Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of antiplasmodial potential of Aloe barbadensis and Allium sativum on plasmodium berghei-infected mice

A significant percentage of the developing countries are living in malaria-endemic communities and are prone to contacting the disease. The fight against malaria is faced with the occurrence of widespread resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to the available anti-malarial drugs. Thus, this study evaluates the anti-malarial activity of extracts of Aloe barbadensis and Allium sativum in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. To achieve this, crude extracts of A. sativum and A. barbadensis were prepared. These extracts were administered orally to P. berghei infected mice after 24 h of infection at the concentration of 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg/day respectively for three days following the modified Peter four- day suppressive test procedure. The clearance rates in P. berghei infected mice were determined. Following the internationally accepted principles for laboratory animal use, the blood sample of the experimental mice was collected through cardiac puncture and diluted with normal saline and the experimental mice were infected intravenously. Parasitaemia infection was confirmed using 10% Giemsa-stained thin film fixed with methanol. Clearance rate was evaluated using the same staining procedure after three days of treatment. A. barbadensis extract showed a clearance rate A. barbadensis extract showed a clearance rates (% parasitaemia) of 6.3, 18.3 and 32.0% respectively at 400 mg/kg concentration, 5.3 to 28.7% for 600 mg/kg concentration and 4.0 to 22.3% at 800 mg/kg concentration. Also, with Allium sativum, the clearance rates increased from 8.3% to 26.1%at 400mg/kg, 7.7%to 25.1%at 600mg/kg and 6.9% to 24.3%at 800mg/kg respectively. Each extract shows variable level of parasitaemia suppression in dose related manner, when compared with the control groups. Key words: Antiplasmodial potential, Aloa barabadensis, Allium sativum, Plasmodium berghei.
Active emergence of meiofauna from intertidal sediment

Laboratory experiments were conducted to test for active meiofaunal emergence from intertidal sediment in the absence of currents. Copepoda, Ostracoda, Plathelrninthes and Polychaeta actively left submerged glass jars containing undisturbed sandy sediment. Ostracoda and juvenile Bivalvia moved to the sediment surface and climbed out of the glass jars while other taxa left the jars by swimming. In no case d ~ d Nematoda or Ohgochaeta leave the sediment. During a single nocturnal high tide, 87 % of Copepoda, 67 U/o of Ostracoda and 42 % of Plathelminthes may leave the sediment. Emigration rates are significantly smaller during diurnal high tides. Copepoda were randomly d~st r i buted in the water column 10 to 50 cm above the bottom and Plathelminthes between 10 and 40 cm There are specific differences in the emigrahon rates of plathelmlnth taxa. Diatom-feeders, copepodfeeders and unspecific predators emerged In sign~ficantly higher proportions than did nematodefeeders and bacteria-feeders. Results suggest high mobility and high transport rates of intertidal meiofauna above the sediment
The Impact of Federal Government Expenditure on Economic Growth in Nigeria (1981-2014)

The study investigated the impact of federal government expenditure on the Nigerian economic growth. The main objective of the study was to ascertain whether there is a relationship between federal government expenditure and economic growth in Nigeria. The study adopted the Ordinary Least Square estimation technique to estimate the model specified using time series data for the period 1981-2014. Real Gross Domestic Product was used as the dependent variable while federal government capital and recurrent expenditures were used as the independent variables. The result from the regression analysis shows that federal government capital and recurrent expenditures have a positive effect on real GDP. The data used in the analysis were gotten from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin. The study recommended that federal government should direct more of its recurrent expenditure towards economic and community services as they accelerate economic growth. The study also recommended proper management of public funds allocated to the agricultural sector and manufacturing industries as they have the potential of raising the nation’s production capacity and providing employment for citizens in the country.
Trade policy, biotechnology and grain self-sufficiency in China

Over the past 20 years the growth of China's agricultural economy has been extraordinary. However, it seems unlikely that China will maintain self-sufficiency in grains by 2005 without substantial intervention. We develop a CGE model to assess the options available to Chinese policy makers. We compare the welfare effects of import tariffs and domestic support, and explore the potential of biotechnology as a means to achieve self-sufficiency through improvements in agricultural productivity. Our results indicate that the price interventions that would be required to maintain China's desired self-sufficiency ratios are considerable, and are unlikely to be compatible with WTO accession. The productivity improvements required are also significant, and likely beyond the current potential of biotechnology. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Verbenone Plus Reduces Levels of Tree Mortality Attributed to Mountain Pine Beetle Infestations in Whitebark Pine, a Tree Species of Concern

