Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene action studies in cherry tomato for yield and yield attributing traits in open and protected environment

The present study was undertaken to learn more about the the nature and magnitude of gene action for various yield and yield attributing traits in cherry tomato. Ten different lines of cherry tomato were crossed in diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) and tested for gene action investigations in open and protected environment. Analysis of variance of the components of genetic variation and their ratios and differences revealed that the additive variance component ( ) was significant for all the traits in the individual as well as pooled data analysis, except for number of primary branches plant-1 in E2. The dominance components ( and ) showed the significant difference for all the traits except for plant height in E2. This shows the involvement of both additive and non-additive type of gene action in the inheritance of the traits. Hence, reliance should be placed on reciprocal recurrent selection and the development of superior lines with several desirable genes.
Molecular characterization and microbial resistance of different bacterial isolates in some dairy products

Bacterial contamination of milk and dairy products is a common problem. In the last two years, the foodborne diseases caused by the intake of milk and dairy products have been mostly disturbed with Salmonella entertica, Listeria monocytogenes Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Campylobacter jejune. The study aims to isolate multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria in dairy products and study of the molecular characterization of that isolates. MDR bacteria were found in 30 out of the 131 bacterial isolates. The incidence of MDR bacterial isolates revealed the abundance of Staphylococcus sp. with 43.3%, Bacillus sp 16.7%, Salmonella 13.3%, E. coli 10 %, Enterococcus 6.7 % Psedoumonas 3.3 %, Shegella 3.3 % and Proteous 3.3 %. Molecular studies of genes presence or absence for class A contain TEM, CTX and BSHV, class B contain VIM, IMP, KPC and NDM, class C contain FOX and class D contain OXA-10, OXA-24 and OXA-58 were tested. NDM, TEM, CITM and OXA -10 genes were the most abundant the selected bacterial isolates. The results of this study indicate that cheese made from unpasteurized milk can pose a significant risk to consumers. Product manufacturing processes should be subject to health control-to-control pathogens. The novelty in this work depend on screening of gene responsible of the resistance from the bacteria isolated from dairy product using the molecular technique.
Statistical framework for multi sensor fusion and 3D reconstruction

Multi-view 3D reconstruction is an area of computer vision where multiple images are taken of an object and information in those images is used to generate a 3D model describing the shape and size of that object. The ability to automatically generate 3D models of objects has many uses from content creation for games to object recognition and is a first step in many other computer vision tasks like markerless motion capture. In this thesis a new framework to achieve 3D reconstruction is presented. This framework is based on the generalised Radon transform and is linked to kernel density estimation. A new smooth differentiable function is defined that can be optimised using gradient ascent algorithms. The framework is applied to two applications; firstly to computing the visual hull, a 3D reconstruction from multiple silhouettes and secondly, to generate a 3D reconstruction from depth information. The framework is capable of overcoming the considerable noise present in depth data to generate an accurate 3D reconstruction. The framework is extended to optimise camera alignment parameters in a multicamera system. Existing techniques for calculating camera parameters can be prone to error. This extension optimises these initial estimates of the camera parameters to facilitate accurate 3D reconstructions in real environments. Finally two data-sets were generated and captured to test and evaluate all the algorithms developed.
Radio communications using Orbital Angular Momentum

Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) is a fundamental property of electromagnetic fields, associated to helicity of waves phase fronts. Like frequency and polarization, it represents a degree of freedom of an electromagnetic field and can be used for its identification. In fact, two waves with the same frequency but different OAM values can be distinguished from each other when their whole phase fronts are collected. Electromagnetic fields with nonzero OAM form an orthogonal basis and can be discriminated, without any digital post processing, at the physical layer. For this reason, they represent an interesting tool for the development of new multiplexing systems that better exploit the electromagnetic spectrum. Within this context, this thesis presents the main results of theoretical and experimental studies on the application of OAM waves to radio multiplexing systems. It starts by considering the state-of-the-art of radio OAM waves, in order to identify features and applications concerning telecommunications. Then, it examines special parabolic antennas, also known as conformal antennas, that can generate and recognize electromagnetic waves at radio frequency with integer values of OAM. These antennas are then employed in practical experiments to test long-range multiplexing system prototypes, where three channels are transmitted and received on the same frequency and polarization state. The experiments study the difficulties of exploiting OAM modes orthogonality over long distances. In fact, due to diffraction, the size of field distributions increases more and more during propagation. Therefore, over long distances, it is necessary to use large antennas to collect their whole phase fronts. To overcome this problem and reduce the size of the received fields two interesting solutions are presented. The first one concerns a particular effect of field concentration that can be obtained superimposing electromagnetic waves with integer and consecutive values of OAM. The second one, on the contrary, studies the generation process for a special class of OAM fields, called higher order vortex beams, that are characterized by a more compact intensity distribution. Hence, the thesis considers the possibility of distinguish radio waves with different OAM values by receiving only a small portion of the phase fronts. This latter study, developed by using MIMO systems theory and theoretical models on OAM beams propagation, focuses also in the comparison between general multiplexing systems based on today MIMO technology with the ones based on OAM waves. The analysis of long-range systems is then concluded by examining, both theoretically and experimentally, the superposition of waves with opposite values of OAM. These fields, in fact, are characterized by a more regular distribution and can be useful in simplifying the structure of OAM-based communication systems. In the end, the thesis considers short range communications where OAM waves are used not only for multiplexing purposes but also to increase, directly at the physical layer, the communication security.
Africa’s lion economies and their gendered impacts: lessons from Asia

