Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A multivariate indicator to monitor changes in spatial patterns of age-structured fish populations

Quantitative analysis of the spatial patterns in age-structured fish populations provides a useful comple- ment to stock assessment methods. The spatial distribution of an age-structured population is characterized by indicators for location, dispersion and aggregation, which are estimated from survey data. The times series of spatial indicators are organised in a 3D data structure with dimensions along indicators, age classes and years. Multi factor analysis (MFA) is applied to quantify the reproducibility in time of the multivariate structure between age classes and indicators. MFA computes the mean annual pattern over the age classes. The deviation around that pattern in each year is also quan- tified. A multivariate indicator that characterise the spatial pattern over all age classes is developed. Its variation in time is evaluated with quality control methods. The multivariate indicator is shown to be χ 2 distributed and a CUSUM control chart is used to detect any significant changes in time. Software for implementing the method is presented and described. To illustrate this new method, North Sea cod data are analysed, and changes in the spatial patterns of the age-structured population are detected and interpreted.
Relation between plant water status and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) population dynamics on three cultivars of tomato

Deficit irrigation scheduling is used to increase the efficiency with which water is used in many crops including tomato, however a water deficit is predicted to favour phloem feeding insects. We tested if and how different cultivars of tomato grown under water deficit conditions affect the population growth of the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae. Three tomato cultivars (Scintilla, Beefmaster and Rio Grande) were used in the experiments. The results for three watering regimes were compared with those of a control, which was well watered every three days: stressed plants received one third of the water supplied to the control over each three-day interval (experiment 1); stressed plants received a gradually decreasing amount of water (100% at the first watering and then 80%, 60%, 50%, 40% and 20%) every three days (experiment 2); stressed plants received the same amount of water as the con- trol but at longer intervals, that is when evident signs of wilting appeared (experiment 3). The results showed that water stress either enhanced, had an adverse effect or had no effect on aphid population growth, depending on the cultivar and watering regime. No dif- ference was recorded in the population dynamics of M. euphorbiae feeding on Beefmaster tomato plants subjected to different levels of water stress. In the case of the cultivar Scintilla, live aphids were less abundant on stressed plants than on well watered ones in experiment 1 and 3 but not in experiment 2. The highest variability in aphid population dynamics on the plants grown under the dif- ferent water stress protocols was recorded on the cultivar Rio Grande. In experiment 1, the initial peak in aphid numbers was higher on the water stressed plants than on the control and then decreased to lower numbers than on the control. In experiment 2, there were no differences in the numbers of aphids infesting stressed and control plants. In experiment 3, there were fewer aphids on stressed than on control plants after six days, as in experiment 1, but there was no initial peak in aphid numbers.
Trade Liberalisation, Growth and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This study traces the beneficial effects of trade-growth nexus and evaluates its indirect trend on the poverty periscope of the Nigerian economy (i.e the trickle-down theory of development), and in order to keep up with the ‘stationarity’ of the economic data employed, both individually and collectively, the Augmented Dickney Fuller (ADF), the Phillip Peron (PP) test, and the Johansen Juselius Cointegration tests were respectively employed. Contrary to expectation and in deviance to theoretical proposition, in the Nigerian context, an outward-oriented policy of trade liberalization has not been beneficial. This study, after all, lends more credence to the study of Kanayo, George and Adenuga (2004) which reports that there is no co-integration between trade openness and economic growth on the one hand, and with poverty reduction, on the other hand, both at 1 percent and 5percent significance levels. But, capital expenditure is the only variable that both impacts on growth and also trickles down to the ‘common man’ and thus reduces the poverty level of the Nigerian economy. Key words: Trade, Growth, Liberalisation, Poverty.
Evaluation the index of ophthalmic arteries in diabetic patients with retinopathy compared to diabetic patients without retinopathy using color Doppler ultrasound

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye complication in diabetic patients that early detection of this complication is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate ophthalmic artery index in diabetic retinopathy by Doppler ultrasound. In this cross-sectional study, 64 patients were studied in 4 groups (healthy, diabetic without retinopathy, background retinopathy and proliferative retinopathy). Resistance index (RI) and Pulsatile Index (PI) were assessed by color Doppler ultrasound. The obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA and chi-square test and ROC curve. RI in diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy has the highest mean (0.83) and the lowest mea was observed in healthy subjects (0.54) (P <0.001) as well as in PI, the highest rate was in diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy (1.41) and the lowest was in healthy subjects (0.92) (P <0.001). The results of our study showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and overall accuracy of RI and PI in diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy in the best cut-off points (0.645 and 1.0175 respectively) were 100%. Ophthalmic artery index RI and PI was significantly increased in patients with diabetic retinopathy and the sensitivity and specificity for detection retinopathy was 100%. Color Doppler ultrasound method is more efficient for screening diabetic patients with retinopathy.
WORK-RELATED WELL-BEING IN SECTOR EDUCATION TRAINING AUTHORITIES

