Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Le développement de la filière cossettes d'igname en Afrique de l'Ouest

L'igname est un aliment tres apprecie en Afrique de l'Ouest mais sa consommation sous forme de tubercules frais presente, pour les consommateurs urbains, de fortes contraintes. Celles-ci sont liees aux caracteres saisonnier et perissable du produit qui rendent irreguliere sa disponibilite sur les marches urbains et qui en font un aliment souvent plus cher que les autres produits amylaces. Avec l'urbanisation, on observe, dans certains pays, le developpement d'une filiere originale de cossettes d'igname. Il s'agit d'un produit stabilise obtenu a partir de petits tubercules epluches, precuits et seches au soleil. Les cossettes se consomment principalement sous forme de pâte (" l'amala " ou le " telibo ") preparee a partir de la farine que l'on en obtient. Pour mieux estimer l'importance et comprendre le fonctionnement de cette filiere encore mal connue, une enquete de consommation sur les produits a base d'igname a ete menee en milieu urbain dans trois pays (Benin, Sud-Ouest Nigeria, Togo). La situation est contrastee selon les pays. Si au Togo et au Benin la base alimentaire reste le mais, au Benin, l'amala semble avoir penetre les habitudes alimentaires comme produit de diversification plus consomme que l'igname fraiche. Dans la partie enquetee du Nigeria, la consommation d'amala est dominante. Les consommateurs expliquent leur consommation de produits derives des cossettes par leur qualite gustative, leur constante disponibilite, leur facilite de preparation et leur prix accessible. Le developpement de cette filiere dans d'autres pays producteurs d'igname, moyennant les transferts de technologie appropries, permettrait de reduire les contraintes liees a une commercialisation uniquement basee sur les tubercules frais. (Resume d'auteur)
A Comparative Analysis of Various Machine Learning Algorithms to Improve the Accuracy of HbA1c Estimation Using Wrist PPG Data

Due to the inconvenience of drawing blood and the possibility of infection associated with invasive methods, research on non-invasive glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement methods is increasing. Utilizing wrist photoplethysmography (PPG) with machine learning to estimate HbA1c can be a promising method for non-invasive HbA1c monitoring in diabetic patients. This study aims to develop a HbA1c estimation system based on machine learning algorithms using PPG signals obtained from the wrist. We used a PPG based dataset of 22 subjects and algorithms such as extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), Categorical Boost (CatBoost) and random forest (RF) to estimate the HbA1c values. Note that the AC-to-DC ratios for three wavelengths were newly adopted as features in addition to the previously acquired 15 features from the PPG signal and a comparative analysis was performed between the performances of several algorithms. We showed that feature-importance-based selection can improve performance while reducing computational complexity. We also showed that AC-to-DC ratio (AC/DC) features play a dominant role in improving HbA1c estimation performance and, furthermore, a good performance can be obtained without the need for external features such as BMI and SpO2. These findings may help shape the future of wrist-based HbA1c estimation (e.g., via a wristwatch or wristband), which could increase the scope of noninvasive and effective monitoring techniques for diabetic patients.
The Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) Algorithm Study: a protocol for a single-group study of an AIR stepwise approach to the treatment of adult asthma

Background The stepwise approach to long-term asthma management, which traditionally incorporates short-acting β2-agonist reliever therapy, has been a core feature of asthma guidelines for over 30 years. There have been no studies, however, directly investigating the use of an entire guideline-recommended track. Recently, inhaled corticosteroid–formoterol has been recommended as the preferred reliever therapy in adult asthma, in accordance with a stepwise “Anti-Inflammatory Reliever” (AIR) treatment track. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the AIR stepwise approach recommended by the New Zealand adolescent and adult asthma guidelines, in combination with a novel algorithm for transitioning between treatment steps. Methods This 52-week, open-label, single-group study will recruit 100 adults aged 18 to 75 years with mild, moderate and moderate–severe asthma (ACTRN12620001010987). Participants will be allocated to budesonide–formoterol 200/6 µg, one actuation as needed (Step 1), one actuation twice daily and as needed (Step 2), or two actuations twice daily and one as needed (Step 3). Treatment steps will be adjusted throughout the study, in response to reliever use and asthma attacks, according to a stepwise AIR algorithm. Following a 26-week period of investigator-led transitions, participants will adjust their own treatment step. The primary outcome is participant satisfaction as measured by the Global Satisfaction score of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication. Secondary outcomes will assess efficacy and safety, and describe patterns of medication use and participant flow through the treatment steps. Conclusion This is the first trial to assess the AIR treatment track and algorithm. The results will provide knowledge to guide the clinical use of this approach. Tweetable abstract This protocol describes the first trial to investigate the anti-inflammatory reliever stepwise track for the management of adult asthma, utilising a pragmatic algorithm for transitioning between steps, and providing much needed knowledge on this approach https://bit.ly/44x11Eh
European net-winged beetles of the Pyropterus clade, with the description of Gomezzuritus gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Lycidae)

