Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tree Root Response to Circling Root Barriers

Root system size and distribution were measured for Raywood ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood') and Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') planted with and without circling root barriers. Trees with circling barriers had fewer numbers of roots than controls (no barriers), but mean root diameters were similar. Root depth 30 cm outside barriers was greater for trees with barriers, but at 90 and 150 cm away, depth was equivalent to controls. Roots tended to grow toward the soil surface after growing under the barriers. No consistent differences in root response to any of the four types of barriers tested were found for either species. Soil cultivation during the installation of a subsurface barrier (used to simulate a hardpan) resulted in lower soil bulk densities and a deeper distribution of roots in the soil profile than in plots which were not cultivated. Reducing soil bulk densities that are limiting to root growth may be an important consideration when using circling root barriers.
Effect of Bank Lending Rates on the Performance of Nigerian Economy

The study portrays the effect of bank lending on the performance of Nigerian economy. The specific objectives were; to examine the relationship between bank lending rate and performance of Nigeria economy and to examine the relationship between inflation and the performance of Nigeria economy. Data were sourced from Central Bank Statistical Bulletin of Nigeria, 2015. Ordinary least square of multiple regression model was adopted to statistically analyze the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The findings revealed that lending rate had a positive effect on the performance of Nigeria economy and inflation positively contributed to the performance of Nigeria economy. The study recommended that there should be a reduction in lending rate by banks in order to enhance rapid growth and development of the economy. Also recommended that a reduction in the reserve requirement increases quantum of cash held by banks and more funds should be available for extension of credit to investors. Keywords: Inflation Rate, Lending Rate, Gross Domestic Product, Loan pricing Multiple lending
Constraints on the broad-line region properties and extinction in local Seyferts

We use high-spectral resolution (R > 8000) data covering 3800–13 000 A to study the physical conditions of the broad-line region (BLR) of nine nearby Seyfert 1 galaxies. Up to six broad H i lines are present in each spectrum. A comparison – for the first time using simultaneous optical to near-infrared observations – to photoionization calculations with our devised simple scheme yields the extinction to the BLR at the same time as determining the density and photon flux, and hence distance from the nucleus, of the emitting gas. This points to a typical density for the H i emitting gas of 1011 cm−3 and shows that a significant amount of this gas lies at regions near the dust sublimation radius, consistent with theoretical predictions. We also confirm that in many objects, the line ratios are far from case B, the best-fitting intrinsic broad-line Hα/H β ratios being in the range 2.5–6.6 as derived with our photoionization modelling scheme. The extinction to the BLR, based on independent estimates from H i and He ii lines, is AV ≤ 3 for Seyfert 1–1.5s, while Seyfert 1.8–1.9s have AV in the range 4–8. A comparison of the extinction towards the BLR and narrow-line region (NLR) indicates that the structure obscuring the BLR exists on scales smaller than the NLR. This could be the dusty torus, but dusty nuclear spirals or filaments could also be responsible. The ratios between the X-ray absorbing column NH and the extinction to the BLR are consistent with the Galactic gas-to-dust ratio if NH variations are considered.
Effect of organic substrates on the propagation of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom) in Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria

The production of indigenous mushroom in a commercial scale is constrained by lack of information on its growth requirement, threatened natural habitat resulting from deforestation and rising temperature. Rice offal, decaying mango wood, sawdust and decaying palm bunch were used as substrates. Dry substrates were heated, soaked and pasteurized by boiling in water, and inoculated into bags containing pasteurized substrates. Highest (0.721 days) mycelium running rate was found in mango wood ( P <0.05) but the lowest (0.507 days) in control ( P <0.05). Completion of mycelium running time was lowest in rice offal (T1). Number of total primordia and effective primordia, was highest (51.34cm) in sawdust (T2) but the maximum (7.70 cm) pileus diameter was measured from sawdust (T2). Highest (205.22 %) biological efficiency was obtained from rice straw (T1) which was much higher than the control (T4). Utilizing local waste for mushroom cultivation reduces cost and encourages indigenous participation. Sawdust and mango wood should be used by rural farmers for Oyster mushroom propagation. Keywords: Rice straw, rice offal, oyster mushroom, substrate, mycelium
Possible enhancement of thermoelectric p-type oxides by creating superlattice structures with pulsed laser deposition

