Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Locus of Control Orientation and School Adjustment of Orphaned and Vulnerable Pupils in Kisumu Central Sub County, Kenya.

This study investigated the relationship between locus of control orientation and school adjustment of orphaned and vulnerable pupils (OVP) in primary schools in Kisumu Central Sub County, Kenya. It adopted a correlational research design. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to sample 284 participants which included 248 OVP and 36 class teachers. Data was collected using an adapted form of Nowicki-Strickland locus of control scale for children (N-SLOC) and a modified form of teacher rating scale of school adjustment (TRSSA). The instruments were piloted in two schools to determine their validity and reliability. Content validity was ascertained by incorporating results of the pilot study and views of experts in the Department of Educational Psychology of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. On the other hand, split-half technique corrected by Spearman-Brown formula was used to determine reliability of the data collection instruments. N-SLOC yielded a reliability coefficient of . 793 while TRSSA, . 995. Data was analysed using inferential statistics at . 05 level of statistical significance and 95% confidence level. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25 aided in the analysis. Results revealed a weak significant positive correlation between locus of control orientation and school adjustment, r = . 183, df = 246, p < . 05 . Recommendations were made that could help stakeholders respond to OVP in ways that increase their comfortability and ultimate adjustment in the school environment. Key words: Adjustment, locus of control orientation, orphan, school adjustment and vulnerable pupil. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/11-21-16 Publication date :July 31st 2020
Quantitative shape measurements of distal volcanic ash 2

5 [1] Large-scale volcanic eruptions produce fine ash (<200 mm) which has a long 6 atmospheric residence time (1 hour or more) and can be transported great distances from 7 the volcanic source, thus, becoming a hazard to aircraft and public health. Ash particles 8 have irregular shapes, so data on particle shape, size, and terminal velocities are needed to 9 understand how the irregular-shaped particles affect transport processes and radiative 10 transfer measurements. In this study, a methodology was developed to characterize particle 11 shapes, sizes, and terminal velocities for three ash samples of different compositions. The 12 shape and size of 2500 particles from (1) distal fallout ( 100 km) of the 14 October 13 1974 Fuego eruption (basaltic), (2) the secondary maxima ( 250 km) of the 18 August 14 1992 Spurr eruption (andesitic), and (3) the Miocene Ash Hollow member, Nebraska 15 (rhyolitic) were measured using image analysis techniques. Samples were sorted into 10 to 16 19 terminal velocity groups (0.6–59.0 cm/s) using an air elutriation device. Grain-size 17 distributions for the samples were measured using laser diffraction. Aspect ratio, feret 18 diameter, and perimeter measurements were found to be the most useful descriptors of 19 how particle shape affects terminal velocity. These measurement values show particle 20 shape differs greatly from a sphere (commonly used in models and algorithms). The 21 diameters of ash particles were 10–120% larger than ideal spheres at the same terminal 22 velocity, indicating that irregular particle shape greatly increases drag. Gas-adsorption 23 derived surface areas are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than calculated surface areas 24 based on measured dimensions and simple geometry, indicating that particle shapes are 25 highly irregular. Correction factors for surface area were derived from the ash sample 26 measurements so that surface areas calculated by assuming spherical particle shapes can 27 be corrected to reflect more realistic values.
Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Khandadevi and Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap District of Nepal

