Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MOISTURE CONTENT OF THE SEWAGE SLUDGE DRIED USING THERMAL DRYER Zakaria

Recently, the world’s dependence on conventional fuels as the primary source of energy and the environmental impact as a consequence of utilizing these fuels, it is found that the use of renewable energy is in urgent need at the present time. Currently, utilization of biomass residue as a source of energy is becoming very promising as it not only reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and the related environmental impact but also assist in solving the long-term problems related to the disposal of these materials. The problem with as-received biomass residue is, however, the difficulty of use as a source of energy due to its high moisture content, low density and issues related with handling, storage and transportation. One of the ideal solution to dispose the sludge is by converting it into useful energy in form of solid fuel such as pallet and briquette. This solution not only solve the sludge disposal problem but also generate energy to mankind. However, the main problem faced in order to convert this sludge into energy is it contains high moisture content which is more than 90% of moisture content. In order to convert it into useful energy, the moisture content of the sludge need to reduce into acceptable level which is below 20% . One of the method to remove the moisture content is by using thermal dryer. This paper discussing about the moisture content of the sewage sludge dried using the thermal dryer. The preliminary result obtain from the research found that the moisture content of the sewage sludge can be reduce up to 10.82% depending on the speed and the temperature of the dryer.
Plume mantle source heterogeneity through time: Insights from the Duarte Complex, Hispaniola, northeastern Caribbean

[1] Located in the Cordillera Central of Hispaniola, the Duarte Complex offers an opportunity to study an on-land fragment of the Caribbean-Colombian oceanic plateau. Geochemical, Sr-Nd isotope, and 40Ar-39Ar radiometric age data combined with detailed mapping have shown that the Duarte Complex includes two lithostratigraphic units, composed of four geochemical groups of metavolcanic rocks: Group Ia, low-Ti high-Mg basalts, and group Ib, high-Ti picrites and primitive high-Mg basalts, occur interlayered in the lowermost levels of the lower unit; group II, light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched picrites, ferropicrites and high-Mg basalts, forms the main lava sequence of the lower unit; and group III, LREE-enriched Fe-Ti basalts, is present exclusively in the upper unit. Nd isotope and incompatible trace element patterns are diverse in the Duarte Complex metavolcanics and are consistent with mantle sources related to a heterogeneous plume. Mantle melt modeling suggests that an early, extensive melting (10–20%) of shallow mantle resulted in the formation of relatively depleted group I and II magmas, whereas the late, more enriched group III magmas were the product of deeper, low-degree ( 96 Ma). Hence an Early Cretaceous phase of the Caribbean-Colombian oceanic plateau construction is recorded in Hispaniola.
A Comparative Analysis of US and Canadian Consumers' Perceptions Towards BSE Testing and the use of GM Organisms in Beef Production: Evidence from a Choice Experiment

Since the discovery of the first BSE case in North America in 2003, food safety has become a major issue to policymakers and consumers alike. In both Canada and the US, governments and industry have responded with a variety of quality assurance, traceability and labeling schemes. However, there is little information available on the extent to which consumer perceptions differ regionally across North America towards labeling schemes. This paper attempts to fill this gap, by providing results on a variety of beef labeling strategies from choice experiments that were conducted in Alberta (Canada) and Montana (US). The analysis focuses on consumers' perceptions towards negative voluntary labeling with regard to BSE testing, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and the use of growth hormones in beef production. We find that four years after the first BSE case emerged in North America, consumers are willing to pay most to avoid risks associated with BSE. US and Canadian consumers are found not to be significantly heterogeneous in their preferences.
Radio-Frequency Searches for Dark Matter in Dwarf Galaxies

Dwarf spheroidal galaxies have long been discussed as optimal targets for indirect dark matter searches. However, the majority of such studies have been conducted with gamma-ray instruments. In this review, we discuss the very recent progress that has been made in radio-based indirect dark matter searches. We look at existing work on this topic and discuss the future prospects that motivate continued work in this newly developing field that promises to become, in the light of the up-coming Square Kilometre Array, a prominent component of the hunt for dark matter.
Some properties of coupled-expanding maps in compact sets

In this paper, some properties of a strictly A -coupled-expanding map in compact subsets of a metric space are studied, where A is a transition matrix. It is shown that this map has a compact invariant set on which it is topologically semi-conjugate to the subshift for A . If the subshift for A has positive topological entropy, then the map is chaotic in the sense of Li-Yorke. Moreover, in the one-dimensional case, the map is at most two-to-one conjugate to the subshift for A and chaotic in the sense of Devaney.
The Effectiveness of Lumbricus rubellus Extract Toward Interleukin-10 and Immunoglobulin E and Atopic Dermatitis Scoring Index (SCORAD)

