Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Invading Fly: Innovative Pest Management Solutions for Control of Bactrocera Invadens in Pemba, Zanzibar

An integrated pest management study was conducted targeting the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens, on the island of Pemba, Zanzibar. Male annihilation technique (MAT) traps were set in geographically dispersed sites featuring mango fruit hosts. Three locally sourced essential oils,eucalyptus citriodora, clove and lemongrass were tested against the standard attractant methyl eugenol. Rainfall quantities at each site were collected and interviews with local farmers were conducted on the subject of B. invadens infestation and management. Over the course of the two week study, April 2 to April 18, 2014, methyl eugenol baited traps had an average catch of 2465.75 flies per trap, which was significantly different than the 331.45 and 141.7 average fruit fly catch for eucalyptus citriodora oil and clove oil respectively. Lemongrass lagged even further with behind with a negligible number of five flies captured during the entirety of the study. These results represent the effectiveness of eucalyptus citriodora and clove oil as attractants in an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to combat the infestation by this prolific invasive pest.
External Debt and Nigeria’s Economic Growth Nexus, Matters Arising

This study focuses on the impact of external debt on economic growth of Nigeria and in order to carry out an empirical analysis a Simple Regression analysis of the least square method of parameter estimator was done. The significance of the estimated parameters was also subjected to tests like Analysis of Variance, Student t- test, Correlation coefficient (R) and Coefficient of determination R 2 . The empirical results via the parameters’ estimates revealed that external debt and debt service have negative and positive influence respectively, though the external debt’s estimate was not too strong, on economic growth. The empirical Student t-test and F-statistic when compared with theoretical table values at both 1% & 5% significance level, suggests the acceptance of Null hypothesis stated for equation I which confirms the validity of the negative impact of external debt on economic growth of Nigeria and the acceptance of Alternative hypothesis for equation II which confirms the positive significant relationship between economic growth and debt service. However, the R 2 of 53% and 64% reveal that the equations of the models were well fitted that is the independent variable was adequately explained by the explanatory variables. In view of the negative contribution of external debt to economic growth, it is recommended among others, that cost-benefit analysis, prioritization of projects, absorptive capacity of the economy, investment on productive self-financing projects, probity as well as accountability in handling government resources and debt sustainability should form the basis for contracting external debt finance.
Impact of obinutuzumab alone and in combination for follicular lymphoma

Although rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy prolongs the survival of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), this disease is considered incurable in most patients. Thus, new therapies are needed not only for those in the relapsed/refractory setting, but also for initial treatment. Obinutuzumab (G, GA101) is a third-generation, fully humanized type II glycoengineered, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that results in increased direct cell death and antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity/phagocytosis compared to rituximab. Obinutuzumab has significant antitumor activity when used alone or in combinations in untreated or relapsed refractory FL patients. Studies have demonstrated its ability to prolong progression-free survival and, in some cases, overall survival, and to eliminate minimal residual disease. Several ongoing trials are investigating combinations with chemotherapy, immunomodulators, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy agents. G is generally well tolerated, with associated adverse effects including infusion-related reactions, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and reactivation of hepatitis B virus. Future studies with this antibody should focus on identifying predictive markers and developing chemotherapy-free combinations that will improve the outcome of patients with FL.
A fast direct sampling algorithm for equilateral closed polygons

Sampling equilateral closed polygons is of interest in the statistical study of ring polymers. Over the past 30 years, previous authors have proposed a variety of simple Markov chain algorithms (but have not been able to show that they converge to the correct probability distribution) and complicated direct samplers (which require extended-precision arithmetic to evaluate numerically unstable polynomials). We present a simple direct sampler which is fast and numerically stable, and analyze its runtime using a new formula for the volume of equilateral polygon space as a Dirichlet-type integral.
Geostrophic Turbulence in the Frequency–Wavenumber Domain: Eddy-Driven Low-Frequency Variability*

