Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater using Nanoparticles from Agro Wastes

Effluents from essential industries have been characterized with heavy metals which are non-biodegradable in nature and also detrimental to health when accumulated in body tissues over long exposure. Adsorption was proved as the best efficient process amongst others to remove these heavy metals from industrial wastewater due to its excellent features. Activated carbons from nanoparticles of agricultural wastes such as pods, shells, husks, peels, shafts and many prepared via calcination process at high temperature can be used as active adsorbent for the industrial wastewater treatment involving heavy metals removal. This chapter discusses heavy metals in industrial wastewater effluents and potential agro wastes from which nanoparticles of activated carbon for industrial wastewater purification could be generated. The transformation of agro wastes nanoparticles into activated carbons via calcination and their applications for heavy metals removal from industrial wastewater via adsorption were examined. Various characterization techniques to study the effects of calcination on structural, morphological and textural properties of activated carbon prepared from agro waste nanoparticles were also discussed. Various isotherm, kinetics, mechanistic and thermodynamics models to investigate the adsorptive nature of the process were presented. Error functions and algorithms for both the linear and non-linear isotherm models regression to affirm their fitness for prediction were presented. Lastly, proposed adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals removal from industrial wastewater using activated carbons from nanoparticles of agro wastes were presented.
Science potential for development in Africa not yet fully realised

Structured over seven chapters, Sooryamoorthy maps the evolution, development and implications of scientific practices in both colonial and contemporary Africa. In this process he attempts to answer 10 research questions. They deal inter alia with issues such as (1) the extent to which science was undertaken historically in Africa under colonial rule; (2) the extent to which it is currently practised and prioritised through systematic science, technology and innovation approaches, policies and funding; (3) which African countries do what in this regard and why, and (4) how weaknesses in current practices can be improved to facilitate and support development on the continent (p. 25–26).
Isolation, Characterization, and Application of Nanocellulose from Agro-industrial By-products: A Review

ABSTRACT Cellulose, consisting of β-anhydro-d-glucose units, is a natural, biodegradable, and versatile biopolymer with several applications in food and non-food systems. Cellulose is probably the most abundant biopolymer in the biosphere and is synthesized by multiple living organisms, ranging from some bacterial species to higher plants. Cellulose recovery was initially done from forest wood mainly. Other sources, including agro-industrial by-products, such as, fruit peels, husks, revealed to be potential reservoirs of cellulose. Recycling agro-industrial waste by recovering cellulose is an ideal strategy to mitigate the impact of food waste from agro-industrial activities. Moreover, the tremendous potential of cellulose nanomaterials has fueled researchers’ interest in developing environmentally friendly extraction techniques. The present review paper focuses on the recovery of nanocellulose from different agro-industrial by-products and reports the advantages of the extraction technique used, such as, the use of deep eutectic solvents, ultrasound, steam explosion, mild acids, reduced effluents, amongst others. The importance of characterizing the physico-chemical properties of nanocellulose from different sources is also discussed. It is expected that scientific findings presented in this paper will highlight the potential of agro-industrial wastes as cellulose reservoirs and the importance of physico-chemical characterization of nanocellulose.
Journal editors and journal indexes: Internationalization pressures in the semi‐periphery of the world of science

Peer‐reviewed journals are routinely monitored in the world of science, especially on the basis of their performance in international scholarly indexes such as Web of Science and Scopus. While critics have highlighted the bias and 'unintended consequences' of these instruments, it is not at all clear how these indexes are changing the ways in which research takes place. In this paper, we discuss the opportunities and problems facing scientific journals within this environment. By means of 12 qualitative interviews with editors‐in‐chief of WoS‐indexed journals edited in Chile, we analyse the editors' perceptions and strategies to surf within this environment. The article highlights the current tensions that indexation brings for the journals and some strategies to cope with them, the negotiation processes with their traditional audiences, and the conflicts that emerge in the current internationalization processes led by international scientific indexes. Finally, the paper concludes by reflecting on the possibilities and pitfalls that index‐led internationalization has for journals, especially in so‐called semi‐peripheral communities.
Primary Quality Control Parameters for Cassava Raw Materials

Fresh cassava roots are transformed into shelf stable raw materials (flours and extracted starches). Chemical composition (moisture, protein, lipid, fibre and amylose content, cyanide contents), dry matter, starch extraction yields, particle size distribution and whiteness index are some of the quality characteristic requirements for selection of varieties in breeding programs, and raw materials for industrial processes. Starch yields ranges 20–35%, and vary with genotype. The crude protein (1–2%) and crude fat (∼1%) are considered minor components of cassava and are indicative of the poor nutritional quality. The cumulative of particles passing finer than sieve (D90) is commonly selected for industrial applications because it yields a large proportion of flour in the range 90–96% finer particle than sieve size. The amylose is the main genetic trait for categorising starches into waxy, semi-waxy, normal/regular and high amylose types when amylose content is 0–2, 3–15, 16–35, and > 35% of the total starch, respectively. Additionally, amylose is basic criteria for blending flours of different botanical sources. Cassava varieties are classified as sweet and bitter varieties when cyanide values are in the range 15–50 and 50–400 ppm, respectively. The a* (redness-greenness) and b* (yellowish) are considered as impurities in white fleshed cassava.
IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON NIFTY 50 VOLATILITY

