Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characterization and Biocompatibility of SPION@Plasmonic @Chitosan Core-Shell Nanocomposite Biosynthesized from Fungus Species

In this work we aim to manipulate green route for the synthesis of core-shell maghemite-based Ag nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan. Three fungal species, Aspergillus deflectus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillium pinophilum, were used in the process of synthesis to select the best among them for the production. The physicochemical parameters of produced nanoparticles and mediated cytotoxicity assessment for their potential medical application have been performed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV/visible, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), EDAX, and MTT to plot a cytotoxicity assessment report. The results confirmed the formation of monodispersed γFe2O3@Ag@chitosan with low cytotoxicity against prostate (PC3), liver (HepG2), column (HCT116), and breast cancer (MCF7) ATCC cell lines. In conclusion, these results prove the success of the green route used for the biosynthesis of γFe2O3@Ag@chitosan with parameters necessary for bioimaging, drug and gene delivery, and biosensing.
Development and storage characteristics of shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) based snack food using extrusion technology

An attempt was made to develop nutrient rich extruded snacks from lesser utilized protein rich shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) flour using twin screw extruder. The extruded were in order to fried and packed in to High Density Polyethelene (HDPE). The extruded were analyzed for physical, texture profile, proximate composition and sensory characteristics at the interval of 10 days for 50 days of storage (DOS). The experiment shows the physical property like expansion ratio (mm) and texture profile characteristics such as hardness (gmF) and crispiness (gm) were not affected at the end of storage period. Among the different studies, the product made from rice/shrimp T1 based extruded scored as higher as 5 (out of 5) by sensory evaluation for all attributes. Consequently, all the extruded were maintained the physical properties, nutritional quality and overall acceptability. This research demonstrated that shrimp flour at 15% can be successfully incorporated for development of extruded were: expansion ratio 3.32, 2.75 and 3.06 (mm), crispiness 291, 252 and 210 (gm), protein 12.69, 18.74 and 15.09 (%), enegy value 540, 489 and 524 (Kcal), TPC 0.36, 0.34 and 0.34 (log cfu/gm) in rice T1, wheat T2 and corn T3 based extruded respectively. Overall, the quality assessment of extruded were not changed significantly (P>0.05) throughout study.
Financial sector sustainability and performance – Policy Imperative for the monetary authorities'

PurposeThe objective of this study is to ascertain whether financial sector sustainability had any correlation with financial sector performance in Nigeria and recommend appropriate policy directions.Design/methodology/approachThe study selected four major Nigerian banks namely Zenith Bank Guaranty Bank United Bank for Africa and First Bank of Nigeria as its sample and covered 2010 to 2019. Secondary panel data were obtained from the published financial Statements of the banks and subjected to analytical techniques of panel unit root tests descriptive statistics panel least square and Co-integration statistical techniques at the 5% level of significance.FindingsThe findings revealed that the exogenous variables (SUST) have significant Impact on the endogenous variable (ROA, ROE) in the short-run but insignificant in the long run.Research limitations/implicationsThe period covered was limited to 10 years and has an African development focus with emphasis on West Africa, Nigeria. However, the implication could be general to most or all economic and financial landscape. It shows that there is a correlation between financial sector sustainability and return on assets and returns on equity.Practical implicationsMonetary authorities should develop applicable annual performance sustainability framework for all banks; and set performance targets, that will be measured and monitored by appropriate regulatory unit periodically.Social implicationsThe financial sector survival is directly related to its contribution towards the survival and development of its host community and operating environment.Originality/valueThis approach is novel in the sense that its approach is practical and measurable, which most research work have not focused on.
Multifunctional property exploration: Bi4O5I2 with high visible light photocatalytic performance and a large nonlinear optical effect

Exploration of the versatility of materials is very important for increasing the utilization of materials. Herein, we successfully prepared Bi4O5I2 powders via a facile solvothermal method. The Bi4O5I2 photocatalyst exhibited significantly higher photocatalytic activity as compared to the common BiOI photocatalyst in the degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. Especially, for the degradation of methyl orange, the photocatalytic activity of Bi4O5I2 is about 10 times that of BiOI. Moreover, Bi4O5I2 exhibits an extremely high second harmonic generation response of about 20 × KDP (the benchmark) estimated by the unbiased ab initio calculations. The coexisting multifunction of Bi4O5I2 is mainly because of the increased dipole moment due to the stereochemical activity of lone pairs that promotes separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers, then enhances the photocatalytic activity and results in a high second harmonic generation response. This indicates that Bi4O5I2 may have good potential applications in photocatalytic and nonlinear optical fields.
Control Strategy of Single-Phase UPQC for Suppressing the Influences of Low-Frequency DC-Link Voltage Ripple

