Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Teachers’ Participation in Management of Physical and Material Resources on Their Motivation, Kenya

Motivation is one of the many factors that contribute to employee performance. Teachers’ motivation in public secondary schools has been highlighted as one of the factors that contribute to employee performance (Matoke, Okibo & Nyamongo, 2015). There is however a dearth of literature on the effects of teachers’ level of participation in management of physical and material resources on their motivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of teachers’ levels of participation in management of physical and material resources on teachers’ motivation in public secondary schools in Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado Counties, Kenay. The study sought to establish whether there was a significant relationship between the teachers’ level of participation in management of physical and material resources on teachers’ motivation in secondary schools. The study used Kurt Lewin change management model (1951) and Herzeberg Motivation Hygiene Theory (1959). Correlation design was adopted with a sample size of 58 principal and 345 subject teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires for the teachers and principals and self-administered observation guide. Stratified random sampling technique was used to get the sample size of the respondents. Validity was established through expert consultation and reliability determined using cronbach alpha. Means were computed to compare the teachers’ and principals’ opinions on the teachers’ level of participation in management of physical and material resources. Mean of below 2.00 was considered low level, mean between 2 to 3.5 was moderate whereas as mean above 3.5 was regarded high level. Independent t-test was used to establish whether there was a statistical mean difference between the teachers and school principals’ opinion on the teachers’ level of teachers’ participation in management of physical material resources. Simple regression analysis was carried out in order to establish the effect of teachers’ participation in the management of physical and material resources on their motivation. The study established that teachers were moderately involved in management of physical and material resources. The independent sample t-test results shows that there was a significant difference in the mean difference between the means of principals’ and teachers’ views on teachers’ participation in management of physical and material resources t (377) = -6.073, p = 0.00. The study revealed a statistical significant relationship between teachers’ level of participation in the management of physical facilities and their motivation ( = .399, p-value< .01). There is need to embrace participative structures that encourage teachers’ participation in management of physical facilities and material resources. Through such ventures the teachers will highly be motivated to work and consequently improving the quality of education in Kenya.
Assessment at Al-Ameer signalized intersection in Samawa city

The aim of this paper is to evaluate traffic performance of Al-Ameer signalized intersection in Samawa city, which fits with the prevailing conditions and geometric properties of the intersection. The technique of video recording has used for collection the traffic volume data for all approaches. These data are abstracted from video films. SYNCHRO 8 software was used to evaluate and analyze the intersection and choose the best suggestion. The evaluation process result showed that the intersection is operated with level of service (LOS F). By suggestion of several strategies which vary from signal optimization to geometric improvements. The best solution has been found by suggestion an overpass at the east-west direction, and the level of service has improved from (LOS F) to (LOS C), this result is considered an acceptable and economical solution for the existing problems at intersection.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) The Wind Nebula around Magnetar Swift J 1834 . 9-0846

We report on the analysis of two deep XMM-Newton observations of the magnetar Swift J1834.9−0846 and its surrounding extended emission taken in 2014 March and October, 2.5 and 3.1 yr after the source went into outburst. The magnetar is only weakly detected in the first observation, with an absorption-corrected flux » ́ F 4 10 0.5 10 keV 14 erg s −1 cm and a s 3 upper limit during the second observation of about 3 × 10 erg s cm. This flux level is more than 3 orders of magnitude lower than the flux measured at the outburst onset in 2011 September. The extended emission, centered at the magnetar position and elongated toward the southwest, is clearly seen in both observations; it is best fit by a highly absorbed power law (PL), with a hydrogen column density of = ́ N 8.0 10 H 22 cm and PL photon index G =  2.2 0.2. Its flux is constant between the two observations at = ́ F 1.3 10 0.5 10 keV 12 erg s −1 cm. We find no statistically significant changes in the spectral shape or the flux of this extended emission over a period of 9 yr from 2005 to 2014. These new results strongly support the extended emission nature as a wind nebula and firmly establish Swift J1834.9−0846 as the first magnetar to show a surrounding wind nebula. Further, our results imply that such nebulae are no longer exclusive to rotation-powered pulsars and narrow the gap between these two subpopulations of isolated neutron stars. The size and spectrum of the nebula are compatible with those of pulsar-wind nebulae, but its radiative efficiency h = » L E 0.1 X X ̇ is markedly high, possibly pointing to an additional wind component in Swift J1834.9−0846.
STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF MERCAPTOACETIC ACID (MAA) MODIFICATION OF CASSAVA (MANIHOT SCULENTA CRANZ) WASTE BIOMASS ON THE ADSORPTION OF CU2+ AND CD2+ FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

that the phytosorption rates could be described better by a pseudo-second order process and the rate coefficients was determined to be 2.04 × 10 −3 min −1 and 1.98 × 10 −3 min −1 for Cu 2+ and Cd 2+ respectively. The results from these studies indicated that acid treated cassava waste bi omass could be an efficient sorbent for the removal of toxic and valuable metals from industrial effluents.
Semi-natural and intensive silvicultural systems for the boreal mixedwood forest