AbstractMotivated by the potential of oceanic mesoscale eddies to drive intrinsic low-frequency variability, this paper examines geostrophic turbulence in the frequency–wavenumber domain. Frequency–wavenumber spectra, spectral fluxes, and spectral transfers are computed from an idealized two-layer quasigeostrophic (QG) turbulence model, a realistic high-resolution global ocean general circulation model, and gridded satellite altimeter products. In the idealized QG model, energy in low wavenumbers, arising from nonlinear interactions via the well-known inverse cascade, is associated with energy in low frequencies and vice versa, although not in a simple way. The range of frequencies that are highly energized and engaged in nonlinear transfer is much greater than the range of highly energized and engaged wavenumbers. Low-frequency, low-wavenumber energy is maintained primarily by nonlinearities in the QG model, with forcing and friction playing important but secondary roles. In the high-resolution ocean mod.
Transient Effectiveness Methods for the Dynamic Characterization of Heat Exchangers

This chapter introduces transient effectiveness methods for dynamic characterization of heat exchangers. The chapter provides a detailed description and review of the transient effectiveness methodology. In this chapter, all the transient effectiveness – related knowl- edge/works are summarized. The goal of this chapter is to provide a thorough understanding of the transient effectiveness for the reader and to provide guidance for utilizing this methodology in related heat exchanger transient characterization studies. Basically, there are three important applications for transient effectiveness methodology: (1) characterization of heat exchanger dynamic behaviors; (2) characterization of the transient response of closed-coupled cooling/heating systems with multiple heat exchanger units; and (3) development of compact transient heat exchanger models. This innovative modeling method can be used to assist in the development of physics-based predictive, capabilities, performance metrics, and design guidelines, which are important for the design and operation of highly reliable and energy efficient mechanical systems using heat exchangers.
Phosphorus dynamics in sediments of a eutrophic lake derived from 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The determination of organic phosphorus (P) compounds in lake sediments can provide information on the potential for internal P loading. Settling seston and vertical sediment core samples from highly eutrophic Lake Okaro, New Zealand, were collected during a mixed winter and stratified summer period, representing, respectively, when the water column was well oxygenated and when the bottom waters were anoxic. Samples were analysed with 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectroscopy, which showed that both bottom sediments and settling seston contained orthophosphate, orthophosphate monoesters and diesters, pyrophosphates, polyphosphates and phosphonates. Phosphorus concentration in settling seston increased ~2.5-fold in winter as a result of seasonally induced changes in phytoplankton biomass, with a marked increase in the concentration of orthophosphate. Several potentially bioavailable P compounds in the bottom sediments were identified that were likely to contribute to recycling of P from the sediment to the water column. An ‘apparent half-life’ was used to quantify the time scales on which these compounds were recycled to the overlying water column. Orthophosphate monoesters that include inositol phosphates were the most persistent P compound. On the basis of half-lives, high internal P loadings may persist for more than 20 years, potentially hindering restoration efforts in Lake Okaro.
Forage potential, micro-spatial and temporal distribution of ground arthropods in the flood plain of a Coastal Ramsar site in Ghana

Despite the critical roles played by arthropods in ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling, a general lack of information about the ecology of many arthropods in West African coastal wetlands persists. An investigation into the abundance, distribution and forage potential of ground arthropods to waterbirds inaWest African Coastal Ramsar site, indicated that the distribution and abundance of the arthropods were similar along both the latitudinal and longitudinal axes of the lagoon’s flood plain. Agelenidae (house spiders), Formicidae (ants) and Gryllidae (True crickets) respectively constituting 52.68%, 36.58% and 5.85% of the total arthropod abundance, dominated the 23 families of arthropods. On the basis of percentage biomass and per capita biomass compositions, Gryllidae and Agelenidae were of the most important to waterbird foraging. Although Formicidae occurred in large numbers, the small-size nature of the individuals indicated that they wereof little importance to waterbird foraging. Ocypodidae (Ghost and Fiddler crabs) (0.3%) and Acrididae (short- horned grasshoppers) (0.3%) constituted a negligible fraction of the arthropod abundance buthad the highest per capita biomass and would be the most profitable forage.The low abundance of Ocypodidae and Acrididae were attributed to marginalisation of the sampling method employed in the study.
The Role of Ethnicity and Grade Level on the Motivational Orientation in Urban African American Middle School Students