We simultaneously considered morphology and molecular phylogeny to modify the generic classification of the ‘pyropterine clade’ (Lycidae, Erotinae, Dictyopterini). To place species previously included in Benibotarus Kôno, 1932 in reciprocally monophyletic genera, we propose Gomezzuritus gen. nov. with the type-species Dictyopterus alternatus Fairmaire, 1856. Further, we transfer Gomezzuritus alternatus (Fairmaire, 1856) comb. nov., G. longicornis (Reiche, 1878) comb. nov., and G. rubripes (Pic, 1897) comb. nov. from Benibotarus to Gomezzuritus gen. nov. The pyropterine clade contains five genera in the Palaearctic region: Pyropterus Mulsant, 1838, Gomezzuritus gen. nov., Helcophorus Fairmaire, 1891, Greenarus Kazantsev, 1995, and Benibotarus Kôno, 1932. The arrangement of longitudinal elytral costae proved misleading for consideration of relationships. Two genera in distant positions share only four primary costae (Pyropterus and Helcophorus), and three similarly distant genera share the shortened primary costa 3, resulting in three primary and four secondary longitudinal costae (Gomezzuritus, Greenarus, and Benibotarus). The larva of Gomezzuritus alternatus is described in detail, and it is compared with the larvae of other Dictyopterini, including the presumed larva of G. longicornis.
Quantifying Variability of Incipient‐Motion Thresholds in Gravel‐Bedded Rivers Using a Grain‐Scale Force‐Balance Model

Predicting thresholds of sediment motion is critical for a range of applications involving sediment transport. However, thresholds for sediment motion can vary over an order of magnitude for a single characteristic flow and bed configuration. Lacking simple ways to incorporate this variability, many assume thresholds are constant for rough, turbulent flow. Here, we quantify variability of incipient‐motion thresholds based on a commonly used grain‐scale force‐balance model, with model parameter distributions determined from published experiments. We show that variability in the threshold of motion within the 2D force‐balance model occurs predominantly due to variability in the lift coefficient and grain protrusion, and secondarily due to drag coefficient variability. For a known grain size, the mean threshold of motion, and variability about the mean, can be predicted from a family of power laws. These power laws can be altered with site‐specific parameter distributions, allowing for site‐specific application to well‐studied reaches and other planets. Using compiled flume and field data we show that constraining force‐balance parameter distributions with independent data results in narrower distributions of the predicted threshold of motion, consistent with constrained flume experiments. This analysis highlights that while the threshold of sediment motion is variable, the magnitude of variability is predictable within the force‐balance model based on site‐specific physical constraints of local flow and bed conditions.
Multiple endemic equilibria for the multipatch Ross-Macdonald with fast migrations

We study the extension of the classical Ross-Macdonald model which describes the dynamics of malaria, to heterogeneous environments composed of several geographics zones. We assume that the hosts migrate between zones while mosquitoes do not. The particular case where the rate of migration does not depend on the epidemiological status was completely studied in [1]. Here we are interested in the case where the migration rates vary with the epidemiological compartments. Assuming that migrations are fast compared to the speed of the epidemiological phenomenon, we use the aggregation method ( see [7] ) to reduce the model and give an explicit formula for the basic reproduction ratio R0. We show using numerical simulations that if R0 1, we show that the model has multiple endemic equilibria.
Association of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general population of the United States (U.S.). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of subjects in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018. For the analysis of the association between SII index and risk of NAFLD, the restricted cubic spline (RCS) plot, we performed multivariable logistic regression models and subgroup analysis. In addition, generalized additive models with smooth functions were conducted for the relationship between the SII index and the ZJU index, the BARD score, and the NAFLD fibrosis score. Results There were a total of 1197 individuals in our study. Taking into account known confounding variables, compared with the lowest quartiles, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for NAFLD across the quartiles were 0.923 (0.585, 1.455), 0.563 (0.351, 0.901), and 1.061 (0.669, 1.682), respectively. As shown by the RCS plot, the SII index was linked with NAFLD risk in a U-shaped pattern. Based on the results of subgroup analysis, SII index and NAFLD risk were U-curve correlated among participants in all age groups, male or female, with or without hypertension, with diabetes mellitus, and with a BMI of <30 or >30 kg/m2. The SII index was linearly positive with the ZJU index but negative with the NAFLD fibrosis score. However, the SII index and BARD score showed a trend of first decreasing, then increasing, and then decreasing. Conclusion The U-shaped relationships exist between SII index and risk of NAFLD, which highlighted that we should focus on the dynamic change of SII index.
Anesthesia and perioperative pain relief in the frail elderly patient

