Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrocarbons Utilizing Coliform from Polluted Soil (Sandy, Clay and Loamy) in Jega, Nigeria

Environmental pollution with spilled oil and waste hydrocarbons has become a problem of major concern on the global scale. The study determined the biodegradation potentials of coliform from soil treated with petrol in Jega metropolis. A total of nine (9) soil samples were collected and analyzed using Physicochemical and Microbiological standard techniques. The mean values of the physicochemical parameters tested ranged; pH (6.8-7.8), Temperature (–32.6b), Electrical conductivity (-), Dissolved oxygen (2.4-8.9), Biological oxygen demand ( -), Chemical oxygen demand (), Nitrogen content (1.30.2 -) and Phosphorous contents (2.90.- ). The spectrophotometric biodegradation potential of the soil samples reveals the turbidity range of 2.3-7. , after which the bacterial isolates as scoliform were obtained, the isolates were further biochemically characterized, their percentage of occurrence show; Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 5 (29.4%), Escherichia coli with 3 (17.6%), Proteus vulgaris with 3 (17. 6%), Citrobacter koseri with 2 (11.8%), Citrobacter freundii with 2 (11.8%), while Proteus mirabilis with 2 (11.8%). The bacteria isolated fit for utilizing hydrocarbons as energy source. Therefore, microbes can be considered as a key component in the cleanup strategy for petroleum hydrocarbons remediation.
Glycosylated proteins in the protozoan alga Euglena gracilis: a proteomic approach

Abstract Protein glycosylation, and in particular N-linked glycans, is a hallmark of eukaryotic cells and has been well-studied in mammalian cells and parasites. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the conservation and variation of protein glycosylation pathways in other eukaryotic organisms. Euglena gracilis is an industrially important microalga, used in the production of biofuels and nutritional supplements. It is evolutionarily highly divergent from green algae and more related to kinetoplastid pathogens. It was recently shown that E. gracilis possesses the machinery for producing a range of protein glycosylations and make simple N-glycans, but the modified proteins were not identified. This study identifies the glycosylated proteins, including transporters, extracellular proteases, and those involved in cell surface signalling. Notably, many of the most highly expressed and glycosylated proteins are not related to any known sequences and are, therefore, likely to be involved in important novel functions in Euglena.
THE EFFECT OF GREEN PRODUCT, HALAL LABEL AND SAFI COSMETIC BRAND IMAGE ON PURCHASE DECISIONS MODERATED BY WORD OF MOUTH IN THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF PALEMBANG CITY

This research was on to find out the influence of green product, halal label, brand image of Safi Cosmetics and word of mouth as moderator to wards purchasing decisions of the Muslim consumers in Palembang. The sample used in this research was the Muslim consumers in Palembang with purposive sampling techniques. The number of samples in this study were 90 samples obtained from the questionnaire. The research used the quantitative approach with Moderated Regression Analysis assisted by SPSS 21. The results reveal that green product has no effect on purchasing decisions, halal label has a positive effect on purchasing decisions, brand image has a positive effect on purchasing decisions, word of mouth has a positive effect on purchasing decisions, word of mouth weakens the relationship between green products and purchasing decisions,
Efficacy of generic sofosbuvir with daclatasvir compared to sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in genotype 4 hepatitis C virus: A prospective comparison with historical control

Management of genotype 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) has shifted to interferon‐free regimens with a high sustained virological response (SVR‐12), especially with NS5B/NS5A inhibitor combinations such as sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (Sof‐Led). The guidelines have recommended the combination of sofosbuvir and another NS5A inhibitor, daclatasvir, to manage HCV genotypes 1–3. However, its use was extended to genotype 4 HCV based on extrapolating evidence. Our aim is to assess the efficacy of generic sofosbuvir + branded daclatasvir (Sof‐Dac) compared to the Sof‐Led combination in treating genotype 4 HCV.
On the Computation of Nonlinear Eigenvalues in Electromagnetic Problems

