Starfruit classification based on linear hue computation

In this paper, a classification process to group starfruit into six maturity indices is proposed based on 1- dimensional color feature called hue, which is extracted from the starfruit image. As the original hue is quantified from the nonlinear transformation of the 3-dimensional Red, Green and Blue color, this paper proposes a linear hue transformation computation based on the 2 colors of Red and Green. The proposed hue computation leads to a reduced computational burden, less computational complexity and better class discriminant capability. The hue is then applied as the input for the maturity classification process. The classification process is based on the hypothesis that for each of the maturity index, certain area of the starfruit surface is supposed to have distinctive value of the hue. In this work, the said starfruit surface area is set as 70% of the total area and based on 600 samples, the proposed technique results in 93% classification accuracy

Potential Antiviral Effect of Chloroquine Therapy against SARS-CoV-2 Infection

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many countries with increasing morbidity and mortality. In the absence of an effective vaccine and medication, chloroquine may be a potential choice. AIM: This study aims to explore the role of the possible antiviral effects of chloroquine against SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of studies relating to the antiviral effects against coronaviruses was conducted between January 1, 1990, and up to May 26, 2020, for relevant studies using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: A total of 174 articles were initially identified. Ninety-seven papers were removed for failing to address the aim of the study. Seventy-seven full-text articles were retrieved for eligibility analysis. Ten studies focused on general inhibition of viral replication, ten evaluated its effects on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, 19 addressed the effects on alkalizing the cellular pH, 25 concentrated on the immunomodulatory effect, two assessed the potential effects on sialic acid, and 24 explored the therapeutic outcome. CONCLUSION: Chloroquine has promising antiviral effects on SARS-CoV-2 at different levels

CD4/CD8 Ratios among Blood Donors in Penang

In this study, the value for CD4/CD8 (Th/Ts) ratios among blood donors of various ethnic groups in Penang was established. The range ofCD4/CD8 ratio among blood donors in Penang obtained from this study was O. 75-2.13 with the mean of1.36. The significance of biologic variables such as age and race on the ratio was also determined in this study. There was no significant difference for the range of CD4/CD8 ratio between Malays, Chinese and Indians. Likewise, there was also no significant difference for CD4/CD8 ratio in terms of their age

CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF GMO COWPEAS IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA

Cowpea is the most important indigenous African grain legume for both home use and as a cash crop. Because of its tolerance to drought it is especially important for the Sahel. Genetic transformation of cowpea with Bachilius Thurengius (Bt) genes to control pod boring insects has many advantages, but little is known of the potential consumer response. This paper analyzes and reports the results of a survey of 200 consumers in northern Nigeria in early 2003 concerning consumer awareness of and acceptance of biotechnology. Ninety percent of the respondents were aware of GM products. Those respondents who were most concerned about the ethics of genetic transformation were likely to disapprove of such products, while those individuals who identified international radio as an information source were more likely to approve of GM technology.Institutional and Behavioral Economics,

Design and construction of 2.14 m. LOA (one sheet) flat bottom canoe (punt) for pond activities

A 2.14M length overall (LOA) flat bottom canoe (punt), was designed and constructed using locally available materials. The features of the canoe are least cost material, light weight, shallow draft and easy maneuverability. The canoe's light displacement (weight empty) was 28kg, which was less.than local canoe of same size. When placed on water a draft of 5.5cm was achieved which is 14.8% of its depth (37cm). The capacity of the canoe was 200kg, and the total production cost of N8, 700.00 which was, not beyond, the reach of an average fisher folks, or any fish farmer. The canoe was easily maneuvered when propelled by paddling as it floated at a shallow draft; this makes the canoe adequate for use on shallow water bodies such as ponds and reservoirs. Such easily maneuvered craft can also be used on pond or reservoirs for recreation which include, sport fishing, canoein