Advanced thermoelectric materials are part of considerations about the future energy handling. They promise to be a direct and easy method to convert waste heat into easy usable electrical energy. General problem in optimizing thermoelectric properties seems to be the coupled behavior of electrical and thermal properties. Superlattice structures are a promising approach to lower thermal transport and at the same time to preserve the electrical conductivity. In this work 3 superlattices of the thermoelectric oxides NaxCoO2 and Ca3Co4O9 are prepared by pulsed laser deposition on top of [La0.3Sr0. 7] [Al0.65Ta0. 35]O3 (LSAT) substrates. X-ray diraction (XRD) scans and resistivity measurements are done of the samples and the Seebeck coefficients are determined. Furthermore it is theoretically considered how thermal properties can be affected by superlattice structures. XRD measurements showed, that Ca3Co4O9 tends not to grow crystalline under the used deposition temperatures (430°C). Therefore a reference sample is used of Ca3Co4O9 on top of a thin layer of NaxCoO2. All samples showed similar crystallographic ordering and the peak around 16° was used to look at the differences in detail. All superlattices showed interplanar distances in between the two reference samples and in sequence of the total thickness ratio of both components. Shape and height of the peaks showed, that NaxCoO2 still seemed to grow more crystalline than Ca3Co4O9. The measured Seebeck coefficient of the NaxCoO2 thin layer was as expected 79.3 µV/K and the one of the Ca3Co4O9 reference sample with 136.7 µV/K lower than other reported values. The superlattices were all in between those two values, showing a mixed Seebeck coefficient. That indicates, that the Seebeck coefficient is not influenced by the superlattice structure in particular. All samples containing both materials, NaxCoO2 as well as Ca3Co4O9, showed rising resistivities, suggesting a reaction occurring. They did not get stable in the course of the entire bachelor project. Furthermore a change in color was observed spreading from the edges of the samples. Either there is a new undiscovered reaction occurring between the two materials or the earlier found reactions between NaxCoO2 and air (possibly achieving the sample from the edges or through an insufficient capping layer) appear again. Theoretical calculations showed that it would be favorable to compose superlattices with smaller thicknesses of the single layers than done in this work. Worse properties were reported for thin films with layers thinner than approx. 10 nm. However the superlattices seem not to suffer from this problem.
Changes in productivity associated with four introduced species: ecosystem transformation of a pristine estuary

Multiple stressors in estuaries can cause declines in native species and impairment of ecosystem goods and services. In contrast, one stressor—the introduction of non-native species— actually leads to higher local richness. We examined the changes in ecosystem function associated with introductions into Willapa Bay, Washington, USA, a relatively undeveloped estuary with 45 doc- umented exotic marine species. The replacement of native oysters by 2 new bivalve species has increased secondary production of harvested suspension feeders by 250% over peak historic values (3.3 × 10 5 vs. 0.9 × 10 5 kg dry wt yr -1 ), based on >150 yr of records of harvested biomass. Key aspects of aquaculture—particularly planted area—have remained constant over time, so we attribute much of the altered secondary production to higher growth rates of non-native species. The addition of 2 tracheophytes has increased primary production on the tideflats by >50% (5.3 × 10 7 vs. 3.5 × 10 7 kg dry wt yr -1 ), which we calculated by scaling up local measurements of plant growth to the total area occupied by each species. These changes in production are also associated with altered detritus, water filtration, and biogenic habitat. Because other stressors are largely absent from Willapa Bay, the addition of particular exotic species has dramatically enhanced system production, while funda- mentally reshaping the ecological character of the estuary. These strong ecological impacts of intro- duced species have rarely been measured at whole-ecosystem scales, and they occur in part because new species occupy habitats where similar native species were not present.
Passive volatilization of gasoline from soil

Abstract Gasoline spills were simulated in the laboratory with three air‐dried soils, using a synthetic gasoline and unsaturated soil to quantify passive volatilization over a period of up to 16 d. The total and individual gasoline components were monitored as a function of time and depth in the soil. The time required to deplete the overall gasoline concentration in the soil to 40% of the initial concentration ranged from 0.25 to 10 d for the three soils. Sand was the fastest, followed by loamy sand and silt loam. The volatilization rate of gasoline from soil was found to be dependent on soil, chemical type, and depth. Observation of individual components indicated that a wicking mechanism contributed to the gasoline flux toward the surface.
Shifting baselines in Mediterranean artisanal fisheries

vii Abstract The overexploitation of marine resources combined with insufficient coastal and fisheries management have led to the degradation of marine ecosystems throughout the world leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Increase in fishing activity led to a decrease in species abundance over time. As new fishers arise, the perception of local abundance changes resulting in a different perception of quantity compared to past decades which is known as “shifting baselines syndrome”. This study investigates, through questionnaires, how the perception of fish abundance by fishers changed through time (1970 to 2016) and space (four different ports) in the artisanal fisheries of Murcia, Spain. From the results of the 40 questionnaires made, we identified a decrease between the 1970-1990 and 2000-2016 and that most reported species decreased in abundance (76.7%), more severely the Octopus vulgaris, Merluccius merluccius and Polyprion americanus which may be due to overfishing and habitat degradation. We also identified the decrease of most functional traits (92%) in this period, and especialy trait categories (very deep depths, benthic, yearly migration over small distances and/or invertebrate feeders). These more abrupt decreases may be attributed to lower species plasticity to human impacts such as habitat degradation and eutrophication or to fishing lower trophic levels of the food web. Certain functional traits (very large size, deep maximum depth, solitary behaviour, large distance migratory, very vagile and macrocarnivore diet) were higher in the north ports compared to the southern ports. Although some of this functional trait categories covary, these findings suggest an influence of the Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas marine reserve (through spill-over) on the northern ports which also have higher habitat complexity. The results of present study, although dependent on fishers’ perceptions and respective limitations, show how local ecology knowledge can be used to collect past and present information on commercial fish species and applied to an abundance and trait-based approach.
Genotyping of the Helicobacter pylori isolates of raw milk and traditional dairy products

