Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biotechnological Advancements and Begomovirus Management in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): Status and Perspectives

Despite the importance of okra, as one of the important vegetable crop, very little attention has been paid to its genetic improvement using advanced biotechnological tools. The exploitation of marker assisted breeding in okra is often limited due to the availability of a few molecular markers, the absence of molecular genetic-map(s), and other molecular tools. Chromosome linkage-groups were not yet constructed for this crop and reports on marker development are very scanty and mostly hovering around cultivar characterization. Besides, very little progress has been observed for transgenic development. However, high throughput biotechnological tools like chromosome engineering, RNA interference (RNAi), marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS), genome-wide selection (GWS), targeted gene replacement, next generation sequencing (NGS), and nanobiotechnology can provide a rapid way for okra improvement. Further, the etiology of many deadly viral diseases like the yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) and okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCV) in okra is broadly indistinct and has been shown to be caused by various begomovirus species. These diseases cause systemic infections and have a very effective mode of transmission; thus, preventing their spread has been very complicated. Biotechnological interventions have the potential to enhance okra production even under different viral-stress conditions. In this background, this review deals with the biotechnological advancements in okra per se along with the begomoviruses infecting okra, and special emphasis has been laid on the exploitation of advanced genomic tools for the development of resistant varieties.
Stable dynamic walking of a quadruped via phase modulations against small disturbances

It is generally accepted that locomotion in animals is based on a trade-off between energy consumption and stability. However, this trade-off is the result of the interaction between complex mechanical and control systems. To gain insight into that issue, a step-by-step approach is needed. In this study, as a first step to investigate three dimensional quadrupedal walking, we aim at establishing a control system as “minimal” as possible, able to realize stable dynamic walk. Using a simple mechanical structure, we realized dynamic walk with a distributed control system, made of four independent leg controllers whose swing and stance phases durations are modulated based on leg loading information. Phase modulations contribute to stabilize the posture in the frontal plane via automatic duty ratios adjustments that tend to compensate perturbations of the body rolling motion. By applying lateral perturbations, we found that the control system withstands well perturbations increasing the rolling motion amplitude, but is sensible to perturbations that suddenly decrease it, as the foreleg on the more loaded side is prevented to swing. Hence, we implemented an ascending coordination mechanism where the transition to swing in a hind leg promotes the same event in the foreleg. The duration of the subsequent foreleg swing phase is reduced to prevent excessive increase of the rolling motion amplitude. The resultant control system, although extremely simple, was able to realize dynamic walk resistant to small disturbances (lateral perturbations and terrain irregularities).
Parties' Positions on European Integration: Issue Congruence, Ideology or Context?

This paper models the correlates of parties’ positions on the issue of European integration, asking why some parties are in favour of European integration, while others are less favourable or even opposed to it. The paper builds on existing work which has identified three sets of explanatory factors predicting parties’ positions on integration: the electorate, parties and party system characteristics. By employing multilevel modelling using data on over 220 parties in 14 Western EU member states for the years 1984 to 2006, the effects of party- and context-level predictors of parties’ positions on EU integration are assessed. The findings demonstrate that parties’ positions are primarily influenced by EU preferences of the general electorate, parties’ left–right ideological extremes and incumbency status. The results also show that the impact of party characteristics is moderated by the electoral context in which parties operate. Moreover, the interaction between both levels offers further insights as to the nature of these associations. Specifically, party size is a robust predictor of integration position only when accounting for the levels of party system's fractionalisation and polarisation. Additionally, parties oriented towards the centre of the ideological spectrum are even more likely to favour European integration within highly polarised systems.
Professionals, Poachers or Street Level Bureaucrats: Government Policy, Teaching Identities and Constructive Subversions

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Relative impacts of Siberian and North American snow anomalies on the winter Arctic Oscillation

Numerical model mean climatic response to realistic land surface snow forcings is evaluated for two different forcing regions, Siberia and North America. The atmospheric teleconnection pathway and negative winter AO mode response produced by the Siberia forcing, described by the authors in previous studies, is not produced by the comparable‐extent North America forcing. It is shown that the combination of a large snow‐forced local diabatic heating anomaly over a region of substantial stationary wave activity is required to produce strong upward wave activity flux anomalies which initiate the teleconnection pathway. These features are unique to Siberia, making it a critical region for reproducing the snow ‐ winter AO statistical relationship evident in the observational record.
High Poverty Schools and the Distribution of Teachers and Principals. Sanford Working Paper Series. SAN06-08.

