bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMBINATION OF THE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC AND MICROWAVE REMOTE SENSING FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION AND PRESERVATION – PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Kot P. , Markiewicz J. , Muradov M. , Lapinski S. , Shaw A. , Zawieska D. , Tobiasz A. , Al-Shamma’a A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Nowadays, cultural heritage is an integral part of modern societies and it is necessary to preserve the tangible and intangible evidences of the past. Cultural heritage objects and sites are being devastated by natural causes and human acts. There are many existing techniques for structural health monitoring, but in the cultural heritage area, there is a need for a non-destructive measurements. The main advantages and drawbacks of some of these technologies have been presented for both laser scanner and photogrammetry techniques. The aim of this article is to present the integration of existing methods for spatial documentation (classical surveying, laser scanner, photogrammetry) and structures health monitoring using electromagnetic spectroscopy. The multi-sensor platform was developed to characterise and analyse various building materials such as marble, sandstone and bricks. The spatial techniques were used for generation of architectural documentation and geolocalisation of the multi-sensor platform. The preliminary results demonstrated that the proposed technology enables commonly used image and rage-based surface measurements as well as measurements through the entire structure for more detailed analysis.
GEOPORTAL PROPOSAL FOR THE INVENTORY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN NABÓN (ECUADOR)
Authors: Lerma J. L. , Heras V. , Mora-Navarro G. , Rodas P. , Matute F.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Humanity is losing cultural heritage faster than it can be documented, preserved and disseminated. A combination of natural and human actions is heavily affecting heritage such as climate change, vandalism, looting and natural hazards such as floods, droughts, tsunamis and earthquakes. This paper presents a cooperation proposal for strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage through building a geoportal for the inventory of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Cantón Nabón, province of Azuay, Ecuador. All the gathered information, historical records, old photographs, architectural and archaeological and geomorphological surveys, in combination with state-of-the-art photogrammetric documentation surveys, will integrate the new heritage geoportal. The initial implementation will be carried out by working together with local, regional and international experts, following the suggestions of the local inhabitants.
3D MODELS OF THE QH31, QH32 AND QH33 TOMBS IN QUBBET EL HAWA (ASWAN, EGYPT)
Authors: Mozas-Calvache A. T. , Pérez-García J. L. , Gómez-López J. M. , Martínez de Dios J. L. , Jiménez-Serrano A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This paper describes the methodology employed to obtain 3D models of three funerary complexes (QH31, QH32 and QH33) of the Necropolis of Qubbet el Hawa (Aswan, Egypt) and the main results obtained. These rock-cut tombs are adjacent structures defined by complex geometries such as chambers, corridors and vertical shafts. The main goal of this study was to discover the spatial relationships between them and obtain a complete 3D model. In addition, some models with realistic textures of the burial chambers were demanded in order to analyse archaeological, architectural and geological aspects. The methodology was based on the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Close Range Photogrammetry. In general, both techniques were developed in parallel for each tomb. Some elements presented difficulties because of their reduced dimensions, the presence of vertical falls, some objects stored in the tombs that generated occlusions of some walls, coincidence of other workers, poor illumination conditions, etc. The results included three complete 3D models obtained without texture and some parts of interest obtained with real textures. All models were merged into a global 3D model. The information extracted from this product has helped architects and archaeologists to contrast their premises about the spatial behaviour of the tombs. The results have also allowed the obtaining of the first 3D documentation of these tombs under the same reference system, allowing them to be studied completely. This information is very important for documentation purposes but also to understand the spatial behaviour of these structures and the excavation processes developed by ancient Egyptians 4000 years ago.
AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF TIMBER-CRACKS IN WOODEN ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE USING YOLOv3 ALGORITHM
Authors: Liu Y. , Hou M. , Li A. , Dong Y. , Xie L. , Ji Y.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. As there usually exist widespread crack, decay, deformation and other damages in the wooden architectural heritage (WAH). It is of great significance to detect the damages automatically and rapidly in order to grasp the status for daily repairs. Traditional methods use artificial feature-driven point clouds and image processing technology for object detection. With the development of big data and GPU computing performance, data-driven deep learning technology has been widely used for monitoring WAH. Deep learning technology is more accurate, faster, and more robust than traditional methods.In this paper, we conducted a case study to detect timber-crack damages in WAH, and selected the YOLOv3 algorithm with DarkNet-53 as the backbone network in the deep learning technology according to the characteristics of the crack. A large timber-crack dataset was first constructed, based on which the timber-crack detection model was trained and tested. The results were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, showing that our proposed method was able to reach an accuracy of more than 90% through processing each image for less than 0.1s. The promising results illustrate the validity of our self-constructed dataset as well as the reliability of YOLOv3 algorithm for the crack detection of wooden heritage.
TERRAIN MODELLING BASED ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS IN THE LOESS PLATEAU OF CHINA
