Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Bida, North Central Nigeria: A five- Year Retrospective Study

Background : Tuberculosis is an ancient infection which still poses grave challenge in this contemporary age globally. Aim : the study was conducted to look at the quantum of the disease in Bida, North Central Nigeria. Method : A retrospective study of presumptive tuberculosis patients referred for Laboratory diagnosis during the period from January 2014 to December 2018. XpertMTB/RIF assay was employed for the analysis of the samples. The data was analyzed using Spss version 16 software. Statistical correlation of comparisons was put at p<0.05. Result : Five thousand and eight (5008) presumptive tuberculosis patients (aged between 0 – 80years) were included in this study out of which 558 were diagnosed to have PTB (11.1%). Highest number of cases (60.6%) was found among the age group 21-40 years. A greater prevalence was established in males (62.4%) than females (37.6%) with a ratio of 1.7-1.0. Conclusion : The burden of TB in Bida is still high. Pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence is considerably more among males than females, probably indicating that females poorly seek and access Tuberculosis care. Gender and age are statistically strong risk factors in developing pulmonary tuberculosis. This study revealed that gender has a significant association (X 2 = 29.964 and P=0.000) with prevalence of tuberculosis. A significant correlation was also observed between age and prevalence of tuberculosis (X 2 = 71.735 and P=0.000). This indicates that gender and age are statistically strong risk factors in developing pulmonary tuberculosis.
The effect of laser chirping on lightwave system performance

Directly modulated semiconductor lasers exhibit a dynamic wavelength shift (chirping) arising from gain-induced variations of the laser refractive index. The effect of laser chirping on the performance of multi-Gb/s lightwave systems operating at a wavelength of 1550 nm is investigated. Models suitable for computer-aided analysis are used to describe the dynamic response of the laser and the propagation of chirped optical pulses through a step-index single-mode optical fibre. A truncated pulse train, Gauss quadrature rule method is used to evaluate the average bit error rate of the receiver. This permits pattern effects in the transmitted optical waveform due to the laser dynamics and nonlinear optical power transmission properties of optical fibers to be included in the system model. The influence that modulation and device parameters have on the receiver sensitivity is assessed. >
Imaging, compression and Poynting vector streamlines for negative permittivity materials

The quality of imaging subwavelength features with the aid of multilayers containing negative permittivity materials is examined. Examples for nearly perfect imaging are given and limitations discussed. Spatial compression (image narrower than object) is shown to be possible and a qualitative physical picture based on the Poynting vector is presented.
Shielding techniques of the low-frequency magnetic field from cable power lines

The influence of the geometrical configuration of three single-core cable lines on the generated magnetic field is evaluated in the preliminary analysis. Numerical and experimental procedures are applied to estimate the performances of open or closed shields made of conductive or magnetic materials. A new high-voltage single-core "green cable" is proposed, in which the aluminum conductor is coiled by a double-layer shield realized with copper wires and a ferromagnetic sheath.
Silvopastoral systems as an alternative for conservation of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in a cattle landscape in Caucasia Colombia

Silvopastoral systems (SPS) represent an alternative to the environmental impact and biodiversity decline caused by extensive livestock practices. We evaluate the transformation of a conventional pasture parcel into a SPS, and how it alters the diversity of dung beetles, fundamental organisms in these ecosystems. Transects with pitfall traps, baited with excrement were established in SPS, pasture, and forest ecosystems. Differences in the structure of communities were compared through Whittaker curves, the incidence of functional groups, and non-parametric multidimensional scaling. The completeness of the sampling was estimated and the magnitude of change in qD diversity of the SPS concerning pasture and forest ecosystem was calculated for each season. A total of 7446 beetles belonging to twelve genera, fifteen species, and seven morphospecies were collected. The SPS was the environment with the greatest diversity of qD and functional groups after the forest ecosystem. It was more diverse than pasture, 30 % to 50 % richer in species and 10 % to 50 % more diverse in 1D and 2D. It is concluded that the conversion of the conventional pastures to SPS led to changes in the composition and structure of the beetle community, making the SPS a more diverse environment than the pasture in all seasons including the dry one, when conditions are the most adverse. These results suggest that the implementation of SPS is an important measure to preserve and increase the diversity of forest dung beetles in the livestock areas of the country.
Evaluation and Signal Conditioning of Piezoresistive Silicon Pressure Sensor

The piezoresistive silicon pressure sensor used in this work is developed by Technical University Berlin. It is mainly composed of a silicon-membrane and four implanted piezoresistors connected in form of a Wheatstone bridge. After wire bonding, the sensor was evaluated in a climate cabinet at different temperatures and pressures. The characteristic curve of the sensor shows its good linearity and strong dependence on the temperature. The sensor ́s temperature coefficient of sensitivity and zero shift were compensated using ASIC MLX90308. The experimental results show that this method of compensation accurately solved the sensors temperature dependence problems.
COMPETITION BETWEEN WEEDS AND MAIZE PLANTS