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritic symptoms and chronic AD related to clinical features in form of lichenification associated with a history of atopic disease both for himself and family. AIM: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using earthworm extract (Lumbricus rubellus) to increase interleukin (IL)-10 and decrease immunoglobulin E (IgE), and to describe the AD (SCORAD) scoring index of patients with AD. METHODS: This research used quantitative with quasi experiment method. The data were analyzed using SPSS v19 program. To determine the basic characteristics of numerical variables, the mean standard deviation is functioned if the data distribution amount is even, if it is not, it used the median. Meanwhile, to observe the relationship between L. rubellus extract and IgE, Mann-Whitney test analysis (U-Test) was used. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that the administration of L. rubellus extract showed a changes and differences before and after being involved with the extract. IgE levels between ERL and no ERL groups had differences (p < 0.05), however on day 15 both groups did not show any differences. Meanwhile, the SCORAD index indicated that the influence of lumbricus rebellus extract has an effect on low number of AD patients. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the administration of L. rubellus extract in patients with AD is quite effective.
‘We have had nothing for so long that we don't know what to ask for’: New Deal for Communities and the Regeneration of Socially Excluded Terrain

This paper explores New Labour's desire to refurbish the physical and social fabric of excluded neighbourhoods through its New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme. It begins by examining three key concepts that embody and underpin this policy intervention – community, agency and exclusion and proceeds by contrasting these conceptual dimensions with a set of discordant, intra-neighbourhood processes of conflict, contestation and division, identified by recently conducted fieldwork in an NDC area. I argue that such processes produce a complex social terrain that is inhabited by social agents with a diverse range of needs, values and experiences, before discussing how this challenges and de-stabilises NDC's aspiration to ‘promote’ community, change individual behaviour and tackle exclusion effectively. The paper concludes by questioning whether New Labour's desire to implement a ‘community’ project, shaped by theoretical precepts, constrains NDC's ability to deliver lasting change to excluded areas.
A Novel Control Strategy for Grid-Connected Inverter Based on Iterative Calculation of Structural Parameters

A novel control strategy that is based on iterative calculation of structural parameters is proposed for grid-connected inverter in this paper. The proposed strategy has a good dynamic performance, which makes it particularly suitable for the application of PV grid-connected generation. First, a second-order discretization mathematical model of grid-connected inverter control is established in the dq frame. The corresponding relation between the control signal and the output current is deduced in formulas. Then, the values of structural parameters in the formulas can be obtained through iterative calculation, which can further reduce the amount of calculation. After several iteration cycles, the structural parameters are approximately equal to their actual values and the inverter can be controlled as an open-loop system with its dynamic performance optimized. At last, simulation and experiments are performed. The results show that the static performance of the proposed strategy is as good as that of the classical ones, but its dynamic performance is improved significantly.
An optimal incentive contract to avert firm relocation under unilateral environmental regulation

The unilateral introduction of an emissions price can induce firms to relocate to other countries with less stringent environmental regulation. However, firms may be able to reduce the emissions costs in their home country by investing into low-carbon technologies or equipment (abatement capital). Using a two-period model with asymmetric information, we study the optimal design of contracts offered by a regulator who seeks to avert the relocation of a polluting firm to another country. The transfers are contingent on the firm's emissions that are observable to the regulator, and terminate if the firm relocates. We show that under limited commitment, the regulator implements more stringent policies in the first period to induce higher abatement capital investments. This creates a `lock-in effect' that prevents relocation even in the absence of transfers in period 2. We also show that types are not separated if relocation is sufficiently attractive. In practice, the transfers may be implemented via a free allocation of permits if the emissions price arises within an emissions trading scheme.
A Spatiotemporal Study and Location-Specific Trip Pattern Categorization of Shared E-Scooter Usage

This study analyzes the temporally resolved location and trip data of shared e-scooters over nine months in Berlin from one of Europe’s most widespread operators. We apply time, distance, and energy consumption filters on approximately 1.25 million trips for outlier detection and trip categorization. Using temporally and spatially resolved trip pattern analyses, we investigate how the built environment and land use affect e-scooter trips. Further, we apply a density-based clustering algorithm to examine point of interest-specific patterns in trip generation. Our results suggest that e-scooter usage has point of interest related characteristics. Temporal peaks in e-scooter usage differ by point of interest category and indicate work-related trips at public transport stations. We prove these characteristic patterns with the statistical metric of cosine similarity. Considering average cluster velocities, we observe limited time-saving potential of e-scooter trips in congested areas near the city center.
THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF Pulicaria incisa, Diplotaxis harra AND Avicennia marina AS HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC AGENTS BY USING MALE ALBINO RATS.

