Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Selected Combretum Species from Zimbabwe on the Growthand Drug Efflux Systems of Mycobacterium aurum and Mycobacteriumsmegmatis

Treatment of tuberculosis has become a challenge due to the rapid increase of multidrug and extensive drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Medicinal plants might represent a possible source for new potent antibacterials to which pathogen strains are not resistant. In this study, five Combretum plant species-Combretum imberbe, Combretum zeyheri, Combretum hereroense, Combretum elaeagnoides and Combretum platypetalum used in traditional medicine were exposed to susceptibility tests to determine the effects of drug accumulation in avirulent M. smegmatis and M. aurum. The MIC values of the potent plant species was then determined. Using the agar disc diffusion assay, it was found out that the only the ethanolic extract from Combretum imberbe was active on M. smegmatis and it had an MIC of 125 μg/ml in the broth microdilution assay. However, using Sabouraud dextrose broth, Combretum platypetalum was found to have antimycobacterial effects which were not detected when using the agar disc diffusion assay. MIC of 63 and 125 μg/ml and MBCs of 250 and 500 μg/ml were obtained for C. platypetalum for M. smegmatis and M. aurum respectively. C. imberbe extract gave an MIC of 125 μg/ml but did not produce MBCs suggesting that it is bacteriostatic and not bactericidal. Drug accumulation transport assays were performed on C. imberbe, C. hereroense and C. platypetalum and results show that extracts from two plants are efflux pump inhibitors. Determination of the IC50 for the transport process was as conducted on Combretum imberbe using CCCP as the standard inhibitor. Both plants extract in addition to C. hereroense maybe potential sources for leads for efflux pump inhibitor in mycobacteria.
Field and experimental evidence of the effect of Jenynsia multidentata, a small omnivorous–planktivorous fish, on the size distribution of zooplankton in subtropical lakes

SUMMARY 1. Small cladocerans, copepod nauplii and rotifers often dominate the zooplankton community in tropical and subtropical lakes. This is probably because of high predation pressure by small omnivorous–planktivorous fish, but experimental evidence is scarce. 2. This study used two approaches to test the effect of the small omnivorous–planktivorous fish species Jenynsia multidentata, which is frequently abundant in (sub)tropical eutrophic lakes in South America, on the size distribution of zooplankton. In Lake Blanca (Uruguay), which lacks any piscivores, we sampled seasonally for both fish and zooplankton. We also conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment with treatments containing or lacking J. multidentata. 3. Together, the empirical and experimental data suggest that J. multidentata predation plays an important role in modulating the size structure of the zooplankton community in subtropical lakes. In the absence of J. multidentata, stocked large-sized zooplankters like Daphnia obtusa were abundant in the experiments, while small-sized zooplankton dominated in the presence of fish, as they did in the lake itself from spring to the end of the season.
What effect does short-term moderate hypoxia exposure during constant workload exercise have on post exposure measurements of resting substrate partitioning?

Recent studies have shown a potentiation effect of exercise performed under moderate short-term hypoxia on weight loss. From these data, it has been hypothesized that moderate hypoxia exposure affects substrate utilization and that normobaric hypoxia training might be an effective means to induce weight loss. However, limited data is currently available on resting substrate partitioning after a single bout of exercise performed under hypoxia. The purpose of the current study was therefore to asses the viability of moderate short-term hypoxia exposure during constant workload exercise as a means to alter post exposure resting substrate partitioning. Respirometry measurements were recorded at baseline (BMRpre), during 60-min constant workload exercise (under normoxia N-CWE; and hypoxia H-CWE ) and during post exposure resting metabolic measurements; recorded immediately after exercise (PEMR, 0-60-min) and again the next morning (BMRpost). Compared to baseline, lipid oxidation was significantly elevated and carbohydrate oxidation suppressed during PEMR (p=0.010 and p=0.076, respectively) and BMRpost (p=0.036 and p=0.010, respectively) after H-CWE. When the same absolute workload was performed under normoxia, no effect on resting substrate partitioning was observed during the post exercise recording periods. An increased reliance on endogenous carbohydrate sources during H-CWE compared to N-CWE is suggested to explain the current findings. In conclusion, a single bout of exercise performed under moderate short-term hypoxia is associated with a shift in resting substrate partitioning toward an increased lipid oxidation up to 22-hr post exposure.
A phylogeny of the enigmatic Madagascan geckos of the genus Uroplatus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