The numerical evaluation of parameters having practical interest in electromagnetic applications is often related to the determination of the set of values, named nonlinear eigenvalues, for which the nonlinear eigenvalue problem L(γ)f = 0 admits a non trivial solution. These values are usually computed, after properly discretization of L(γ), by SVD. However this approach has a main drawback that is very time consuming. In this work we propose a method for quickly evaluating these parameters. An application of the developed technique to a well-known electromagnetic problem is then presented and discussed.
Radial oscillations of zero-temperature white dwarfs and neutron stars below nuclear densities

Radial oscillations of zero-temperature degenerate stars with subnuclear densities have been calculated for the fundamental and first two excited modes using recent equations of state. The calculations were made under the assumptions that (a) the dynamical time scale tauvery-much-less-thantau/sub N/, where tau/sub N/ is the nuclear relaxation time, in which case the adiabatic index . gamma. =. gamma. /sub E/ (calculated along the equation of state) and (b) tauvery-much-less-thantau/sub N/ with . gamma. /sub C/ calculated at constant composition. For case a, it is shown that white dwarfs are dynamically stable for rho/sub c/9 or approx. =1.2 x 10/sup 9/ g cm/sup -3/ while neutron stars are dynamically stable for rho/sub c/> or approx. =10/sup 14/ g cm/sup -3/. The instability for white dwarfs in case a arises principally from the phase transitions rather than from the effects of general relativity, conjecture of Baym et al. Low-density neutron stars have for the fundamental (unstable) mode ''e-folding'' times which are a factor 100 less than the typically expected dynamical time scale. It is shown that this is consistent with the unusual decay of the radial eigenfunction, a qualitative explanation of which is given. For densities below the neutron drip point it is shown that . gamma. /sub c/=. gamma. /sub E/more » except at a finite number of phase transition points. For densities just above the neutron drip point, it is shown analytically that . gamma. /sub C/ must be greater than 4/3 in the critical region where . gamma. /sub E/ drops below 4/3. For case b, white dwarfs are dynamically stable for rho/sub c/9 or approx. =4 x 10/sup 10/ g cm/sup -3/, while neutron stars are dynamically stable for rho/sub c/> or approx. =7 x 10/sup 12/ g cm/sup -3/ as had been suggested previously by the author. Case b is shown to be more appropriate for infinitesimal perturbations. It is also pointed out that arguments given earlier to indicate that high-density white dwarfs and low-density neutron stars may not exist are lacking in rigor. « less
Boltzmann equation with infinite energy: renormalized solutions and distributional solutions for small initial data and initial data close to a Maxwellian

We prove new existence results for the Boltzmann equation with an initial data with infinite energy. In the framework of renormalized solutions we assume $(|x|^\alpha + |x-v|^2) \, f_0 \in L^1$ instead of $(|x|^2 + |v|^2) \, f_0 \in L^1$, and we show new a priori estimates. In the framework of distributional solutions we treat small initial data compared to a Maxwellian of the type $\exp ( - |x-v|^2/2)$. We also treat initial data close enough to such a Maxwellian. Hence, our theory does not require that the initial data decrease in both variables x and v.
Investigating the Performance of the Order-Picking Process by Using Smart Glasses: A Laboratory Experimental Approach

Background: Order picking process is critical for accurate and efficient order fulfilment. Pick-by-vision is a promising technology that may support order picking process, however there is still a limited amount of research concerning the impact of this technology on the performance of order-picking. The purpose of this paper is to investigate certain operational and technical parameters that affect the performance of pick-by-vision technology in item-level order picking via a series of laboratory tests. Methods: A systematic literature review is conducted for the identification of parameters that affect pick-by-vision performance. Subsequently, the analytical hierarchy process is adopted to rank these parameters, concerning their impact on order picking. Then, the design of experiment and NASA task load index methodology are implemented for assessing pick-by-vision efficiency and perceived workload. Results: The results reveal the parameters that significantly affect the performance of the pick-by-vision system, as well as the best configuration of parameters for the implementation of the proposed system in real environments. Conclusions: The results obtained are encouraging, showing how pick-by-vision technology can support order picking efficiency. Furthermore, practical implications are presented that deal with the organizational culture, process re-engineering, staff resistance to change, and motivation for maintaining the new way of executing order-picking processes.
Worst-case system identification in l/sub 1/: error bounds, optimal models and model reduction