An experiment was carried out by using 30 male albino rats divided into five groups after an adaptation period (7 days). The negative control (6 rats) was fed on basal diet, while positive control was fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet. The three treated groups were fed on hypercholesterolemic diets supplemented with 8 % of each of Pulicaria incisa, Diplotaxis harra and Avicennia marina, respectively. The duration period of the experiment was nine weeks, at the end of which the body weight gain, liver, kidneys functions and lipid pattern were determined. It was found that the addition of P. incisa gave the highest significant decrease in total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Other plants also significantly decrease all these parameters but at lower different degrees. HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDLcholesterol, chylomicronaemia, TG/LDL-cholesterol ratio, HDL-cholesterol/Pooled lipoprotein, atherogenic index and ratio of HDL-cholesterol/LDL-cholesterol were also determined in rat's serum. Most organs functions were improved and approached nearly the negative control levels of S.G. O.T. , S.G. P.T. , S.G. O.T. /S.G. P.T. ratio, s. albumin, s. total protein, s. globulin, s. total bilirubin, albumin/globulin ratio, s. uric acid and blood urea. Also, s. glucose was nearly returned the negative control group.
Root Length Growth of Eight Crop Species in Haplustoll Soils

Quantifying the dynamics of root growth is necessary for knowledge about development of rhizoplane and rhizosphere structure, and will indicate potentials for soil C sequestration and for water and nutrient usage. Root growth was measured during 3 yr in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on fallow and in seven crops in spring wheat-winter wheat-alternative crop rotation under minimum tillage on Wilton silt loam (fine silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Pachic Haplustolls). Two types of minirhizotrons (standard [Stand MR] and pressurized-wall [P-wall MR]) were read with a microvideo camera. Average maximum rooting depths fell into agronomic groups: oilseeds safflower (Carthamus tinctoris L.), 1.64 m, and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), 1.45 m; spring wheat, 1.31 m; mustard family crops crambe (Crambe abysinnica Hochst. ex R. E. Fr.), 1.17 m, and canola (Brassica rapa ), 1.13 m; and legumes dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), L00 m, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ], 0.99 m, and dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), 0.99 m. Median depths of root length growth ranged from 0.92 m for safflower to 0.46 m for dry bean, and ratios of median to maximum depths averaged 0.51. Six out of eight crops showed greatest rooting depths in relatively wet 1995, likely because of wetter subsoil. Greatest total root length in safflower, crambe, canola, soybean and dry bean occurred in drier-than-average 1997, which is interpreted as a response to soil water deficit. Results indicate that diverse crop rotations have the potential to utilize water and nutrients and input C over different soil profile positions than spring wheat-based monocropping.
MEDICAL ISOTOPE PRODUCTION REACTOR Reactor design for a small sized Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor for producing molybdenum-99 for regional demand NERA-131-2013-005

An Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor (AHR) is an ideal candidate to use as a Medical Isotope Production Reactor (MIPR) for the production of molybdenum-99 (Mo) and other medical isotopes. The benefits of an AHR are the size, the total power and the strongly negative temperature feedback. In this thesis, the focus is on the design and safety characteristics of the MIPR. Since no known benchmark or outline is available, several geometries were assessed. The core volume of the studied configuration is around 40 L depending on the layout of the internal structural materials. The different geometries were tested using the same mass flow rate to assess their capability of heat removal. The best performing geometry is the so called Bulkheads, which consist of four inlets and one outlet. The benefit of this configuration is the smooth flow of the fuel (uranium salt and water) through the system. Furthermore no obstruction for the radiolytic gases is present. The assessed geometries with a single inlet require more structural material to achieve the same heat removal than the Bulkheads geometry. The drawback of the extra structural material is that radiolytic gases can get trapped inside the reactor (depending on the design) and vortices may appear leading to hot spots. The mass flow rate of the system was also optimized to find the maximum total power and power density. The maximum mass flow rate was found to be 0.5 kg s−1. Above this value the maximum power density exceeds 2.5 MW m−3 in which region the behavior of an AHR is unknown. The Bulkheads geometry uses 20 % enriched uranyl nitrate as fuel. The concentration of the fuel is 248 g U L−1, in total 10.9 kg uranium is dissolved in the system. The total power of the system is 42.2 kW, which leads to a weekly Mo production of 309 6-day Ci. This is equal to 2.5 % of the weekly world demand. Since the total power of the reactor is relatively low, the consumption of uranium is low as well, therefore the system can be operated for long periods without refueling. The safety characteristics were also tested, a low calculated temperature feedback coefficient of −2.814 pcm K−1 has been calculated, the system was found to be rather sensitive to both the uranium concentration and reactivity insertions. However, the fuel inside the reactor will not start to boil when the heat exchanger fails despite the low temperature feedback coefficient. In case of a fission product filter failure, the xenon135 concentration in the reactor will slowly increase leading to a decrease in the total power. Other research shows temperature feedback coefficients ranging from −200 pcm K−1 to −90 pcm K−1 for different enrichment, concentrations and uranium slats. This means that an AHR can be even more stable then reported in this research.
Integrating Cyber Losses into the Standard Microeconomics of the Consumer and Firm : Defining Losses in the Gordon and Loeb Model

