Investigation of the utilisation of social networks in e-learning at universities

Over the years universities have considered to use social networks for learning purposes as most of their students now engage on them. However, questions on the impact social networks would have on learning and how they can be utilised further for more effective teaching and learning are still unclear. To solve these questions, an in-depth investigation has been conducted to understand the benefits and drawback of social network features available for students. The investigation results show that students strongly believe that social network features will help enhance learning and the key ways of utilising such features have been suggested

Applications of adenine nucleotide measurements in oceanography

The methodology involved in nucleotide measurements is outlined, along with data to support the premise that ATP concentrations in microbial cells can be extrapolated to biomass parameters. ATP concentrations in microorganisms and nucleotide analyses are studied

Advanced Microfluidic Mixing Device for the Study of Macromolecule Dynamics

[Abstract not available

Diabetes knowledge, beliefs and practices among people with diabetes attending a university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

A structured questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding diabetes was administered to 199 persons with diabetes (92.5% type 2) attending the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 53 (11) years. Mean duration of diabetes (SD) was 8 (7) years in men and 9 (6) years in women. Men had a significantly better knowledge score than women (P = 0.02); there was no significant difference in the beliefs and practices scores. Scores were classed as good (\u3e 60%) in only 13.6% of participants for knowledge, 17.6% for beliefs and 11.2% for practices. About 38% of the participants had received education on diabetes care

Use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to facilitate bacterial infection of roots

2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetate (2,4-D) is a commonly used herbicide for the control of broad-leafed weeds in wheat, maize and rice. Its auxin-like action has been extensively exploited for induction of roots in plant tissue cultures. Over the past few years, however, 2,4-D has become focus of attention because of its potential to modify plant roots vis-à-vis bacterial infection. This role of 2,4-D has immense significance in understanding the mechanism of legume-Rhizobium symbiosis and extending this phenomenon to cereal crops. The need to make the plant roots harbour bacteria (particularly those capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen) and the role of 2,4-D in facilitating the process has been reviewed.&nbsp

Bayesian optimisation of hexagonal honeycomb metamaterial

Periodic mechanical metamaterials, such as hexagonal honeycombs, have traditionally been designed with uniform cell walls to simplify manufacturing and modelling. However, recent research has suggested that varying strut thickness within the lattice could improve its mechanical properties. To fully explore this design space, we developed a computational framework that leverages Bayesian optimisation to identify configurations with increased uniaxial effective elastic stiffness and plastic or buckling strength. The best topologies found, representative of relative densities with distinct failure modes, were additively manufactured and tested, resulting in a 54% increase in stiffness without compromising the buckling strength for slender architectures, and a 63% increase in elastic modulus and a 88% increase in plastic strength for higher volume fractions. Our results demonstrate the potential of Bayesian optimisation and solid material redistribution to enhance the performance of mechanical metamaterials

Insecticidal, brine shrimp cytotoxicity, antifungal and nitric oxide free radical scavenging activities of the aerial parts of Myrsine africana L.

The crude methanolic extract and various fractions derived from the aerial parts of Myrsine africana were screened in vitro for possible insecticidal, antifungal, brine shrimp lethality and nitric oxide free radical scavenging activities. Low insecticidal activity (20 %) was shown by chloroform (CHCl3) and aqueous fractions against Tribolium castaneum and Rhizopertha dominica, respectively. Good cytotoxic activity (66.66 %) was shown by the n-hexane fraction of the plant at 1000 μg/ml. The rest of the fractions showed low lethality at higher doses. No antifungal activity was observed for the crude extract and fractions screened against various fungal strains. The plant crude extract and fractions showed a concentration dependent nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity.Key words: Myrsine africana, insecticidal, brine shrimp lethality, antifungal and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay