A hierarchy of parametrizing varieties for representations

The primary purpose is to introduce and explore projective varieties, $\text{GRASS}_{\bf d}(\Lambda)$, parametrizing the full collection of those modules over a finite dimensional algebra $\Lambda$ which have dimension vector $\bf d$. These varieties extend the smaller varieties previously studied by the author; namely, the projective varieties encoding those modules with dimension vector $\bf d$ which, in addition, have a preassigned top or radical layering. Each of the $\text{GRASS}_{\bf d}(\Lambda)$ is again partitioned by the action of a linear algebraic group, and covered by certain representation-theoretically defined affine subvarieties which are stable under the unipotent radical of the acting group. A special case of the pertinent theorem served as a cornerstone in the work on generic representations by Babson, Thomas, and the author. Moreover, applications are given to the study of degenerations

Synthesis of Dyes

This 14 page thesis examines the classification and preparation of dyes

Unnatural Conduct & Forced Difficulties: Austen, Reading, and the Paradox of the Feminine Ideal

Though some scholars have maintained that Jane Austen closely adheres to the ideology of courtesy novels and conduct literature, I argue that Austen uses her knowledge of this ideology to reveal the flaws in reader assumptions about the presumed commonsensical nature of the courtesy novel and its feminine ideal. Austen is familiar with the conventions of eighteenth-century fiction, but, rather than adopting its tropes in her own work, she uses realism to parody its excesses and improbabilities; this realism then works against reader expectations and exposes paradoxes inherent in the courtesy novel and in conduct-book literature itself. In my thesis I observe how Austen uses courtesy novel tropes to expose or even mock the courtesy novel\u27s inherently unrealistic qualities, and I do so by examining the act of reading in her novels: specifically, I argue that the literal reading that Austen\u27s characters engage in does not produce the expected outcomes predicted by conduct books and courtesy novels; that the figurative reading of one character by another demonstrates the dangerousness and unsuitability of the heroine as open book, as conduct books and courtesy novels urged her to be, as well as the irrationality and hypocrisy of acting the part of closed book to her intended lover; and, finally, that the act of reading an Austen novel is intended to prevent the absorption or interpretation of unrealistic ideals, through insistence on (more) realistic outcomes and through narrative intervention

EFFECT OF A DEVELOPED PHYSICS LABORATORY MANUAL ON THE CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

The study aimed to find out the effect of a developed laboratory manual in Physics on the conceptual understanding of Industrial Technology students. A pretest-posttest matched group design with experimental and control groups, consisted of 21 students each that undergone matching procedures were used in the conduct of this study. Descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviations, and t-tests were used to interpret and analyze the data. Cohen’s d effect size measure was also employed in order to measure the practical significance of the instructional material. This effect size can be operationally defined as learning gains due to experimental treatment. Findings suggest that the developed laboratory manual in Physics was found to be effective in enhancing the conceptual understanding of the students during their Physics laboratory class. Thus, this positive result indicates a strong support for a utilization of the learning material for instructional and institutional use.  Article visualizations

Nutrition in Central Uganda - An Estimation of a Minimum Cost Healthy Diet

This study makes use of linear programming methodology to design a minimum cost diet for the Central Ugandan region. We used a set of constraints on recommended levels of daily nutrient intake, recommended proportions of groups of foods, as well as preferences and food availability in Central Uganda, to design a minimum cost healthy daily diet. Several models were considered, each forcing at least one of the following frequently consumed staple foods: matooke, cassava, and rice. We found that the minimum costs of the optimal diets were lowest in the planting season of March and highest in the harvesting season of December.Central Uganda, minimum cost diet, malnutrition, linear programming, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Health Economics and Policy,

The effectiveness of faecal removal methods of pasture management to control the cyathostomin burden of donkeys

Background: The level of anthelmintic resistance within some cyathostomin parasite populations has increased to the level where sole reliance on anthelmintic-based control protocols is not possible. Management-based nematode control methods, including removal of faeces from pasture, are widely recommended for use in association with a reduction in anthelmintic use to reduce selection pressure for drug resistance; however, very little work has been performed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of such methods.<p></p> Methods: We analysed data obtained from 345 donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary (Devon, UK), managed under three different pasture management techniques, to investigate the effectiveness of faeces removal in strongyle control in equids. The management groups were as follows: no removal of faeces from pasture, manual, twice-weekly removal of faeces from pasture and automatic, twice-weekly removal of faeces from pasture (using a mechanical pasture sweeper). From turn-out onto pasture in May, monthly faecal egg counts were obtained for each donkey and the dataset subjected to an auto regressive moving average model.<p></p> Results: There was little to no difference in faecal egg counts between the two methods of faecal removal; both resulted in significantly improved cyathostomin control compared to the results obtained from the donkeys that grazed pasture from which there was no faecal removal.<p></p> Conclusions: This study represents a valuable and unique assessment of the effectiveness of the removal of equine faeces from pasture, and provides an evidence base from which to advocate twice-weekly removal of faeces from pasture as an adjunct for equid nematode control. Widespread adoption of this practice could substantially reduce anthelmintic usage, and hence reduce selection pressure for nematode resistance to the currently effective anthelmintic products.<p></p&gt

Combination of Palm Kernel Husk Ash (PKHA) and Free Lime (CaO) as an Admixture in Concrete Production

Almost all admixtures used in concrete construction in Nigeria are imported. In this study, various proportions of free Lime (CaO), Palm Kernel Husk Ash (PKHA) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) were mixed and the setting times of various mix proportions were determined and compared with that of only OPC. The compressive strength of cement mixed with various proportions PKHA was also determined. This was with a view to establishing the use of PKHA as an admixture while still retaining the compressive strength of such cement PKHA combinations. A previous study by the main author studied the suitability of PKHA alone as an admixture, while still retaining the compressive strength characteristics. Results revealed that the setting time of the mixture of the PKHA and OPC cubes decreased as the percentage of the PKHA increases as compared to the setting time of pure OPC cubes which was the control test. Also, the cubes obtained by mixing various percentages of the PKHA and OPC showed reduced compressive strength for the 7 and 28 days compressive strength tests respectively relative to those made with 100% OPC which also served as the control test. In this recent study, setting time of the combination of PKHA/CaO and OPC decreased as the percentage of the PKHA/CaO increases. The compressive strength of the cubes of the combination of PKHA/CaO and cement were higher for the 7 and 14 days strength test but reduced drastically to values below that of OPC alone for the 28 days cube strength test

GC-MS ANALYSIS OF VIBURNUM OPULUS (L) EXTRACT AND ITS TOXICITY STUDIES IN RATS

This study was aimed at establishing the antimicrobial and phytochemical profiles of Viburnum opulus (L) as well as the safety potential of the extract in albino Wistar rats. Ethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water fractions were prepared for both phytochemical assessment using gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis (GC-MS)1. Five groups of seven rats were used for the study. Group A received distilled water (control), while groups B to E were treated respectively with 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight of V. opulus extract by abdominal canulisation for 28 days2. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analyses and the liver tissues were further processed for histological studies. The GC-MS spectra revealed the existence of various phytoconstituents such as neophytadiene, germaciene, caryophyllene among others. High density lipoprotein and albumin were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in animals administered with 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw of the leaf extract. Ethanol, butanol and water fractions of the leaf of V. opulus showed antimicrobial action against most of the organisms used in this study. The result indicates the V. opulus leaf extract contains a wild range of fatty acids and heterocyclic compounds with antimicrobial efficacy and no hepatic damage