Background: This study was focused on the ethnobotany of different ethnic communities residing in Majhuwa and Chuchure villages of Khandadevi and Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap District of Bagmati Province of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Methods: The ethnobotanical study was carried out by using semi-structured questionnaires in which participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) tools were used to acquire knowledge from local people regarding ethnobotanical uses of plants of their surroundings. The quantitative data were analyzed by the relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: A total of 139 plant species belonging to 74 families were found to have ethnobotanical significance. Among these species, herbs accounted for 41% followed by trees (29%), shrubs (14%), climbers (9%), grasses (3%), epiphytes (1%), ferns (1%), fungi (1%), and lichens (1%). Out of which, 136 species were of medicinal importance and used to treat different ailments followed by other uses such as fodder, veterinary, religious, pesticide, timber, etc. The new uses of Lespisorus mehrae , Plumbago zeylanica , Pterocarpus santalinus , Rhus parviflora , and Roscoea auriculata were found. The highest RFC was found to be 0.82 for Ageratina adenophora , Curcuma domestica , Acorus calamus , Centella asiatica , Avena sativa , and Allium sativum . The highest UV was found in Zingiber officinale (1.30), and the highest ICF was found in the gastro-intestinal disorders ailment category (0.50). Conclusions: For the first time, we revealed the ethnobotanical application of plant species from Majhuwa and Chuchure villages of Ramechhap District. This study showed that Majhuwa and Chuchure villages are rich in medicinally important plant species and different ethnic communities have enormous knowledge of ethnobotanical uses of plants. Moreover, illegal collection, trade, and marketing have threatened the abundance and distribution of some high-value medicinal plants. It is of utmost importance to conserve floral diversity through the local peoples’ participation. Key Words: Ramechhap, Medicinal Plants, Ethnobotanical knowledge, UV, RFC, ICF
Are Behavior Rating Scales Able to Identify Behavioral Changes in Preschool Children Undergoing a Dental Intervention? A Systematic Review

Objective: To evaluate the scientific evidence concerning the behavior rating scales efficiency to identify behavioral changes in preschool children undergoing dental treatment, through a systematic review. Material and Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, BVS databases and grey literature were searched. Also, a hand search of the included studies reference lists was conducted. Studies that evaluated healthy preschoolers’ behavior before and after invasive dental treatments to observe behavioral changes were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and analyzed the risk of bias with a tool for before-and-after studies. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE approach . Results: Three studies were included. The Frankl Scale and North Carolina Behavior Scale were used in these studies. Both scales were able to identify behavioral changes in preschool children undergoing a dental intervention, although two of these included studies were considered fair with a high risk of bias, and one considered good with a low risk of bias . Conclusion: Although Frankl and North Carolina behavior scales were able to identify changes in the children`s behavior during dental treatment, these findings are not supported by strong evidence. Thus, further well-designed studies are needed to confirm this evidence.
PESTICIDE OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION IN CULTIVATED SOILS OF THE ARID REGION OF EL-HEJERA, OUARGLA PROVINCE AND CORRELATION WITH SOIL PROPERTIES

This study deals with the assessment of the most used pesticides by farmers in the Saharan region of Ouargla. Based on collected survey data, sampling of the cultivated soils, physicochemical analysis, solid/liquid extraction and identification by thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, the following results were obtained: pesticides used in 2015 are not existing in the extracts, like the case of vapcomic (abamectin 1.8% EC) and Metronate (methomyle 25%), this could be explained by the retention which is the overall result of a set of elementary processes, involving interactions with organic constituents and soil minerals. Also, pesticide residues were found outside their points of application, such as Pulsar and Score 250EC, these phenomena can be explained by the local pedo-climatic conditions and to difference in solubility and chemical nature.
Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrencies: A Real-World Use Case A Non-Repudiable Supply Chain Tracking System

—Blockchains have recently emerged as an architectural style to overcome the intrinsic trust problem that arises when single central authorities are delegated the role to keep certification information for different parties and actors. By fueling a host of different cryptocurrencies, various forms of blockchains are revolutionizing the finance sector. However, blockchains are rapidly emerging outside of the finance sector, disrupting the business scenarios. This paper presents a novel Supply Chain Tracking system that eliminates fraud and counterfeits from a specific business sector, namely toner cartridge regeneration, where a recent European directive (and subsequent national regulations) has posed stringent limitations.
Risk Analysis of Tehran through Deterministic and Probabilistic Methods