Boreal mixedwood forests of aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white spruce (Picea glauca) are found on mesic sites in the western boreal forest. In the natural development of mixedwood stands, aspen is usually the first species to dominate the site. However, depending upon spruce seed sources and seedbeds, spruce can establish immediately after disturbance or in the next several decades. In most cases, spruce grow in the understory of deciduous species during its early development. If there are no spruce seed sources, aspen may be the sole tree species for a long period. In most circumstances, however, the longer-lived and taller white spruce eventually becomes the dominant species. If stands remain undisturbed for long periods, they will likely become uneven-aged mixtures of spruce and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). We propose silvicultural systems that will develop stands of a range of compositions, structures and value. As a starting point, we identify eight different mixed-wood compositions that might be .
Detection of B κ-casein variant (CSN3*B) in Burlina dairy cattle by PCR-TTGE

The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a PCR-TTGE method for the detection of B κ-casein variant (CSN3*B), which is known to play a major role in cheese technology. The effects of the different κ-casein alleles on the quality and the quantity of cow’s milk have been widely reported and the availability of accurate and reliable protocols for the identification of the most common alleles is of great interest in breeding projects. In the present study a new genomic DNA extraction method from milk samples and a PCR-TTGE protocol to quickly identify A and B κ-casein allelic variants were developed. The DNA extraction method was fast and suitable for DNA amplification, while TTGE proved to be a powerful technique for discrimination of A and B alleles. This method was applied to 197 milk samples derived from Burlina, an Italian dairy cattle breed. CSN3*B allele frequency as detected by PCR-TTGE was 0.368. The development of this PCR-TTGE protocol could be used for future breeding programs to improve milk coagulation ability traits.AbstractB (CSN3*B) PCR-TTGE B (CSN3*B) DNA PCR-TTGE A B DNA DNA TTGE A B Burlina 197 PCR-TTGE (CSN3*B) 0.368 PCR-TTGERésuméLe but de cette étude était de développer et optimiser une méthode PCR-TTGE pour la détection du variant B de la caséine κ (CSN3*B) connu pour son rôle majeur en technologie fromagère. Les effets des différents allèles de caséine κ sur la qualité et la quantité de lait ont été largement décrits et la disponibilité de protocoles précis et fiables pour l’identification des allèles les plus communs présente un grand intérêt pour les projets de sélection. Dans la présente étude, une nouvelle méthode d’extraction d’ADN génomique à partir d’échantillons de lait et un protocole PCR-TTGE pour identifier rapidement les variants alléliques de caséine κ A et B ont été développés. La méthode d’extraction d’ADN s’est avérée rapide et convenable pour l’amplification d’ADN tandis que la TTGE permettait de discriminer efficacement les allèles A et B. Cette méthode a été appliquée à 197 échantillons de lait de vaches de race italienne Burlina. La fréquence de l’allèle CSN3*B détecté par PCR-TTGE était de 0,368. Le développement de ce protocole PCR-TTGE pourrait être utilisé dans de futurs programmes de sélection pour améliorer le caractère d’aptitude du lait à la coagulation.
A novel look at energy equipartition in globular clusters

Two-body interactions play a major role in shaping the structural and dynamical properties of globular clusters (GCs) over their long-term evolution. In particular, GCs evolve toward a state of partial energy equipartition that induces a mass-dependence in their kinematics. By using a set of Monte Carlo cluster simulations evolved in quasi isolation, we show that the stellar mass dependence of the velocity dispersion σ(m) can be described by an exponential function σ 2 ∝ exp(−m/meq), with the parameter meq quantifying the degree of partial energy equipartition of the systems. This simple parametrization successfully captures the behaviour of the velocity dispersion at lower as well as higher stellar masses, that is, the regime where the system is expected to approach full equipartition. We find a tight correlation between the degree if equipartition reached by a GC and its dynamical state, indicating that clusters that are more than about 20 core relaxation times old, have reached a maximum degree of equipartition. This equipartition−dynamical state relation can be used as a tool to characterize the relaxation condition of a cluster with a kinematic measure of the meq parameter. Vice versa, the mass-dependence of the kinematics can be predicted knowing the relaxation time solely on the basis of photometric measurements. Moreover, any deviations from this tight relation could be used as a probe of a peculiar dynamical history of a cluster. Finally, our novel approach is important for the interpretation of state-of-the-art Hubble Space Telescope proper motion data, for which the mass dependence of kinematics can now be measured, and for the application of modeling techniques which take into consideration multi-mass components and mass segregation.
Safety First, Learning Under Ambiguity, and the Cross-Section of Stock Returns