SUMMARY This Debate addresses the ‘Eastern turn’ in policy and direction among Africa’s fast growing lion economies. It focuses in particular on recent recommendations in the African political economy literature for a reorientation in investment towards low-wage, labour-intensive manufacturing industries. Drawing on relevant empirical studies from Asia, it argues that there are significant gendered implications to this Eastern turn which, to date, have largely been ignored in the mainstream African literature. A widening of discourse and policy in ways that move beyond ‘add women and stir’ approaches, to address broader structural constraints to women’s economic participation, is recommended.
Innovator or collaborator? A cognitive network perspective to vision formation

PurposeHaving a shared vision is crucial for innovation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of individual propensity to collaborate and innovate on the development of a shared vision.Design/methodology/approachThe authors build a network in which each node represents the vision of one individual and link the network structure to individual propensity of collaboration and innovativeness. During organizational workshops in four multinational organizations, the authors collected individual visions in the form of images as well as text describing the approach to innovation from 85 employees.FindingsThe study maps individual visions for innovation as a cognitive network. The authors find that individual propensity to innovate or collaborate is related to different network centrality. Innovators, individuals who see innovation as an opportunity to change and grow, are located at the center of the cognitive network. Collaborators, who see innovation as an opportunity to collaborate, have a higher closeness centrality inside a cluster.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper analyses visions as a network linking recent research in psychology with the managerial longing for a more thorough investigation of group cognition. The study contributes to literature on shared vision creation, suggesting the role which innovators and collaborators can occupy in the process.Originality/valueThis paper proposes how an approach based on a cognitive network can inform innovation management. The findings suggest that visions of innovators summarize the visions of a group, helping the development of an overall shared vision. Collaborators on the other hand are representative of specific clusters and can help developing radical visions.
Lernerfolg in der Schule durch Augmented und Virtual Reality?

Obgleich die Erforschung des pädagogischen Einsatzes von Augmented Reality (AR) und Virtual Reality (VR) an Schulen in den letzten Jahren zugenommen hat, sind systematische Analysen des Lernerfolgs in diesem Bereich spärlich gesät. Die quantitative Synopse wertet 30 aktuelle Studien aus verschiedenen Forschungsbereichen aus. Theoretischer Hintergrund der Studie sind die Modelle des Lernerfolgs nach Puentedura (2010) und Schlicht (2014) sowie das Modell der Medienkompetenz nach Baacke (1996). Die Synopse zeigt, wie AR- und VR-Anwendungen Schüler:innen und Lehrpersonal in diesen schwierigen Zeiten entlasten und zum Lernerfolg beizutragen können. Ihr Einsatz bietet zahlreiche Vorteile, die viele Herausforderungen des heutigen Bildungssystems mildern können. So kann z. B. eine immersive Erfahrung durch VR das Erinnerungsvermögen unterstützen, indem das Gelernte länger behalten und tiefgründiger verstanden wird als ohne den Einsatz von VR-Technologie.
Comparative Analyses of Four Complete Genomes in Pseudomonas amygdali Revealed Differential Adaptation to Hostile Environments and Secretion Systems

Pseudomonas amygdali is a hemibiotrophic phytopathogen that causes disease in woody and herbaceous plants. Complete genomes of four P. amygdali pathovars were comparatively analyzed to decipher the impact of genomic diversity on host colonization. The pan-genome indicated that 3,928 core genes are conserved among pathovars, while 504–1,009 are unique to specific pathovars. The unique genome contained many mobile elements and exhibited a functional distribution different from the core genome. Genes involved in O-antigen biosynthesis and antimicrobial peptide resistance were significantly enriched for adaptation to hostile environments. While the type III secretion system was distributed in the core genome, unique genomes revealed a different organization of secretion systems as follows: type I in pv. tabaci, type II in pv. japonicus, type IV in pv. morsprunorum, and type VI in pv. lachrymans. These findings provide genetic insight into the dynamic interactions of the bacteria with plant hosts.
Continuous-Discrete Time Observer Design for Multi-Output Linear Continuous Systems With Aperiodic Asynchronous Measurements