COVID 19 has severely affected global financial markets and it has long lasting impact on Nifty 50. The increasing daily new and total COVID 19 cases lead to anxiety among investors and there was panic selling because of lockdown and after government incentives and plan to revive the market, Nifty 50 touched itÃ¢Â€Â™s all time high. We can clearly imagine the amount of volatility COVID 19 created in the market. VIX touched all time high of 66.04 from 13.68 points. This research paper aims to study the magnitude of impact of COVID 19 on Nifty 50 volatility using GARCH model.
Wine Fermentation Performance of Indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus Strains Isolated in a Piedmont Vineyard

The role of yeast in wine quality is very important. The use of selected autochthonous yeasts is becoming more and more frequent in enology, not only to obtain a diversification of wines, but also as a link between the wine and its territory of origin. The objectives of this work were to test two indigenous yeasts in a cellar on a pilot scale. The yeasts were a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a strain of Saccharomyces paradoxus previously isolated in a vineyard in Piedmont (Italy). Studying the oenological characteristics of S. paradoxus is of particular interest, as it is rarely found in the cellar–vineyard environment. Molecular biology methods confirmed the predominance of the strain inoculated in the various fermentation tests. Additionally, products of yeast metabolism, including volatile compounds, were quantified at the end of the alcoholic fermentation and sensory profile of wines was tested by a trained panel of tasters. Our results indicated that both strains have good characteristics to be used as starter in winemaking; S. paradoxus was characterized by a high production of glycerol and the ability to degrade malic acid, together with a lower production of ethanol and a low volatile acidity, while S. cerevisiae conferred to the wine a pleasant smell of rose, as highlighted in the sessions of sensory analysis.
A Survey of Privacy Solutions using Blockchain for Recommender Systems: Current Status, Classification and Open Issues

Due to the rapid growth of Internet, E-commerce and Internet of Things, people use Web based services for most of their needs including buying items, reading books, watching online shows etc. Several companies are using recommender systems to influence people’s choices based on their likings, behaviours etc. Hence, people fear that their privacy is violated. Also, some of the online applications are not safe and secure. One way to overcome the privacy related issues is using secured solutions such as incorporating blockchain technologies for privacy-based applications. The decentralized nature of blockchain technologies have resolved several security, and authentication problems of Internet of Things systems. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive survey on the privacy solutions for recommender systems emphasising current status, classification and open issues. We also discuss blockchain technology, including its structure as well as applications of blockchain technology for privacy solutions of recommender systems. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations and delve into future trends that blockchain technology can be adapted for privacy-base applications in the years to come.
Assessment of the Microbial Quality of Braised Products from Bangangte City and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Selected Pathogens Isolated Therein

Department of Processing and Quality Control of Aquatic Products, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Yabassi, University of Douala, PoBox 7236, Douala-Cameroon. 2 Centre for Food and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, PoBox 13033, Yaounde-Cameroon. 3 College of Technology, University of Bamenda, PoBox 39 Bambili, Cameroon. 4 Higher institute of Health Science, Universite des Montagnes, PoBox 208 Bangangte-Cameroon. Department of Food Science and Nutrition, National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, PoBox 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. Department of Food Engineering and Quality Control, University Institute of Technology, University of Ngaoundere, PoBox 454 Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
Evaluation of the efficacy of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas species against bacterial wilt Ralstonia isolates of tomato (Lycopersicum species)

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt of tomato and limits the crop production, and antagonistic microorganisms use to suppress the disease, of which Trichoderma and Pseudomonas species are the most effective agents to control bacterial wilt. In the present study, attempt was made to isolate these two microorganisms to evaluate their effectiveness to control R. solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt disease of tomato under greenhouse conditions. Thus R. solanacearum, Pseudomonas and Trichoderma spp. were isolated from wilted and healthy tomato plants grown from farmer's field in Ziway and Meki, Oromia Ethiopia. The virulence of the pathogen and the antagonistic effect of the bacteria and fungi were evaluated against R. solanacearum in vitro and in vivo condition. Based on the in vitro results the best two isolates were selected to show their antagonistic effect under greenhouse condition in single and combined designs. The result showed the pathogenicity test of the isolates were evaluated under greenhouse condition, and isolate AAURS1 showed highest virulence (75%) followed by isolate APPRCRS2 with pathogenicity of 50%. With regard to antagonism test, isolates AAURB20 and AAUTR23 showed the highest inhibition against R. solanacearum with inhibition zone of 16 and 15 mm, respectively. Among the treatments co-inoculation was more effective and reduced disease incidence by 13.33% and increased the bio-control efficacy by 72.22% when compared with individual treatment and negative control. The isolates significantly increased the plant height and dry weight by 72.33 cm and 12.18 g, respectively. Thus, the combined use of the biocontrol agents significantly reduced the incidence of tomato bacterial wilt disease. However, their performance should be evaluated using other yield parameters under field conditions to produce healthy tomato seedling to minimize the use of chemicals and reduce environmental pollution. Key words: Biocontrol, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia solanacearum, Trichoderma.
Study of Zn(II)-coumarin complex by electrochemical method with increased anticoagulant potency

