Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale: A Validation Study.

A factor analytic study provided empirical evidence of the validity of the modified Mathematics Self-efficacy Scale (MSES) and its three scales: mathematics problems self-efficacy, mathematics tasks selfefficacy, and college courses self-efficacy. A principal component analysis led to the interpretation of a five-factor solution and a higherorder analysis provided evidence of a unitary structure to the MSES. Although the general structure of the MSES was validated, the study indicated specific constructs and inadequacies that need to be carefully analyzed by researchers using the MSES. The college courses selfefficacy scale measured two separate constructs that have significantly different implications for differing substantive questions. The mathematics problems self-efficacy scale contained limitations that need to be evaluated prior to its use. In us;_ng the MSES, we caution researchers to carefully consider the nature of the performance task when considering an appropriate efficacy measure. Self-efficacy is a context-specific construct, and researchers who fail to carefully evaluate the relationship between the performance task and the efficacy measure are likely to be frustrated by confounded relationships, ambiguous findings, and uninterpretable results.
Isolation and characterization of a chlorpyrifos- degrading bacterium from agricultural soil and its growth response

strain MS09 utilized chlorpyrifos to grow in Luria-Bertani broth containing different concentrations of chlorpyrifos at 50 -700 mg/L. However, the optimum concentration that supported bacterial growth over 24 h was found to be 50 - 200 mg/L chlorpyrifos. When compared with the control, a significant increase in bacterial growth was noted at a low concentration of chlorpyrifos (50 mg/L), whereas at higher concentrations (300 - 700 mg/L) an increased lag phase was observed, without inhibiting growth of the pesticide-utilizing bacterium. A literature survey revealed that no data is available regarding the role of
MEAT CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVE POTENTIAL BY TESTING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ARCOBACTER ISOLATES TO SOME HEAVY METALS

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo.Nigeria; *Corresponding Author, Tel: 234+8032948270; E -Mail: drmrsadesiji@yahoo.com, yoadesiji@lautech.edu. ng Arcobacter has been isolated from food products, farm animals and from cases of human enteritis world wide. Resistotyping is a phenotypic method that consists of testing bacterial strains against a set of arbitrary chosen chemical agents, whereby a resistance pattern that is characteristic of a strain is generated and is believed to describe the isolates for epidemiological purposes. Twenty isolates of Arcobacter species were tested on iron sulphate, lead nitrate, mercury chloride, chromium chloride and boric acid and the result revealed that the isolates belonged to 9 different resistotypes. All the isolates were resistant to lead nitrate and chromiun chloride and all were susceptible to boric acid, mercury chloride and iron sulphate at a concentration of 16mM, while (55/100) 55% of Arcobacter isolates showed resistance to iron sulphate at a concentration of 8mM. Since all isolates were susceptible to boric acid, further study on the possibility of its use as a preservative in chicken meat should be evaluated and this study has also demonstrated that resistotyping could be used to type strains of arcobacters in a resource poor setting where molecular genotypic characterization is not easily accessible.
Improving rural wages in India

The purpose of this paper is to identify public policy and program interventions that can increase real rural wage rates and hence reduce rural poverty. Rural wages can only increase if the demand for rural labor grows faster than its supply. The report states that whether public policies increase real agricultural wages depends on whether they promote rural non farm employment to absorb the growing labor force. For example, although educational infrastructure, public irrigation, and regulation of markets raise agricultural output, they depress real agricultural wages because they do not increase nonfarm employment. In contrast, rural electrification, roads and banks can increase real agricultural wages, because they increase nonfarm employment. Rural financial institutions and electrification reallocate labor from agriculture to rural nonfarm activities, however, while roads promote both farm and nonfarm employment.
Adoption of ISO 9000 by Companies in Kazakhstan: Reasons for Adoption, Perceptions by Managers, and Benefits for Companies

The current paper explores the reasons for companies in Kazakhstan to adopt ISO 9000, the role of management, perception of Quality Management, and benefits from certification. The managers and employees of companies responsible for adoption of ISO 9000 were asked to answer survey questions. The main conclusions arising from study are that the major source of ISO 9000 knowledge are foreign partners, most companies report improvement in quality, and only small percentage of respondents agreed that costs decreased. The study shows the need to intensify promotion of ISO 9000 on local level by conferences, workshops and other means. Also, according to survey results, companies should emphasize on waste management and system approach management principles in adopting ISO 9000.
Glutathione s-transferase as a marker of oxidative stress in human ejaculated spermatozoa from patients with pathospermia