In this study, the risk of earthquake is estimated onbase of deterministic and probabilistic method in Tehran, and zone ofthe Setareh Pars project was investigated in the relative risk of earthquakes.The study areawas an enclosed regional between 51 degrees 25 minutes and 40 seconds longitude and latitude 35 degrees 45 minutes and 30 seconds. Some lowering models were investigated, the investigations showed that all three of next generation attenuation(NGA) equations can be used to calculate of attenuation relations. However, BA model compared with the CB model is partly accurate for obtainingrelations regardless of the type of attitude and calculations.Generally, the BA and CB models fit better with the seismic datas of Iran. Contingency ofdifferent peak ground horizontal accelerations (PGVAs) was investigatedfor useful lifetime of 25, 50 and 100 yearsindistance of150 kilometers about the site. The risk of earthquakes is 10%in the 50-year period and 2% in the course of 100 years.
A STUDY ON SOME STORED PRODUCTS INFECTED BY CALOGLYPHUS BERLESEI

This experimental work was carried out to study the effect of infection by Caloglyphus berlesei on some stored products (soybean, wheat, maize and fishmeal) on some chemicals change. Also, Soybean, wheat, maize and fishmeal stored for three months, treated with basil and thyme at the level of 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% and infected with Caloglyphus berlesei in incubator at 28 ± 2oC, mites count monthly. The results showed that infection stored soybean, and wheat by Caloglyphus berlesei decreased protein content, but fiber were increased. Stored maize and fishmeal infected by Caloglyphus berlesei decreased protein and fat but moisture, fiber, NFE (Nitrogen Free Extract) and ash were increased. Soybean, wheat, maize and fishmeal after stored population of Caloglyphus berlesei increased. Adding basil powder and thyme powder with concentration of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% to stored products reduce the population of Caloglyphus berlesei. It was clear that adding thyme 1.5% gave the lowest number of Caloglyphus berlesei in different period compared with other groups.
The vanadium isotope composition of Mars: implications for planetary differentiation in the early solar system

doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.2032 The V isotope composition of martian meteorites reveals that Bulk Silicate Mars (BSM) is characterised by δ51V=−1.026 ± 0.029 ‰ (2 s.e.) and is thus ∼0.06 ‰ heavier than chondrites and ∼0.17 ‰ lighter than Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE). Based on the invariant V isotope compositions of all chondrite groups, the heavier V isotope compositions of BSE and BSM relative to chondrites are unlikely to originate from mass independent isotope effects or evaporation/condensation processes in the early Solar System. These differences are best accounted for by mass dependent fractionation during core formation. Assuming that bulk Earth and Mars both have a chondritic V isotopic compostion, mass balance considerations reveal V isotope fractionation factors ΔVcore-mantle as substantial as −0.6 ‰ for both planets. This suggests that V isotope systematics in terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks potentially constitutes a powerful new tracer of planetary differentiation processes accross the Solar System. Received 29 April 2020 | Accepted 29 June 2020 | Published 30 September 2020
Synthesis, biological evaluation, quantitative-SAR and docking studies of novel chalcone derivatives as antibacterial and antioxidant agents

In the present study, a series of chalcone derivatives including 17 new compounds were synthesised; their antibacterial activities against eleven bacteria, and their free radical-scavenging activities using DPPH were evaluated. All compounds showed significant antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, compound IIIf strongly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (JMC 2151) and Enterococcus faecalis (CARS 2011-012) with MIC values of 6.25 µg mL−1 and 12.5 µg mL−1, respectively, which are comparable to that of the standard antibiotic, nalidixic acid. Compound IIIg also inhibited S. aureus with a MIC value similar to that of nalidixic acid (6.25 µg mL−1). Furthermore, like nalidixic acid (MIC value of 25 µg mL−1), compounds IIIa, IIIc and IIId inhibited Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 43256) with MIC values of 25 µg mL−1, 12.5 µg mL−1 and 25 µg mL−1, respectively. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (Q-SAR) studies using physicochemical calculations indicated that the antibacterial activities of chalcone derivatives correlated well with predicted physicochemical parameters (logP and PSA). Docking simulation by positioning the most active compound IIIf in the active site of the penicillin-binding protein (PBP-1b) of S. aureus was performed to explore the feasible binding mode. Furthermore, most of the compounds synthesised exhibited significant DPPH radical-scavenging activity, although compounds IIc and IIIc exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 1.68 µM and 1.44 µM, respectively, comparable to that of the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid (1.03 µM).
Towards understanding the pattern of glacier mass balances in High Mountain Asia using regional climatic modelling