This study’s purpose was to pair motivational orientation and ethnicity in a sample of urban African American middle school students (n = 213). Through multivariate analyses, the results revealed differences in motivational orientation between eighth graders when compared to their younger peers. The study supports the hypotheses of: a) the flexibility of motivational orientation; b) the declining interests and increased self-evaluation and satisfaction in students, and; c) the impact of ethnic pride on students’ motivation. Implications of the findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Management Skills of Pakistanis: A Comparison of Technical, Human and Conceptual Differences

This study focuses on the management skills of respondents from Sahiwal, Pakistan, to see if gender and education can be significant factors in their technical, human and conceptual competencies. The results of 470 Pakistani adults show that there are significant differences in their management skills. No significant gender differences were found. In terms of the education variable, this study demonstrated that having a masterâ€™s degree does not necessarily increase a personâ€™s human, technical or conceptual skills. Implications for educators, managers, and human resource professionals are presented.
Evaluation of Newly Developed Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Genotypes for Some Forage Attributes

2 Abstract: Seven elite sweet sorghum genotypes developed by individual plant selection among the land race cultivar "Ankolib" were evaluated across 11 environments in the Sudan throughout the period 2003-2007. The agronomic and quality traits were investigated. The results obtained indicated that the line ANKSSS was superior in forage yield to the parental population Ankolib and the traditional check Abu Sab'in with respective yield advantage amounting to 86.7 % and 25.8 %. Its forage yield was comparable to the recommended cultivar "Kambal". Quality wise, it was better than the recommended cultivar in protein percentage and leafiness and excelled the parent population in sugar content and digestibility. It was also the most stable in yield superiority across the test environments. The release of ANKSSS for commercial production in the Sudan was recommended under green cropping system. It might also perform well in other environments as indicated by its comparatively low GxE Statistic. The seed of ANKSSS is maintained by the Forage Improvement Program at Shambat Research Station, ARC, Sudan. Few amounts of seed for research purposes can be provided upon written request to the corresponding author.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Objective: To assess the knowledge and prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse among secondary school students in a rural community in south-south Nigeria with a view to minimizing the indulgence of students in illicit drugs. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 senior secondary school students. Data collection was by interviewer administered questionnaires focusing on knowledge of alcohol and drug abuse, commonly abused drugs and the prevalence of drug abuse. A multistage sampling was utilized in selecting the participants which allowed for all participants to have equal chance of being selected for the study. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 20.0. Results were presented in tables and frequency distributions. Test of association between commonly abused drugs and knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse were carried out using chi square test and fisher’ exact. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse was determined by finding the proportion of respondents who take alcohol or illicit drugs. Respondents who had a knowledge score equivalent of 50% where regarded as having good knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse while those with knowledge score of less than 50% where regarded as having poor knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse. Results: A total of 187 participants were interviewed. About two-third of the respondents (63.1%) were within the age group of 15-17 years with a mean age (years) of16.02±1.72. Most of the respondents (91.4%) had poor knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse . The prevalence of alcohol abuse was 21.9% while that of drug was 20.9%. The most commonly abused drugs included caffeine 5.9%, codeine 5.3%, marijuana 3.2%, Nicotine 2.1% and cocaine 1.6%. Conclusion: The prevalence of substance abuse among the secondary school students were alcohol 21.9%, caffeine 5.9%, codeine 5.3%, marijuana 3.2%, Nicotine 2.1% and cocaine 1.6%
Market Making Contracts, Firm Value, and the IPO Decision

We examine the effects of secondary market liquidity on firm value and the decision to conduct an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Competitive liquidity provision can lead to market failure as the IPO either does not occur or the IPO price is discounted to reflect that some welfare-enhancing secondary trades do not occur. Market failure arises when uncertainty regarding fundamental value and asymmetric information are large in combination. In these cases, firm value and social welfare are improved by a contract where the firm engages a Designated Market Maker (DMM) to enhance liquidity. Our model implies that such contracts represent a market solution to a market imperfection, particularly for small growth firms. In contrast, proposals to encourage IPOs by use of a larger tick size are likely to be counterproductive.
Experimental assessment of the CAM and DIS-CAM systems for the seismic upgrading of monumental masonry buildings