Authors: Na J. , Tang G. , Wang K. , Pfeifer N.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The geomorphology of loess plateaus continuously evolves with gully erosion. It is very hard to simulate geomorphic evolution in history, especially considering longer time spans, because of the lack of ancient geographic information. However, historical documents and archaeological sites are providing indispensable information about the past world. Using the remains of Wucheng in the Shanxi Province in China as the study area, we explored the possibility of combining UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) photogrammetry and GNSS (global navigation satellite system) measurements for modelling current terrain as well as ancient terrain with the help of archaeological surveying. Finally, current and ancient topography were modelled and the soil erosion was assessed. We believe our work can provide a clear workflow for terrain modelling in archaeological sites and may offer new ideas for landform evolution studies.
EXPLORATION AND PRACTICE OF BEIJING BELL AND DRUM TOWERS SAFETY DETECTION PROJECT
Authors: Zhang X. , Yang Y. , Zhang J. , Liu J. , Wan M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Ancient architecture is one of the important historical and cultural heritage content, after many years trials and hardships, there will be a variety of diseases. To better protect the ancient architecture, we need to carry out a detailed investigation to detect and assess its structural safety and stability. Exploration of ancient architecture safety detection, need for an integrated comprehensive and detailed surveying and mapping means drawing detection map, using non-destructive detection techniques to check. We based on three-dimensional laser scanning, integrated utilization technology mapping, ground penetrating radar detection technology, stress wave scanning technology, visual quality and damage prospecting techniques to detect the safety situation in Beijing Bell and Drum Towers. We put forward reasonable suggestions for appropriate repair, on the basis of a variety modal analysis detected the structures, the status of Beijing Bell and Drum Towers safety were assessed. The detection process in this paper has better prospects for the future work that explores cultural heritage of ancient architecture repair detection and appropriate assessment.
AN EXPLAINABLE CONVOLUTIONAL AUTOENCODER MODEL FOR UNSUPERVISED CHANGE DETECTION
Authors: Bergamasco L. , Saha S. , Bovolo F. , Bruzzone L.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Transfer learning methods reuse a deep learning model developed for a task on another task. Such methods have been remarkably successful in a wide range of image processing applications. Following the trend, few transfer learning based methods have been proposed for unsupervised multi-temporal image analysis and change detection (CD). Inspite of their success, the transfer learning based CD methods suffer from limited explainability. In this paper, we propose an explainable convolutional autoencoder model for CD. The model is trained in: 1) an unsupervised way using, as the bi-temporal images, patches extracted from the same geographic location; 2) a greedy fashion, one encoder and decoder layer pair at a time. A number of features relevant for CD is chosen from the encoder layer. To build an explainable model, only selected features from the encoder layer is retained and the rest is discarded. Following this, another encoder and decoder layer pair is added to the model in similar fashion until convergence. We further visualize the features to better interpret the learned features. We validated the proposed method on a Landsat-8 dataset obtained in Spain. Using a set of experiments, we demonstrate the explainability and effectiveness of the proposed model.
BREIZHCROPS: A TIME SERIES DATASET FOR CROP TYPE MAPPING
Authors: Rußwurm M. , Pelletier C. , Zollner M. , Lefèvre S. , Körner M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. We present BreizhCrops, a novel benchmark dataset for the supervised classification of field crops from satellite time series. We aggregated label data and Sentinel-2 top-of-atmosphere as well as bottom-of-atmosphere time series in the region of Brittany (Breizh in local language), north-east France. We compare seven recently proposed deep neural networks along with a Random Forest baseline. The dataset, model (re-)implementations and pre-trained model weights are available at the associated GitHub repository (https://github.com/dl4sits/breizhcrops) that has been designed with applicability for practitioners in mind. We plan to maintain the repository with additional data and welcome contributions of novel methods to build a state-of-the-art benchmark on methods for crop type mapping.
TOWARDS DISTILLATION OF DEEP NEURAL NETWORKS FOR SATELLITE ON-BOARD IMAGE SEGMENTATION
Authors: de Vieilleville F. , Lagrange A. , Ruiloba R. , May S.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Cubesats platforms expansion increases the need to simplify payloads and to optimize downlink data capabilities. A promising solution is to enhance on-board software, in order to take early decisions, automatically. However, the most efficient methods for data analysis are generally large deep neural networks (DNN) oversized to be loaded and processed on limited hardware capacities of cubesats. To use them, we must reduce the size of DNN while accommodating efficiency in terms of both accuracy and inference cost. In this paper, we propose a distillation method which reduces image segmentation deep neural network’s size to fit into on board processors. This method is presented through a ship detection example comparing accuracy and inference costs for several networks.
USING DEEP LEARNING AND HOUGH TRANSFORMATIONS TO INFER MINERALISED VEINS FROM LIDAR DATA OVER HISTORIC MINING AREAS
Authors: Gallwey J. , Yeomans C. , Tonkins M. , Coggan J. , Vogt D. , Eyre M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This paper presents a novel technique to improve geological understanding in regions of historic mining activity. This is achieved through inferring the orientations of geological structures from the imprints left on the landscape by past mining activities. Open source high resolution LiDAR datasets are used to fine-tune a deep convolutional neural network designed initially for Lunar LiDAR crater identification. By using a transfer learning approach between these two very similar domains, high accuracy predictions of pit locations can be generated in the form of a raster mask of pit location probabilities. Taking the raster of the predicted pit location centres as an input, a Hough transformation is used to fit lines through the centres of the detected pits. The results demonstrate that these lines follow the patterns of known mineralised veins in the area, alongside highlighting veins which are below the scale of the published geological maps.
Institutional Foundations of Ukraine’s Transition to the Green Economy
Authors: Timoshenkov Igor , Babenko Vitalina , Nashchekina Olga , Makovoz Оksana
Published: August 2020