The single-phase unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) is widely used to improve power quality for sensitive end-users. However, the inherent instantaneous power difference between parallel and series converter will generate significant low-frequency dc-link voltage ripple and degrade the compensation performance of UPQC. The mechanism of dc-link voltage ripple generation and its influences on compensation voltage and current are analyzed in this article. To suppress the influence, a control strategy is proposed for the single-phase UPQC. For parallel converter, a notch filter is introduced in the outer voltage loop to prevent the voltage ripple entering the control loop, the specific order harmonics compensation is proposed in the inner-current loop to reduce the grid current harmonics. For the series converter, the dc-link voltage feedback is adopted to suppress the influence of voltage ripple on the compensation performance. Simulation and experimental results show that the grid current total harmonic distortion (THD) can be reduced effectively with the fixed dc-link capacitance compared with the traditional control strategy. More than half of the load voltage THD are also decreased by the dc-link voltage feedback control. Moreover, with the smaller dc-link capacitance, single-phase UPQC can maintain the better performance under the proposed control strategy.
Advanced 1H solid-state NMR spectroscopy on hydrogels, 2 - The formation of hydrogen bonds in hydrogels based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAAm) and methacrylic acid (MAA)

Advanced 1 H solid-state NMR methods are applied for studying the hydrogen bond formation occurring in polymer hydrogels based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and methacylic acid (MAA). For P(NIPAAm-co-MAA) copolymers collapsed at low pH, two populations of water can be distinguished in 1 H magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra, one of which is probably situated near stable hydrogen-bonded regions, while the other behaves similarly to free water. The pH-induced polymer collapse can be followed in detail using 2D 1 H - 1 H double quantum (DQ) MAS NMR experiments on dried samples. For collapsed copolymers as well as interpenetrating polymer networks, the appearance of characteristic signals shows that hydrogen bonding takes place between NIPAAm and MMA monomers. The temperature dependence of the DQ spectra indicates that acid-amide hydrogen bonds formed between both comonomers are more stable than the acid-acid hydrogen bonds formed among MAA moities alone. Correspondingly, by analyzing 1 H - 1 H DQ sideband patterns, a relatively short distance of 270 pm is found for the NIPAAm-MMA hydrogen bond. Finally, the pH dependence of the DQ spectra demonstrates that hydrogen bonding phenomena are directly related to the polymer collapse.
Forecasting stock price movement: new evidence from a novel hybrid deep learning model

PurposeThis study explores whether a new machine learning method can more accurately predict the movement of stock prices.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents a novel hybrid deep learning model, Residual-CNN-Seq2Seq (RCSNet), to predict the trend of stock price movement. RCSNet integrates the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, convolutional neural network (CNN) and the sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) long–short-term memory (LSTM) model.FindingsThe hybrid model is able to forecast both linear and non-linear time-series component of stock dataset. CNN and Seq2Seq LSTMs can be effectively combined for dynamic modeling of short- and long-term-dependent patterns in non-linear time series forecast. Experimental results show that the proposed model outperforms baseline models on S&P 500 index stock dataset from January 2000 to August 2016.Originality/valueThis study develops the RCSNet hybrid model to tackle the challenge by combining both linear and non-linear models. New evidence has been obtained in predicting the movement of stock market prices.
Garbage, Storage or a Mussel Oven? a Case Study of a Shell Midden from Western Poland

ABSTRACT Shell middens are common finds recorded at Polish archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age; however, very little is known about the acquisition and exploitation of mussels by prehistoric communities. An archaeological feature discovered recently at Kiekrz (western Poland) has provided us with a rare opportunity to conduct complex research on a representative and large sample. Our study aimed to recognise the function of the pit, the character of the shell deposit, its chronology, the season of shell collection and environmental conditions that prevailed in the settlement's time. The investigations included multi-faceted analyses of archaeological finds (pottery, animal bones, and mollusc shells) and charcoal remains, δ13C and δ18O shell composition, and C14 dating. The results of the research indicate that the molluscs of Unio were deliberately collected for food c. 1500 cal. BC. They were probably harvested during late summer from the nearby lake. Then the molluscs were steamed in a kind of earth oven. Pine and oak wood from the immediate vicinity was used as firewood during the molluscs processing. After the meal, shells were probably stored in the pit for further use.
A retrospective study comparing the efficiency of recurrent LSIL cytology to high-grade cytology as predictors of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+)