It is believed that the most common causes of male infertility are impairment of spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Glutathione S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) play an important role in sperm physiology, specifically in antioxidant protection against oxidative damage. The catalase decomposition of lipid hydro-peroxides forms as a result of oxidative stress. We used a model of superoxide anion-generating system Fe3+/ascorbate or H2O2-induced stress to study the activity of glutathione s transferase in human ejaculated spermatozoa from patients with pathospermia and products of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) as a marker of oxidative stress. In the present study, dose dependent increase in the level of lipid peroxidation was observed for treatment with Fe3+/ascorbate or H2O2. The TBARS level was higher for sperm cells incubated with superoxide anion-generating system Fe3+/ascorbate than for H2O2. GSTs activity increased in spermatozoa treated with increasing concentration of superoxide anion-generating system Fe3+/ascorbate and H2O. We found that both Fe3+/ascorbate and H2O2 displayed similar inhibitory effects on sperm GSTs activity, however H2O2 at low concentrations activated enzyme activity only in normozoospermic samples, which can be explained as a defence response to oxidative stress. The time course of incubation with 100 μM H2O2 showed a sharp decrease in the enzyme activity during the first 5 min of incubation for both normozoospermic and pathozoospermic men. Preincubation of spermatozoa with GSH completely prevented the ROS-induced inhibition on GSTs only in normozoospermic samples. On the other hand, in pathospermic samples protectory effect of GSH was observed only against non-radical (H2O) radical, but not against radical (superoxide anion-generating system Fe3+/ascorbate) species. The results of our study showed higher oxygen-free radical production, evidenced by increased TBARS level in spermatozoa obtained from infertile men than normozoospermic men. The inhibitory effect of the radical (superoxide anion-generating system Fe3+/ascorbate) species on sperm GSTs activity and products of lipid peroxidation in sperm cells of fertile and infertile men were more expressed compared to non-radical (H2O) species. Our results indicate that estimation of sperm GSTs enzyme assays can be used as a bioindicator for impaired male fertility. The obtained results argue for a biological role of sperm GSTs in susceptibility of spermatozoa to oxidative damage and maintaining sperm antioxidant status.
Nonlinear Dynamics in Welfare and the Evolution of World Inequality

The paper proposes a measure of countries' welfare based on individuals' lifetime utility and applies it to a large sample of countries in the period 1960-2000. Even though welfare inequality across countries appeared stable, the distribution dynamics points out the emergence of three clusters. Such tendencies to polarization shall strengthen in the future. In terms of the world population distribution, welfare inequality decreased as the result of the decline in inequality of both per capita GDP and life expectancy, but this downward trend should be reverted hereafter. Finally, a polarization pattern emerged, which is expected to further intensify in the future.
The medical management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: spoilt for choice?

This paper focuses specifically on the medical management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the options currently available in South Africa. References are made to current thinking on the etiology of this disorder and the pharmacological principles involved in its treatment. This review will not try to address all aspects of ADHD but highlight the range of medical management options, their advantages or disadvantages, their clinical application and give some personal perspectives about the practicalities within the clinical setting. Although the treatment of co-morbidities are not systematically discussed in this paper, reference are made to specific co-morbidities where relevant.
Prevalence of Worm Infection in Relation to Body Mass Index in Children of 5-10 Yrs of Age in Tehsil Narowal, Pakistan

Aim: To assess the magnitude of worm infections, their type and to correlate the impact of worm infections in children with their body mass index. Method: The study was carried out on school going children for 5-10 years of age in Tehsil Narowal, District Narowal, and Pakistan. They were of different age groups with lower socio economic status. 406 children randomly selected from various government and private schools from the various union councils for both genders (male and female). Early morning fresh stool samples were collected in sealed labeled plastic containers with lid and analyzed microscopy for the presence of eggs/ova/larvae or worm infections in laboratory. Anthropometric measurements were taken at the spot by using measuring scale for weight and height along with their mid arm circumferences. Body Mass Index was calculated and compared with standard percentile charts for age and gender. Results: 145 (35.71%) children found with various types of worm infection. 56 (35.67%) and 89 (35.74%) children were positive with helminthes male and female respectively in the studied population. Sixth and seventh year of age in both male and female were more susceptible for the infestation. Taenia saginata was the more common found organism in gastrointestinal tract of male population and Giardia lamblia in female among the children of studied area. 137 (94.48%) children were infected with the single intestinal worm while only 8 (5.52%) children with more than one intestinal worm. 57.24% had lower, 41.4% had normal and only 1.4% had above normal BMI among infected children. Majority (65.9%) had normal, 27.2% had lower than normal, and 6.9% had above normal BMI found among non-infected children. Conclusion: From the results of present study it can be concluded that intestinal worms play significant role in reducing anthropometric measurement of school going children. The factors including personal hygiene, dietary habits, type of drinking water, animals and pets keeping, overcrowded and congested living environment, large family members, toilet facility, toilet trainings, personal hygiene awareness, PICA habits and lack of de-worming contributes largely towards the worm burden in the children. A single cause is not only the attributing factor to reduce the anthropometric measurements.
Use of Bed Materials in Dual Fluidized Bed (DFB) Systems