Abstract. Glaciers in High Mountain Asia (HMA) provide an important water resource for communities downstream, and they are markedly impacted by global warming, yet there is a lack of understanding of the observed glacier mass balances and their spatial variability. In particular, the glaciers in the western Kunlun Shan and Karakoram (WKSK) ranges show neutral to positive mass balances despite global warming. Using models of the regional climate and glacier mass balance, we reproduce the observed patterns of glacier mass balance in High Mountain Asia of the last decades within uncertainties. We show that low temperature sensitivities of glaciers and an increase in snowfall, for a large part caused by increases in evapotranspiration from irrigated agriculture, result in positive mass balances in the WKSK. The pattern of mass balances in High Mountain Asia can thus be understood from the combination of changes in climatic forcing and glacier properties, with an important role for irrigated agriculture.
Excited State Properties of α,ω‐Diphenylpolyenes: Photophysical and Photochemical Studies of Donor–Acceptor Diarylbutadienes

α,ω‐Diphenylpolyenes have attracted a great deal of attention as models of retinyl polyenes that are related to natural photoreceptors involved in energy and sensory phototransductions. Of particular interest have been the topics of their excited state electronic structure and spectroscopic properties. However, the exact nature of the lowest excited state in terms of their structure and energetics is not clearly known. Examination of the photophysics and photochemistry of donor–acceptor diphenylpolyenes can aid in understanding the excited states and photoprocesses of linear polyenes. In this paper are described the absorption, fluorescence and photoisomerization studies of donor–acceptor diarylbutadienes, namely: p‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐p′‐cyano‐1,4‐diphenylbuta‐1E,3E‐diene (1), p‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐p′‐nitro‐1,4‐diphenylbuta‐1E,3E‐diene (2), p‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐m′‐nitro‐1,4‐diphenylbuta‐1E,3E‐diene (3), p‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐o′‐nitro‐1,4‐diphenylbuta‐1E,3E‐diene (4). Absorption properties are affected as expected due to mesomeric stabilization by the substituent; however, solvent polarity does not significantly affect the absorption properties of these dienes. In contrast, a pronounced solvatochromic fluorescence behavior of these dienes in organic solvents is observed. Time‐resolved fluorescence is characterized by a single exponential fluorescence decay with generally increasing lifetime in polar solvents. The fluorescence quantum yields are very low, particularly in polar solvents, but do not show any clear trend. Irradiation of 1E,3E‐ 1–4 in organic solvents yields the corresponding 1E,3Z‐isomer due to one‐photon–one‐bond isomerization of the C=C double bond lying closer to the acceptor group. The photoisomerization also depended on the solvent polarity and on the concentration of diene. The photoisomerization efficiency of dienes 1 and 2 under direct irradiation condition is greater than dienes 3 and 4. In comparison to the efficiency of photoisomerization under direct irradiation condition, the photosensitized isomerization efficiency is much less, particularly for dienes 1 and 2. The results are discussed in terms of the involvement of excited‐state intramolecular charge transfer and conformationally relaxed polar excited states in the photoprocesses of linear polyenes.
Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal. et. Henry