The paper presents the results of our research performed at the experimental field of the complex farm-crops and animals - Miloeti - Ialomia. The experiment has 10 treatments which differ by the periods in which mechanical cultivations and on the rows manuals hoeings are performed. These variations of works gives the opportunity to know the critical period of competition during the vegetation period. The maize hybrid Olt Has been cultivated. The weediness has been determined numerically and gravimetrically. For the maize plants the roots and aerial weights and yields have been determined. The analysis of the obtained results conduct to the conclusion that the critical period of weediness for the maize crop starts with the phase, 20 days from the rising (20 DAR) and becomes intensely in the period 20-40 DAR. The highest damages are produced by the weedings in the plant rows.
Topological constraints on basic PWM converters

A modeling and synthesis technique is introduced for single-ended, ladder-structured, DC-DC converter topologies. Topological constraints are derived that enhance the understanding of structural properties of converter circuits and clarify the roles of inductors and capacitors in various converters using magnetic or capacitive energy storage/transfer mechanism. The exact duality relationships among the basic converter topologies are established. <<ETX>>
Intelligent ballistic control of a jointed leg

In order to perform a wide range of locomotive tasks, a legged robot should be able to autonomously adjust its stride and properly move its legs so as to fit the current locomotion requirement. We develop an adaptive intelligent system that controls the movement of a jointed leg during a running stride. This paper focuses on the ballistic controller, which controls the movement of the leg from the point of takeoff from the ground to the point of landing. The controller learns from experience to move the leg along a specified series of configurations which provide a smooth transition from takeoff to landing. Learning is online, so the controller adapts to the requirements of the stride on the fly. It can handle strides of different sizes and can scale obstacles. Very accurate control is achieved even during the first learning attempt.
Active attenuation of sound transmission through a soft-core sandwich panel into an acoustic enclosure using volume velocity cancellation

In this paper, active control of harmonic sound transmitted through a soft-core sandwich panel into a rectangular enclosure is studied. As it has already been shown for the low frequency region, the noise transmission through a soft-core sandwich panel mainly occurs due to the flexural and the dilatational modes. Therefore, in this study, volume velocity cancellation control strategy is used to control these modes, and achieve sound attenuation in a broad frequency range. Point force and uniformly distributed force actuators are used as the secondary actuator to cancel the volume velocity of the bottom faceplate, which opens to the cavity, of the sandwich panel. Cancelling the net volume velocity of the bottom faceplate is compared not only in terms of the reduction in sound transmission through the sandwich panel into cavity but also in terms of the faceplate velocities. Also, the effectiveness of the volume velocity cancellation strategy has been studied for different values of isotropic loss factor of the core. Sound transmission into the cavity has also been calculated by considering the effect of cavity pressure on the sandwich panel. Numerical studies indicate that the active control method controls both the flexural and the dilatational modes of the sandwich panel and therefore, attenuates significant amount of sound pressure inside the cavity irrespective of the isotropic loss factors of the viscoelastic core in a broad frequency range. Also a finite element study has been done in the commercially available COMSOL Multiphysics software to compare with the analytical results.
An energy-efficient data gathering protocol in large wireless sensor network

Wireless sensor network consisting of a large number of small sensors with low-power transceiver can be an effective tool for gathering data in a variety of environment. The collected data must be transmitted to the base station for further processing. Since a network consists of sensors with limited battery energy, the method for data gathering and routing must be energy efficient in order to prolong the lifetime of the network. In this paper, we presented an energy-efficient data gathering protocol in wireless sensor network. The new protocol used data fusion technology clusters nodes into groups and builds a chain among the cluster heads according to a hybrid of the residual energy and distance to the base station. Results in stochastic geometry are used to derive the optimum parameter of our algorithm that minimizes the total energy spent in the network. Simulation results show performance superiority of the new protocol.
The interplay between hormone signaling and defense gene expression in grapevine genotypes carrying genetic resistance against Plasmopara viticola