Possibilities and impediments to Ukraine transition to the Green Economy have been analyzed. The development and improvement of Ukraine environmental law have been determined as the obligatory condition of this transition. The main objectives of the environmental law improvement have been formulated: improving the quality and effectiveness of economic institutions, regulating social relationships in the sphere of environmental protection and assuring the environmental security of society. Codification of Ukraine environmental legislation and adoption of Ukraine environmental code have been characterized as the main way of achieving these objects.
Casual Nexus Between Dynamics of Population and Food Security: Economic Benchmarks for Agriculture
Authors: Vasylieva Natalia
Published: August 2020

Food security and dynamics of population have a dual connection. Firstly, a rapid rise in the population size increases a demand for food. Secondly, a lack of food affordability and availability implies negative dynamics of population. The latter issue observed in Ukraine highlighted the goal of this research. The methodological study background was econometrics and cluster comparative analysis. The considered time series covered the period 1999 to 2018. The accessible cross-sectional data included 90 countries. The research outcome in the form of multiple regressions allowed forecasting the objective values of expenditures on food, income per capita, and daily protein intakes which could retain a stable population size. The offered EU and World Top benchmarks involved the GDP indicator, balance between crop and animal food supplies, medium age, and share of rural population by country. These findings made possible to set prospects of amplifying Ukrainian food security and improving population dynamics.
Price Transmission Among the Participants of the Livestock Products Agrofood Chain in Ukraine
Authors: Kravchenko Olha , Antoshchenkova Vitalina , Batiuk Larysa , Lysenko Veronika
Published: August 2020

The article, by the example of livestock products, estimates and analyses the mechanism of price transfer (transmission) among the participants of the agrofood chain (agricultural producers, food processing and trading companies) and discovers abnormalities, imbalances and mismatches of the economic relations development among the stated participants. Straight-line regression with application of least-squares method was built, as well as three linear trend models that allowed to forecast the trends for price change at each administrative and technical stage of the product distribution (production, processing, trade). Quantitative evaluation was held for the price change of the livestock product market, and the time needed for the change. The obtained data confirmed the market “weakness” of agricultural goods producers denying the industrial safety guarantee of the country as a whole.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Research in World Economy, Vol. 11, No. 4
Authors: Rogers Harrison
Published: August 2020

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Research in World Economy, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2020.
Preliminary Validation of a Patient Satisfaction Instrument in the Emergency Department
Authors: Zaghloul Ashraf Ahmed , Attia Amal Kadry , Abraham Mini Sara , Tawil Hanan Al
Published: August 2020

Statement of the purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable satisfaction tool that can be utilised in the emergency departments (EDs) of hospitals throughout Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted during the period from October 2018 to January 2019. The participants were conveniently sampled. The total number of eligible questionnaires for analysis accounted for 207. The data collection tool was developed following a review of literature which yielded 25 statements. Satisfaction levels were measured using a 3-point Likert scale (satisfied=3, do not know=2, dissatisfied=1). The tool was validated through face validity performed by the research team. Content validity performed by a panel of nine randomly selected specialists. Principal components analysis was done to extract the relevant components to the statements on the tool.

Results: Scale content validity index= 0.836. Principal components analysis with oblique rotation extracted three components namely; medical staff performance, duration of the encounter, and general impression about the emergency department. Internal consistency for the tool using the split-half Cronbach’s alpha, part 1=0.80, and part 2=0.82.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study support the reliability and validity of the Emergency Services Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire for intended use, following an independent sample of patients at EDs in Sharjah, UAE. The scale is recommended for assessing patient satisfaction with service provision to help hospitals in Sharjah determine to what extent they are meeting the needs of their patients.
Refractive Errors and Binocular Anomalies in Primary Schools in Uyoun Aljawa: A Small Urban Town in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Waleed
Published: August 2020

AIM: To assess the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error (RE) and binocular vision (BV) anomalies in school-aged children in Uyoun Aljawa, a small urban town in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 417 students (aged 6–13 years old) conducted in two primary schools in Uyoun Aljawa from November 2019 to January 2020. All students underwent comprehensive eye examination that include: distance visual acuity (VA), Non- cycloplegic refraction, ocular alignment assessment with the cover test; Near Point of Convergence (NPC) evaluation, Near stereo-acuity with Titmus-fly Stereotest, and finally, colour vision was screened with Ishihara plates.