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between job demands, job resources, sense of coherence and work-related well-being of employees at Sector Education Training Authorities (SETA). The sample consisted of 159 SETA employees in South Africa. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Orientation to Life Questionnaire, and the Job Demands-Resources Scale. The results showed that overload predicted exhaustion. Cynicism was predicted by limited growth opportunities, a lack of organisational support, and a weak sense of coherence. Vigour and dedication were predicted by growth opportunities, organisational support and a strong sense of coherence.
In Vivo Antidiabetic Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Azardirachta indica, A. juss in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

There is growing interest in the potential of plant remedies to treat and manage many diseases owing to the adverse side effects, unavailability and unaffordability associated with the conventional therapy. Among the traditional plants that has been prescribed for clinical use for many ailments including diabetes mellitus is Azardirachta indica. Their continued use is largely based on their long-term therapeutic effects although this has not been authenticated scientifically. This study therefore, aims to evaluate the in vivo hypoglycemic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of A. indica in alloxan-induced white male albino mice. The blood glucose lowering effect of the extract was intraperitoneally and orally bioscreened in diabetic mice in serial dilutions of the extract at 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals was done using standard procedures. In both routes, the extract lowered blood glucose at all dosages in a dose independent manner. The extracts contained flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The antidiabetic activity may be attributable to these phytochemicals present in the plant extract. The study confirms the traditional use of this plant part in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, organic solvent extraction of the leaves of this plant should be done to compare effects of both organic and aqueous fractions.
Impact of Nutrition Counselling on Food and Nutrient Intake and Haematological Profile of Rural Pregnant Women

Abstract Sixty pregnant women belonging to low socioeconomic status during 5th month of pregnancy were selected from three villages of Ludhiana district. They were assessed for their nutritional status and divided into two groups. Group I (30 women) was given nutrition education for five months about nutritional needs during pregnancy, served as Experimental (E) group and other 30 women served as control (C) group. Dietary survey revealed that the intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables and fats and oils was less than Recommended Dietary Intakes (ICMR 1980). However, the intake of milk and milk products, other vegetables, roots and tubers and sugar and jaggery was more than the recommended intakes. Average energy intake was 1856, 1760 Kcal and 2103, 1882 Kcal during 5th and 9th month by the subjects belonging to E and C group, which was less than the RDA. However, intake of protein was almost adequate. Nutrient intake during 9th month improved in both the groups due to increased requirements of pregnancy. In E group intake of all the nutrients was significantly higher as compared to C group. This may be due to more consumption of pulses, milk and milk products and leafy vegetables and also due to adoption of desirable nutritional practices like use of sprouted grains and other nutritious foods. Thus there is wide scope of imparting nutrition counselling to pregnant women to improve their nutritional status and that of newborns.
Identification and removal of Mn‐Mg‐rich contaminant phases on foraminiferal tests: Implications for Mg/Ca past temperature reconstructions

The geochemical composition of foraminifera shells from an Ocean Drilling Program site in the Panama Basin has been analyzed by several analytical techniques (LA‐ICP‐MS, ICP‐MS, XRD, SEM, EDX) in order to identify and evaluate the occurrence of contaminant phases which may bias paleoenvironmental reconstructions. LA‐ICP‐MS results on uncleaned tests indicate the presence of Mn‐Mg‐rich contaminant phases at the inner surfaces of the foraminiferal shells (which have Mn/Ca ratios up to 400 mmol mol−1 and Mg/Ca ratios up to 50 mmol mol−1). We have rigorously assessed the ability of different cleaning protocols to remove these contaminant phases and have obtained satisfactory results only when a reductive step is included. The analysis of cleaning residuals collected after each of the different cleaning steps applied reveals that high Mn values are associated with at least two different contaminant phases, of which only one is linked to high Mg values. XRD analysis further reveals that the Mn‐Mg‐rich phase is the Ca‐Mn‐Mg carbonate kutnahorite (Ca(Mn, Mg)(CO3)2). Our results demonstrate that the presence of kutnahorite‐like minerals can bias Mg/Ca ratios toward higher values (by 7–36%) and lead to significant overestimation of past seawater temperatures (by 0.9 up to 6.2°C, in the case of these Panama Basin samples).
Modification of precipitation location by natural and artificial cloud seeding

