 21. The result indicated that employment status has no significant effect on students’ GPAs, while the other three variables had effects on it. Regarding the influence of learning style preference, the students with auditory learning styles had 3.0 times higher odds of achieving higher grades than students with visual learning styles. The study also discovered that for every one-unit increase in test anxiety, students were 0.56 times less likely to achieve higher grades. Moreover, for every one-unit increase in English communication problems, students were 0.63 times less likely to achieve higher grades. In short, of the four predictor variables, only learning style preference, test anxiety, and English communication problems affected students’ GPAs in different ways. Therefore, the study made several recommendations including the use of various lecture delivery techniques by lecturers and the development of an English communication policy by the university.
Strain partitioning along the Himalayan arc and the Nanga Parbat antiform

Shortening along the Himalayan arc of continental convergence is approximately in the radial direction. If the underthrusting foot-wall block (India) is not deformed, the hanging-wall block (Tibet) needs to stretch along the arc, as suggested by radial grabens in southern Tibet. In contrast, the Nanga Parbat‐Haramosh massif and the western Himalayan syntaxis are part of a 250-km-long antiform that strikes in the radial direction (northeast) and verges northwest. The Nanga Parbat antiform is the structural and topographic expression of arc-parallel shortening that compensates for arc-parallel extension in southern Tibet. This shortening is predicted to be as high as 12 mm/yr.
Plataformização: espaços de interação da ciência e dos saberes populares

A ampliação das ofertas e serviços disponíveis por meio das plataformas digitais favorece a cultura digital, um dos pilares da nossa atual sociedade. As plataformas, em tempos de emergência planetária funcionam como uma espécie de janela para o mundo, permitindo e incentivando a circulação massiva de informações de toda ordem. Os processos tecnológicos, por meio da internet facilitam a interatividade, a produção e o compartilhamento de conteúdos importantes para a compreensão dos desafios vividos. Foi assim durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Textos, imagens, sons, memes viralizados nas plataformas digitais tornaram-se um suporte decisivo para amenizar as consequências pandêmicas e do trabalho da própria ciência (instituições científicas e cientistas). Diante desse contexto, indagamos como a plataformização de informações científicas podem contribuir ainda mais para que o pensamento científico circule no cotidiano da população. Nesse sentido, a pesquisa mostrou que o uso das plataformas digitais favorece a circulação mais vigorosa do conhecimento científico, especialmente porque a ciência ocupa lugares incomuns, não tradicionais, e demonstra que o alargamento da cultura científica passa pela ocupação de espaços digitais. Conhecimento informal também ajudou a desmistificar crenças em curas milagrosas e ainda auxiliou na luta contra a desinformação, as fragilidades e a desconfiança na ciência.
Methodologies of the Validation of Software Architectures

Software architecture validation is the process of assessing whether a software architecture meets its intended requirements and goals. It is an important step in the software development process, as it can help to identify and address potential problems early on before they become more costly and difficult to fix. There are a variety of different methodologies that can be used to validate software architecture. Some of the most common methodologies include Architectural evaluation methods, Architecture tests and reviews, and Model-based validation. This paper will provide an overview of the different methodologies that can be used to validate software architecture. Apart from that, it also analyzes and summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of each method so that it can guide determining the most appropriate methodology for a particular case.
Simultaneously inferring above‐cloud absorbing aerosol optical thickness and underlying liquid phase cloud optical and microphysical properties using MODIS

The regional haze over the southeast (SE) Atlantic Ocean induced by biomass burning in southern Africa can be problematic for passive imager‐based retrievals of the underlying quasi‐permanent marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds and for estimates of top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE). Here an algorithm is introduced to simultaneously retrieve above‐cloud aerosol optical thickness (AOT), the cloud optical thickness (COT), and cloud effective particle radius (CER) of the underlying MBL clouds while also providing pixel‐level estimates of retrieval uncertainty. This approach utilizes reflectance measurements at six Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) channels from the visible to the shortwave infrared. Retrievals are run under two aerosol model assumptions on 8 years (2006–2013) of June–October Aqua MODIS data over the SE Atlantic, from which a regional cloud and above‐cloud aerosol climatology is produced. The cloud retrieval methodology is shown to yield COT and CER consistent with those from the MODIS operational cloud product (MOD06) when forcing AOT to zero, while the full COT‐CER‐AOT retrievals that account for the above‐cloud aerosol attenuation increase regional monthly mean COT and CER by up to 9% and 2%, respectively. Retrieved AOT is roughly 3 to 5 times larger than the collocated 532 nm Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) retrievals, though closer agreement is observed with the CALIOP 1064 nm retrievals, a result consistent with previous case study analyses. Regional cloudy‐sky above‐cloud aerosol DRE calculations are also performed that illustrate the importance of the aerosol model assumption and underlying cloud retrievals.
Primjena nanotehnologije u pročišćavanju otpadnih voda