Notwithstanding the substantial clinical impact of Helicobacter pylori , its convinced routes of transmission and sources have not been reported. Based on the quarrelsome hypothesis, foods and especially dairy products play an authoritative role in the transmission of H. pylori to humans. The current investigation was done to study the prevalence rate and distribution of vacA genotypes in the H. pylori strains isolated from the raw milk and traditional dairy products. Three-hundred milk and dairy samples were collected and directly transported to laboratory. Samples were cultured and H. pylori isolates were approved using the 16s rRNAbased PCR amplification. Positive strains were tested for distribution of vacA genotypes using the multiplex-PCR. Sixty out of 300 samples (20%) harbored H. pylori. Prevalence of H. pylori in milk and traditional dairy products were 38.75% and 13.18%, respectively. Ovine milk (45%) and traditional cheese (40%) had the highest prevalence of H. pylori. VacAs1a (91.66%), vacAm1a (61.61%) vacAs2 (36.66%) and vacAm2 (31.66%) were the most commonly detected genotypes. Ovine milk and traditional cheese had the most diverse genotypes. S1am1a (41.66%), s2m1a (25%), s1am2 (16.66%) and s2m2 (13.33%) were the most commonly detected combined genotypes. Raw milk and traditional dairy products are latent sources of H. pylori . Similarity in the genotyping pattern of H. pylori strains of various samples represents their similar sources of infection. Further studies are required to found the exact sources of H. pylori strains in raw milk and traditional dairy products.
Achieving Price Stability in Nigeria: Monetary Policy Rate Approach vs. Foreign Exchange Policy Approach

Earlier studies have reached a consensus that monetary policies generate more economic activities than fiscal policies in developing economies. This study has bridged the existing gaps in earlier studies by addressing the question of which of the instruments of macroeconomics is more effective in achieving price stability remains largely unanswered. The study observed that the presence of exogenous factor was responsible for the inability of the tight monetary policies of the CBN to mob excess liquidity from the economy. In the same vein, the exogenous factor destabilizes the steady economic growth that would have emanated from a relaxed monetary policy. The study also found foreign exchange rates (fx) to be a more effective instrument to achieving price stability than monetary policy rates (mpr). The Nigerian economy is largely import dependent with most of the importation being consumable goods and services and less of productive (capital) goods. The impact of changes in fx are more pronounced on the economy than changes in the interest rates. The attainment of price stability would become feasible if the apex bank accords priority to the formulation and deployment of foreign exchange policies that are sound in principle and effective in practice.
Relationship between Functionality and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adult Women from the Southeast of Mexico

This study explores the relationship between the level of functionality and cognitive impairment in older adult women from the south-east of Mexico. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study; performed with 172 participants in total who attended a health institute and live in Merida, Yucatan Mexico. After a nonprobabilistic sampling, Barthel and Pfeiffer scales were applied. The results show statistically significant correlation between the cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer) and the levels of independence and function (Barthel) (r =0.489; p =0.001). Both determine a dependence level so they need either a little or a lot of help. Society needs that the older woman be healthy and that the professionals of mental health develop activities to prevent and rehabilitate because cognitive impairment and function are directly related with the quality of life. Keywords—Functionality, cognition, routine activities, cognitive impairment.
Incarceration and Unwed Fathers in Fragile Families

Criminal justice policies have resulted in millions of Americans being incarcerated over the past three decades in systems that provide little or no rehabilitation. This study uses a new dataset-The Fragile Families Study-to document poor labor market outcomes that are associated with incarceration. We find that fathers who had been incarcerated earned 28 percent less annually than fathers who were never incarcerated These previously incarcerated fathers worked less weeks per year, less hours per week and were less likely to be working during the week prior to their interview. We also found that fathers who had been incarcerated were more likely to depend on underground employment and off-the-books earnings.
Identifying genuine effects in observational research by means of meta-regressions