Background Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most preventable cancers; however, it is the leading cause of cancer-related female deaths in South Africa. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of recurrent low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology as criteria to predict CIN2+ incidence, to a single initial high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology. Methods A retrospective cohort study comprising 344 women was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 at the Colposcopy Clinic, Tygerberg Hospital. The women were categorised into two groups: (1) women with a recurrent LSIL cytology result, with recurrent cytology scheduled within 6–12 months; (2) women diagnosed with a single initial HSIL cytology result. The outcome was dichotomised into (1) normal or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (<CIN2) and (2) cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3 or CC (CIN2+). Pearson’s chi-square test (X2) and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess any association between the patient-related factors considered and CIN2+ incidence. Results The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for referral HSIL cytology was 72.73% (95% CI 65.96–78.80), 79.10% (95% CI 71.24–85.64), 83.72% (95% CI 78.54–87.85) and 66.25% (95% CI 60.61–71.46), respectively. HIV status (p = 0.012) and ARV treatment (p = 0.015) were found to have statistically significant associations with CIN2+ incidence. Conclusions A single initial HSIL result is a more efficient predictor of CIN2+ incidence compared with a recurrent LSIL cytology result. The HIV-negative women were more accurately identified as CIN2+, compared with HIV-positive women. Women not on ARV treatment were more accurately identified as <CIN2+, compared with women on ARV treatment.
Litz Wire and Uninsulated Twisted Wire Assessment Using a Multilevel PEEC Method

Litz wire (LW) is a common tool used in high-frequency power electronic applications to reduce eddy loss. Uninsulated twisted wire (UTW) with lower manufacturing costs is often ignored by both researchers and designers. LW and UTW have similar geometry structures, however, there has been little research on the performance evaluation of UTW so far. This article proposes a novel calculation method of UTW based on the multilevel partial element equivalent circuit method and the results are verified by the experimental measurement. Then, the performance of LW and UTW is compared and discussed under various conditions. The simulation results show that LW and UTW have almost identical performance and may replace each other for single-level wires. For two-level wires, these two types of wires may be interchangeable when the ratio of bundle radius to skin depth is less than a specific value, otherwise, LW always has a better performance.
Effect of Ion-Exchange Sequences on Catalytic Performance of Cerium-Modified Cu-SSZ-13 Catalysts for NH3-SCR

Cerium-modified Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts were prepared by an aqueous ion-exchange method, and Ce and Cu were incorporated through different ion-exchange sequences. The results of NH3-SCR activity evaluations displayed that Cu1(CeCu)2 catalyst presented excellent catalytic activity, and over 90% NOx conversion was obtained across the temperature range of 200–500 °C. The characterization results showed that the ion-exchange sequence of Cu and Ce species influenced the crystallinity of the zeolites and the coordination of Al. A small amount of Ce could participate in the reduction process and change the location and coordination environment of copper ions. Furthermore, Ce-modified Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts possessed more acidic sites due to their containing replacement of Ce and movement of Cu in the preparation process. The cooperation of strong redox abilities and NH3 storage capacity led to the increase of active adsorbed species adsorption and resulted in better activity of Cu1(CeCu)2.
Design of Dual Ultra–Wideband Band–Pass Filter Using Stepped Impedance Resonator λg/4 Short Stubs and T–Shaped Band-Stop Filter

Portable wireless communication systems are increasingly in demand in small sizes for human convenience. In wireless communication systems, the performance, size, and unit cost are very important. A band−pass filter is important to sharp cut–off frequency characteristics, size, and frequency selectivity in wireless communication systems. The band−pass filter has three types of techniques in the transmission−zero method, stub−loaded resonator, and stepped impedance resonator for the sharp cut−off frequency characteristic, adjustable bandwidth, and excellent frequency response characteristics. To obtain these characteristics, the impedance ratio and length of a stub are mainly adjusted. It also utilizes a multi–mode technique to increase bandwidth. However, it is analyzed that the problem of reducing the size of the device still remains. To solve these problems, the paper is applied to a stub−loaded resonator and a stepped impedance resonator to control the impedance ratio and the length of the stub to obtain the results of the transmission−zero method, bandwidth control, and size reduction through the folded structure. Dual−band bandwidth was secured by integrating a T−shaped band−stop filter. The designed band–pass filter has center frequencies of 243 GHz and 7.49 GHz, and the insertion loss of a proposed band−pass filter is 0.102 dB and 0.103 dB. Additionally, the return loss of a proposed band−pass filter is 19.13 dB and 19.96 dB, respectively. The bandwidth of a filter is 120% and 105%, respectively. The size of the filter is 0.0708 λg × 0.0533 λg. The designed filter has a good skirt phenomenon, small size, low insertion loss, and dual−band characteristics.
Students demographic variables as determinants of utilisation of information resources among undergraduates of universities in South-South Nigeria