Since its discovery in the 17th century, the morphological peculiarities of the gekkonid lizard genus Uroplatus have generated a great deal of attention. A large number of skeletal, integumentary and visceral features are autapomorphic for the genus and some of the more well-known members of the group possess such aberrant characteristics that a separate family was once recognized to accommodate them. Recent phylogenetic analyses confirm that Uroplatus is a typical gekkonid gecko, but the specific affinities of the genus, as well as its intrageneric relationships have remained unresolved. Both nuclear (RAG-1 and PDC) and mitochondrial (ND2 and cyt b) genes (~3.2 Kb) were sequenced for 10 of 13 recognized species of Uroplatus, as well as two Madagascan and mainland African outgroups. The large-bodied forms of Uroplatus (U. fimbriatus, U. giganteus, U. henkeli, and U. sikorae) form a monophyletic group, and the smallbodied, short-tailed species are also monophyletic (U. ebenaui and U. phantasticus). Uroplatus alluaudi + U. pietschmanni comprise another distinct clade, whereas U. lineatus was weakly supported as the sister taxon of the largebodied clade and U. guentheri was sister to all other members of the genus. Our phylogenetic hypothesis based on combined DNA sequence data is mostly congruent with previous hypotheses based on morphological data. Based on a larger, more inclusive dataset, the closest relatives of Uroplatus are mainland African Afrogecko and Madagascan Matoatoa, suggesting that the diverse Malagasy gecko fauna does not comprise a single evolutionary lineage. A high diversity of new taxa (either representing synonyms to resurrect or undescribed species), morphologically similar either to U. ebenaui/phantasticus or to U. henkeli/sikorae, was apparent from our data. Many of these genetically highly divergent lineages originated from localities in northern Madagascar, which indicates this region as the possible center of diversity and endemism for several subgroups of Uroplatus.
HAST* JQELLE AN ANALYSIS OF CODING IN THE BROUN-PETER SON PARADIGM

3. When a map, drawing or chart, etc., is part of the material being photo­ graphed the photographer has followed a definite method in “sectioning” the material. It is customary to begin filming at the upper left hand comer of a large sheet and to continue from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. If necessary, sectioning is continued again-beginning below the first row and continuing on until complete.
The Effect of Output-based Task Repetition on EFL Learners’ Speech Act Production

This study investigated the effects of different output-based task repetition conditions on EFL learners’ speech act production. Three intact classes of English-major students constituted three instructional groups: (1) the explicit task-repetition (ETR) group, (2) the implicit task-repetition (ITR) group, and (3) the no-input task repetition (NTR) group. All the three groups engaged in the repetition of outputgeneration tasks. However, before the second performance of the task, the ETR group received input coupled with metapragmatic information, the ITR group received visually enhanced input coupled with a consciousness raising task, and the NTR group received no input. The results of a written discourse completion test (WDCT) revealed statistically significant gains in the learners’ performance from the pretest to the posttest in the ETR and ITR groups, but not in the NTR group. Moreover, the analysis of differences across the groups in the posttest revealed the superiority of the ETR over the ITR and NTR groups. The results suggest that output-based task repetition cannot enhance EFL learners’ speech act production ability unless learners are provided with input before the second performance of the task. Also when explicit and implicit instructional methods are integrated with output-based task repetition, the explicit approach is more effective than its implicit counterpart.
Style in Fiction:A Linguistic Introduction to English Fictional Prose

《小说文体分析》(Style in Fiction)是运用现代语言学的最新成果,对文学作品进行系统的文体分析的一部精采的教科书。 随着语言学的日益发展,人们越来越多地把现代语言学的研究成果运用到文体学分析中来。 1969年,利奇(Geoffrey N.Leech)发表了《英语诗歌语言分析入门》(A Linguistic Guideto English Poetry),用现代语言学的观点对
Effet de l ’ oxyde de cuivre utilisé comme nanolubrifiant sur l ’ échange de chaleur lors de l ’ ébullition libre du R 134 a

This paper quantifies the influence of CuO nanoparticles on the boiling performance of R134a/polyolester mixtures on a roughened, horizontal, flat surface. A lubricant based nanofluid (nanolubricant) was made with a synthetic ester and CuO particles. For the 0.5% nanolubricant mass fraction, the nanoparticles caused a heat transfer enhancement relative to the heat transfer of pure R134a/polyolester (99.5/0.5) of between 50% and 275%. A smaller enhancement was observed for the R134a/nanolubricant (99/1) mixture, which had a heat flux that was on average 19% larger than that of the R134a/polyolester (99/1) mixture. Further increase in the nanolubricant mass fraction to 2% resulted in a still smaller boiling heat transfer improvement of approximately 12% on average. Thermal conductivity measurements and a refrigerant/lubricant mixture pool-boiling model were used to suggest that increased thermal conductivity is responsible for only a small portion of the heat transfer enhancement due to nanoparticles. a 2008 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved. Effet de l ’oxyde de cuivre utilisé comme nanolubrifiant sur l’échange de chaleur lors de l’ébullition libre du R134a Mots clés : échangeur de chaleur ; ébullition libre ; expérimentation ; transfert de chaleur ; mélange binaire ; polyolester ; R134a ; additif ; particule ; oxyde de cuivre 2; fax: þ1 301 975 8973. (M.A. Kedzierski). er Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved. rski, M.A., Gong, M. , Effect of CuO nanolubricant on R134a pool boiling heat transfer, 09), doi:10.1016/j.ijrefrig. 2008.12. 007
Development of shrimp shells-based compost and plant-based pesticide using bio-activators from Golden Apple Snails and their effects on the kenaf plant growth and pest population