Although many factors combine to make a successful school, most people agree that quality teachers and school principals are among the most important requirements for success, especially when success is defined by the ability of the school to raise the achievement of its students. The central question for this study is how the quality of the teachers and principals in high poverty schools in North Carolina compares to that in the schools serving more advantaged students. A related question is why these differences emerge. The consistency of the patterns across many measures of qualifications for both teachers and principals leaves no doubt that students in the high poverty schools are served by school personnel with lower qualifications than those in the lower poverty schools. Moreover, in many cases the differences are large. Additional evidence documents that the differences largely reflect predictable outcomes of the labor market for teachers and principals. Hence, active policy interventions are needed to counter these forces if the ultimate goal is to provide equal educational opportunity.
Human cortical processing of colour and pattern

The present study investigates human visual processing of simple two‐colour patterns using a delayed match to sample paradigm with positron emission tomography (PET). This study is unique in that we specifically designed the visual stimuli to be the same for both pattern and colour recognition with all patterns being abstract shapes not easily verbally coded composed of two‐colour combinations. We did this to explore those brain regions required for both colour and pattern processing and to separate those areas of activation required for one or the other. We found that both tasks activated similar occipital regions, the major difference being more extensive activation in pattern recognition. A right‐sided network that involved the inferior parietal lobule, the head of the caudate nucleus, and the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus was common to both paradigms. Pattern recognition also activated the left temporal pole and right lateral orbital gyrus, whereas colour recognition activated the left fusiform gyrus and several right frontal regions. Hum. Brain Mapping 13:213–225, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decision Quality, Confidence, and Commitment with Expert Systems: An Experimental Study

This experiment investigates the relationship between results produced by an expert system (ES), its physical structure and features, and the user's commitment and confidence in its solutions. One hundred one subjects among four MPA programs were asked to evaluate ten applicants for a government budget officer position. Among the findings: decision makers who utilized the ES made higher quality decisions but exhibited less confidence and commitment than did those who worked without an ES; decisionmaker involvement in the decision process corrected for this disparity. We discuss the implications for ES design and future research.
A Continuous Speech Recognition System Embedding MLP into HMM

We are developing a phoneme based, speaker-dependent continuous speech recognition system embedding a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) (i.e., a feedforward Artificial Neural Network), into a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approach. In [Bourlard & Wellekens], it was shown that MLPs were approximating Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) probabilities and could thus be embedded as an emission probability estimator in HMMs. By using contextual information from a sliding window on the input frames, we have been able to improve frame or phoneme classification performance over the corresponding performance for Simple Maximum Likelihood (ML) or even MAP probabilities that are estimated without the benefit of context. However, recognition of words in continuous speech was not so simply improved by the use of an MLP, and several modifications of the original scheme were necessary for getting acceptable performance. It is shown here that word recognition performance for a simple discrete density HMM system appears to be somewhat better when MLP methods are used to estimate the emission probabilities.
Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation: Complementary Approaches for Identifying the Neuronal Correlates of Tinnitus

An inherent limitation of functional imaging studies is their correlational approach. More information about critical contributions of specific brain regions can be gained by focal transient perturbation of neural activity in specific regions with non-invasive focal brain stimulation methods. Functional imaging studies have revealed that tinnitus is related to alterations in neuronal activity of central auditory pathways. Modulation of neuronal activity in auditory cortical areas by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce tinnitus loudness and, if applied repeatedly, exerts therapeutic effects, confirming the relevance of auditory cortex activation for tinnitus generation and persistence. Measurements of oscillatory brain activity before and after rTMS demonstrate that the same stimulation protocol has different effects on brain activity in different patients, presumably related to interindividual differences in baseline activity in the clinically heterogeneous study cohort. In addition to alterations in auditory pathways, imaging techniques also indicate the involvement of non-auditory brain areas, such as the fronto-parietal “awareness” network and the non-tinnitus-specific distress network consisting of the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and amygdale. Involvement of the hippocampus and the parahippocampal region putatively reflects the relevance of memory mechanisms in the persistence of the phantom percept and the associated distress. Preliminary studies targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and the parietal cortex with rTMS and with transcranial direct current stimulation confirm the relevance of the mentioned non-auditory networks. Available data indicate the important value added by brain stimulation as a complementary approach to neuroimaging for identifying the neuronal correlates of the various clinical aspects of tinnitus.
A Novel Environmental Performance Evaluation of Thailand’s Food Industry Using Structural Equation Modeling and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Techniques