Fabrication of Fully Dense UHTC by Combining SHS and SPS

The combination of the Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) technique and the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technology is adopted in this work for the fabrication of fully dense MB2-SiC and MB2-MC-SiC (M = Zr, Hf, Ta) Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs). Specifically, Zr, Hf or Ta, B4C, Si, and graphite reactants are first converted to the desired composites by SHS. For the case of the lowexothermic Ta-based compositions, a preliminary 20 min ball milling treatment of the starting reactants is required to activate the corresponding synthesis reactions. When the resulting powders are then subjected to consolidation by SPS, it is found that products with relative densities greater than 96% can be obtained for all systems investigated within 30 min of total processing time, when setting the dwell temperature to 1800 °C and the mechanical pressure to 20 MPa. Hardness, fracture toughness, and oxidation resistance characteristics of the resulting dense UHTCs are comparable to, or superior than, those relative to similar products synthesized by alternative, less rapid, processing routes. Moreover, it is found that the ternary composites display relatively low resistance to oxidation as a consequence of the lower SiC content in the composite, in comparison with the binary systems, as well as to the presence of transition metal carbides. Indeed, although the latter ones are potentially able to increase mechanical and resistance to ablation properties, they tend to oxidize rapidly to form MO2 and COx, so that the resulting porosity make the material bulk more sensitive to oxidation.</p

Analytic Signal Depth from High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data over the Gongola Basin Upper Benue Trough Northeastern Nigeria

The study of high-resolution aeromagnetic data was carried out over the Gongola basin, upper Benue trough, northeastern Nigeria, for analytic signal depth determination. Total intensity magnetic map obtained from the data using the Oasis Montaj TM programming software was used to get the residual map by polynomial fitting, from where the analytic signal was obtained with the use of anomaly width at half the amplitude (X1/2). This was used to carry out depth estimations over the study area. The results showed that it peaks over the magnetic structure with local maxima over its edges (boundaries or contact), and the amplitude is simply related to magnetization, likewise results also showed that the depth estimates were in the range of 1.2 to 5.9 km and were calculated for contact, dyke/sill and horizontal cylinder respectively. The lowest values are from DD profiles, while the highs are from AA profiles. This work is important in identifying dykes, contacts and intrusives over an area

Transformation Mechanisms & Metaphors in Architectural Design of Post Modernism Era Between Type & Model: Analytical Study on Comparison Between the Universities of Baghdad And Al Mustansiriyah

The design output is a representation of several important attitudes and perceptions, which have contributed, and contributes to the generation of the form through special design methods. The architect’s role is to transform the intellectual or physical reference to architectural product using design and architectural composition act or vice versa. The main issue of the search is the lack of a clear perception in determiningthe relationship between two important terms in design (type and model) and their role as tools for producing architectural form. The search is based on a hypothesis that it’s a constant shift cycle from type to model or vice versa or can reached an edge and stopped. The aims is to identify concrete inputs in order to determine aspecific vocabulary frame to shift cycle, and applied this frame to analysis architectural projects in the city of Baghdad. The research contains definitions of model, types, transformation and their mechanisms. In addition, it has a practical part which assists on the election of two examples of architectural works resulting from transformation strategies as full cycle (not equivalent) for architectural product. The last part contains research findings, conclusions and recommendations. Accordingly, the search main conclusion is that the design basis for Baghdad University project as approved formal grounds derived from the old fabric of the city of Baghdad, where the design basis of Al Mustansiriyah University buildings is a model based on inherited Mustansiriya

THE EFFECT OF THREE PRETREATMENTS ON BREAKING SEED DORMANCY OF BAOBAB (ADANSONIA DIGITATA L.)

Objective: Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a native tree that is found in African savannas, it is a member of family ‘Malvaceae’. The tree is found in Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and in different regions of western Madagascar. Seed dormancy is the most limiting factor for some plants propagation. Dormancy allows seeds to separate from their mother plant and survive dispersal, over distance, and time before growth recommences. This study was aimed to determine the effect of three pre-treatments on breaking the seed dormancy of Adansonia digitata L., a multi-purpose and indigenously endangered tree. Methods: The study was carried out in the greenhouse of the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria. The three pre-treatments are: Soaking in hot water (100°C) for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min; and soaking in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCL) concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Untreated seeds served as control. These were laid out in a complete randomized design with three replications. Data were collected on germination percentage, germination rate, day of emergence, and the average seedlings height. Results: The result showed that earliest mean days of emergence (7 days) were observed in seeds subjected to hot water treatment at 15 min. It also showed the highest rate of germination and percentage 6 (100%). On the other hand, the effect of acids (H2SO4 and HCL) pre-treatments on the seeds gave a fair result (16.66–33.33%), untreated seeds did not germinate. Conclusion: All the pre-treatments used in the study were found to be effective. However, soaking of seeds in hot water (100°C) pre-treatment for 15 min is recommended for breaking the seed dormancy of A. digitata