Almond variety detection using deep learning

Quality is the major factor for modern industries because the high-quality of products is the basis for success in today’s highly competitive market, so improving the product quality is not a choice is paramount to any business to be even competitive. This thesis aims to solve one of the many problems that exist in today’s market, with regard to the quality and how to evaluate the quality before putting the product in the market. We have implemented a Deep-learning based technique that helps classify/identify almonds based only on their visual features, this can help in many ways from which we can mention: supply chain optimization, Sorting food, and matching customer taste . . . . In the conclusion of this thesis, we propose many features that can be developed that can be added to our model, from scaling it to other products, to deploying it, in order to reach the full potential of our solution.A qualidade é o principal fator para as indústrias modernas porque a alta qualidade dos produtos é a base para o sucesso no mercado altamente competitivo de hoje, portanto, melhorar a qualidade do produto não é uma escolha é fundamental para qualquer empresa ser ainda competitiva. Esta tese visa solucionar um dos muitos problemas que existem no mercado atual, no que diz respeito à qualidade e como avaliar a qualidade antes de colocar o produto no mercado. Implementamos uma técnica baseada em aprendizagem profunda que ajuda a classificar / identificar amêndoas com base apenas em seus recursos visuais, isso pode ajudar de várias maneiras, das quais podemos mencionar: otimização da cadeia de fornecimento, classificação automática de alimentos e resposta personalizada/ adaptada ao cliente. Na conclusão desta tese, propomos muitos recursos que podem ser desenvolvidos e que podem ser adicionados ao nosso modelo, desde o dimensionamento para outros produtos, até a implantação, a fim de atingir todo o potencial da nossa solução

Model Reference Adaptive Control based on a Simplified Recurrent Neural Network Trained by Gbest-Guided Gravitational Search Algorithm to Control Nonlinear Systems

This paper presents an intelligent Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) strategy based on a Simplified Recurrent Neural Network (SRNN) for nonlinear dynamical systems. This network is an enhanced version of a previously reported modified recurrent network (MRN). More precisely, the enhancement in the SRNN structure was realized by employing unity weight values between the context and the hidden layers in the original MRN structure. The newly developed Gbest-guided Gravitational Search Algorithm (GGSA) was adopted for optimizing the parameters of the SRNN structure. To show the efficiency of the proposed SRNN-based MRAC, three different nonlinear systems were considered as case studies, including complex difference equations and the water bath temperature control system. From an extensive set of evaluation tests, which includes a control performance test, a disturbance rejection test, and a generalization test, the proposed SRNN-based MRAC system demonstrated its effectiveness with regards to precise control and good robustness and generalization abilities. Furthermore, compared to other Neural Network (NN) structures, including the original MRN and the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) NN, the SRNN structure attained superior results due to the utilization of a reduced set of parameters. From another study, the GGSA accomplished the best optimization results in terms of control precision and convergence speed compared to the original Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA)

Microbiological Quality of some Expired Drugs in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Twenty eight samples of expired drugs were obtained from different medical stores including Sokoto State Medical Store in Sokoto Metropolis. The drugs included paracetamol, vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Phenergan (promethazine), Chloroquine (A 4–aminoquinoline acid), flagyl (metronidazole), folic acid (Pteroylglutamic acid), tablets and vitamin A injection (Retinol). The tablets were ground into powder using sterile pestle and mortar. Powder of each tablet (0.2g) and 0.2ml vitamin A injection was dispensed into 9ml sterile nutrient broth. After incubation for 24 hours, a loopful from the growth was subcultured into nutrient agar and malt extract agar plates. The nutrient agar plates were incubated at 37oC for 24 hours and the Malt Extract plates were incubated at 26oC for 3-7 days After incubation, the organisms were identified using a combination of microscopy and biochemical tests. For each drug, the procedure was repeated four times. The frequency of occurrence of each organism was determined and found to be: Aspergillus niger 28(60%); Aspergillus flavus 28(32%); Penicillium spp. 28(14%); Scopulariopsis spp. 28(7%); Neurospora spp. 28(7%); Mucor sp. 28(4%); Enterococcus avium 28(35%); Staphylococcus aureus 28(29%); Enteococcus gallinarum 28(25%); Staphylococcus epidermidi, 28(17%); Enterococcus durans 28(14%) and Staphylococcus saccharolyticus 28(14%). The results demonstrated the involvement of pathogenic microorganisms; therefore, expired drugs should not be consumed no matter how neat they may appear

Perceived changes in the mental well‐being among Nigerians due to Ramadan Intermittent Fasting during the COVID‐19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: Muslims fast every year during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This study examined mental well-being and correlating factors among Nigerian adults who observed Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). METHODS: A validated generalized anxiety disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2, the four-item spiritual well-being index, and the Islamic intrinsic religiosity questionnaire were used to collect data about mental well-being (depression, anxiety), spirituality, and intrinsic religiosity through a web-based survey between the May 9, 2021 (27th of Ramadan, 1442) and the June 4, 2021 (29th of Shawwal, 1442). We studied the mental well-being of respondents over a period of 4 weeks before Ramadan (BR) and during the 4 weeks of Ramadan between the April 12, 2021 and the May 12, 2021(DR). Multinomial regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with depression and anxiety. This research did not receive any grant or funding. RESULTS: A total of 770 adult Nigerians who observed RIF study were included in this cross-sectional study. When compared to mental well-being BR, observing RIF by Nigerian adult respondents was associated with a significant improvement in their mental well-being. A higher proportion of respondents felt less depressed DR (61.3% vs. 56.5%. \u3c .001). Interest and pleasure in doing things improved DR than BR (p= 0.007) and respondents felt less nervous and anxious (60.7% vs. 57.1%, respectively; p \u3c.001). Mental well-being was independently associated with sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, and perceived relationships. CONCLUSIONS: This study found significant improvement in mental well-being DR compared to BR despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of RIF on mental well-being needs further research with multicentric studies among different sets of ethnic populations