RESULTS: A total of 417 male schoolchildren (mean age ± SD: 9.2 ± 1.9) were included. In this study, 78 (18.4%) students had reduced vision (VA of ≤6/9) of which only 21 (27%) students had spectacles at the time of the study and 19.2% had uncorrected RE (VA of <6/18 and no corrections). Emmetropia was reported in 80.3% of children where hyperopia was the most common refractive error (8.9%) followed by myopia (7.7%), and simple astigmatism was reported only in 3.1%. Heterophoria was reported in 12.5% of the sample, 5.2% had convergence insufficiency, and 16.3% showed subnormal results in stereo-acuity and 11 cases had a colour vision deficiency.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal a high prevalence of RE and other BVA among schoolchildren in Uyoun Aljawa. Vision Screening programs of children for RE and BVA should be conducted at the community level and integrated into school health programmes.
Lucas Paradox, Declining Labor Share, Tendency of Rate of Profit to Fall of Karl Marx and Growth Theory of the Firm
Authors: Ting Chao Chiung
Published: August 2020

Macroeconomic phenomena we observe are supposed to be analogous to conclusions derived from microeconomic models because macroeconomic phenomena are aggregation of data coming from microeconomic events. Since the firm plays the central role to produce output, I use growth theory of the firm to predict macroeconomic phenomena as below. First, the law of diminishing marginal product does not operate although marginal product derived from production function diminishes because the firm increases supply of output by scale growth without change in capital-labor ratio, not by change in capital-labor ratio under fixed scale. Thus, profit rate of rich (capital abundant) country is unnecessarily less than poor (labor abundant) country due to the law of diminishing marginal product so that capital does not outflow from rich country to poor country. Lucas’ paradox is solved. Second, labor share is equal to capital share in the long run if capital and labor can substitute each other perfectly because the optimal capital-labor ratio of the firm is equal to the ratio of wage rate to return rate on capital, K⁄N=w⁄γ. That is, labor is relatively more expensive (less productive) than capital if labor share is greater than 50 percent. Since labor share has been higher than 50 percent of GDP (i.e., there is room to substitute capital for labor) for centuries, growth theory of the firm explains the long term trend of declining labor share. Third, labor share is countercyclical and capital share is cyclical in the short run because the amplitude of investment and profit fluctuation is greater than employment and wage. Fourth, the production function that the firm uses to produce is increasing return to scale, which implies not only cyclical co-movement of investment, employment, productivity and factor prices domestically but also unbalanced trade and factor price differentiation internationally. Fifth, diminishing marginal revenue makes wage growth rate less than growth rate of labor productivity and growth rate of return rate on capital less than growth rate of capital productivity. Sixth, growth theory of the firm asserts principle of acceleration in macroeconomics. Seventh, profit rate rises when GDP grows. Thus, tendency of rate of profit to fall predicted by Karl Marx is wrong. In appendix, I propose to statistically approximate the true production function in real world by Taylor series because production functions economists have ever proposed (e.g., Cobb-Douglas) are not proved to be true by economists.
The Most Common Causes of Benign Esophageal Stricture in Children and the Success Rate of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation, a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Sadeghi Hamid Reza , Najafi Sani Mehri , Farahmand Fatemeh , Alimadadi Hosein , Motamed Farzaneh , Fallahi Gholam Hosein , Eftekhari Kambiz
Published: August 2020

Background: Benign esophageal strictures are not rare. Over the past two decades, endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) has been used to treat them. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the most common causes of benign esophageal stricture in children determine the success rate of endoscopic balloon dilatation. Methods: Children younger than 16 years with benign esophageal strictures referred to the endoscopy department during one year (2016 - 2017) were enrolled. After obtaining written consent from parents, endoscopy balloon dilatation was performed with two types of balloon catheters. Response to treatment was evaluated based on clinical symptoms and was classified according to the Vantrappen table score. Results: In this study, thirty-one (31) children participated including 19 (61%) boys and 12 (39%) girls. The mean age was 5.1 ± 3.9 years. The most common causes of esophageal stricture were: achalasia (45%), esophageal atresia (19%), stenosis due to the caustic ingestion (19%), another congenital stenosis (16%). Overall, 27 children (87.1%) had a good response to treatment. In children with stenosis due to caustic ingestion, the inappropriate response was higher than the rest (33%). However, only in 4 (12.9%) patients, balloon dilatation failed. No complications were observed. Conclusions: Achalasia, esophageal atresia, and caustic ingestion are the most common cause of benign esophageal stricture in the children. EBD is an effective and safe treatment in these children, even in cases of previous surgery and recurrence. If this procedure is performed by an expert using appropriate balloon catheters, no complications will be created.
Psychological, Cognitive, and Laboratory Characteristics of End-Stage Liver Disease Patients
Authors: Mirgoziev Mahmadsharif , Baghernezhad Mohammad , Malek Hosseini Seyed Ali , Rezaee Mohsen , Ansarinia Zohre , Gholami Siavash , Nikeghbalian Saman
Published: August 2020