Abstract The formation of complexes of coumarin and Zn(II) was studied in aqueous media at pH 8.2±0.1 by polarography and spectroscopy. The polarogram indicated formation of complexes between coumarin and Zn(II). Coumarin produces a well-defined direct current polarogram and differential pulse polarogram in 1 m ammonium tartrate (supporting electrolyte) at pH 8.2±0.1. The stoichiometry of the Zn(II)-coumarin complex is 1:1. Anticoagulant studies on the drug and its metal complex have been performed in albino mice, revealing the complex to be more potent in anticoagulation activity compared to the parent drug.
Performance Analysis of Downlink NOMA System with Diversity Combining Schemes over k-µ Fading Channel

The employment of diversity combining methods by each user in a downlink multiuser NOMA system is presented. Each user specifically uses the maximum ratio combining (MRC), equal gain combining (EGC), and selection combining (SC) diversity approaches to boost the system's performance. The presented system's outage analysis for the $L$ branch diversity combiner over the K-µ fading channel is provided. Additionally, a Laplace transform technique is used to develop an accurate closed-form equation of the probability density function (PDF) of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) at the output of an equal gain combiner for a K-µ fading channel. The given approach outperforms the traditional NOMA system, while NOMA with MRC diversity outperforms all other offered methods. The simulation results are used to confirm the theoretical findings.
A ‘transversal’ dialogue with Wentzel van Huyssteen’s theological approach

casual interview with Frits Gaum, in which Van Huyssteen responded to set questions: on his academic journey, God, the Bible, creation and evolution, human uniqueness, original sin, eternal life, Jesus and the relation between faith and research. Whilst there was considerable consensus between us in most respects, I would change the focus from an ‘apologetic’ agenda (science and theology were describing the same world from equally valid vantage points using comparable rationalities) to a ‘missionary’ agenda (making the Christian faith more accessible to scientists by following the approach of ‘experiential realism’). Science confined its operations to different aspects of the reality that was accessible to human observation, explanation and manipulation, whilst theology concentrated on our relation to the transcendent Source and Destiny of all of reality. To make sense to a scientist, theology must shun unsupported postulates and speculations and confront the scientist with the basic alternative of claiming to be the ultimate authority over the immanent world (presuming to be the owner, master and beneficiary of reality) and being derived from, and responsible to, the ultimate Source and Destiny of reality. The confusion between immanent transcendence (aspects of immanent reality that were not accessible to our observation, explanation and manipulation) and transcendent immanence (immanent reality as a whole was open towards a higher Source and Destiny) bedeviled the interface between science and faith. Science challenged theology to provide experiential evidence; theology challenged science to be responsible to ultimate authority. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Both Wentzel van Huyssteen and I have worked consistently on an interdisciplinary basis. However, whilst Wentzel focused strongly on the natural sciences, I spent most of my time on the relation between the Christian faith and the human sciences (economics, ecology, cultural anthropology, politics, etc.) and concentrated on the natural sciences only after my retirement. In my essay, I highlighted the difference between trying to demonstrate the comparability and compatibility between theology and science on the one hand and highlighting the challenge that science posed to faith and faith posed to science on the other hand.
Moving Ad Hoc Networks—A Comparative Study

An ad hoc network is a wireless mobile communication network composed of a group of mobile nodes with wireless transceivers. It does not rely on preset infrastructure and is established temporarily. The mobile nodes of the network use their own wireless transceivers to exchange information; when the information is not within the communication range, other intermediate nodes can be used to relay to achieve communication. They can be widely used in environments that cannot be supported by wired networks or which require communication temporarily, such as military applications, sensor networks, rescue and disaster relief, and emergency response. In MANET, each node acts as a host and as a router, and the nodes are linked through wireless channels in the network. One of the scenarios of MANET is VANET; VANET is supported by several types of fixed infrastructure. Due to its limitations, this infrastructure can support some VANET services and provide fixed network access. FANET is a subset of VANET. SANET is one of the common types of ad hoc networks. This paper could serve as a guide and reference so that readers have a comprehensive and general understanding of wireless ad hoc networks and their routing protocols at a macro level with a lot of good, related papers for reference. However, this is the first paper that discusses the popular types of ad hoc networks along with comparisons and simulation tools for Ad Hoc Networks.
Case Study of Indian Summer Monsoon on the Basis of Upper Atmospheric Jet Stream