The rate of precipitation formation depends of the droplet concentration and the width of droplet spectrum. An increase of the concentration of small aerosols (with radii below 0.1 m μ ) leads to a delay (sometimes by several tens of minutes) in the precipitation formation and often fosters the formation of low density ice with small fall velocity. In the presence of a background wind, the delay in the precipitation formation means the spatial shift of precipitation. This spatial redistribution can be used for the purposes of rain enhancement. In the study we simulate cloud and precipitation distribution in the Eastearn Mediterranean region during the cold season under different aerosol concentrations.
The impact of gas inflows on star formation rates and metallicities in barred galaxies

The star formation rates (SFRs) and metallicities of a sample of 294 galaxies with visually classified, strong, large-scale bars are compared to a control sample of unbarred disc galaxies selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 4. The fibre (inner few kpc) metallicities of barred galaxies are uniformly higher (at a given mass) than the unbarred sample by ∼0.06 dex. However, the fibre SFRs of the visually classified barred galaxies are higher by about 60 per cent only in the galaxies with total stellar mass M★ > 1010 M⊙. The metal enhancement at M★ 1010 M⊙. However, due to the much lower fraction of pairs than bars, bars account for ∼3.5 times more triggered central star formation than interactions.
Assessing adult learner's numeracy as related to gender and performance in arithmetic

The study investigated adult learner numeracy as related to gender and performance in arithmetic among 32 Nigerian adult learners from one government accredited adult literacy centre in Lagos State using the quantitative research method within the blueprint of descriptive survey design. Data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics of percentages, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics of factor analysis, independent samples t-test, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that numeracy skill assessed by the numeracy self-assessment scale was a multi-dimensional construct (numeracy in everyday life, numeracy in workplace, and numeracy in mathematical tasks). Adult learners showed average numeracy strength as gender differences in perception of numeracy skills and performance in arithmetic among adult learners reached zero-tolerance level. Numeracy in workplace and numeracy in mathematical tasks made statistically significant contributions to the variance in adult learners’ performance in arithmetic. Based on this base line study, it was thus, recommended that future studies in Nigeria should investigate adult learners’ numeracy skills using more robust and psychometrically sound instruments such as the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey (ALLS) and the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS).
AUGMENTED DSM SEQUENCING TO SUPPORT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

The Sequencing of product DSMs has been proposed for the identification of interdependencies and for product development planning (PDP) including components and subsystems. But, due to little exploitable outcome, this approach is hardly used in practice. A new method using an augmented DSM Sequencing algorithm with a gradient based optimizer is presented. The method considers Product Architecture Drivers to derive a suggestion for an efficient planning process and is integrated in a DSM software. Furthermore, it is validated using a combustion engine as a typical engineering product.
The mediating effect of school climate on transformational leadership and school effectiveness

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model in exploring the mediating effect of school climate on transformational leadership and school effectiveness in Malaysian primary schools. As such, this conceptual paper was developed based on three theories: School Effectiveneess Theory (Lezzote and Kynder, 2011), Transformational Leadership Theory (Leithwood and Jantzi, 2000) and School Climate Theory (Wayne K. Hoy, 2003). Upon extensive review on the past studies, four dimension of Transformational Leadership, four dimensions of School Climate and seven dimensions of School Effectiveness were identified to contrast this model.
Interconnectedness of technology teachers’ perceptions of the design process to learner creativity

The design process (DP) is key to technology education and is considered as synonymous with problem solving, hence it undergirds all its learning aims and objectives. The Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) document envisages that the design process will promote problem solving, critical thinking and creativity in learners. However, a paucity of empirical studies within the South African context illuminates the interconnectedness of DP to problem solving, critical thinking and creativity in learners for which the CAPS policy advocates. Further, there is a need to explore the interconnectedness of teachers' perceptions of the DP, their enactment of the DP and its impact on learner creativity. This paper reports on a study that explored that interconnectedness and addressed the following research questions: What are grade 9 technology teachers' perceptions of the design process? How do these perceptions relate to teachers' reported enactment of the DP and creativity in learners? The conceptual framework used to model the interconnectedness that exists between teachers' perceptions and reported enactment of the design process is Shulman's pedagogical content knowledge model (PCK). This interpretivist study was located in the Umlazi district of KwaZulu-Natal. A case study design was used to collect qualitative data via an open-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview from 30 purposively selected technology teachers. Content analysis of data was undertaken in line with the conceptual framework. Our findings reflect that teachers' perception and reported enactment of DP and the flexibility of the learning environment have an impact on opportunities for problem solving, critical thinking and creativity in learners. Our findings raise questions about the type of professional development teachers need to enact the envisaged goals of the CAPS document in respect of the DP in technology education.
Exercise capacity in adult patients after Fontan procedure. (RCD code: IV‑5B.1)