In western North America, recent outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, have been severe, long-lasting and well-documented. We review previous research that led to the identification of Verbenone Plus, a novel four-component semiochemical blend [acetophenone, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol + (Z)-2-hexen-1- ol, and (–)-verbenone] that has been demonstrated to inhibit the response of a closely-related bark beetle species, western pine beetle, D. brevicomis LeConte, to attractant-baited traps and trees. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of Verbenone Plus for protecting stands of whitebark pine, Pinus albicaulis Engelm. , a species of concern being considered for listing as a threatened and endangered species, from mortality attributed to D. ponderosae infestations in the central Sierra Nevada, California, USA. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (untreated control, Verbenone Plus) and four replicates (0.4-ha square plots) per treatment. A total of 450 trees were killed by D. ponderosae, 377 were P. albicaulis and 73 were lodgepole pine, P. contorta Dougl. ex Laws. Significantly, fewer pines (P. albicaulis and P. contorta) and P. albicaulis (only) were killed by D. ponderosae on Verbenone Plus-treated plots compared to the untreated control. On average, there was ~78% reduction in tree mortality attributed to Verbenone Plus. We discuss the implications of these and other results to the development of Verbenone Plus as a semiochemical-based tool for tree protection.
A fundamental relation between the metallicity, gas content, and stellar mass of local galaxies

Recent results have suggested that the well known mass-metallicity relation has a strong dependence on the star formation rate, to the extent that a three dimensional ‘fundamental metallicity relation’ exists which links the three parameters with minimal scatter. In this work, we use a sample of 4253 local galaxies observed in atomic hydrogen from the ALFALFA survey to demonstrate, for the first time, that a similar fundamental relation (the Hi-FMR) also exists between stellar mass, gas-phase metallicity, and Hi mass. This latter relation is likely more fundamental, driving the relation between metallicity, SFR and mass. At intermediate masses, the behaviour of the gas fundamental metallicity relation is very similar to that expressed via the star formation rate. However, we find that the dependence of metallicity on Hi content persists to the highest stellar masses, in contrast to the ‘saturation’ of metallicity with SFR. It is interesting to note that the dispersion of the relation is very low at intermediate stellar masses (9 < log(M∗/M⊙) < 11), suggesting that in this range galaxies evolve smoothy, in an equilibrium between gas inflow, outflow and star formation. At high and low stellar masses, the scatter of the relation is significantly higher, suggesting that merging events and/or stochastic accretion and star formation may drive galaxies outside the relation. We also assemble a sample of galaxies observed in CO. However, due to a small sample size, strong selection bias, and the influence of a metallicitydependent CO/H2 conversion factor, the data are insufficient to test any influence of molecular gas on metallicity.
THE IMPACT OF MASTER FARMER TRAINING SCHEME ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY OF COMMUNAL FARMERS IN GUTU DISTRICT

A study was conducted in Gutu district’s wards 2, 8, 17, 23 and 37 to determine what impact the Master Farmer Training Scheme, a tool in Zimbabwe’s agricultural extension has on productivity and livelihoods of communal farmers. It also sought to explore the relevance of the training method to Zimbabwe’s current agricultural landscape and reasons for low adoption of farming methods learnt during Master Farmer Training. A total of 300 structured questionnaires were distributed in 5 wards selected by simple random sampling. Data collected was on farm management practices, major crop yields, access to and availability of inputs, extension workers’ qualifications and experience and socio-demographic information. The survey revealed that there was a general decrease in maize output between 2005/6 and 2006/7 seasons and there was a statistically significant difference in maize production between the 2006/7 and 2007/8 seasons for both trained and untrained farmers. A yield comparison of three major crops grown in 2007-08 season show no significant differences between the trained and untrained farmers. Out of the 278 farmers 8.73% trained and 4.67% untrained farmers keep records. Planning and budgeting is done by 8.52% and 4.56% of the trained farmers respectively compared to 7.91% and 3.34% of untrained farmers. The differences between trained and untrained were in both cases not statistically significant. 6% of trained farmers have conservation works and practice moisture conservation techniques on their fields. 73% of extension agents are 18-month-certificate holders, whilst 2-year- certificate holders constitute 8% of the workforce. Diploma holders constitute 6% and of the extension workforce in Gutu district only 13% of the extension agents have undergone in-service training to enhance their performance. The study reveals that despite the commitment of time, resources and manpower to the Master Farmer Training, the scheme does not have any impact on crop productivity neither does it change the farming system of individual farmers. There is therefore need to revise the Master Farmer Training policy, principles and objectives with a view to overhaul the whole scheme or conduct a re-alignment exercise in order for it to suit the current agricultural dispensation.
An Analysis Of Airlines Efficiency Using A DEA Model And Dynamic Clusters

Recently, the increase of competition in the air transport sector has changed the market dynamics, leading airlines to seek new strategies to ensure their position. This article aims to analyse the operational performance of Brazilian air carriers in the period from 2007 to 2010 by using an approach which combines DEA with dynamic clusters. The proposal is that distinct groups of airlines of similar sizes are used each time the DEA-CCR classic model is run. At the same time, it is not desirable that the clusters are mutually exclusive as occurs with traditional fixed clusters. The results obtained with this combined approach are compared to those of the DEA-BCC classic model.
Effects of Student Strategies on Successful Problem Solving

In order to analyze students’ problem-solving strategies, tablet PCs were used to capture student problem solving attempts for 3 separate problems (n=76) completed by students in an introductory engineering course. Specific goals of this project include: (1) elucidate how first year engineering students utilize problem solving strategies, and (2) evaluate successful and unsuccessful problem solving strategies, as well as errors and misconceptions, in terms of cognitive and metacognitive processes. Data collected from 36 students in Spring 2011 has been analyzed using a validated coding structure. The analysis identifies relevant events within wellstructured word problems which had multiple possible ways of solving the problem but only one correct answer. To assess mental workload students experience as they solve problems, a task load index (NASA-TLX) was administered after students completed each problem. The NASATLX is a survey with six subscales: three measuring demand put on the participant by the task and three measuring stress added by the participant as a result of interacting with the task. Statistical analysis of solution data for the three problems (related to efficiency of a multi-stage solar power system, formulating an equivalent circuit, and solving for the total pressure in a system) produced interesting results related to planning and visualization tasks such as organizing information at the beginning of the problem and drawing a visual representation of the system. Statistical comparisons revealed that students who conducted a complete planning phase were more likely to obtain correct solutions (p=0.05) and students who drew diagrams with labels that illustrated the relationship of variables were associated with lower overall mental workload (p=0.036), lower mental demand (p=0.018), and lower frustration (p=0.011). This information can be used to inform researchers on different strategies that novice problem solvers use to manage the problem solving process and the effectiveness of those strategies. The ultimate goal of this project is to better design and present problems in introductory engineering courses to capitalize on strategies that lead to successful building of problem-solving skills.
Brake squeal analysis in time domain using ABAQUS - Finite element simulation of brake squeal for passenger cars

One of the main quality concerns of car manufacturers is brake squeal. There are two CAE (Complex Aided Engineering) method for prediction of brake squeal, CEA (Complex Eigenvalue Analysis) and TDA (Transient Dynamic Analysis). However, CEA method is a quite usual tool to evaluate brake squeal propensity despite its intrinsic overestimation of any system instabilities. In contrast, TDA provides a reduced number of predicted instabilities, but it is too time consuming for complete FE models. The purpose of this thesis is the comparison of TDA with CEA to identify brake squeal frequencies. The finite element model of studied brake system consists of a brake disc, and pair of brake pads (friction material and backplate). Using the CEA method, brake squeal frequencies are identified by coalescence modes and calculation of Negative Damping Ratio (NDR) for various pressure and friction coefficient. As a comparison with CEA, TDA is performed by use of dynamic explicit solver to extract the variation of amplitude at a node on the brake disc friction surface over time. The frequency response function of a node on brake disc can be calculated by Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), the frequencies correspond to the peaks of frequency response function can be considered as a representative of brake squeal frequency. The comparison of TDA and CEA reveals that even though five modes are introduced by NDR criteria for brake squeal onset, merely two of them are detected by TDA. Taking account of CEA overestimation about unstable modes, it can be concluded that the frequency response derived from the transient response can be a reliable method to represent the system instability. In addition, regarding TDA results brake squeal might happen in an unstable mode even with low value of real part as well as NDR. Key words: Brake, squeal, complex eigenvalue analysis, transient Dynamic analysis, stability
Financial Development, Financial Instability and Economic Growth: The Case of Maghreb Countries

The objective of this article consists in examining the interactions between the financial development, financial instability and economic growth in the Maghreb countries. The analysis covering the period of 1995-2013 relates to a sample of five countries of the region. By using the World Bank Data (2013) and the Heritage Foundation Data (2013), the panel vector autoregressive model estimation revealed that: (a) The financial development has positive effects on itself but a negative impact on the financial instability as well as a combined impact on the economic growth, (b) the financial instability has a negative impact on the financial development, a positive impact on itself and a combined effect on the economic growth, (c) The economic growth promotes the financial development and the financial instability; it has also a positive effect on itself, (d) finally, the financial liberalization in a less corrupt environment promotes the financial development.
On the high-pressure phase stability and elastic properties of β-titanium alloys