: Indian economy largely depends on South west monsoon known as Indian Summer Monsoon(ISM). It is one of the key factors to good agricultural production and adequate resource of rural life. The tropical easterly jet stream (TEJ) whose existence was established by Koteswaram(1958) is an important component of Indian summer monsoon. The TEJ overlies southern eastern Asia in the upper troposphere (9 km-14km) with the core near 15 ° N latitude. In this piece of work, the change of wind direction at the upper troposphere has been investigated. Heat Flux has been found out using upper air Radio Sonde Radio Wind (RSRW) data by calculating wind direction & temperature at 9 km. to 14 km. level. A relationship between onset of ISM and TEJ stream has been established. Heat flux is calculated in the regions of latitude ranging from 1 ° N to 22.65 ° N for three Years (2014, 2015, 2016) for the months from February to October. The result depicts that TEJ is a precursor for long range weather forecast of ISM.
Sales Associations between Brand Stores Based on Spatial Interaction Effects

There is a dearth of research concerning location-based service (LBS), including its determinants and antecedents. However, it is still unclear how LBS influences a brand store’s profit with the consideration of surrounding stores. To fill the gap, this study focuses on the influence of surrounding store information on sales of a brand store from the perspective of LBS. By analyzing spatial data, sales data, and shopper flow data of 737 brand stores for a large shopping mall in China with spatial Dubin model, this study identifies several findings: (1) sales and shopper stay times in surrounding stores can negatively influence sales of a brand store; (2) store types can moderate the relationship between the sales of surrounding stores and those of a brand store; (3) shopper flow in surrounding stores can also influence the sales of a brand store depending on the volume of shopper flow at different times in a day. This study has implications for academics and practitioners.
A multi-slotted 2-element quadband MIMO antenna for 4G and 5G applications

This paper presents design of a multi-slotted quadband 2-element MIMO antenna suitable for 4G and 5G applications. The design is realized on an 18.5 × 56 mm2 (0.154 × 0.467 , where is the wavelength of the lowest resonant frequency of 2.5 GHz) FR4 epoxy substrate having a thickness of 1.6 mm and a relative permittivity of 4.4. The simulated and measured results agree well with each other. A simple de-coupler structure has been incorporated on the bottom side to reduce the mutual coupling at operating frequency bands (2.5, 3.7, 4.3, and 5.5 GHz). Furthermore, it was observed that the measured envelope correlation coefficient of the designed MIMO antenna is considerably lower than 0.05. Also, the design exhibits measured gains of 3.49, 2.97, 2.93, and 2.54 dBi at 2.5, 3.7, 4.3, and 5.5 GHz, respectively.
BREAKABLE PERFORMANCE - THE ROLE OF MENTAL TOUGHNESS IN ELITE SPORT, INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

Our study aimed to analyze mental toughness and its relationship to sports performance. We reviewed 50 qualitative and quantitative international studies. We performed an in-depth investigation on mental toughness; we also focused on how to improve mental toughness. We hypothesized a significant difference in both genders, suggesting that coaches substantially impact mental toughness. We primarily concentrate on valid, real-time assessments and psychological training in elite sports athletes. Sport psychologists, mental trainers play an essential role in elite sports performance. Results of related studies demonstrated that these age and gender-specific mental training sessions are effective in improving performance. There is an increasing need for computer-based interactive testing methods to analyze cognitive and psychomotor skills under pressure.
The Evolution Dynamical Processes of Ural Blocking Through the Lens of Local Finite‐Amplitude Wave Activity Budget Analysis

Understanding the dynamical processes of Ural blocking (UB) during its different phases of development is of great importance for the prediction of UB and the subsequent meteorological impacts in Asia. Using the 6‐hourly ERA‐Interim reanalysis data, this study quantifies the conservative and non‐conservative processes in the lifecycle of UB through the lens of the hybrid Eulerian‐Lagrangian local finite‐amplitude wave activity (LWA) diagnostics. It is found that (a) as a wave activity source, eddy heat flux assists the zonal LWA flux in initiating the UB, it also works to prevent the wave activity of the blocking from dispersing downstream—the key characteristic of blocking; (b) both wave propagation and wave advection are indispensable for the evolution of UB, playing a tug‐of‐war on the downstream development of wave activity; (c) throughout the lifespan of UB, diabatic heating acts as a damping mechanism for the wave activity both upstream and downstream.