The need of compacting masonry in its plan and improving transverse connections to get good seismic behaviours suggests the idea of using a three-dimensional tie system for the upgrading of existing masonry structures. In the CAM system (Active Confinement of Masonry), the ties are made of stainless steel ribbons. They are pre-tensioned, thus applying a light and favourable pre-compression state in masonry. Using special connection elements, it is possible to realise a continuous horizontal and vertical tie system that reduces the vulnerability of masonry, improving shear and flexural strength and ductility of masonry elements and applying an effective transverse connection between vertical layers. The paper describes the results obtained by an extensive experimental program carried out within the TREMA project on masonry elements and scaled structures made with typical materials and techniques of old masonry buildings, reinforced with the CAM system. The preliminary numerical studies of a new reinforcing system for monumental buildings realised by coupling CAM with hysteretic elements is here also presented. shaking table tests have been carried on two identical 3D masonry 2:3-scale models. These buildings have been designed and constructed according to the old traditional practice of the Italian Central and Southern Apennine zone. The first model has been strengthened with the CAM system and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system. The second model has been tested up to the collapse without any strengthening. Finally, an evolution of the CAM seismic upgrading technique, called DIS-CAM (Dolce & Di Croce 2007, Dolce et al. 2007), is described. The system combines the CAM reinforcement technique, applied on slender masonry panels, with the dissipation capacity of damper devices. In this paper, the results of preliminary numerical simulations analyses carried out on a 1:6 scaled structural model of the masonry tambour of a Sicilian church retrofitted with this system are presented.
Long-Run Stock Returns and Abnormal Accruals of Private Issuers: Are They Different from Public Issuers?

This study examines long-run stock returns and abnormal accruals of private placements of common stock, convertible debt and straight debt. We investigate patterns surrounding private placements and compare results to predictions of competing hypotheses. The long-term abnormal return for common stock is significantly positive in the year before the private placement but significantly negative in post periods. The abnormal return is significantly negative for convertible debt in the year following the private placement. Our results are more consistent with the last-resort financing hypothesis rather than the overvaluation hypothesis, which is often used to explain the performance of public issuers.
Response of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Cultivars to Different Tillage Practices Grown under Rice-wheat Cropping System

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of tillage on growth and yield of two wheat cultivars sown after rice at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, and Faisalabad during the winter season 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications with a net plot size of 3.0 m × 7.0 m. The experiment comprised of two wheat cultivars with four tillage treatments viz. Zero tillage, reduced tillage (only one cultivation+hand drilling), conventional method (3 cultivation followed by planking +hand drilling) and deep ploughing (one deep ploughing with chisel plough and one cultivation followed by planking+hand drilling). Maximum grain yield was obtained in Zero tillage treatment in both cultivars as compared to all other three tillage treatments. Similarly, the spike length number of tillers, number of grains spike -1, 1000- grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were the highest in Zero tillage. Zero tillage in wheat performed well in the entire crop data parameters and showed effectively high yield in wheat.
Unpacking Phonological Awareness: Comparing Treatment Outcomes for Low-Skilled Kindergarten Children.

A study explored the construct of phonological awareness by examining the effects of different instructional treatments on the development of generalized phonological skills, reading, and spelling. The effect of phonological instruction with kindergarten children who might be expected to have more than average difficulty learning to read in first grade was also tested. Subjects, 88 kindergarten children, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. One treatment taught only auditory blending and segmenting with limited letter-sound correspondences, and the other a more global array of phonological tasks, also with limited letter-sound correspondences. Treatment effects were compared with two control conditions: letter-sound only, or no treatment. Results suggest that both types of metaphonological instruction improved phonological abilities and transferred to reading and spelling analog tasks; and that children whose phonological skills were initially low achieved a level of phonological awareness comparable to that of naturd. ,ly proficient children, but were still less efficient in learning to read. Regression analyses suggested that blending and segmenting contribute more to variance on reading and spelling analog scores than a measure of generalized phonological awareness. (Contains 52 references; includes 5 tables of data.) (RS) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************). *** Unpacking Phonological Awareness: Comparing Treatment Outcomes for Low-skilled Kindergarten Children Rollanda E. O'Connor University of Pittsburgh Special Education 4F29 Forbes Quadrangle Pittsburgh, PA 15260 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER tERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or ergariiiat.o, originating it Minor changes have bec, made to improve reproduction ritiamy Points of view of opinions slated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER tERIC1 Presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, April 7, 1994