The present study aimed to investigate plant defense related pathways during Plasmopara viticola infection in Vitis vinifera varieties. Plant material consisted of 'Chardonnay' (no Rpv), 'Regent' (Rpv3-1), 'Bronner' (Rpv3-3+Rpv10), 'Calardis Blanc' (Rpv3-1+Rpv3-2), and the breeding selection GF15 (Rpv1+Rpv3-1). Gene expression analysis was carried out for the varieties 'Regent', GF15, 'Bronner', and 'Chardonnay'. Hormonal quantification was performed for jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and trans-zeatin-ribose (tZR). The samples were collected from plants cultivated in vitro inoculated with Plasmopara viticola sporangia, and collected at 0, 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-days post inoculation (DPI) for gene expression; and 0, 3, 5, and 7 DPI for hormonal quantification. The results showed an interaction between genotype and time post inoculation in gene expression and hormonal pathways linked with pathogen recognition. Both jasmonate and salicylic acids were involved in the resistance response. The role of stilbenes acting against the pathogen at different times was also confirmed. Changes in the expression of genes linked to cell defense were observed in all evaluated genotypes; however, genotypes with R-loci responded more quickly than the variety without R-loci, activating mechanisms of cell death, resulting in symptoms of hypersensitivity.
Transformable Physical Design Media

Computer-aided design tools have become an integral part of much architectural design practice, to the point where design is heavily dependent on the assistance of these tools. But current computer-aided design tools are fundamentally limited by the WIMP (windows, icons, menus, and pointer) interface, reliant on 2d input and output. Design of buildings and other 3D objects via 2D workflow is slowed by the conversions that designers must make. In this paper, we explore the potential of transformable physical design media through two design tool prototypes: Integrated spatial gesture-based direct 3D modeling and display system (InSpire), and tangible objects based massing study tool kits (CuBe). Both of these design tool prototypes allow designers to develop their design within a fully 3d environment with optical and haptic references, so that the interaction between designer and design object become much more intuitive and direct.We conclude by discussing some related subjects in the domain of HCI and argue that transformable physical design media represent a desirable solution for enhancing design experience. Architects and designers could benefit from the usage of transformable physical design media, especially during the early phases of architectural design by allowing designers to efficiently alter the topology properties.
Reflection for Professional Growth: An Organisational Strategy for a Teacher Education Degree Programme

Reflection is a central notion in the Auckland College of Education's Bachelor of Education (Teaching) degree. It has the highest profile in the degree's unifying professional inquiry and practice strand. In this strand, student teachers are supported in achieving a personal synthesis of their learning and experiences across the qualification. The aim of reflective practice is to use metacognitive processes to maximise the professional growth and performance of each individual student teacher. In support of this goal, a decision was made in 1998 to make reflection conscious for lecturing staff. A co-ordinator of reflective staff development was appointed and lecturing staff in Teacher Education Centres of Learning (faculties) became engaged in a dialogic staff development process. This paper documents both this process and the questions that have emerged for the organisation. I must admit that up until now I have been a little ambivalent about reflection but it’s honestly been a lifesaver for me on this practicum. These events have surprised me. I suddenly realise how reflection has become part of my professional self. I also know that if I hadn’t able to step back and consciously reflect on my situation, I simply would have given up in despair.
CPW-fed mirrored-L monopole antenna with distinct triple bands for WiFi and WiMAX applications

By coupling a stub-loaded open-loop resonator onto the back of a CPW-fed mirrored-L monopole, a novel triple-band planar antenna has been achieved and is presented. The proposed antenna features a compact structure with reasonable gains. The measured bandwidths for the distinct triple-band are 2.27-2.87-GHz, 3.4-4.15-GHz and 5.11-6.7-GHz. Omnidirectional radiation patterns for the three bands are observed. Simulations are confirmed by the experimental results, which ensure that the proposed antenna is well suited for WiFi and WiMAX applications.
Lean Manufacturing Implementation in the Sewing Industry

The principle of lean manufacturing has been successfully implemented in a number of industries, including electronics and automotive. This is not the case for other industries, such as the sewing industry, and this research focuses on implementation of lean manufacturing techniques in the sewing industry. One specific sewing line in a sewing plant was selected as a case study, and sewing process characteristics are identified. Five types of waste are identified and analyzed in the sewing line with the aid of value stream mapping: defects, inventory, overproduction, transportation, and waiting time. Applied lean manufacturing techniques include line balancing, layout redesign, and quality at the source. Impacts of implemented lean techniques on production are analyzed, and an improved future-state value stream map is developed. Results show approximately 96% reduction in production wastes in addition to 43% reduction in lead time.
Controllable droplet synchronization module for temporal control of microdroplets

This paper represents a simple and robust microfluidic device capable of temporal control of water droplets in continuous oil to design a controllable droplet synchronization module. By incorporating simple microtunnel structures bridging two microchannels (i.e. droplet-generating and control channels), a pressure drop through the microtunnel can be used to adjust the interval between two approaching droplets at the working channel. The droplet interval in the working channel was flexibly and precisely tuned by controlling the flow rate of the control channel under the fixed flow rate of droplet-generating flow without any effect on the droplet size or generating pattern.
Implementing Total Quality Management in Construction Firms