This study was undertaken to find out the influence of students’ demographic variables on utilization of information resources among undergraduates in universities in South-South Nigeria. The objectives were to determine whether gender, age and academic level of students influence utilization of information resources. To guide the study three hypotheses were formulated. Related literature and empirical studies were also reviewed. Survey research design was also adopted to guide the study. The stratified random sampling technique was adopted in this study to get the universities and accidental sampling technique to get data from the students. A total of one thousand students were used in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the students. One-way analysis of variance and independent t-test were used for data analyses. The result showed that academic level of students influences utilization of information resources, gender and age of students did not significantly influence utilization of library information resources. It was concluded that students should have positive outlook in all their life’s endeavours including their academic pursuits so that they can maximally utilize the quantum of information resources available in the Libraries in Nigerian Universities for improved academic performance and competitive global academic pursuit. Keywords: ICT Innovation, Electronic Resources, User Education, Academic Libraries, Knowledge generation, Demographic Characteristics.
Tracking Vehicle Cruising in an Open Parking Lot Using Deep Learning and Kalman Filter

Due to the lack of wide availability of parking assisting applications, vehicles tend to cruise more than necessary to find an empty parking space. This problem is evident globally and the intensity of the problem varies based on the demand of parking spaces. It is a well-known hypothesis that the amount of cruising by a vehicle is dependent on the availability of parking spaces. However, the amount of cruising that takes place in search of parking spaces within a parking lot is not researched. This lack of research can be due to privacy and illumination concerns with suitable sensors like visual cameras. The use of thermal cameras offers an alternative to avoid privacy and illumination problems. Therefore, this paper aims to develop and demonstrate a methodology to detect and track the cruising patterns of multiple moving vehicles in an open parking lot. The vehicle is detected using Yolov3, modified Yolo, and custom Yolo deep learning architectures. The detected vehicles are tracked using Kalman filter and the trajectory of multiple vehicles is calculated on an image. The accuracy of modified Yolo achieved a positive detection rate of 91% while custom Yolo and Yolov3 achieved 83% and 75%, respectively. The performance of Kalman filter is dependent on the efficiency of the detector and the utilized Kalman filter facilitates maintaining data association during moving, stationary, and missed detection. Therefore, the use of deep learning algorithms and Kalman filter facilitates detecting and tracking multiple vehicles in an open parking lot.
Detection of lithium in breast milk and the mammary glands

Lithium is a key component in many anti-psychosis medications and can be transmitted to the breast-fed infants of medicated mothers. Using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), trace lithium levels are observed in the breast milk of lactating rats administered with lithium postpartum with limit of detection of LIBS about 0.1 ppm. Subsequently, the mammary glands of female rats were analyzed using LIBS and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Lithium at 1.06 μg/g concentration was measured in the mammary glands of lithium medicated subjects, but was below the limit of detection in controls. Lithium also increases iodine content (p<0.05), decreases phosphorus content, and increases the calcium/phosphorus ratio in the glands (p<0.05). Lithium is present in the breast milk and mammary glands of medicated female subjects and this is the likely route of entry to breast-fed infants. Lithium use in pre-partum has been associated with a number of negative effects in the newborn. These effects are conventionally resolved by reducing the pre-partum dose. However, current practice guidelines in post-partum discourage use of lithium during breast-feeding due to transient abnormalities of thyroid-stimulating hormone and blood urea nitrogen. This however, denies the infant the many benefits of breast feeding, or requires the mother to stop or change medications. The most recent guideline is still cautious as there is little evidence beyond a handful of case reports. Therefore, there is significant need for further research. This study helps establish the rat as an animal model for studying the biodistribution of lithium.