In this letter, a new observer is proposed for the state estimation of time-invariant systems with multiple outputs providing non periodic and asynchronous measurements. The state of the proposed hybrid observer is made up of two parts, the first one corresponding to the estimate which is continuous and the second one corresponding to a kind of output error predictor which is updated when new measurements are received. The convergence of the observer is analyzed and ensured with a condition on the maximum value of the outputs sample rates, with the help of a Lyapunov approach and is further recast using a Sum of Squares decomposition approach. Results of various simulations illustrate the efficiency of the observer.
Assessment of ICT-based Architectures for the integration of EVs in smart grids

The involvement of Information and Communication Te chnology (ICTs) systems in the evolution of distribution networks towards smart grid approaches is critical. The use of ICTs in the electrical sys tem is already a fact, mainly in transmission but also at energy distribution level. It is expected that this dependency will increase in the future and, among o ther functionalities, it will help integrate distri buted energy resources (DER), including electric vehicles (EVs), into network operation. Both remote communications and automated actions wi ll be a characteristic of smart grids design, permitting higher levels of control and visibility in distribution networks. In general, smart grid fe atures and processes in the fields of distribution automat ion, advanced metering, DER integration and custome r empowering will condition the availability of servi ces. DER system involvement in network operation process es is one of the main tools for flexibility enhancement in smart grids and the principal scope of this study. The services that could most suitabl y be provided by EVs to the network have been analysed t hrough use case descriptions, involving: frequency regulation, load balancing, voltage regulation/reac tive power provision, peak shaving, load profile flattening and renewable energy system (RES) integr a ion. As result of the study, general ICT system requirem ents, including a network architecture, are propose d for the provision of advanced network services by EVs a nd other demand resources in smart grid environments.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Increase Resilience in Chronic Pain Patients: A Clinical Guideline

Chronic pain remains a very difficult condition to manage for healthcare workers and patients. Different options are being considered and a biopsychosocial approach seems to have the most benefit, since chronic pain influences biological, psychological and social factors. A conservative approach with medication is the most common type of treatment in chronic pain patients; however, a lot of side effects are often induced. Therefore, a premium is set on novel nonpharmacological therapy options for chronic pain, such as psychological interventions. Previous research has demonstrated that resilience is a very important aspect in coping with chronic pain. A more recent type of cognitive-behavioural therapy is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in which psychological flexibility is intended to be the end result. In this manuscript, current evidence is used to explain why and how a comprehensive and multimodal treatment for patients with chronic pain can be applied in clinical practice. This multimodal treatment consists of a combination of pain neuroscience education and cognitive-behavioural therapy, more specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The aim is to provide a clinical guideline on how to contribute to greater flexibility and resilience in patients with chronic pain.
Preliminary study on the benefits of using the robot PALRO® in facilitating leisure programs for older adults with dementia

Background: The use of humanoid-shaped robots may have a positive influence on older adults with dementia and their caregivers. However, there is a dearth of studies with a higher level of evidence. Thus, this quasi-experimental study serves as a preliminary in- vestigation of using PALRO, a humanoid-shaped robot, in facilities’ leisure programs for older adults with dementia. Objective : To elucidate the effects of a leisure program that uses the language-capable humanoid robot PALRO on older adults with dementia. Method : A one-group pretest-posttest design was done while employing Person-Centered Care principles and the associated outcome measure, Dementia Care Mapping (DCM). Older adults with dementia from long-term care facilities and group homes participated in a PALRO-facilitated leisure program. Data was collected using methodological obser- vation to record the behaviors and well-being. Non-parametric inferential statistics were used to determine significant changes between pre-and post-intervention. Results : Among the 77 participants, 84.4% had a significant improvement in their well-being after the program. This improvement indicated a ‘positive state’ as defined in DCM. The participants elicited behaviors within the following categories during the program: interaction with an object, expressive activities, leisure activities, intellectual activities, articulation, and physical exercises. Conclusion: Significant percentage of older adults with dementia staying in long-term care facilities and group homes exhibited a ‘positive state’ towards a PALRO. The robot-mediated leisure program may be able to provide an opportunity to elicit positive reactions from older adults with dementia regardless of their level of cognitive functioning or independence.
Sustainability and Corporate Performance: Moderating Role of Environmental, Social, and Governance Investments in the Transportation Sector