Rusmini, Manullang RR, Daryono. 2017. Development of shrimp shells-based compost and plant-based pesticide using bioactivators from Golden Apple Snails and their effects on the kenaf plant growth and pest population. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 260-267. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) cultivation generally uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase production despite the adverse effects of those chemicals toward environmental ecosystem. Meanwhile, there are a lot of unutilized wastes produced from agriculture and fishery. This study aimed to develop the best bio-activator from Golden Apple Snails and spices to decompose the shrimp shells waste. The bioactivator was utilized for the production of plant-based pesticide to control pests in kenaf plant, and shrimps-shells-based composts to improve kenaf plant growth. This study employed a Randomized Block Design with two factorials. The first factor was the shrimp shells-based composts (K) which consist of three levels, and the second factor was the plant-based pesticide (P) which also consists of three levels. Each of experiment was repeated twice. Thus, in total there were 18 treatments. The shrimp shells-based composts had a pH value of 8.79, Potassium (K) 8.13 %, organic carbon (C) 17.45%, Nitrogen (N) 3.62%, Phosphorus (P) 2.27%; Magnesium (Mg) 0.59%, and Calcium (Ca) 7.64%; and a C/N ratio of 4.82. Kenaf plant height at 6 and 9 weeks after planting (WAP) showed significant differences upon the shrimp shells-based composts treatments. At 6 weeks after planting, kenaf plant diameter showed significant differences upon the composts treatment, while at 9 weeks after planting, the plant diameter indicated significant differences upon both the compost and plant-based pesticide applications. Pest populations that were present in kenaf plants were caterpillars, bugs, and beetles.
The Southern Altiplano of Bolivia

Quinoa has been a staple food for Andean populations for millennia. Today, it is a much-appreciated product on the international health-food, organic and fair-trade food markets. Quinoa producers in the southern Altiplano of Bolivia initiated this change approximately 40 years ago. On high desert land, they succeeded in developing a thriving agricultural crop for export. Although they enjoy lucrative niche markets, quinoa producers are not specialized farmers, nor do most of them live yearround in the production area. These are some of the paradoxes that characterize quinoa production in the southern Altiplano of Bolivia. Following a description of the origin, diversity and biological traits of the ‘Quinoa Real’ ecotype, on which production in this area is based, this chapter explores the importance of quinoa in local agrosystems and in the systems of agricultural and non-agricultural activities managed by southern Altiplano families. Geographic mobility and pluriactivity are part of the ancestral lifestyle of these populations and have to date determined how territorial resources are used and producers are organized in the context of quinoa’s commercial success. Quinoa production in the region is presenting signs of agro-ecological and social vulnerability; however, it has the capacities to respond and adapt accordingly. Key points for the sustainability of local agrosystems are: i) harmonization of communal and individual regulations concerning access to and use of land in socially equitable agrosystems with a balance between crops and animal husbandry, ii) international standards for the recognition of ‘Quinoa Real’ in export markets, iii) continuous updating of rules and regulations so that local agrosystems can adapt to unpredictable changes in the socio-ecological context on different scales of space and time.
Nursing practices in vaccination: An integrative review

In this paper, an integrative literature review was carried out aiming to answer: what is the nursing scientific production about vaccination practice? Research conducted in the Medline, SciELO, Lilacs, BDENF, PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases from 2010 to 2017. A sample of 49 papers was obtained. Most of the papers were classified with level VI of evidence. The highest level found was the II, controlled and randomized studies of level III accounted for 10.20%. The papers were grouped by similarity into four thematic categories: vaccine coverage 42.86%, administration of vaccine 28.58%, vaccination education 14.28% and management/supervision 14.28%. It management/supervision and education about vaccination are highlighted in most papers. The methodology used allowed the analysis and summarization of papers with different approaches. It is evident that vaccination goes far beyond the simple fact of administering an immunobiological, requiring an extensive and complex body of knowledge, with frequent updating of health professionals, especially nurses. Vaccination actions are effective in preventing diseases, and it is important to prioritize such actions in their daily practice. In nursing vaccination practices, nurses should assert their supervisor assignment, contributing to the organization of the service, continuing education of nursing staff, planning strategies to reach the goals of vaccination, evaluating vaccination coverage, working according to the population, through their education and awareness, and contribute with the body of knowledge about vaccination.
A High-Performance and Low-Cost Soy Flour Adhesive with a Hydroxymethyl Melamine Prepolymer