Background: The aim of Fontan procedure is to restore a balance between pulmonary and systemic circulation and improve or nearly normalize arterial saturation in patients with functionally univentricular heart. Nevertheless, due to the lack of subpulmonary pump, the circulatory system becomes haemodynamically less efficient, what can lead to the impairment of exercise capacity. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate exercise capacity by means of cardiopulmonary exercise test and pulmonary function tests, of 37 adult Fontan patients with regard to the time passed from the index procedure. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group I – up to 15 years post procedure; group II – 16–20 years, group III – more than 20 years after Fontan procedure). Results: 37 Fontan patients (mean age was 24.4 ±5.7 years, 40% of women) were enrolled in the study. The mean postoperative time was 19.4 ±5.1 (13–30) years. Mean, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was 22.7 ±7.1 ml/kg/min (64.2 ±18.5% of predicted value). According to postoperative time a significant increase of ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) (p = 0.033) and significant decrease of forced expiratory volume in 1 s/ vital capacity (FEV1%VC) between group 2 and 3 (p = 0.026) were observed. Additionally, the age of the patients correlated negatively with and heart rate (HR) (r = -0.360, p <0.05) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) (r = -0,337, p < 0.05). Moreover, age at Fontan operation and time after Fontan procedure was related to ventilator equivalent of oxygen (VE/VO2) (r = -0,343, p <0.05, and r = 0.393, p <0.05). Single ventricle ejection fraction (SVEF) and atrioventricular regurgitation degree did not corresponded with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) values. Conclusions: Results highlight the complex problem of diminished exercise capacity of Fontan patients depending on the time passed from the procedure. Exercise tolerance deteriorates in time: VE/VCO2 increases, FEV1/VC markedly lowers in a group of Fontan patients at 20 years follow-up. JRCD 2016; 2 (8): 254–258
ASSESSING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSUMER SWITCH FROM LOCAL TO IMPORTED PRODUCTS

Author Shapiro Philip Domie Year 2013 Language English Page 64 + 3 Appendices Name of supervisor Satu Lautamäki It is believed that the consumers’ behaviour from a particular country regarding to goods and services produced in that country is considered as a key determinant of the economic growth and development of a nation. Due to an increased in imported goods and sudden high competitive consumer markets in Ghana, consumers have been exposed to foreign alternatives for domestic made products and foreign products. However, many of the local industry are working hard to survive in today’s turbulent Ghanaian market. This study was undertaken to investigate factors influencing consumer switch from local to imported alcoholic beverages with a case company Kasapreko. Both qualitative and quantitative method was employed in attempt to gain an understanding of the research problems. A sample including 100 randomly selected consumers were surveyed using a structured questionnaire and Skype to telephone interview Kasapreko management in the capital of Ghana-Accra. The findings of this study suggest that country of origin is more important than product attributes and other price factors. The Ghanaian consumer perceives alcoholic beverages made in the country in low regard relative to foreign ones. Also consumer taste and superior quality are the two most important reasons for the Ghanaian consumers’ preference for foreign alcoholic beverages. Even though there is some element of ethnocentrism in between respondents; it has been revealed that they are not extremely ethnocentric. Therefore manufacturing firms in Ghana are urged to augment the quality levels of their products, reduce their prices and make available more products to have a competitive edge over imported ones and also enhancing local consumption.
Research Article IN VITRO ANTAGONISM AND EVALUATION OF CHITINASE ACTIVITY OF BACTERIA- BACILLUS CIRCULANS AGAINST PATHOGENIC FUNGI IN VIGNA UNGUICULATA

Scientists of agriculture and plant pathology are on the lookout for potential biological control agents to control the plant pathogenic organisms in order to avoid soil contamination. Rhizospheric bacteria are excellent agents to control soil-borne plant pathogens. In this study an attempt has been made to evaluate the antagonistic activity of a bacterial strain Bacillus circulans against Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium sp. , which are important seed and soil borne pathogens distributed throughout the world. These infections cause grain mold and leaf spot diseases, resulting in significant economic loss to the crops. A soil bacterium Bacillus circulans isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Vigna unguiculata, showed high antagonistic activity against Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium sp. on dual plate assay. Bacillus circulans showed a distinct inhibition zone in the dual plate assay and also produced a clear inhibition zone in chitin amended agar medium containing 0.5% colloidal chitin, indicating that it secretes chitinase.