LOCUS OF CONTROL THEORY IN TREATING TOURIST BEHAVIOR: THE THEORY ROOTS AND RESEARCH DIRECTION IN DESTINATION BRANDING FIELD

We aim to shed light on this issue by reviewing the roots and development of the locus of control theory. Moreover, we will introduce how we can use this development, in theory, to provide a new research direction in the tourism service field. A theory-based review was conducted to investigate the locus of control theory roots and its potential implications in the tourism industry using the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) list to explore the current literature. We followed the PRISMA methodology to collect the data from the Scopus database as well as Google Scholar and ResearchGate. The study found that the locus of control theory has its roots in social psychology and has been developed over the years to explain individual differences in behavior and decision-making. In the tourism service field, we found that understanding the locus of control can help service providers tailor their services to meet the needs and expectations of different types of tourists. This will contribute to attribution literature in psychological aspects and tourism literature with a deep understanding of how tourists behave and interpret differently

Laboratory-confirmed hospital-acquired infections:An analysis of a hospital's surveillance data in Nigeria

Objective: Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are a global problem and a major public health concern in hospitals throughout the world. Quantification of HAI is needed in developing countries; hence we describe the results of a 2-year surveillance data in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: This study is a 2-year review using secondary data collected at a tertiary referral center in northwestern Nigeria. The data was collected using surveillance forms modeled based on the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) protocol. Descriptive statistics were used to present results as frequencies and percentages. Result: 518 patients developed HAI out of 8216 patients giving an overall prevalence of 6.3%. The mean age of the patients was 35.98 years (±15.92). Males constituted 281 (54.2%). UTI 223 (43.1%) was the most prevalent HAI. Overall, E. coli 207 (40.0%) was the most frequent isolates followed by P. aerugenosa 80 (15.4%). There was a high prevalence of cloxacillin resistant S. aureus (67.9%) and gram-negative rods resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance across the board was more than 90%. Conclusion: There is a high burden of HAI especially UTI in our hospital with resistance to commonly used antibiotics documented. Keywords: Public health, Infectious diseas

High prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in two communities in South Darfur: implication for interventions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There are few data on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Darfur. We conducted this study in response to reports of 15 laboratory confirmed cases of schistosomiasis and visible haematuria among children from two communities in South Darfur. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the area and to decide on modalities of intervention.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional survey involving 811 children and adults from schools and health facilities was conducted in two communities of South Darfur in March 2010. Urine samples were collected and examined for ova of <it>Schistosoma haematobium </it>using a sedimentation technique. A semi-structured format was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eight hundred eleven (811) urine samples were collected, 415 from Alsafia and 396 from Abuselala. Of the collected samples in 56.0% (95% Confidence Interval (CI); 52.6-59.4) <it>Schistosoma </it>eggs were found. The prevalence was high in both Abuselala 73.3% (95% CI; 68.9-77.6) and Alsafia 39.5% (95% CI; 34.8-44.2). More males (61.7%, 95%CI; 56.5-64.9) were infected than females (52.1%, 95%CI; 48.2-56.0). Children in the age group 10-14 has the highest (73.0%, 95%CI; 68.7-77.2) infection rate. School age children (6-15 years) are more likely to be infected than those >15 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.70, 95% CI; 1.80-4.06). Individuals in Abuselala are more likely to be infected than those who live in Alsafia (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI; 3.2-5.9).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The findings of this study indicate that <it>S. hematobium </it>is endemic in Alsafia and Abuselala South Darfur in Sudan with a high prevalence of infection among older children. This signifies the importance of urgent intervention through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to halt the infection cycle and tailored health messages to targeted groups. Based on the findings MDA was conducted in the villages.</p

Work stress, work-family conflict, and psychological distress among resort employees: a JD-R model and spillover theory perspectives

The hospitality industry is well-known for its challenging and high-pressure work settings. In this context, employees commonly face a multitude of stressors originating from their roles and job responsibilities, which can significantly impact their psychological wellbeing. Hence, based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and the spillover theory, this study aims to empirically explore the direct and indirect effect of work stress (assessed by role overload, ambiguity, and conflict) on psychological distress among frontline employees in 3- and 4-star Egyptian resorts while considering the mediating influence of work-family conflict (WFC). Four hypotheses were put to the test through the application of the PLS-SEM 4.0 version (4.0.9.9). Based on the findings from 563 frontline employees who participated in this research, the study supports the four hypotheses affirming that work-related stressors significantly contributed to employees' psychological distress. Further, the findings highlighted that these stressors significantly spill over into employees' family lives, generating conflicts between work and family roles. In addition, the results emphasized the significance of WFC as a contributing factor to employees' psychological distress. Finally, the study concluded that WFC partially mediates the link between work stress and employees' psychological distress. Based on these findings, some theoretical and practical implications for hospitality scholars, resort management, and policymakers were suggested to enhance the employees' wellbeing and mitigate psychological distress in this vital sector