Dual Fluidized Bed (DFB) gasification is one alternative for the production of biofuels. In a DFB gasification process, the bed material plays a crucial role. Primary role of the bed material is to provide the heat needed for the gasification reaction. If the bed material, used in the system, is catalytically active it can improve the quality of the produced gas. In addition, inorganics originate from the biomass are retained in the system in the form of ash, which interacts with the bed material, thus representing catalytic potential. As a consequence of being circulated between oxidative and reductive environments, the bed material releases some inorganics into the gas phase, thereby influencing the final composition of the produced gas. The goal of the present work is to increase our understanding as to how changes in the bed material related to reactions with ash components can be utilized to improve the performance of the system. In this way, it should be possible to optimize the gasification step, thereby decreasing the cost of biofuel production. Moreover, by choosing naturally occurring bed materials not only the cost of the process is decreased, but also negative impact on the environment which comes with the disposal of the material. This work deals with the application of catalytic bed materials in dual fluidized bed systems, both as a primary measure in the gasification process itself and as a secondary measure for the reforming of the raw gas. Applied directly in the gasification step, the bed material interacts with the inorganics derived from the fuel. As a result of this interaction, the bed material changes its physical and chemical properties, which has impacts for the gasification process. In the present study, four naturally occurring materials were evaluated. In the Chalmers 2–4-MWth gasifier, the effects on the gasification process of interactions between the ash and the bed material were studied for quartz-sand and olivine. The effects on the process were evaluated with respect to: 1) the composition of the produced gas; 2) tar content; and 3) the physicochemical properties of the bed material. The studies yield information about the transport of inorganics between the reactors and their influences on the gas composition. Whereas the release of alkali during gasification implies a potential for enhancement of the gas quality, the presence of these same species represents a risk for agglomeration during combustion. In the Chalmers 12–MWth boiler, ilmenite was tested as the bed material and as an alkali getter material. The adsorption of potassium to the ilmenite is shown to be non-reversible, and ilmenite shows great promise as a material for decreasing bed agglomeration in fluidized bed boilers. As a secondary measure, downstream of the gasifier, manganese ore was evaluated for its tar-reforming capability in a dual fluidized bed reactor system, in a process known as chemical looping reforming. This material has the ability to reduce tar levels by as much as 72%, while having high activity towards hydrogen production.
Looks Good, You’re Hired? Evidence from Extra-Parliamentary Activities of German Parliamentarians

Abstract Politicians have been shown to benefit electorally from an attractive physical appearance. Employing data on 614 German MPs, this note explores whether it also affects their success/failure in the market for extra-parliamentary activities. An attractive physical appearance is found to mainly benefit female MPs, especially for private-sector jobs. This is particularly driven by MPs’ perceived likability. While MP’s perceived beauty is shown to have no direct effects for extra-parliamentary activities, our findings suggest important indirect effects.
Investigating the Effect of Financial Development on Output Growth Using the ARDL Bounds Testing Approach

The linkage between financial development indicators and output growth is a debatable issue. However, it is believed that financial development is essential for maintaining a high rate of economic growth. This paper explores the dynamic relationship between financial development and economic growth, using time series data from Saudi Arabia over the period 1970 to 2008. Unlike the majority of previous studies, we employ the ARDL bounds testing approach proposed by Pesaran et al. (2001). Also Granger causality tests were performed within a VECM framework. Three indicators are selected to represent financial development, namely credit to private sector as a ratio of nominal GDP, bank deposit liabilities as a ratio of GDP, and financial savings as a ratio of GDP. The results of the ARDL bounds test indicate that a long-run relationship among the variables exists, where economic growth is found to be significantly influenced by financial development indicators. In addition, Granger causality test shows that developing countries have a supply-leading causality pattern of development rather than a demand-following one.
Revisiting the Concentration Curves and Indices as Useful Tools for Assessing Relative and Attributable Risks