Demand for anesthesia and analgesia for the frail elderly is continuously increasing as the likelihood of encountering very elderly, very vulnerable, and very compromised patients has, ever so subtly, increased over the last three decades. The anesthesiologist has, increasingly, been obliged to offer professional services to frail patients. Fortunately, there has been a dramatic improvement in medications, methods of drug delivery, critical monitoring, and anesthesia techniques. Specific methodologies peculiar to the frail are now taught and practiced across all anesthesia subspecialties. However, administering anesthesia for the frail elderly is vastly different to giving an anesthetic to the older patient. Frail patients are increasingly cared for in specialized units—geriatric intensive therapy units, post-acute care services, palliative, hospices, and supportive care and aged care facilities. Several medications (e.g., morphine-sparing analgesics) more suited to the frail have become universally available in most centers worldwide so that best-practice, evidence-based anesthesia combinations of drugs and techniques are now increasingly employed. Every anesthetic and pain management techniques in the frail elderly patient are going to be discussed in this review.
Characteristics and distribution of breeding dens of the Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a mountainous habitat

Described the red fox breeding dens of a 30 km 2 area and compared them to the non-breeding dens. Dens were searched and controlled since 1986. In 1990 every den was characterized to examine their distribution and characteristics. The total number of dens was 62 (0.33/km 2 ). 19.4% of them were used for cubbing (1.88/km 2 ). No significant difference in the characteristics of breeding and non-breeding dens was found except for the number of entrances, which was higher in the breeding dens. Man-made structures could be used as breeding dens as well as dens dug by badgers
Assessing the impact of draught load pulling on welfare in equids

About 112 million working equids are the source of income for 600 million people globally. Many equids are used for pulling loads (up to 15,000 kg per day) to transport goods. Most of them are associated with brick kilns, mining, and agriculture industries in developing countries. They may suffer from welfare issues such as overloading, being beaten, and being forced to work for long periods. These issues may occur due to a poor understanding of load-pulling equids. Understanding their capabilities and the elements that influence them is critical for efficient performance and welfare. The measurement of stride characteristics and gait kinematics can reveal loading adaptations and help identify loading limitations. It is known that both loading and fatigue change the locomotor patterns of load-pulling horses. Heart rate is a stress quantifying metric and an important representative of the speed of work and draught force. Heart rate variability is a regularly used statistic to quantify a physiological response to stresses, but it has never been used for load-pulling equids. Changes in blood lactate, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide contents are reliable biochemical indicators of the effects of load pulling. Changes in plasma cortisol levels reflect the intensity of exercise and stress levels in horses while pulling a load. However, eye blink rate is a cheap, simple, and immediate indicator of acute equine stress, and we suggest it may be used to aid in load-pulling equine welfare assessment. However, further research is needed for a standardized and evidence-based draught load pulling capacity of working horses, mules, and donkeys.
Inclusive leadership in the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers - An analytical research