Background: End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) causes several clinical and psychological comorbidities. Some accompanying psychiatric disturbances have significant effects on the patients’ quality of life. Objectives: Thus, we aimed to evaluate some psychological characteristics of ESLD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 91 ESLD patients aged 18 - 70 years. We assessed the patients using the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Also, we measured the demographic and some laboratory data of the participants. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 software, and P values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The study included 68 men and 23 women with a mean age of 41.9 ± 13.72 years (range 19 - 68). The mean scores of fatigue (40.6 ± 14.8) and anxiety (12.98 ± 2.76) were more than the normal range. The most significant association was seen between age and CVLT items (attention (P = 0.01), immediate memory (P < 0.001), short delay free recall (0.01), and short delay cued recall (0.03). Conclusions: End-stage liver disease patients had anxiety, fatigue, and memory disorders in addition to their poor clinical conditions. Although the main treatment of ESLD is liver transplantation but the psychological and cognitive problems before transplantation in these patients are prognostic factors for post-operation compliance and follow up.
Relationship Between Parathyroid Hormone and Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Havoshki Zahra , Khajeh Karimoddini Zahiroddin , Miri Maryam
Published: August 2020

Background: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is linked with morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The relationship between serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PAH is still a subject of debate. Objectives: The goal of the present study was to assess the association between PTH and PAH among HD patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that assessed HD patients in a tertiary hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Echocardiography was performed for all patients to measure pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and ejection fraction. Laboratory data, including serum calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, serum albumin, and alkaline phosphatase, were extracted from patient documents. The statistical tests included independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, chi-squared test, and logistic regression. Results: A total of 78 patients (43 males and 35 females) participated in this study. The mean age was 37.25 ± 11.98 years old. There was a significant difference in the PAH distribution pattern between hyperparathyroidism and normal PTH groups (P = 0.003). PAH was significantly related to hyperparathyroidism (P = 0.004, OR = 4.557), age (P = 0.033, OR = 0.944), and calcium level (P = 0.005, OR = 0.336). After adjusting for other variables, the odds ratio for the relationship between PAH and hyperparathyroidism increased to 7.593. Conclusions: The findings of this study supported the possible link between hyperparathyroidism, serum calcium level, and PAH in HD patients.
Why Take Notes?
Authors: Loveland Swanstrom Julie ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2020

For disciplines depending upon precise definitions and distinctions, students’ notes provide an avenue for student engagement with skill and content. Activities enliven the classroom, and those discussed here can also help students develop and exercise critical thinking skills through note-taking. Lecturing and experiential learning happen hand-in-hand when the instructor uses teaching about notes and note-taking as a method for critical engagement with class content. In this paper, I integrate research on the cognitive function of student note-taking with research on student engagement—particularly, motivating student learning, engaging students with texts, lecture, or discussion, and promoting metacognition about learning practices—by arguing that the instructor who teaches and emphasizes student note-taking elevates note-taking to a method of student engagement and daily critical thinking practice; I discuss particular methods for supporting teaching note-taking, methods that promote active learning, student engagement, and student understanding (and could be utilized in a variety of classes).
Analysis of Fish Consumption Pattern among Kogi State University Students, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyibo F. O. , Ajibade Y. E. , Haruna O. E. , Samuel S. D.
Published: August 2020