Gordon and Loeb (2002) obtained significant insight by abstracting cyber information sets from the remainder of the economic activity of the firm or organization. Information sets are interpreted broadly, potentially including data sets, websites, accounting information, algorithms, intellectual property, electronic communications, and so on. In their model and extensions (e.g. Farrow and Szanton, 2016) the effect of a cyber information breach results in a conditional loss, L, to the firm from any aspect of information security often considered to include confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, availability to users and non-repudiation. The loss is a part of an expected value objective function where probabilities are modeled separately. In Gordon, Loeb, Lucyshyn and Zhou (2015), the losses include external effects beyond the firm. There is however, value in re-integrating their sparsely defined conditional loss into the standard microeconomic modeling of the firm, the consumer, and government. Such reintegration will be shown to facilitate the decomposition of losses due to a breach, the differentiation of types of attacks on different parts of an organization, and the distinction between what GL refer to as private and external costs of an attack
Aids and Society Research Unit INVOLVING TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS IN HIV / AIDS INTERVENTIONS : LESSONS FROM THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Despite international recognition of the potential value of collaboration between traditional health practitioners and western medicine, examples of this approach in South Africa are rare. Contextualised within the aims and objectives of the HIV/AIDS and STIs National Strategic Plan 2007-2011(NSP), the paper looks at one initiative, based in the Western Cape Province. It presents evidence of the scheme’s success to date, its potential for assisting in the NSP’s goals, and the possibility of further developments, which might enhance HIV/AIDS prevention and care strategies. Finally, the paper explores some key problems, and makes recommendations for future initiatives based on the experience.
Feasibility Study and Design of Soft-Catcher for Damaged Concrete Debris

In an accidental explosion of ammunition magazine, concrete debris throw hazard is a major safety concern. The current approach to collect explosively-damaged debris after test does not yield representative test data on debris launch condition. This research is initiated to study the possibilities of using polymeric foam material to soft-catch concrete debris, without inducing additional damage. Preliminary design of the soft-catcher are first performed using a modified analytical shock wave model. Numerical analyses using LS-DYNA are subsequently carried out to verify the analytical model assumptions and account the effect of rigid end backing of the soft-catcher. Following then, the debris penetration problem is escalated into 2-D space domain, in order to include the influence of tearing resistances within the soft-catcher. The observed phenomena are eventually translated into design parameters for the soft-catcher.
Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis is Up-Regulated by the MYB 94 Transcription Factor in Arabidopsis Saet

The aerial parts of all land plants are covered with hydrophobic cuticular wax layers that act as the first barrier against the environment. The MYB94 transcription factor gene is expressed in abundance in aerial organs and shows a higher expression in the stem epidermis than within the stem. When seedlings were subjected to various treatments, the expression of the MYB94 transcription factor gene was observed to increase approximately 9-fold under drought, 8fold for ABA treatment and 4-fold for separate NaCl and mannitol treatments. MYB94 harbors the transcriptional activation domain at its C-terminus, and fluorescent signals from MYB94:enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) were observed in the nucleus of tobacco epidermis and in transgenic Arabidopsis roots. The total wax loads increased by approximately 2-fold in the leaves of the MYB94-overexpressing (MYB94 OX) lines, as compared with those of the wild type (WT). MYB94 activates the expression of WSD1, KCS2/DAISY, CER2, FAR3 and ECR genes by binding directly to their gene promoters. An increase in the accumulation of cuticular wax was observed to reduce the rate of cuticular transpiration in the leaves of MYB94 OX lines, under drought stress conditions. Taken together, a R2R3type MYB94 transcription factor activates Arabidopsis cuticular wax biosynthesis and might be important in plant response to environmental stress, including drought.
Software Quality & Testing Metrics

Software Quality Assurance without measures is like a jet with no fuel. Development of high quality software is very complicated and unreliable task, but the management of software development and testing process is much harder without appropriate software quality metrics and measurement establishment that assure process testing quantitative management in order to increase efficiency of software bugs detection and removal. Process improvement enables the same amount of software to be built in less time with less effort and fewer defects. Progress control tracks defects found during development in order to avoid premature delivery and to ensure the reliability goals are achieved. In-progress control and reporting of development progress gives continuous visibility to both developers and purchasers. This paper focuses on software testing and the measurements which allow for the quantitative evaluation of this critical software development process. This paper describes the Software Quality & Testing Metrics Model, which is a framework for establishing and interpreting in-process metrics in software development. The model has been validated and used on large sample of software projects in a mature software development organization. The central issue for in-process metrics, the concept and definition of the model, and its use are discussed. Examples of metrics real-life projects are provided. Key-Words: Software Quality, In-process Measurements, Testing Metrics, Quantitative Evaluation