Natural & Applied Sciences

Natural & Applied Sciences Research Papers/Topics

Unmanned aerial vehicle object recognition in bad weather using dark channel prior and convolutional neural networks

Abstract: Object recognition using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is increasingly becoming more useful. Tremendous success has been achieved on UAV object recognition in clear weather conditions where adequate illumination makes it easier for UAVs to recognize objects in the scene. Unfortunately, for outdoor applications, there is no escape from bad weather moments such as haze, fog, dust, smoke and smog. These weather nuisances occur due to suspended particles in the atmosphere, ultimately...

A robust test for multivariate publication bias in meta-analysis

Abstract: A rank regression based procedure for testing for the existence of publication bias in meta-analysis is proposed. The method is designed to possess the robustness of the Begg rank correlation test for publication bias and the efficiency of Egger’s regression approach. The procedure uses the Jaeckel rank-regression framework along with a rank prediction protocol for estimating the intercept term of Egger-type regression models for a robust and efficient test of publication bias in...

Approximation solutions of the sum of monotone mapping inclusion, split equality, fixed point and variation inequality problems

Abstract: Many of the most important problems arising in nonlinear analysis reduce to solv ing inclusions of monotone mappings, split equilibrium, variational inequality or fixed point problems. Analytical methods for finding exact solutions of many non linear equations are rare or unknown. Therefore, methods of approximating the solutions of nonlinear inclusion problems are of interest where solutions are known to exist. In this thesis, we combine Douglas-Rachford and Viscosity methods and ...

The Pathogenesis of AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related KS: A mathematical perspective,

Abstract: Kaposi’s sarcoma is a common AIDS-defining cancer that has continued to afflict patients living with HIV-1, especially, individuals who are currently not on HAART or whose HIV-1 status is not known. Even individuals who have had a prior HHV-8 infection and are on HAART are at an increased risk of developing KS whenever drug failure occurs and when one develops drug resistance to the drugs being administered. Like other herpesvirus, KS associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as ...

Microbiological and physico-chemical characterization of khadi, a traditional non-cereal based alcoholic beverage of Botswana

Abstract: Khadi is a traditional fermented alcoholic beverage popular in Botswana. There is little documented information about the brewing processes, the microorganisms responsible for fermentation as well as the safety despite its popularity in local markets. Such information is vital for production of a standardized beverage with a consistent quality to aid its entrance into the modern commercial markets. This thesis explored the brewing processes, microbiological quality and safety, as i...

Some mew and generalized families of probability distributions with applications

Abstract: Some new generalized distributions called the new Gamma Lindley-Log-logistic (GLLLoG) distribution, new Weibull Generalised-G (NWG-G) family of distributions and the Exponentiated Half-Logistic Odd Lindley-G family of distributions are proposed and presented. These distributions contain several distributions such as Half-Logistic, Odd Lindley, Lindley, Log-Logistic, new-Rayleigh generalized-G, new exponential generalized-G, new Rayleigh-G and the new-Weibull-G family of distributio...

BA-LEACHC: biphase authentication based LEACH-C protocol for wireless sensor networks

Abstract: The intention in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is to group sensed raw facts from geographical area under monitoring. Yet, sensor nodes sometimes report tempered (falsified) information resulting from malicious nodes. Hence, various studies recommend pre-identification of malicious node as essential for reliable and healthy networks. Different techniques have been proposed to deal with bogus sensor nodes in WSNs, ranging from authentication to trust based approaches. In this ...

Dung beetles’ responses to changing environments; implications on ecosystem service delivery

Abstract: Dung beetles are coprophagous insects belonging to the families Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae. They are a very important insects’ group, acting as significant ecosystem engineers through dung burial, decomposition, nutrient cycling, bioturbation and seed dispersal in natural and human managed systems. Despite these benefits, most essential ecosystem services are not economically quantified and as such, their roles as natural capital in natural and human managed systems have la...

Modelling substance abuse in Botswana in presence of multiple amelioration stages and outpatient rehabilitation, optimal control and fractional-order dynamics

Abstract: Substance abuse in Botswana is a growing problem with a variety of drugs being abused including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and alcohol among others. At the front line of attempting to address the drug abuse problem is the Botswana Substance Abuse and Support Network (BoSASNet) which operates outpatient rehabilitation and support ser vices that constitute its clinical programme. Due to the criminalisation and stigma associated with drug use and dealing in drugs, the...

Feature Selection Methods: a Survey for Effective Data Classification

Abstract: Data is growing every day. This daily growing data is called Big Data. The capturing and accessing and preserving of these data is different and difficult. If capturing and preserving of data became very difficult, then classifying data according to the need is also a difficult process. These modern days datasets are high dimensional that is with hundreds of features and keeps on increasing in future. But these hundreds of data are not required for an effective data classification....

A Novel Approach for Analysis and Prediction of Students Academic Performance Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Abstract: Educational data mining has become an efective tool for exploring the hidden relationships in educational data and predicting students’ academic performance. The prediction of student academic performance has drawn considerable attention in education. However, although the learning outcomes are believed to improve learning and teaching, prognosticating the attainment of student outcomes remains underexplored. To achieve qualitative education standard, several attempts have been m...

Baobab (adansonia digitata) seed as a source of biodiesel and protein hydrolysates: optimization of production processes and characterization of the products

Abstract: Increase in global population places a demand on fuel and protein sources therefore putting a strain on their supply. The demand for fuel products is currently met by increased usage of fossil fuel, a nonrenewable energy source. However, burning of fossil fuel has challenges such as the release of greenhouse gases associated with negative environmental impacts. To overcome these challenges, attention has been given to renewable energy sources as biodiesel, a biofuel that has...

Characterization of extended-spectrum-β lactamases (esbls) and other resistant genes encoding bacteria from a rural community settlement

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is regarded as a global health threat, characterized by rising resistant bacteria and rapid development of resistance genes to existing antibiotics used in clinical and veterinary settings. AMR has negative impacts and affects human, animal, and the environment. In Botswana, Africa, AMR is not well understood, particularly in rural settings with poor sanitation. The misuse and overuse of commonly used antibiotics like ß-lactam antibiotics, combi...

Diversity, distribution, tissue culture and value addition of Strychnos species in Central and North-East Districts of Botswana

Abstract: Strychnos is a widely varied genus from the Loganiaceae family with over 200 species identified worldwide. Most of these species are drought tolerant and used for many things such as food, medicine, tools, and ornaments. In Botswana, 7 Strychnos species have been reported, two of them (S. cocculoides and S. spinosa) have been declared as endangered. In this study, five Strychnos species were identified morphologically and through molecular genetics. Their distribution and abun...

Characteristics of shear deformation along the eastern and southern terrane boundaries of the Motloutse complex, eastern Botswana

Abstract: The Motloutse Complex to the southwestern margin of Zimbabwe Craton is a medium-grade terrane in northeastern Botswana. Some studies consider it as part of the Limpopo Complex high-grade terrane between the Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe cratons, while others argue it as an allochthonous terrane separate to the Limpopo Complex. A number of shear zones are postulated to delineate the extents of Motloutse Complex. Except the northern margin (the Shashe shear zone), the rest of the terran...


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