Klasični postupci obrade (pročišćavanja) otpadnih voda uključuju različite fizikalne, kemijske i biološke postupke čija primjena može biti ograničena zbog velikih investicijskih troškova ili u nekim slučajevima slabe efikasnosti pročišćavanja. Zbog toga se kontinuirano istražuju novi načini obrade otpadnih voda koji bi poslužili kao nadopuna ili alternativa klasičnim postupcima. U radu je dan osvrt na razvoj nanotehnologije u pročišćavanju otpadnih voda, utjecaj nanomaterijala na zdravlje ljudi i okoliš te prikaz budućih trendova razvoja nanotehnologije.
Design and Analysis of a V-Band CMOS Sextuple SILVCO Using Transformer and Cascade-Series Coupling With a Frequency-Tracking Loop

A low-phase-noise local oscillator (LO) is a crucial component in communication systems. However, the design challenge of the LO significantly increases as the operating frequency rises. This paper focuses on the design and analysis of a $V$ -band CMOS sextuple sub-harmonically injection-locked voltage-controlled oscillator (SILVCO) with a frequency-tracking loop (FTL). To further enhance the locking range and efficiently generate high-order harmonic components, a cascade-series coupling injector is proposed for employment in the SILVCO. The design methodology of the proposed circuit is thoroughly presented, accompanied by analysis and calculated results. The SILVCO with FTL is implemented using a 90-nm CMOS process. With a sub-harmonic number of 6 and a dc power consumption of 23 mW, the measured output frequency ranges from 50.8 to 53.4 GHz, achieving a differential output power close to 0 dBm. The measured phase noise at a 1 MHz offset and the rms jitter integrated from 1 kHz to 10 MHz are both lower than −109.4 dBc/Hz and 43 fs, respectively.
Revisiting Multi-Label Propagation: the Case of Small Data

This paper focuses on multi-label learning from small number of labelled data. We demonstrate that the straightforward binary-relevance extension of the interpolated label propagation algorithm, the harmonic function, is a competitive learning method with respect to many widely-used evaluation measures. This is achieved mainly by a new transition matrix that better captures the underlying manifold structure. Furthermore, we show that when there exists label dependence, we can use the outputs of a competitive learning method as part of the input to the harmonic function to provide improved results over those of the original model. Finally, since we are using multiple metrics to thoroughly evaluate the performance of the algorithm, we propose to use the game-theory based method of Kalai and Smorodinsky to output a single compromise solution. This method can be applied to any learning model irrespective of the number of evaluation measures used.
R ESIDUAL C YANIDE C ONTENT OF P ROCESSED C ASSAVA - BASED P RODUCTS IN G UYANA

Cassava products are emerging as sustainable, economical solutions to food security in developing countries. The tuber is known to contain anti-nutritional compounds, notably cyanogenic glycosides, but may be eaten without ill effect once properly prepared. It is processed to make value-added products like cassava bread, farine, tapioca and cassava flour. The CARICOM Regional Standard – “Specification for Cassava bread” (CRS 19) recommends that the maximum level of cyanide in food for human consumption should be 10 mg/kg dry weight. In this study, cassava flour, cassava bread, farine and tapioca were analyzed for total cyanide content utilizing the picrate paper method. The cyanide levels in the farine and tapioca samples, one cassava flour sample and the garlic-flavored cassava bread sample fell within the acceptable range. Cyanide levels in the remaining products were above 10ppm. These findings suggest that cyanide levels are dependent on processing techniques, processing times and the presence of additives.
Calcination Enhances the Aﬂatoxin and Zearalenone Binding E ﬃ ciency of a Tunisian Clay