This study analyzed the pattern of fish consumption among Kogi State University students in Anyigba. It described the socio- economic characteristics of respondents, determine the effects of socio-economic characteristics on fish consumption, describe the types, forms, reasons for fish consumption and identify the constraints affecting fish consumption among the respondents. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 150 respondents. Well structured questionnaire coupled with interview scheduled were used to elicit primary data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics, binary logit regression and 3- point likert scale were used for data analyzing. The results showed that majority (60%) of the respondents were female, 72% were unmarried with an average household size of 3 persons and average income of N 20, 000 per month. Their sources of income were from parents and guardians. The result of the binary logit regression indicated that age (-1.21), income (0.99), price (-0.19), taste (0.65), health benefit (2.31) and price of substitute (0.68)  influenced the consumption of fish at 1%, 5% and 10% level of significant respectively. The types of fish consumed were majorly mackerel fish (45.33%), followed by tuna (27.34%). Iced fish were  mostly (40%) consumed, followed by 20.67% steamed fish and 7.33% were consumed in grilled form. 43.33% consumed  fish for health benefits, 24% consumed fish due to affordability and 14% consumed fish due to availability. Among the constraints facing fish consumption were allergy, proximity, storage and cost with mean score of 2.37, 2.16, 2.10, 2.36 and 2.38 respectively. Thus, fish and fish products were mostly consumed by the respondents with high consumption rate recorded by the female students. The prices of fish should be stabilized, adequate cold storage facilities should be purchased by the fish mongers and the university Fishery department should expand their ponds for efficient production.
Subchronic Toxicological Assessment of Dr Iguedo Goko Cleanser® on Lipid Profile and Serum Antioxidant Enzymes in Exposed Wistar Rats
Authors: Udom Godswill J. , Okokon Jude E. , Udobang John A. , Obot Daniel N. , Onyeukwu Nkechi J.
Published: August 2020

Dr Iguedo Goko Cleanser® is a polyherbal mixture promoted as an effective herbal remedy for numerous diseases. Study aimed to evaluate the toxicity concern of the polyherbal mixture (PHM) on lipid profile and oxidative status in Wistar rats of both gender. Acute toxicity study was conducted using modified method of Lorke. Thirty Wistar rats of bother gender were randomly divided into six groups (5/group) and exposed to the polyherbal mixture for 60 days via oral gavage. Control groups (1 and 4) received 10 mL/kg distilled water, while groups 2-3 and 5-6 received 476.24 and 158.75 mg/kg body weight of Dr Iguedo Goko Cleanser® respectively. On 62nd day, animals were sacrificed under diethyl ether anaesthesia; blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. PHM significantly (p < 0.05) increased high density lipoproteins (HDL) levels in male rats as well as high dose female rats relative to control. However, low dose female rats recorded low HDL levels relative to control. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density and very low density lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced in all test groups relative to controls. The low dose males (LDM) had reduced serum glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity; while increased and decreased GPX and glutathione (GSH) activities were respectively recorded for female rats. Male rats had dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde. The recorded reductions in serum lipids suggest that the polyherbal mixture may have hypolipidemic potentials. While the increased malondialdehyde as well as decreased GPX and GSH indicate lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress inducing potentials of the PHM. Despite the positive modulation on lipid profile, findings suggest utmost caution on chronic use as its oxidative stress inducing potentials is considerable.
A Comparative Study on the Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel and Aluminium by Synthesized Inhibitors in Organic Acidic Medium
Authors: Saini Lalita , Upadhyay R. K.
Published: August 2020

Mass loss and Scanning Electron Microscope method (SEM) have been used to study the corrosion inhibition efficiency on mild steel and aluminium using synthesized inhibitors i.e. N-Benzylidene aniline (CI1) and N-Benzylidene 4-methylaniline (CI2) in Trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). Study reveals that both mild steel and aluminium are prone to corrosion in organic acid like TCAA. Out of these two metals, aluminium is more vigorously corroded by the TCAA in comparison to mild steel in same conditions and synthesized inhibitors CI1 and CI2 are almost same effective for mild steel and aluminium.
A Study on Second Order Rotatable Designs under Tri-diagonal Correlated Structure of Errors Using a Pair of Balanced Incomplete Block Designs
Authors: Swamy K. Raghavendra , Victorbabu B. Re.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a study on second order rotatable designs under tri-diagonal correlated structure of errors using a pair of balanced incomplete block designs is suggested. Further, the variance function of the estimated response for different values of tri-diagonal correlated coefficient and distance from centre  for  ( - factors) are studied.
Relationship Underlying Seedlings Composition and Abundance of Mature Tree Species at Coral Rag Forest of Mnarani Ruins
Authors: Korir Mercy Jebiwott , Jefwa Joyce Mnyazi , Sakha Michael Ajanja
Published: August 2020