As building projects get larger and more complex, clients are also increasingly demanding higher standards for their delivery. Total quality management ~TQM! has been recognized as a successful management philosophy in the manufacturing and service indus- tries. TQM can likewise be embraced in the construction industry to help raise quality and productivity. Two case studies of construction companies showed how TQM can be successfully implemented in the construction industry. The benefits experienced include reduction in quality costs, better employee job satisfaction because they do not need to attend to defects and client complaints, recognition by clients, work carried out correctly right from the start, subcontractors with proper quality management systems, and closer relationships with subcontractors and suppliers. TQM performance measures were also reflected through top management commitment, customer involvement and satisfaction, employee involvement and empowerment, customer-supplier relationships, and process improvement and management. Finally, a framework for implementing TQM in construction is recommended.
Investigating the Impact of Lean Six Sigma Tenets Implementation on Competitiveness

Six sigma refers to one of the quality control tools used by many organizations for making the customers satisfied. This paper is aimed to investigate the impact of six sigma implementation on competitiveness of the companies placed at special economic region of Shiraz. Data was gathered using an interview – based approach. From the results, it becomes clear that there is a meaningful relationship between the use of six sigma and competitiveness. Moreover, educational degree affects the basics of sigma implementation.
Changes in the expression of the B subunit of vacuolar H+-ATPase, in the hippocampus, following transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils.

Objectives Vacuolar H+-ATPase is a highly conserved enzyme that plays an important role in maintaining an acidic environment for lysosomal function and accumulating neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles. In the present study, we investigated the time-dependent changes in the expression of vacuolar H+-ATPase V1B2 (ATP6V1B2), a major neuronal subtype of vacuolar H+-ATPase located in the hippocampus, after 5 min of transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils. We also examined the pH and lactate levels in the hippocampus after ischemia to elucidate the correlation between ATP6V1B2 expression and acidosis. Materials and Methods Transient forebrain ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 5 min and animals were sacrificed at various time points after ischemia for immunohistochemical staining of ATP6V1B2 and measurements of pH and lactate levels in the hippocampus. Results ATP6V1B2 immunoreactivity was found to be transiently increased in the hippocampal CA1 region and dentate gyrus 12-24 hr after ischemia when the pH and lactate levels were decreased. In addition, ATP6V1B2 immunoreactivity significantly increased in the hippocampal CA3 and dentate gyrus, regions relatively resistant to ischemic damage, 4 days after ischemia, when the NeuN-positive, mature neuron numbers were significantly decreased in the hippocampal CA1 region. Conclusion These results suggest that ATP6V1B2 expression is transiently increased in the hippocampus following ischemia, which may be intended to compensate for ischemia-related dysfunction of ATP6V1B2 in the hippocampus.
The Need for Formal Engineering Process Models

This paper addresses system engineering for large electronic systems. It provides several views of the systems engineering process as documented and as practiced. The role of automated tools in the process is discussed. The paper highlights major deficiencies in today's practice and states some necessary developments for their correction. It cites what we consider to be the principle efforts, currently underway, that could reduce the deficiencies in the process.
Compact recursive structures for discrete cosine transform

In this paper, we propose compact recursive structures for computing the discrete cosine transform. With a simple preprocessor, the proposed recursive computation, which can be realized in a fixed-coefficient second-order infinite-impulse response (IIR) filter, requires fewer recursive loops than the previous methods if the transformed length is not a prime number. Due to fewer recursive loops and selected coefficients, the proposed compact recursive structure achieves more accurate results than the other methods. With fast recursion and low roundoff error in transformation, the compact recursive algorithm can be easily realized in VLSI chips.
Non-linear piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting from a vertical cantilever beam with tip mass

A common energy harvesting device uses a piezoelectric patch on a cantilever beam with a tip mass. The usual configuration exploits the linear resonance of the system; this works well for harmonic excitation and when the natural frequency is accurately tuned to the excitation frequency. A new configuration is proposed, consisting of a cantilever beam with a tip mass that is mounted vertically and excited in the transverse direction at its base. This device is highly non-linear with two potential wells for large tip masses, when the beam is buckled. The system dynamics may include multiple solutions and jumps between the potential wells, and these are exploited in the harvesting device. The electromechanical equations of motion for this system are developed, and its response for a range of parameters is investigated using phase portraits and bifurcation diagrams. The model is validated using an experimental device with three different tip masses, representing three interesting cases: a linear system; a low natural frequency, non-buckled beam; and a buckled beam. The most practical configuration seems to be the pre-buckled case, where the proposed system has a low natural frequency, a high level of harvested power and an increased bandwidth over a linear harvester.