Accurate assessment of the association between exposure and response is central to identifying causality in medical research. The concentration index has been commonly used to study income inequality and socioeconomic related health inequality. This study generalizes applications of the concentration index to measure the relative and attributable risks for describing exposure-response relationships in medical research. Based on cumulative distribution functions, a new measure of correlation is proposed to quantify the association between exposure and response. The connection between the new and existing measures is discussed. The method enables the semi-parametric analysis of overall association and disparity by risk factors. Both grouped and continuous data situations are considered with two applications. The first example illustrates the relationships between the concentration index, relative and attributable risks. The second example demonstrates how the concentration index can assist in evaluating the association between the radiation dose and the incidence of leukaemia. Logistic regression based decomposition is compared with the new approach. We found the concentration index analysis useful not only for examining socioeconomic determinants of health, but also for assessing quantitative relations between exposures to health risks and ill-health outcomes.
Bioinsecticides Induce Change in Biochemical and Immunological Parameters of Spodoptera Littoralis Larvae

The cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis, is a major pest in Egypt causes severe quantitative and qualitative losses of cotton and other economic crops. This study examines the effect of Caltropis proceraa and Atriplex halimus extracts on the 4nd instar larvae. This study was carried out to identify the effect plant extracts on biochemical parameters and differential and total haemocyte counts of S. littoralis after treated with LC25 of Caltropis proceraa and Atriplex halimus extracts for 48 hours (treated with each extract in separate). Marked biochemical changes, however, being recognized in pest as marked decrease in total lipids, total protein and glucose contents. The activities of both aspartate amino transferase (ASAT) and alanine amino transferase (ALAT) are also being highly affected. Four types of haemocytes marked by; prohaemocytes (PRs), plasmatocytes (PLs), granulocytes (GRs) and oenocytoids (OEs). The percentage of PRs decreased in insects fed on leaves treated with Caltropis proceraa and Atriplex halimus plant. The percentage of PLs increased, while the percentage of GRs decreased in all tested insects treated. The percentages of oenocytoids (OEs) increased in insect fed treated compared with control. Results indicated that total Haemocyte Counts (THCs) of insects fed on leaves treated significantly decreased in all insects treated.
Thermal "portrait" of sportsmen with different aerobic capacity

Nowadays thermography technique is widely used in clinical and diagnostic procedures. Thermal “portrait” fixed by infra-red thermotracer in rest conditions is characterized by mosaic temperature distribution on skin surface and large individual differences in this pattern. We obtained significant correlations between maximal and average temperature on sportsmen upper body part and important indexes of aerobic capacity – VO 2max and anaerobic threshold. We suggest mechanisms responsible for its formation and also propose hypothesis assuming possible role of brown adipose tissue influence on thermal “portrait” forming.
Using Isomorphic Questions, the Statics Concept Inventory, and Surveys to Investigate the Benefits of and Student Satisfaction in a Hybrid Learning Environment

A significant amount of literature is available on the various techniques available for generating an active classroom: publications have advocated the use of group problem solving, peer instruction, in-class demonstrations, body-centered talk, and more. While the benefits of these individual methodologies have been documented, relatively little literature is available on how to best combine these components into a synergistic active learning environment. This is an important issue for foundational classes such as Statics–a course in which physical intuition is developed and utilized over the course of one’s career. This paper describes the creation and components of a hybrid learning environment in a Statics course where a variety of pedagogies were implemented. Notable activities included the use of an interactive online textbook, peer instruction, in-class group problem solving sessions, video examples, and instructor led numeric problems. To investigate the effectiveness of the course, and where applicable the individual contributions of unique activities, a number of feedback mechanisms were implemented over the duration of the course. These mechanisms included isomorphic questions to measure the effectiveness of peer instruction, the use of concept inventory exams to measure student learning gains, and a variety of periodically distributed surveys to measure student satisfaction with the individual course components. Findings are presented along with recommendations for how to improve the hybrid course structure.
The Relationship between Theory of Mind and Moral Development in Preschool Children

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between theory of mind and moral judgment (based on intention and based on motive) in a sample of Brazilian preschool children. Twenty-four 4- and 5-year olds were assessed in theory of mind and moral reasoning tasks. Although the correlation between performances in the two types of task was not signifi cant, some important effects were found: participants were better at judging intentional behaviors than accidental ones and 5-year-olds performed better than 4-year-olds in the moral reasoning task based on motive. These results suggest that more sophisticated moral reasoning is associated with the capacity to differentiate intentional and non-intentional actions as well as to identify the underlying motives of human action.