The tropical regions have a rich diversity of tree species which provide the basis for a number of different forms and scales of economic activity. This study therefore was conducted with an aim of enhancing the knowledge of tree species diversity (seedlings and mature trees), and their relationship at the site. The experiment was laid out in three transects and quadrants in the forest: for mature trees the transects measured 100 m by 20 m, whereas for the seedlings quadrants measured 5 m by 5 m. That is along the ocean (T1), along human settlement (T2) and along the forest path (T3). Data was collected by counting mature trees species and seedlings. Data was analysed using R software 3.4.4 and results showed that a total of 22 tree species were recorded in the forest. In T1, the highest (22) species richness was recorded with 4 tree species restricted to the site (Bourellia nemoralis, Flueggia virosa, Turraea wakefieldii and Eryithrinia abyssinica). Combretum schumanii was most abundant in mature trees (89) followed by Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius (36), Ochna thomasiana (21) and Adansonia digitata (14). All the above abundant species except Adanosnia digitata (2) were also abundant in seedlings with (189), (11) and (21) seedlings respectively. In T2, 9 tree species were recorded. Azadirachta indica was the most dominant in both mature trees (40) and seedlings (261) while Sterculia appendiculata recorded the lowest (1) and (0) respectively. T3 was rich with three exotic tree species namely Delonyx regia, Azadirachta digitata and Lannea schweinfurthii. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius was the most common with (35) followed by Combretum schumanii (11). While the seedlings were (23) and (67) respectively.  In conclusion, it was evident that anthropogenic factors reduced species richness and the corag rag forest had more indeginous tree species and good seed recruitment.
Integrated Distribution Network Design through Simulation
Authors: Osorio Adriana Martínez- , Morales Santiago-Omar Caballero- , Partida Diana Sánchez- , Olivos Patricia Cano-
Published: August 2020

Simulation is important to validate quick-response scenarios, providing an extent on how technology can effectively upgrade a process. Thus, computer simulation is a crucial aspect for supply chain management. The present paper analyses a distribution problem which involves inventory supply planning. Then, a simulation model was developed to evaluate its current performance and to provide a better operation scheme. The advances of this work extend on the modelling and simulation of distribution networks that must comply with retailers’ demands at end points.
Sign Language Digit Recognition Using Different Convolutional Neural Network Model
Authors: Hossain Md. Bipul , Adhikary Apurba , Soheli Sultana Jahan
Published: August 2020

An enormous number of world populations in current time are unique in that sense that they have no broad language because of the absence of their hearing capability. The people with hearing impairment have their own language called Sign Language however it is hard for understanding to general individuals [1]. Sign digits are additionally a significant piece of gesture based communication. So a machine interpreter is important to permit them to speak with general individuals. For making their language justifiable to general individual’s computer vision based arrangements are notable these days. In this exploration of work we target to develop a model based on CNN to deal with the recognition of Sign Language digits. A dataset of 10 classes is used to train (70%), validation (20%) and test (10%) of the network. We consider three different models of CNN network to train and test the accuracy of sign digit. Among the three model transfer learning based pre-trained CNN performs better with test accuracy of 92%.
Early Lung Cancer Prediction Using Neural Network with Cross-validation
Authors: Dutta Shawni , Bandyopadhyay Samir Kumar
Published: August 2020

Lung cancer is known as lung carcinoma. It is a disease which is malignant tumor leading to the uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissue. Lung cancer is caused generally by smoking and the use of tobacco products. It is classified into two broad Small-cell lung Carcinomas and non-Small cell lung carcinomas. Lung cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Lung Cancer disease is one of the most prominent cause of death in all over world. Early detection of this disease can assist medical care unit as well as physicians to provide counter measures to the patients. The objective of this paper is to approach an automated tool that takes influential causes of lung cancer as input and detect patients with higher probabilities of being affected by this disease. A neural network classifier accompanied by k-fold cross-validation technique is proposed in this paper as a predictive tool. Later, this proposed method is compared with another baseline classifier Gradient Boosting Classifier in order to justify the prediction performance. Experimental results conclude that analyzing interfering causes of lung cancer can effectively accomplish disease classification model with an accuracy of 95%.
Problems and Remediation of Some Polluted Soils in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Dayok S. T. , Gani A. T.
Published: August 2020

Exploitation of natural resources is a vital condition of human existence. Population growth leads to competition on the natural resources thus, creating negative impact on the environment leading to the destruction of ecosystems and pollution. The concern here is that human existence is under threat. Benue soils are shallow, underlying clay accumulation with poor internal drainage. This drainage problem often results in problems such as over flooding causing land, water, and air pollution. Crusting is also part of the problems of the soils and may lead to low infiltration and poor seedling germination and emergence. It is hereby suggested that to remedy these problems, land should be used wisely to the benefits of human existence while protecting its value for the use of future generation. Fertilizer and chemicals such as herbicides importation and manufacturing must meet specifications to safeguard the environment. Soil organic matter should be maintained through adequate fertility of the soil and soil survey to avoid failure and to protect the environment. Technology and innovations that fit easily into the existing farming systems should be adopted for easy acceptance by farmers. Importations of machines and implement must meet specifications. Indigenous engineers should be encouraged and supported by the government to design machines that are suitable for the soils and the environment.
Carbon Sequestration and Productivity Potential of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Hybrids and Varieties under Coastal Eco-System of Maharashtra
Authors: Ghavale S. L. , Shinde V. V. , Wankhede S. M. , Maheswarappa H. P. , Haldankar P. M.
Published: August 2020