Meta-regression models are increasingly utilized to integrate empirical results across studies while controlling for the potential threats of data-mining and publication bias. We propose extended meta-regression models and evaluate their performance in identifying genuine em- pirical effects by means of a comprehensive simulation study for various scenarios that are prevalent in empirical economics. We can show that the meta-regression models here pro- posed systematically outperform the prior gold standard of meta-regression analysis of re- gression coefficients. Most meta-regression models are robust to the presence of publication bias, but data-mining bias leads to seriously inflated type I errors and has to be addressed explicitly.
School Economics and the Aims of Education: Critique and Possibilities

Abstract Education is increasingly coming under the shadow of economics. In this article we engage in ideology critique by applying a critical realist analysis to conventional economic models and the teaching of students. Through a historical and philosophical interrogation, we argue that the current curriculum suffers from a diminutive understanding of human being. We argue that economics education has for a long time now worked with a highly abstracted and decontextualized idea of human being that has absented other dimensions of human concerns. We examine the current English Advanced level economic curriculum and the revised curriculum which will be taught from September 2015. Using an understanding of the dynamics of structure and agency and that economics operates in open systems, we argue for retroduction as an appropriate methodology.
In vitro interaction of antimicrobial agents in combination with plant extract against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.

Aims: To evaluate the possible in vitro interaction between methanolic extract of root of Adiantumcapillus-veneris and certain known antimicrobial drugs i.e. Oxacillin, Ceftazimide, Cefriaxone, Ofloxacin, Meropenem, Erythromycin, Cefuroxime, Cefoxitin, Cefotaxime and Ampicillin. Methodology and results: The study was carried out against ten bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniea, Shigella dysentriea, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Providencia species, Citrobacter freundii and Escherichia coli isolated from urine, pus and blood samples. Both disc diffusion and well diffusion methods were used to determine antimicrobial activity of plant extract in combination with antibiotics. Antimicrobial sensitivity showed that Meropenem was the most effective antibiotic with zone of inhibition (ZI) of 25-33 mm among all tested antibiotics followed by Ofloxacin (10-26.5 mm), Ceftriaxone (8-20 mm), while Oxacillin showed no activity against almost all bacterial strains. The study showed that most bacterial strains were resistant to most of the antibiotics used, ranging from 20-60%. The methanolic extract (mEXT) of A. capillus-veneris used alone was active against most of the bacterial isolates with maximum activity against E. coli with 16 mm ZI. The study also indicated that there was an increased activity in case of combination of mEXT with antibiotics. The combined effects of plant extract with antibiotics were synergistic against most of the bacterial strains. The mEXT showed maximum synergistic effect with Ceftazimide with ZI of 42 mm followed by Meropenem (40 mm) and Ceftriaxone (28 mm) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The data suggests that plant extract could be used as alternative to antibiotics. These results give scientific backing that combination between plant extract and antibiotics would be useful in fighting the emerging drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Surprising judgments about robot drivers: Experiments on rising expectations and blaming humans

N-Reasons is an experimental Internet survey platform designed to enhance public participation in applied ethics and policy. N-Reasons encourages individuals to generate reasons to support their judgments, and groups to converge on a common set of reasons pro and con various issues. In the Robot Ethics Survey some of the reasons contributed surprising judgments about autonomous machines. Presented with a version of the trolley problem with an autonomous train as the agent, participants gave unexpected answers, revealing high expectations for the autonomous machine and shifting blame from the automated device to the humans in the scenario. Further experiments with a standard pair of human-only trolley problems refine these results. While showing the high expectations even when no autonomous machine is involved, human bystanders are only blamed in the machine case. A third experiment explicitly aimed at responsibility for driverless cars confirms our findings about shifting blame in the case of autonomous machine agents. We conclude methodologically that both results point to the power of an experimental survey based approach to public participation to explore surprising assumptions and judgments in applied ethics. However, both results also support using caution when interpreting survey results in ethics, demonstrating the importance of qualitative data to provide further context for evaluating judgments revealed by surveys. On the ethics side, the result about shifting blame to humans interacting with autonomous machines suggests caution about the unintended consequences of intuitive principles requiring human responsibility.
The effect of dietary amino acid composition on protein and energy balance in growing pigs

Protein and energy deposition in the body were measured in 20 pigs from 25 to 70 kg body weight, which were fed isoprotein and isoenergetic diets adequate (A) in ileal digestible amino acid content, deficient in lysine by 20% (D) or 40% (VD), or containing lysine and methionine in 20% excess (E). Protein deposition in VD and D pigs was respectively 26 and 9% lower, whereas in the E pigs it was similar to that in A pigs. Utilization of digestible lysine was inversely (r=-0.52) related to the amount of protein deposited in the body. Dietary supplementation with amino acids had no effect on utilization of metabolizable energy (on average 33%). However, heat production related to maintenance and protein deposition was reduced by 0.38 kJ/kg 0 7 5 (P=O.07) per kJ energy additionally retained as protein.