The current research aims to evaluate the level of inclusive leadership within the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers, and its role in achieving integration in work through the need to improve relationships between different administrative levels, facilitate participation, expression of opinions, and belonging to the organization. In order to achieve the research objective, the descriptive analytical statistical method was chosen using the SPSS V.25 programs, with various statistical methods and measures, including mean, standard deviation, variance coefficient, relative importance, and simple regression, through a questionnaire tool for data collection. The research community included the leadership in the sample of research, with (87) questionnaire forms distributed and (83) forms received. The main results of this research indicate the existence of an inclusive leadership pattern in the sample of research, through the availability of the dimensions adopted in the current research, especially the dimension of openness that contributes significantly to employing inclusive leadership through the investment in new opportunities to improve work procedures and responsiveness to staff suggestions, and the dimension of availability is through the leadership's ability to deal with work problems, where subordinates can communicate easily and participate with the leadership to enhance work performance, as stated in the dimension of accessibility, in addition, the inclusive leader must have motivational, communicative, and communication skills, be able to make appropriate strategic decisions, possess the ability to adapt to the increasing variables in the world, such as technological, social, environmental changes, and the ability to set prioritize and achieve the targeted goals. Paper type: Research Paper
Assessment of Some Chemical Pollutants in Soil and Watermelon Samples Cultivated in Benisheikh, Borno State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, Zn and Co); ions (NO3 – , NO2 – , PO4 3- , SO4 -2 , K+ , Na+ , Ca2+ and Mg2+); in seed, pulp, leaves, stem and root of watermelon (sugar baby and crimson sweet) and physical parameters (pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon and Organic Matter) in soil at different depth (0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm from Benisheikh, Kaga LGA, Borno State, for the period of three months. Atomic Absorption and UV visible smart spectrophotometer were used to analyse the samples obtained for this study. The results of this study showed that the pH of the soil samples ranges from 4.30 ± 0.15 to 6.40 ± 0.56, revealing that the soils were slightly acidic. Organic carbon values ranges between 0.23 ±0.11-1.55 ±0.10 % and organic matter values ranges between 16.30 ±2.45-4.15 ± 0.25 %. Organic carbon and organic matter showed the lowest. The concentration 0.86 ± 0.12 µg/g of iron is the highest in the leaves and least in the stem (0.13±0.02 µg/g). Lead showed the least concentration of 0.02±0.01 µg/g in pulp. The levels of Heavy metals increased significantly (p <0.05) based on depth. The ions, calcium and potassium showed the highest concentration in leaves with values 57.14±0.02 µg/g and 52.22±0.04 µg/g while nitrite, phosphate and sulphate showed the lowest concentration in pulp and seed samples analyzed. The concentration of all the parameters analyzed was below the threshold limits set by World Health Organization. Thus, watermelon samples from Benisheikh may not constitute possible health hazard.
Innovation in Research of Informatics (INNOVATICS)

Sejarah Artikel: Diterima Redaksi:28 Agustus 2019 Revisi Akhir: 01 Oktober 2019 Diterbitkan Online: 4 Oktober 2019 Orchidaceae is the Latin name of an orchid that has various shapes, colors and sizes of flowers with unique features. The shape and color of the lips or labellum is a unique orchid that is a differentiator from other plants. In general, the types of orchids have similar colors, textures and flower petals, this causes a person to have difficulty identifying orchid species, especially people who do not know the characteristics of some types of orchids. Therefore the process of identifying orchids needs to be done automatically with a computer system so that it is expected to make it easier to identify the types of orchids. In this study using the GLCM method for feature extraction and KNN method for the process of identifying orchids or orchidaceae. Stages of identification of orchid images are changing the initial size of the image, conversion into gray degrees, median filters, feature extraction of the GLCM method and identification with the KNN method. The success rate of identifying Orchidaceae or orchids reaches 80% with an average of 77%. K value influences the success rate of identification, the greater the K value the smaller the accuracy. KATA KUNCI
A comparative study of different variable selection methods based on numerical simulation and empirical analysis

This study employs the principles of computer science and statistics to evaluate the efficacy of the linear random effect model, utilizing Lasso variable selection techniques (including Lasso, Elastic-Net, Adaptive-Lasso, and SCAD) through numerical simulation and empirical research. The analysis focuses on the model’s consistency in variable selection, prediction accuracy, stability, and efficiency. This study employs a novel approach to assess the consistency of variable selection across models. Specifically, the angle between the actual coefficient vector β and the estimated coefficient vector \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} $\hat {\beta }$\end{document}β ˆ is computed to determine the degree of consistency. Additionally, the boxplot tool of statistical analysis is utilized to visually represent the distribution of model prediction accuracy data and variable selection consistency. The comparative stability of each model is assessed based on the frequency of outliers. This study conducts comparative experiments of numerical simulation to evaluate a proposed model evaluation method against commonly used analysis methods. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed method, highlighting its ability to conveniently analyze the stability and efficiency of each fitting model.
Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice

Abstract This study explores students’ perceptions of blended learning and its impact on their sense of belonging at a post-92 UK university. A critical realist framework that considers the interlocking domains of subjective experience, objective events and observations, and the mechanisms and structures that underpin them is used to situate these perceptions, while a mixed methods approach enables a multi-layered insight into the captured diversity of student experience. The quantitative and qualitative results demonstrate that while the student self-reported experience of blended delivery is mixed, its perceived impact on academic performance is negligible. The effects of blended and remote learning on students’ sense of belonging, however, are profound and require a change in current practices to accommodate the affective aspects of learning and university experience. The study responds to the calls within the literature for more in-depth investigations of student experience, especially as regards student perceptions of that experience.