We examine the empirical implications of learning under ambiguity for the cross-section of stock returns. We introduce a theoretically-motivated ambiguity measure and find that ambiguity is priced in the cross-section of average stock returns. Ambiguity is not subsumed by state variables known to predict stock returns, nor by value, size, and momentum factors. In R-squared comparative tests, a model that takes ambiguity into account performs better than empirical implementations of the Bayesian learning model, the intertemporal CAPM, and the four-factor model of Fama and French (1993) and Carhart (1997).
The Performance of Natural Ventilation Windcatchers in Schools -A Comparison between Prediction and Measurement

Abstract Windcatchers are roof mounted devices that use the action of the wind to provide top down natural ventilation to a room. Here, fresh air is channelled into a room while, at the same time, stale air is drawn out. This provides a simple but attractive natural ventilation methodology that is increasing in popularity in U.K. schools. However, an analysis of system performance has largely been limited to laboratory based measurements and the use of CFD to generate predictions. Moreover, analysis is normally restricted to the operation of an autonomous Windcatcher whereas, in reality, it is likely to operate in a building in which other sources of ventilation are present (an open window for example) which can significantly alter the performance. The aim of this paper is to provide a tool for estimating the performance of a Windcatcher from basic data that is typically available to the engineer in the building design phase. Accordingly, the methodology uses data that one could reasonably be expected to have for a building’s ventilation performance. This paper also reviews in situ performance based on measurements in U.K. schools both with and without open windows. Predictions generated by a semi-empirical model are then compared against measurement data and this is shown to deliver generally good agreement between the two, both with and without open windows, provided the theoretical predictions are presented in terms of an upper and lower performance limit. Furthermore, both experiment and theory clearly demonstrate that a large increase in the ventilation rate is possible if one combines the operation of a Windcatcher with, say, an open window, and that this ventilation rate is greater than that which would be achievable from a window operating on its own.
Restoring microenvironmental redox and pH homeostasis inhibits neoplastic cell growth and migration: therapeutic efficacy of esomeprazole plus sulfasalazine on 3-MCA-induced sarcoma

Neoplastic cells live in a stressful context and survive thanks to their ability to overcome stress. Thus, tumor cell responses to stress are potential therapeutic targets. We selected two such responses in melanoma and sarcoma cells: the xc- antioxidant system, that opposes oxidative stress, and surface v-ATPases that counteract the low pHi by extruding protons, and targeted them with the xc- blocker sulfasalazine and the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole. Sulfasalazine inhibited the cystine/cysteine redox cycle and esomeprazole decreased pHi while increasing pHe in tumor cell lines. Although the single treatment with either drug slightly inhibited cell proliferation and motility, the association of sulfasalazine and esomeprazole powerfully decreased sarcoma and melanoma growth and migration. In the 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MCA)-induced sarcoma model, the combined therapy strongly reduced the tumor burden and increased the survival time: notably, 22 % of double-treated mice recovered and survived off therapy. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) displaying M2 markers, that abundantly infiltrate sarcoma and melanoma, overexpress xc- and membrane v-ATPases and were drastically decreased in tumors from mice undergone the combined therapy. Thus, the double targeting of tumor cells and macrophages by sulfasalazine and esomeprazole has a double therapeutic effect, as decreasing TAM infiltration deprives tumor cells of a crucial allied. Sulfasalazine and esomeprazole may therefore display unexpected therapeutic values, especially in case of hard-to-treat cancers.
Analysis of population and heterosis effects in crossbred cattle of Czech Fleckvieh and Beef Simmental parentage for growth traits

Abstract. Genetic effects, e.f. population and heterosis effects have been estimated for: Czech Fleckvieh, Beef Simmental and various types of their crosses produced in beef cow-calf operations. The best genetic-statistical model was chosen for the analyze of these effects. The fallowing traits were analyzed: birth weight, weights at 210 and at 365 days of age as well as average daily gains between birth and 210 days, between 210 and 365 days and between birth and 365 days of age. Parameters for all the traits were estimated by the method of least squares means with fixed effects year of birth, herd, sex, type of birth (single or multiple), age of dam and genotype. Genetic models involved the means and two to four crossbreeding effects: i.e. direct and maternal population effect and direct and maternal heterosis effect. The results showed that the genetic model including the mean and all four crossbreeding effects was more accurate and advantageous that the others. For all growth traits crossbreds exceeded both purebred populations. Positive values were estimated for most direct and maternal population effects. Direct and maternal heterosis effects in global showed negative values.
Effect of Contextual Interference in Video Feedback on Kinematic Characteristic Acquisition of Football Pass