To study the phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of essential oils obtained from Boswellia ovalifoliolata (BO) leaf, stem bark and gum resin samples. Phytochemical profiles of the three essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS, antimicrobial activity was performed against two Gram positive, two Gram negative and two fungal species by using disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were assayed by micro dilution method. Further, antioxidant capacity of three oil samples were determined by DPPH scavenging method. Gas chromatographic analysis of BO three essential oil (EO) samples revealed that 30 compounds were identified in leaf oil and 25 compouds in each were identified in stem bark and gum resin EOs. The results showed that 11 compounds i.e. α –amarphene, δ-cadinene, caryophyllene oxide, caryophyllene, β-farnesene, α-humulene, ledol, γ-murrolene, β-myrcene β-pinene, and (-)-zingiberene were common compounds in three oil samples. Three essential oils showed good antimicrobial activity against test pathogens. Among the tested pathogens, Candida rugosa found to be most sensitive organism to leaf, stem bark and gum EO samples, while Gram positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis was most resistant organism to the test oils. Further, the oil samples showed concentration dependent DPPH reducing capacity. The present study revealed that, the essential oils of BO exerts beneficial effects to inhibit human pathogenic microorganisms and as a source of natural antioxidant compounds.
Photoionization of DNA and RNA Bases, Nucleosides and Nucleotides Through a Combination of One‐ and Two‐photon Pathways upon 266 nm Nanosecond Laser Excitation ¶

The 266 nm nanosecond laser photolysis of various purine and pyrimidine derivatives results in their photoionization (PI) as one of the primary photochemical pathways. Electron photoejection occurs through a combination of one‐ and two‐photon mechanisms. The PI values depend on the substituents attached to the chromophore of the base. The net PI of the purine bases at 266 nm are of the same order of magnitude (10−2) as those of the pyrimidine bases under similar experimental conditions. The monophotonic component is approximately one‐third of the net PI yield of the bases. A nonrelaxed singlet excited state intermediate is tentatively proposed for this pathway. It is proposed that this state is significantly stabilized by water solvation, transforming it into a charge transfer to solvent state from which the hydrated electron evolves.
Spectroscopic Properties of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Water–methanol and Water–acetonitrile Mixed Solvents ¶

The fluorescence properties of ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR) and flumequine (FLU) were studied in H2O–CH3OH and H2O–CH3CN mixed solvents because these solvents were thought to behave as a biological mimetic system. The emission spectra of OFL and NOR were very sensitive to the composition of the solvents. In the Lippert–Mataga analysis of the steady‐state fluorescence data of OFL and NOR, clear reverse solvatochromism was exhibited in both mixed solvents. This observation can be explained by the twisted excited‐state intramolecular charge transfer, which is accelerated by water. Theoretical treatments further support these results. The radiative and nonradiative rate constants were analyzed as a function of solvent dipolarity–polarizability (π*) and hydrogen‐bond donor acidity (α). These results were well consistent with the suggested mechanism of the excited‐state chemical process of OFL and NOR, which depended upon the solvent–solute interactions such as bulk dielectric effects and specific hydrogen‐bonding interactions. However, the influence of dielectric effects was more significant. The solvent structures of H2O–CH3CN and the preferential solvation by water were also examined. The emission spectra of FLU do not exhibit any characteristic responses to the properties of the environment.
Survival and roost-site selection in the African bat Nyc- teris thebaica (Chiroptera : Nycteridae) in Swaziland

Survival and mortality of African bats is poorly known. A banding study of a population of Nycteris thebaica, roosting in 15 road culverts in north-eastern Swaziland, was initiated in 1998. Since then, a total of 799 bats have been banded including five cohorts of same-aged individuals of known age. Cohort life-tables and survi- vorship curves were calculated using these data. For both males and females, survivorship was low in the first year, but increased thereafter. Approximately 15% of females and 10% of males banded as juveniles in 1998 and 1999 survived to three years of age. Of female bats banded as adults in July 1998 (n = 39), 23% had survived to January 2003 (4.5 years). The corresponding value for males (n = 6) was zero. Of 28 male bats banded in 1998, only one (4%) was recaptured after four years. Female values probably reflect true survival and mortality, whereas, dispersal and movement complicate the values for males. Female Nycteris thebaica did not randomly select roosting sites. The 15 culverts were occupied by six discrete groups of female bats. The presence of male bats at the study site was irregular, with movements of 9 km having been recorded by one particular individual.