Currently, the environment and sustainability are important topics for every industry. The food industry is particularly complicated in this regard because of the dynamic and complex character of food products and their production. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to investigate which factors are suitable for evaluating the environmental performance of Thailand’s food industry. A first-stage questionnaire survey was conducted with 178 managers in the food industry that obtained a certificate from the Department of Industrial Work of Thailand to synthesize the performance measurement model and the significance of the relationship between the indicators. A second-stage questionnaire measured 18 experts’ priorities regarding the criteria and sub-factors involved in the different aspects and assessment items regarding environmental performance. SEM showed that quality management, market orientation, and innovation capability have a significantly positive effect on environmental performance. The FAHP showed that the experts were most concerned about quality management, followed by market orientation and innovation capability; the assessment items for quality policy, quality assurance, and customer orientation were of the most concern. The findings of this study can be referenced and support managerial decision making when monitoring environmental performance.
Sociodemographics of Pet Ownership among Adolescents in Great Britain: Findings from the HBSC Study in England, Scotland, and Wales

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pet ownership among adolescents in Great Britain and identify any sociodemographic differences between pet owners and non-pet owners. A total of 14,328 11-to 15-year-old adolescents from England, Scotland, and Wales were included in the analysis. Results revealed 15-year-old adolescents were significantly more likely than 11-year-old adolescents to own dogs (OR = 1.146, p < 0.001) but less likely to own fish, reptiles, or amphibians (OR = 0.629, p < 0.001), and small mammals (OR = 0.630, p < 0.001). Thirteen-year-olds were significantly more likely than 11-year-olds to own dogs (OR = 1.240, p = 0.021) and birds (OR = 1.299, p = 0.010), but significantly less likely to own fish, reptiles, or amphibians (OR = 0.795, p < 0.001). No gender differences were found. White adolescents were more likely than non-white adolescents to own all pet types. Those living in single-parent families were significantly more likely than those living with two parents to own dogs (OR = 1.186, p = 0.013) and cats (OR = 1.319, p < 0.001). Furthermore, those who reported living in stepfamilies were also more likely to own cats (OR = 1.428, p < 0.001). Adolescents with siblings were more likely to own cats (OR = 1.391, p = 0.001), fish, reptiles, or amphibians (OR = 1.220, p = 0.037) than adolescents without siblings. Adolescents with employed parents (both or one) were significantly more likely than those with unemployed parents to own dogs (OR = 1.414, p = 0.002) and birds (OR = 1.523, p = 0.018). Adolescents from high-affluence families were less likely than adolescents from low-affluence families to own dogs (OR = 0.888, p = 0.037), small mammals (OR = 0.832, p = 0.005), and birds (OR = 0.801, p = 0.046). Furthermore, family affluence differences were found in different pet types. Differences in all pet types and siblings were also found in a proxy measure of attachment to pets. This study provides evidence that pet ownership is related to several sociodemographic factors. These are relevant to take into account when performing HAI studies on adolescents.
What did schools experience from participating in a randomised controlled study (PLAY) that prioritised risk and challenge in active play for children while at school?

ABSTRACT ‘Risky’ play is an important component of play, which positively affects the cognitive, social and emotional development of children. However, a growing culture of ‘risk aversion’ may be limiting the degree of risk that children are allowed to encounter. We undertook qualitative interviews with eight schools to examine the acceptability of an intervention designed to increase risk and challenge in the school playground (e.g. more rough-and-tumble play and tree climbing). Schools were overwhelmingly positive about the approach and all enjoyed participating. Each school believed many benefits occurred from increasing risk and challenge within play, including better behaviour, improved cooperation between children and increases in physical activity. There were some challenges for schools, but these were generally research related, and all were viewed as acceptable. Indeed, schools found the process enlightening, and upon completion of the two-year intervention often viewed play in quite a different light.
Perception and production of Italian vowels: an ERP study