: Clays are known to have promising adsorbing characteristics, and are used as feed additives to overcome the negative e ﬀ ects of mycotoxicosis in livestock farming. Modiﬁcation of clay minerals by heat treatment, also called calcination, can alter their adsorption characteristics. Little information, however, is available on the e ﬀ ect of calcination with respect to mycotoxin binding. The purpose of this study was to characterize a Tunisian clay before and after calcination (at 550 ◦ C), and to investigate the e ﬀ ectiveness of the thermal treatment of this clay on its aﬂatoxin B1 (AFB1), G1 (AFG1), B2 (AFB2), G2 (AFG2), and zearalenone (ZEN) adsorption capacity. Firstly, the puriﬁed clay (CP) and calcined clay (CC) were characterized with X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Di ﬀ raction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-IR), cation exchange capacity (CEC), speciﬁc surface area (S BET ), and point of zero charge (pH PZC ) measurements. Secondly, an in vitro model that simulated the pH conditions of the monogastric gastrointestinal tract was used to evaluate the binding e ﬃ ciency of the tested clays when artiﬁcially mixed with aﬂatoxins and zearalenone. The tested clay consisted mainly of smectite and illite. Puriﬁed and calcined clay had similar chemical compositions. After heat treatment, however, some changes in the mineralogical and textural properties were observed. The calcination decreased the cation exchange capacity and the speciﬁc surface, whereas the pore size was increased. Both puriﬁed and calcined clay had a binding e ﬃ cacy of over 90% for AFB1 under simulated poultry GI tract conditions. Heat treatment of the clay increased the adsorption of AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 related to the increase in pore size of the clay by the calcination process. ZEN adsorption also increased by calcination, albeit to a more stable level at pH 3 rather than at pH 7. In conclusion, calcination of clay minerals enhanced the adsorption of aﬂatoxins and mostly of AFG1 and AFG2 at neutral pH of the gastrointestinal tract, and thus are associated with protection against the toxic e ﬀ ects of aﬂatoxins.
Karst Aquifer evolution in fractured, porous rocks

The evolution of flow in a fractured, porous karst aquifer is studied by means of the finite element method on a two‐dimensional mesh of irregularly spaced nodal points. Flow within the karst aquifer is driven by surface recharge from the entire region, simulating a precipitation pattern, and is directed toward an entrenched river as a base level. During the early phase of karstification both the permeable rock matrix, modeled as triangular elements, and fractures within the rock matrix, modeled as linear elements, carry the flow. As the fractures are enlarged with time by chemical dissolution within the system calcite–carbon dioxide–water, flow becomes more confined to the fractures. This selective enlargement of fractures increases the fracture conductivity by several orders of magnitude during the early phase of karstification. Thus flow characteristics change from more homogeneous, pore‐controlled flow to strongly heterogeneous, fracture‐controlled flow. We study several scenarios for pure limestone aquifers, mixed sandstone‐limestone aquifers, and various surface recharge conditions as well as the effect of faulting on the aquifer evolution. Our results are sensitive to initial fracture width, faulting of the region, and recharge rate.
Improvement of Public Healthcare System through Band Effective Storage and Transmission of Color Medical Images

Public healthcare system rely on medical images like magnetic resonance images, computed tomography, etc for effective diagnosis . Also remote expert’s advice plays a significant role in improvement of the healthcare solutions. Thus , medical images acquired from radiological equipments and their storage play a major role in healthcare applications such as diagnosis of diseases, telemedicine and telecare. Storage and transmission of color medical images require compression which is a challenging task. In this paper, the compression algorithm for color medical images using ripplet transform and huffman coding is proposed. The objective of the proposed method is to obtain good quality compressed images by representing images at different scales and directions and to achieve high compression ratio (CR) with reduced transmission time. The simulation experiments have been conducted with the database consisting of variety of color medical images with varying sizes and resolutions. From the simulation results it is confirmed that the proposed algorithm yields better CR than existing algorithms and JPEG 2000 and also proves to be efficient in reduction in transmission time also. Hence, this algorithm will pave the path for improved system of telemedicine and band effective storage.
INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY INTERPRETATION OF THE JOINT INFLUENCE BETWEEN THE KEY FACTORS IN FUZZY COGNITIVE MAPS

: Fuzzy cognitive maps are powerful tool for modeling of complex socio-technical systems. The informed decision making process in the uncertain environments of such systems requires a thorough understanding of the key characteristics that define their behavior. In this respect, the proposed intuitionistic fuzzy interpretation of the entire set of joint influences between the factors in fuzzy cognitive maps allows an enhanced description and analysis of the driving forces and system’s dynamic.
New marine low trophic resources as food: nutritional and food safety aspects

Food agencies recommend increasing the consumption of aquatic food to promote healthy living and sustainability, and, particularly, to prevent Western lifestyle-related diseases and secure sustainable food systems. This requires growth in global seafood production, and the utilization of low trophic species (LTS) is suggested. LTS are already considered nutritious and important in Asian and Pacific diets. As the use of LTS is expanding in Western diets, producers and consumers need information on the food safety practices associated with them and their nutritional content. LTS are mainly immobile or slow-moving extractive species or organisms that feed on such, and their nutrient and contaminant content varies by species and location. Species-specific knowledge on nutritional contents and safe consumption limits is often missing, making the monitoring and analysis of contaminants, nutrients, and consumption data crucial to guiding the utilization and consumption of LTS. Using global and regional standards regarding nutrients, food hazards, and labeling, this review highlights the appropriate guidelines and regulations for guiding the utilization of selected novel species and also identifies knowledge gaps.