The purpose of this study was investigating of contextual interference (CI) effects in observational learning. Therefore, verbal and visual cueing related to correction of technique were organized in blocked and random methods. Participants (n=24, age=19 ± 1.4) were set randomly in one of the blocked, random or control group. Performances were captured with 3-DMotion Analysis System and analyzed by Cortex Software. result of Mixed Anova 3 (group) × 3 (day) of Fisher z scales mean from the Pearson correlation between participants and model kinematic data, showed that in acquisition of hip (p=0.29) and ankle (p=0.30) angles pattern, there were no significant different between groups. But for knee angle (p=0.01), the group that received verbal and visual cueing by random, had most similarity with model performance and the blocked group, had least similarity with model performance. Then, CI is also beneficial in observation context. Therefore, if the learner watched himself in addition to performing skills between training sessions and focus randomly on each part of body movement, it seems the practice effect would increase because the learner is involved actively in the learning process, and this leads to a more profound processing of information on the movement of any part of the body.
The Relationship between Large Fiscal Adjustments and Short-Term Output Growth Under Alternative Fiscal Policy Regimes

A small, but growing, body of literature searches for evidence of non-Keynesian effects of fiscal contractions. That is, some evidence exists that large fiscal contractions stimulate short-run economic activity. Our paper continues this research effort by systematically examining the effects, if any, of unusual fiscal events - either non-Keynesian results within a Keynesian model or Keynesian results within a neoclassical model -- on short-run economic activity. We examine this issue within three separate models -- a St. Louis equation, a Hall-type consumption equation, and a growth accounting equation. Our empirical findings are mixed, and do not provide strong systematic support for the view that unusually large fiscal contractions/expansions reverse the effects of normal fiscal events. Moreover, we find only limited evidence that trigger points are empirically important.
Comparaciones de las Propiedades Mecánicas de las Raíces de tres Especies Nati- vas Mexicanas para Practicas de Bioingeniería de Suelos

DOI: 10.17129/botsci.802 Abstract Background: Urbanized slope areas in Sierra Madre Oriental are prone to sediment related disasters mainly caused by heavy rainfall episodes during hurricane season, knowledge on the factors on soil-roots dynamics are required to mitigate or lessen those disasters. Questions and hypothesis: The mechanical properties of roots of native species vary according species. The mechanical properties of the roots are influenced by the morphology of root: diameter. Species studied: Quercus rysophylla, Pinus pseudostrobus and Acacia berlandieri. Study site and dates: Sierra Madre Oriental, Chipinque Ecological Park in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. From middle of December 2014. Methods: Selection of species was made base on widespread distribution and predominance in degraded areas. Samples were taken at field and tensile tests to calculate maximum force to root breakage were conducted using a laboratory dispositive, calculations of tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were calculated using formulas. The corresponding relations between root diameter and mechanical properties were established. Results: Results confirmed that bigger diameters require bigger forces to break. In other hand, results confirmed the negative relationship between diameter and tensile strength and diameter and modulus of elasticity. Pointing out that roots of bigger diameter have less tensile strength and elasticity. The order of importance of the species studied according its mechanical properties was found like: Acacia berlandieri > Quercus rysophylla > Pinus pseudostrobus. Conclusions: The results of this study begin the data contribution of the mechanical properties of native species of Sierra Madre Oriental in order to use it in the application of soil bioengineering practices on urbanized slopes prone to disasters.
A prospective study on the impact of waiting times for radiotherapy for cervical cancer at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Africa

Background. Radiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of cervical cancer. However, due to high patient load and limited resources, waiting lists are unacceptably long. This is a highly curable malignancy that often occurs in economically active, relatively young women. Thus, the impact of treatment delays on society is disproportionately large when compared to many other malignancies. Delays also impact negatively on the health care system and places further stress on an already burdened department. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of radiotherapy delays. Patients and methods. Eighty-one patients requiring radical radiotherapy for cervical cancer were selected. Patients were re-evaluated every four weeks while waiting, and again at simulation. Results. Median delay from first consultation to simulation was 55 days. Longer delays were not statistically correlated to tumour progression. Most of the upstaging occurred around 40 to 65 days. One in four patients received blood transfusions and required hospital admission. Four patients needed haemostatic brachytherapy for bleeding. Conclusion. A relationship between time waited and disease progression could not be proven. However, numbers were small and statistical tests were likely underpowered. The study does, however, highlight unacceptably long delays for radiotherapy and a wait of less than 40 days is recommended.