We have studied the compressibility and stability of different β-titanium alloys at high pressure, including binary Ti–Mo, Ti–24Nb–4Zr–8Sn (Ti2448) and Ti–36Nb–2Ta–0.3O (gum metal). We observed stability of the β phase in these alloys to 40 GPa, well into the ω phase region in the P–T diagram of pure titanium. Gum metal was pressurised above 70 GPa and forms a phase with a crystal structure similar to the η phase of pure Ti. The bulk moduli determined for the different alloys range from 97 ± 3 GPa (Ti2448) to 124 ± 6 GPa (Ti–16.8Mo–0.13O).
English Vocabularies Enrichment Through “Hello English” Android Based Educational Game

Android based educational game is something new to intr duce in EYL learning. This software is believed to assist teachers in del ivering knowledge effectively (Megawati & Sultoni: 2016). This research is an en deavour to examine the improving of young learner’s ability in learning En glish vocabulary towards the use of android based educational game. Using a quasi-ex perimentasl study, the android based educational game has been implemented for 4-w eek term with two meetings per week in an English class of fifth grade student s’ at elementary school in Karawang. Two classes are determined as sample for this research. Research findings reveal that there is significant differences in lea rning English vocabulary between experimental group and control group after the inte rvetion is implemented. The use of educational game from Android improved the student’ s English competence in learning vocabulary. Furthermore, the game greatly encourages the students in giving active participation during the classroom activitie s. The use of android based educational games is one of joyful alternative teac hing to support the creative young learner’s teachers. It is recommended for English T eacher to use android based educational game as alternative to improve quality of teaching.
Factors influencing oat grain yield and quality under growing conditions of West Latvia.

Ecological comparison of oat varieties are set up e very year at the State Stende Cereals Breeding Institute, but five out of the tes t varieties were estimated in a longer period of time - from 1993 till 2009. For these varieties, pr oductivity and quality indices were measured: grain yield, volume weight, 1000 grain weight, husk content, crude protein content. Meteorological conditions were characterized by two basic indices - the mean temperature and amount of precipitation in the vegetation period. O bservations show that in the reporting period precipitation of the vegetation period (coefficient of variation for index variability between years was from 43.1% in June up to 55.3% in April) and mean temperature in April (coefficient of variation was 26.4%) varied most significantly. The average productivity of trial oats varied from 3.56 to 6.62 t ha -1 . The most stable yields of grain in the reporting period were provided by the oat varieties Stmara and Laima (the average yields respectively 5.35 ± 0.89 and 5.83 ± 1.07 t ha -1 , coefficient of variation respectively 14.9 and 17 .0%). Significant, close to medium correlation was established between oat grain volum e weight and mean daily temperature in May, July and August (respectively r = -0.468, 0.464 and 0.549 > r0.005 = 0.460). Relationships analyzed between oat grain yield, its quality chara cterizing indices and parameters characterizing meteorological conditions showed tha t grain yield and quality of oats in the Northwest region of Latvia were influenced mainly b y rainfall in particular months of the vegetation period.
Sustaining the Economic Rent of Oceanic Resources: The Case of Marine Protected Areas

This paper investigates economic aspects of marine protected areas (MPAs) that are closely related to the underlying marine biota. Many marine scientists recognize that enough is now known about the marine biology for the scientific siting of MPAs to protect marine environments that create associated economic values. Marine scientists have identified several objectives of MPAs. These include protection of genetic and biodiversity, increase in population levels and structures (e.g., age, size, fecundity), enrichment of ecosystems by promoting species interactions, and the protection of continental shelf landscapes from invasive human actions. Indeed, some marine scientists and fisheries economists view MPAs as an 'insurance policy' against over-fishing and other human uses of oceanic resources that have damaged so many of the world's fisheries. The economic analysis presented here pays attention to optimal zoning, policies to maintain sustainable economic rents, and the optimal policing of MPAs.
Dynamic Active Earth Pressures of the Retaining Piles with Anchors under Vehicle Loads

pile-anchor supporting structure is widely used in foundation pit engineering; then knowledge of active earth pressure on piles is very important for engineers. In this paper, based on the pseudodynamic method and considering the vehicle's vibration characteristic, a method to calculate the earth pressure on piles under vehicle load is presented. At the same time, the constraint of anchor is simplified relation of lateral deformation of piles in present method. Effects of a wide range of parameters like rupture angle, vibration acceleration coefficient, wall friction angle, and soil friction angle on active earth pressure have been studied. Results are presented in terms of coefficients in the figures and comparison of the test data and the earth pressure calculated by M-O method and present study. The result shows that the measured earth pressure is accordant with the theoretical analysis, so the method in this paper is an effective basis for the calculation of earth pressure on piles under vehicle loads.