In the present study, cortical responses of two sustained Italian vowels, /a/ and /i/, were analyzed in perception and production tasks by using the event-related potential (ERP) technique. First, we showed that the earlier auditory waveform complex, N1/P2, was elicited in both experimental tasks by acoustically presented vowels. More interestingly, the cortical activity of auditory cortex seems to reflect different spectro-acoustical items of Italian vowels in the production task. Specifically, the vowel /a/ generated a weaker activity than /i/ as revealed by different neuronal modulations; moreover, during speech production, the auditory cortex showed a dampening and delaying of its activity in the left hemisphere. Index Terms: vowels processing, N1/P2 ERPs components, speech perception, speech production.
Nonlinear suppression of time reversals in PT-symmetric optical couplers

We reveal a generic connection between the effect of time reversals and nonlinear wave dynamics in systems with parity-time (PT) symmetry, considering a symmetric optical coupler with balanced gain and loss where these effects can be directly observed experimentally. We show that for intensities below a threshold level, the amplitudes oscillate between the waveguides, and the effects of gain and loss are exactly compensated after each period due to periodic time reversals. For intensities above a threshold level, nonlinearity suppresses periodic time reversals, leading to the symmetry breaking and a sharp beam switching to the waveguide with gain. Another nontrivial consequence of linear PT symmetry is that the threshold intensity remains the same when the input intensities at waveguides with loss and gain are exchanged.
Morphological and skill-related fitness components as potential predictors of injuries in elite female field hockey players

This study investigated whether morphological or skill-related factors measured pre-season can predict injuries sustained in-season by field hockey players. In this cohort-analytical study, 30 female South African national field hockey players underwent pre-season testing including anthropometry, balance, flexibility, explosive power, upper and lower body strength, core strength, speed, agility and isokinetic testing of the ankle. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, elite-level experience, playing surface, footwear and injury history. Injuries in training and matches were recorded during the subsequent season using an injury profile sheet completed by injured players. Eighty-seven injuries, mostly involving ligaments and muscles of the ankles, hamstrings and lower back, were recorded. Univariate analyses showed that ankle dorsiflexion strength was a strong predictor of ankle injuries (p=0.0002), while ankle dorsiflexion deficit (p=0.0267) and eversion deficit (p=0.0035) were significant predictors. Balance indices (anterior/posterior, p=0.0465; medial/lateral, p<0.0001; and overall, p<0.0001) were pre-season performance measures significantly predicting potential ankle injury. For lower leg injuries, univariate associations were found with ankle inversion deficit (p=0.0253), eversion deficit (p=0.0379), and anterior/posterior balance index (p=0.0441). Key words : Elite female field hockey players; Morphology; Skill-related fitness components; Predictors of injuries.
A hybrid genetic algorithm for the channel routing problem

We present a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (HGA) for the Channel Routing Problem (CRP). To do so we combine a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with domain specific knowledge, i.e. the genetic operators make use of the rip-up and reroute technique. Thereby the execution time of our method is faster than previously presented evolutionary based approaches. Furthermore, concerning space complexity we show by experiments that our HGA can handle large channels (with more than 100 columns).
The effects of cooperative R&D subsidies and subsidized cooperation on employment growth

The paper investigates the contribution of cooperative and non-cooperative R and D subsidies to firm growth. Of particular interest is hereby firmsâ€™ embeddedness into subsidized cooperation networks. For the empirical analysis we utilize an unbalanced panel of 2.199 German manufacturing firms covering the time period from 1999 to 2009. A dynamic panel estimation technique is employed to control for growth autocorrelation as well as endogeneity. Our findings show that non-cooperative R and D subsidies have a stimulating impact on large firmsâ€™ employment growth. In contrast being engaged in many subsidized cooperation is related to significant growth-reducing effects. In the case of large firms, exceptions are subsidized cooperation with geographically distant firms, which can positively influence employment growth. For small firms, rather interactions with research organizations are found to facilitate their development.
Computation of vortex sheet roll-up in the Trefftz plane

Two vortex-sheet evolution problems arising in aerodynamics are studied numerically. The approach is based on desingularizing the Cauchy principal value integral which defines the sheet's velocity. Numerical evidence is presented which indicates that the approach converges with respect to refinement in the mesh-size and the smoothing parameter. For elliptic loading, the computed roll-up is in good agreement with Kaden's asymptotic spiral at early times. Some aspects of the solution's instability to short-wavelength perturbations, for a small value of the smoothing parameter, are inferred by comparing calculations performed with different levels of computer round-off error. The tip vortices’ deformation, due to their mutual interaction, is shown in a long-time calculation. Computations for a simulated fuselage-flap configuration show a complicated process of roll-up, deformation and interaction involving the tip vortex and the inboard neighbouring vortices.