To improve the performance of a soy flour (SF)-based adhesive, a low-cost hydroxymethyl melamine prepolymer (HMP) was synthesized and then used to modify the SF-based adhesive. The HMP was characterized, and the performance of the adhesive was evaluated, including its residual rate, functions, thermal stability, and fracture section. Plywood was fabricated to measure wet shear strength. The results indicated that the HMP preferentially reacted with polysaccharose in SF and formed a cross-linking network to improve the water resistance of the adhesive. This polysaccharose-based network also combined with the HMP self-polycondensation network and soy protein to form an interpenetrating network, which further improved the water resistance of the adhesive. With the addition of 9% HMP, the wet shear strength (63 °C) of the plywood was 1.21 MPa, which was 9.3 times that of the SF adhesive. With the HMP additive increased to 15%, the shear strength (100 °C) of the plywood was 0.79 MPa, which met the plywood requirement for exterior use (≥0.7 MPa) in accordance with Chinese National Standard (GB/T 9846.3-2004). With the addition of 9% and 15% HMP, the residual rates of the adhesive improved by 5.1% and 8.5%, respectively. The dense interpenetrating network structure improved the thermal stability of the resultant adhesive and created a compact fracture to prevent moisture intrusion, which further increased the water resistance of the adhesive.
Attract FDI! - A universal golden rule?

In this paper we address the question whether FDI is an important channel for productivity catching-up or whether FDI itself is attracted by productivity growth. This has important implications for industrial policy measures as well as for specialisation structures and the development of comparative advantages over time. Our data set comprises detailed information on output, employment, wages, gross fixed capital formation, FDI inward stocks, exports and imports for OECD and non-OECD Eastern European and Asian countries over the time period 1981-2000 (varying for individual countries) for individual manufacturing industries. Using Granger causality tests we find evidence for the presence of endogeneity between FDI and output and productivity growth. Therefore, we estimate our empirical model in a system with the following endogenous variables: output, FDI, productivity gap, exports, imports, gross fixed capital formation and wages. Thus, we take account of indirect or second-round effects through trade flows, wages, and investment in a panel model. The results suggest a mutually reinforcing, positive relationship between FDI and output as well as productivity and export growth, while there is also evidence for a downward pressure on wage growth by FDI. JEL-Classification: C33, F14, F21, L60, O19, O41
Transformation of teaching quality in secondary school education: teachers’ conception

Teaching is a versatile and valued exercise that is geared towards bringing about achievement in students’ learning. In view of the importance of teaching, there is need for it to be effective and of good quality. Education in secondary school within South Africa is seen as an imperative sub-sector in the educational system that aids the growth of the economic system through transformation. Although, there are various transformational systems to improve teaching quality in education, it is generally believed that there is no common agreement on what transformation systems entail in secondary school education in developing nations. This study investigates the perceptions of teachers in the transformation of teaching quality education in secondary schools. Eight teachers were selected from four secondary schools in the East London Education District in South Africa. The respondents varied in gender, age, years of teaching experience, academic qualifications and professional qualifications. The study used semi-structured interviews to gather data. A thematic approach was used for data analysis while trustworthiness was adopted for the validity of the instrument. The findings revealed that some of the teachers were aware of the need for transformation to improve the secondary school education system in South Africa. However, it was noticed that there was no adequate training and monitoring on the use of infrastructure. In addition, the findings further indicated that some teachers have a negative perception toward any additional role in transforming and improving the quality of teaching. Furthermore, the findings also indicated that transformation in teaching should be the responsibility of the government and head of schools. In light of this, the study recommended that policy makers should increase the budget on secondary school education as well as monitor the process of implementation to achieve the desired goal. Moreover, there should be regular effective training and workshops for teachers in secondary schools to remind them of their roles and responsibilities in teaching.
Utilisation of Nitrocompounds

This paper is a review of methods of biological, chemical and physical utilisation of nitrocompounds, extremely toxic xenobiotics that are abundant in the biosphere and are recalcitrant to biodegradation. Due to their unique physicochemical properties the nature itself has significant problem with complete degradation of nitroxenobiotic substances. There are number of methods developed in order to prevent further contamination of the environment leading to defoliation, inhibition of growth of plants and has adverse health effects on animals. Their abundance, deriving mainly from military industry, poses a serious threat to biosphere and current methods of their utilisation require further optimization.