Field experiment was carried out at All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms, Regional Coconut Research Station, Bhatye (DBSKKV, Dapoli), Maharashtra, (India) during the period of 2004-2016 to assess the carbon sequestration and productivity potential of twelve coconut hybrids and three varieties which was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that the two hybrids viz, GBGD x ECT (127.6 nuts/palm/year) and COD x LCT (108.0 nuts/palm/year) are superior with respect to nut production followed by WCT x MYD (107.6 nuts), ECT x GBGD (106.9 nuts) and the standard variety ‘Pratap’. Furthermore, the coconut orchard substantially contributed towards improving the above and below ground carbon stock. The above ground standing biomass and carbon stock recorded was the highest in the variety East Coast Tall (312 kg/plant and 27.32 t/ha, respectively) followed by hybrid WCT x GBGD (308.69 kg/plant and 27.01 t/ha, respectively) and the lowest was in hybrid MYD x ECT (138.71 kg/plant and 12.14 t/ha, respectively). The highest soil carbon stock 39.12 t/ha and 37.16 t/ha at 0-30 and 31-60 cm depth was recorded in the rhizosphere of hybrid ECT x MYD and the lowest soil carbon stock (35.52 t/ha and 34.71 t/ha) was observed in hybrid PHOT x GBGD.
A Key Input for Reducing of Mechanization Cost in Smallholdings: Mini Tractor Drawn Multi Task Toolbar
Authors: Ramana C. , Rakesh N.
Published: August 2020

The present study aims to determine the key input for reducing of mechanization cost in smallholdings: Mini tractor-drawn multi task toolbar. Farm power and mechanization are essential inputs agricultural production system and will raise the labour and land productivity. Inadequate equipment and practices can damage severely natural resources. A focus on only one aspect, primary tillage (or) seeding (or) tilling (or) spraying results in low utilization rate which is not profitable to small holder farmer. Hence the attempt was made and developed "multi-task tool frame" that can house all the components required for a variety of operations such as seeding, fertilizing, weeding, tilling, spraying and transportation thereby reducing investment, operating cost, time and fuel for operation. The use of multi-task tool frame could reduce the cost of sowing and fertilizer application reduced from Rs. 3800/- to Rs. 1674/- per ha through developed machine planting. Moreover, the man hour requirement came down from 152 hour to 3 hours. Combining the spraying and weeding operation found to be good in 1st speed ie 1.8 kmph over the 2nd speed 3.2 kmph. However, the cost of reduction was 71 percent in machine operation when compared to manuel weeding & spraying and 44 percent over independent machine (spraying weeding) operation, moreover and saving in man-days about 48 man days per hectare. Fuel-saving of 8.15 Lha-1 which amounts to 47.8% due to combining the two operations like tilling and spraying compared to independent operations.
Effect of Growing Degree Days on Yield Attributes and Yield of Groundnut
Authors: Baskaran R. , Karunakaran V. , Kamaraj A.
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was undertaken to find out the optimum sowing window and the amount of heat units required to change their phonological development for groundnut. An field experiment was conducted at experimental farm of Agricultural College and Research Institute, Eachangkottai during Margazhi pattam 2019. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design. Different morphological indices were observed (plant height, number of branches, dry matter, number of pods) and yield attributes and yield of groundnut VRI-2 was recorded. The heat unit concept of Growing Degree Days also worked out for individual sowing windows. Among the sowing dates, 05.01.2019 recorded essential GDD of 1651.3°C and higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield (2370 kg ha-1).
Second Hand Smoke Exposure among Pregnant Women in Nigeria
Authors: Onunkwor Obinna Francis , Dubai Sami Abdo Radman Al- , Shuaibu Hassana Ojounba
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite the ban on smoking in public places in Nigeria, second-hand smoke exposure is common across the country. It is increasingly being viewed as a severe women’s issue because of the high prevalence among women, and its harmful effects on pregnant women. However, second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women in Nigeria is hugely under-researched.

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women in Nigeria, and determine their knowledge and avoidance behavior towards second-hand smoke.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 314 pregnant women in ten health facilities in Sokoto state, Nigeria. The health facilities were selected through simple random sampling.

Results: The prevalence of second-hand smoke exposure was 72.9%. The majority of the respondents (61.1%) were exposed to second-hand smoke in homes of others, 20.4% in school, 18.5% in restaurants, 43.3% in their own homes, 49.7% in public transport, 20.4% at work, and 15% in health facilities. Factors significantly associated with second-hand smoke exposure included knowing it causes miscarriage (OR=0.39, 95% CI=0.23 – 0.64, P= <.001), and being able to keep a distance from smokers (OR=0.5, 95% CI= 0.28 – 0.76, P=.002).

Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of exposure to second-hand smoke. Knowledge about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke was one of the significant factors associated with exposure. These findings indicate the need for appropriate education of all pregnant women about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and adequate enforcement of the ban on smoking in public places.