In l/sub 1/-robust control design, model uncertainty can be handled if an upper bound on the l/sub 1/-norm of the model error is known. A procedure is developed which yields such an upper bound for a given nominal model, using measurement data and a priori information consisting of a time-domain bound on the noise and information about the decay rate of the pulse response of the model error. The upper bound is calculated by solving a set of linear programming problems. Moreover, a procedure is presented for obtaining a new nominal model which is optimal in an l/sub 1/-sense, i.e., has a minimal upper bound on the l/sub 1/-norm of the model error. This is performed in two steps: in the first step the central estimate is computed, and in the second step model reduction in the l/sub 1/-norm is performed. For the latter problem, a solution is given for the case when the reduced-order model is linear in the parameters. <<ETX>>
Feasibility of the novel ‘Tobacco-Free Hospital’ model and its compliance assessment at a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: Tobacco is one of the biggest threats to the public health. Tobacco harms not only human health but also the environment. The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was implemented in India in 2003. Compliance of these laws in public places is mandatory. This study presents an innovative model to make hospitals tobacco-free. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of implementation of tobacco-free hospitals among security guards, tobacco users, and key observers visiting a tertiary care dental hospital through a comprehensive strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory study was conducted in three phases. Structured training was organized for all security guards (n = 25) along with pre- and post-assessment using a validated questionnaire. All the patients and attendants entering the hospital were screened for tobacco products by security guards. Those patients who were carrying tobacco products to the hospital (n = 107) were interviewed using a validated questionnaire. Opinions of key observers (n = 223) who witnessed the event were also recorded. Descriptive statistics (means, frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were calculated. RESULTS: At the baseline, only 20% security guards were aware about tobacco legislations, whereas after 1 month, more than 80% security guards were aware about the laws. Around two-third of study participants of both the groups were aware of COTPA Section 4. Approximately 33.6% of tobacco users and 58.4% of key observers were aware of COTPA Section 6b. Forty tobacco users in the study availed tobacco cessation services of the hospital. CONCLUSION: Every staff should be a torch bearer of tobacco control. The study highlights a comprehensive approach of integrating hospital staff and linking vital cessation services by implementing Sections of COTPA.
Object Pose Estimation Using Edge Images Synthesized from Shape Information

This paper presents a method for estimating the six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) pose of texture-less objects from a monocular image by using edge information. The deep learning-based pose estimation method needs a large dataset containing pairs of an image and ground truth pose of objects. To alleviate the cost of collecting a dataset, we focus on the method using a dataset made by computer graphics (CG). This simulation-based method prepares a thousand images by rendering the computer-aided design (CAD) data of the object and trains a deep-learning model. As an inference stage, a monocular RGB image is entered into the model, and the object’s pose is estimated. The representative simulation-based method, Pose Interpreter Networks, uses silhouette images as the input, thereby enabling common feature (contour) extraction from RGB and CG images. However, estimating rotation parameters is less accurate. To overcome this problem, we propose a method to use edge information extracted from the object’s ridgelines for training the deep learning model. Since edge distribution changes largely according to the pose, the estimation of rotation parameters becomes more robust. Through an experiment with simulation data, we quantitatively proved the accuracy improvement compared to the previous method (error rate decreases at a certain condition are translation 22.9% and rotation: 43.4%). Moreover, through an experiment with physical data, we clarified the issues of this method and proposed an effective solution by fine-tuning (error rate decrease at a certain condition are translation 20.1% and rotation 57.7%).
3D Reality-Based Survey and Retopology for Structural Analysis of Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage’s structural changes and damages can influence the mechanical behaviour of artefacts and buildings. The use of finite element methods (FEM) for mechanical analysis is largely used in modelling stress behaviour. The workflow involves the use of CAD 3D models and the use of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surfaces. For cultural heritage objects, altered by the time elapsed since their creation, the representation created with the CAD model may introduce an extreme level of approximation, leading to wrong simulation results. The focus of this work is to present an alternative method intending to generate the most accurate 3D representation of a real artefact from highly accurate 3D reality-based models, simplifying the original models to make them suitable for finite element analysis (FEA) software. The approach proposed, and tested on three different case studies, was based on the intelligent use of retopology procedures to create a simplified model to be converted to a mathematical one made by NURBS surfaces, which is also suitable for being processed by volumetric meshes typically embedded in standard FEM packages. This allowed us to obtain FEA results that were closer to the actual mechanical behaviour of the analysed heritage asset.
On a variational inequality associated with a stopping game combined with a control