This study employs the two-stage dynamic data envelopment analysis model to examine sustainability and corporate performances of the 29 largest multinational enterprises in the transport manufacturing industry from 2015 to 2019. The results show that, on average, sustainability has a positive relation to corporate performance and sustainability performance is better than corporate performance for all multinational enterprises (MNEs). In addition, we also found that corporate social responsibility (CSR) acts as a moderator in the relationship between sustainability and corporate performances. Overall, the American group leads the others in sustainability performance, followed by Asia and Europe. On the other hand, Europe has the highest score in terms of corporate performance. In terms of size, the results show that it is positively related to corporate performance. In contrast, leverage has a negative relationship with corporate performance. The findings of this research can assist inefficient MNEs in identifying areas for advancement by learning from their peers and provide perspective and insights into the plans for MNEs’ strategies and decisions in the future.
A New Sparse-Learning Model for Maximum Gap Reduction of Composite Fuselage Assembly

Abstract Natural dimensional variabilities of incoming fuselages affect the assembly speed and quality of fuselage joins in composite fuselage assembly processes. Shape control is critical to ensure the quality of composite fuselage assembly. In current practice, the structures are adjusted to the design shape in terms of the loss for further assembly without considering the existing dimensional gap between two structures. Such practice has two limitations: (a) controlling each fuselage to the design shape may not be the optimal shape control strategy in terms of a pair of incoming fuselages with different incoming dimensions; (b) the maximum gap is the key concern during the fuselage assembly process, so the loss of gap after control ought to be considered. This article proposes an optimal shape control methodology via the loss for the composite fuselage assembly process by considering the existing dimensional gap between the incoming pair of fuselages. On the other hand, due to the limitation on the number of available actuators in practice, we face an important problem of finding the best locations for the actuators among many potential locations, which makes the problem a sparse estimation problem. We are the first to solve the optimal shape control in the fuselage assembly process using the model under the framework of sparse estimation, where we use the penalty to control the sparsity of the resulting estimator. From the statistical point of view, this can be formulated as the loss based linear regression, and under some standard assumptions, such as the restricted eigenvalue (RE) conditions, and the light-tailed noise, the nonasymptotic estimation error of the regularized linear model is derived, which meets the upper-bound in the existing literature. Compared to the current practice, the case study shows that our proposed method significantly reduces the maximum gap between two fuselages after shape adjustments.
Technical Ceramics in Early Iron Smelting. The Role of Ceramics in the Early First Millennium BC Iron Production at Tell Hammeh (Az-Zarqa), Jordan

Excavations in 1996, 1997 and 2000 at Tell Hammeh (az-Zarqa), Jordan, uncovered extensive remains of iron smelting and smithing remains, dating to approximately 1000-750 BC. Besides large quantities of various types of slag, the excavated material also consists of a diversity of technical ceramics. These ceramics range from slag mixed with molten furnace wall material through vitrified furnace wall to a large amount of tuyeres. All material was found in the same stratigraphic context and within what is evidently an area strictly used for metallurgy (van der Steen, 1997, 2001, 2003; Veldhuijzen, 1998, 2000; Veldhuijzen and van der Steen, 1999, 2000). The site is located in the direct vicinity of natural resources required in iron production such as water, clay, and ore. This paper explores the role technical ceramics play in various aspects of the Hammeh iron smelting metallurgy, not only as tools in the technological processes proper, but as an integral part of the technology itself. In that exploration, the main focus will be with the tuyeres, because their particular physical features reveal the most.
The Non-Specific Lethal (NSL) Histone Acetyltransferase Complex Transcriptionally Regulates Yin Yang 1-Mediated Cell Proliferation in Human Cells

The human males absent on the first (MOF)-containing non-specific lethal (NSL) histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex acetylates histone H4 at lysine K5, K8, and K16. This complex shares several subunits with other epigenetic regulatory enzymes, which highlights the complexity of its intracellular function. However, the effect of the NSL HAT complex on the genome and target genes in human cells is still unclear. By using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NSL3-knockout 293T cell line and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) approaches, we identified more than 100 genes as NSL HAT transcriptional targets, including several transcription factors, such as Yin Yang 1 (YY1) which are mainly involved in cell proliferation, biological adhesion, and metabolic processes. We found here that the ChIP-Seq peaks of MOF and NSL3 co-localized with H4K16ac, H3K4me2, and H3K4me3 at the transcriptional start site of YY1. In addition, both the mRNA and protein expression levels of YY1 were regulated by silencing or overexpressing NSL HAT. Interestingly, the expression levels of cell division cycle 6, a downstream target gene of YY1, were regulated by MOF or NSL3. In addition, the suppressed clonogenic ability of HepG2 cells caused by siNSL3 was reversed by overexpressing YY1, suggesting the involvement of YY1 in NSL HAT functioning. Additionally, de novo motif analysis of MOF and NSL3 targets indicated that the NSL HAT complex may recognize the specific DNA-binding sites in the promoter region of target genes in order to regulate their transcription.