We study a non-linear elliptic variational inequality which corresponds to a zero-sum stopping game (Dynkin game) combined with a control. Our result is a generalization of the existing works by Bensoussan [ Stochastic Control by Functional Analysis Methods (North-Holland, Amsterdam), 1982], Bensoussan and Lions [ Applications des Inéquations Variationnelles en Contrôle Stochastique (Dunod, Paris), 1978] and Friedman [ Stochastic Differential Equations and Applications (Academic Press, New York), 1976] in the sense that a non-linear term appears in the variational inequality, or equivalently, that the underlying process for the corresponding stopping game is subject to a control. By using the dynamic programming principle and the method of penalization, we show the existence and uniqueness of a viscosity solution of the variational inequality and describe it as the value function of the corresponding combined-stochastic game problem.
Integration of three‐dimensional and pressure sensitive palatography for speech production study

Tongue‐palate contact patterns during speech production have been measured by electropalatography (EPG). A conventional EPG system produces only a flat contact pattern, and does not provide data for either the three‐dimensional aspect nor tightness of tongue‐palate contact. This paper describes work integrating two recently developed palatography techniques, i.e., three‐dimensional electropalatography (3D‐EPG) [M. Wakumoto and S. Masaki, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 102, 3166(A) (1997)], and pressure sensitive palatography (PSPG) [M. Wakumoto et al., Proceedings of ICSLP98]. The former displays the electrode pattern on a realistic palatal shape, and the latter measures contact pressure by a thin sheet sensor array. The two systems are combined using the following procedures: (1) individual palatal shape and contact patterns in the 3D field during consonant production are acquired by 3D‐EPG, (2) dynamic tongue‐palatal contact pressure during the same consonant production at the same contact area is monitored by PSP.
Physical mechanisms of photoluminescence of chlorine-doped ZnSe epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Reported here are some temperature-dependent and excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) results from chlorine-doped ZnSe layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The PL spectrum is characterized by an overwhelming exciton recombination emission at 2.797 eV (10 K) near the band edge, and no other PL features are found. This overwhelming neutral donor-bound exciton (Cl0X) emission line at 2.797 eV (10 K) with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ∼13 meV reveals the high crystalline quality of the samples. The quick quenching of this exciton line above 200 K is due to the presence of a nonradiative center with a thermal activation energy of ∼90 meV. The decrease of the Cl0X line over the temperature range from 10 to 200 K is due to the thermal activation of Cl0X bound excitons to free excitons with an activation energy of ∼9.0 meV. The change of the emission nature occurs at about ∼200 K from Cl0X bound exciton recombination to free exciton recombination; accordingly, a kink appears on the temperature-.
High‐Resolution X‐ray Microprobe Using a Spatial Filter and Its Application to Micro‐XAFS Measurements

An x‐ray microprobe system with total‐reflection mirror optics for trace element analysis has been developed at beamline 37XU of SPring‐8. To achieve sub‐microprobe, a spatial filter has been installed downstream of a monochromator. Focusing tests have been performed in the x‐ray energy range of 6–14 keV. A focused beam size of 0.83 μm(V)×1.35 μm(H) has been obtained at an x‐ray energy of 10 keV, and using a spatial filter in the horizontal direction, the beam size is down to 0.84 μm. Micro‐x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy of submicrometer particles has been done by utilizing the total‐reflection mirror optics. It was clearly observed from the nickel K‐edge XAFS spectra that the oxidation state of nickel was a mixture of metal and oxide even in the single submicrometer particle.
Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.): A Promising Fiber Crop with Potential for Genetic Improvement Utilizing Both Conventional and Molecular Approaches

ABSTRACT Kenaf is a fiber crop belonging to the genus Hibiscus (Malvaceae), and the potential of this plant, its multipurpose use, and its environmentally friendly cellulose have placed kenaf at the forefront of both commercial and subsistence farming. Due to inadequate agricultural practices, low production potential, and photoperiodism, the yields of fiber are relatively low. The varietal development in kenaf is hindered by a lack of knowledge of its heredity, which also affects its successful usage and protection of important germplasm. The amount and production potential of kenaf are enhanced by identifying and exploring obtainable genetic resources for the development of high-yield cultivars. Knowledge of existing natural genetic variation and its availability is important for this highly valued crop’s genetic improvement. This review summarized recent advances in kenaf varietal improvement using marker-assisted breeding, genetic linkage maps, and morphological and molecular assessment of genetic diversity. Existing issues were discussed to produce scientific references for identifying photo-insensitive kenaf genotypes.
Principal’s Visionary Leadership in Improving Competitiveness

The purpose of this study is to describe in depth: How the visionary principal is a direction setter, agent of change and implements change strategy steps to improve school competitiveness. This study uses a qualitative research with a phenomenological approach and a multi-site study design. Data collection techniques used in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. The data obtained were analyzed using the technique of reading all the data, coding, connecting the themes or descriptions to each other, and interpreting the meaning of the themes or descriptions. Meanwhile, the method of checking the validity of the data uses the techniques of credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. The results of this study indicate that the principal’s visionary leadership in increasing competitiveness by means of the principal as a director setter, as an agent of change and carrying out change strategy steps including vision-oriented competitiveness, producing graduates who master IMTAQ, science and technology, are independent, nationalist and religious in the style of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah An-Nahdliyah, implementation of curriculum and administration in accordance with national education standards, orientation to graduates who are able to compete in the industrial world, higher education and other education, Vocational High Schools have expertise which can be used as a school icon that can attract prospective students and develop student potential, has a Quality Guarantee/quality guarantee for students by providing additional or extracurricular activities, has standard facilities and infrastructure according to needs. The Conclusion of this study indicate that the principal’s visionary leadership in increasing competitiveness by means of the principal as a director setter, as an agent of change and carrying out change strategy.
Vulnerability Assessment of Equipment Excited by Transient Electromagnetic Disturbances Based on Distribution-Free QMU Method

Based on the framework of quantification of margins and uncertainties (QMU) method, a distribution-free QMU method is proposed for the vulnerability evaluation of electrical and electronic equipment excited by transient electromagnetic disturbances. The proposed method can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the equipment considering the stress and the strength with uncertainties. The stress is represented by the induced responses on the equipment conductors, the strength is quantified by the occurrence probability of failure obtained from the experiment. The quantile-based QMU metric can take account of the inherent probability characteristics of stress and strength, as well as the aleatory uncertainties caused by sampling variability. The quantiles and their tolerance bounds are estimated by a nonparametric estimation method based on order statistics, which is a data-driven method without being constrained by the type of probability distribution. A case study of an electronic equipment in the power plant is carried out to illustrate the evaluation procedures of the proposed method.