Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Inter-Relationship of Sesame Genotypes and their Traits Using Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis Methods

The study was carried out from 2011-2013 cropping seasons in three locations of Northern Ethiopia (a total of 7 environments) and thirteen sesame genotypes were evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the interrelationship of the genotypes and their genetic divergence. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The thirteen sesame genotypes were grouped into four clusters based on the similarity of their agronomic traits and the dendrogram showed that clusters I, II, III and IV had 9, 1, 1 and 2 number of genotypes and the highest grain yield (918.1 kg haG1) as well as highest oil content (55.1%) was observed in cluster III. The Mahalanobis’s (D2) distance, genetic divergence, among the clusters were statistically significant and the highest genetic divergence was observed between clusters II and III (D2 = 7425.5), whereas, the lowest distance was found between clusters I and III (D2 = 179.64). Eight Principal Components (PCs) were extracted from the eight agronomic traits of sesame and the first three PCs accounted for 88.49% of the total variance (45.05, 28.25 and 15.20% for PC1, PC2 and PC3, respectively) and these three PCs were considered as significant. G1 and G4 were highly associated with traits such as grain yield, oil content, length of capsule bearing zone and number of capsules and G12 and G13 were relatively better yielding genotypes. G2 that aligned with days to maturity confirms its delaying character in maturity.
Term Exposure to Binaural Beats Adversely Affects Learning and Memory in Rats

Background: Binaural beats (binaural tones) are sound waves created by specific physical stimuli which are believed to induce relaxation, meditation, creativity and other forms of desirable mental states. To experience the binaural beats perception, a sound file should be listened using headphones. The difference in frequencies of each tone (e.g. f1 Hz in right ear and f2 Hz in left ear would make the binaural beats at a frequency of |f1-f2| Hz). Interestingly, binaural beats have been compared with illegal narcotics, and there are warnings that interest in binaural beats can lead to drug use. Current data on the ability of binaural beats to alter consciousness are still controversial. Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of binaural beats on the memory. Material and Methods: In this study, 36 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of nine animals each. A shuttle box apparatus was used for the passive avoidance learning and memory study. Twenty-four hr after training, the memory retention test was performed and animals were placed in the light compartment, then the door was opened and the step-through latency (STL) to enter to the dark compartment was measured. Animals in the exposure group were firstly exposed to binaural beats for 10 min (Exp1), 35 min (Exp2) and 75 min (15+25+35 min) (Exp3) before memory test. Results: Findings of this study showed that both STL time and the number of crossings were significantly affected by binaural beats. The STL time in Cont, Exp1, Exp2 and Exp3 groups were 132.22 ±126.14, 47.88±102.73, 27±20.45, 53.00±69.81 sec, respectively (P=0.017). The number of crossing in Cont, Exp1, Exp2 and Exp3 groups were 1.33±1.32, 5.25±3.77, 4.38±2.67, 5.78±3.93 times, respectively (P=0.02). Conclusion: It can be concluded that short term exposure to binaural beats adversely affects learning and memory in rat.
Shear Fatigue Simulation of RC Beams Subjected to Fixed Pulsating and Moving Loads

The fatigue behavior of RC beams subjected to moving loads is experimentally investigated. Analytical scrutiny is made on the shear fatigue behavior of RC beams subjected to moving loads based on strain path and time dependent fatigue constitutive models rooted in the multi-scale fixed four-way crack modeling of concrete. Moving load is found to cause dramatic reduction in fatigue life of RC beams as compared to that of the fixed pulsating load both in the experiment and analysis. The mechanism for the reduced fatigue life under moving loads in RC beams is discussed in contrast to that of RC slabs. A simplified relation for the prediction of fatigue life under moving load is proposed for practical use on the basis of standard shear fatigue design equation of JSCE code, used for fixed fatigue loading. The effect of randomness in the position of loading is examined and its implication for the reliability of current fatigue life assessment method of RC members is put forward. The applicability of the multi-scale computational platform is verified for the fatigue investigation of RC beams subjected to moving loads.
Re-Visiting the Easterlin Hypothesis: U.S. Fertility 1968-2010

This study tests the effect of relative income – younger people's earning potential relative to their aspirations, as approximated by older families' income – on two measures of fertility: the proportion of women with an own child under one year of age, and the proportion of women with at least one own child under eighteen. The results are highly supportive of the Easterlin relative income hypothesis, finding a dominant negative effect of older family income that extends due to postponement effects even into groups 11-15 years out of school. Increases in older family income are found to account for 42% of the decline in the proportion of women with a newborn, and 37% of the decline in the proportion with at least one own child, among women 0-5 years out of school. In addition, the study finds a strong but changing effect of the female wage: positive among women 0-5 years out of school, although slowly declining over time, but negative among the older women with a dominant positive time trend that has produced a positive effect in the last decade. It is hypothesized that the observed pattern of increases in fertility among women with higher levels of education over the last decade has been a function of this emerging positive effect of the female wage, among older more educated women.
Parasitic infestation on different regions of Tilapia mossambica collected from Kayamkulam Estuary, Kerala

The present study reports parasitic infestation on different regions of Tilapia mossambica, an economically important food fish from Kayamkulam estuary, a shallow brackish water lagoon for a period of one year from November 2014 – October 2015. A total of 240 host fishes were examined, of which 36 hosts were found to be infected. 8 species of parasites were collected, comprising of Ergasilus sp. , Dermoergasilus hoi, Caligus longipedis, Cystoopsis, Tantulocardian, Metacercaria, Argulus sp. and Lepeophtheirus sp. The parasitological terms like prevalence and mean abundance were calculated to determine the abundance of parasitic species. The prevalence of parasitic infestation was 15% and the mean abundance of parasites was 1.07. The highest infestation were observed in the gills and lowest infestation in the intestine. Gills are the favorite site for the attachment of many fish parasites. The ecto parasites dominate the parasitic community and majority of parasites were seen on the gills of the host fish. Parasitic diseases in fishes seriously limit aquaculture production and its economic viability.
THE ROLE OF TASK Mt ATTRIBUTES IN ETLOYEE PERFORWICE

While many studies have demonstrated the relatively successful performance implications of formalized goal-setting programs, in organizations, these findings typically do not identify the specific factors behind such techniques which are largely responsible for their success. Toward this end, research relating to six factor-analytically derived attributes of employees' task goals is reviewed to ascertain which attributes are more consistently related to performance. The six "task goal attributes" are: (1) goal specificity, (2) participation in goal-setting, (3) feedback, (4). peer competition, (5) goal difficulty, and (6) goal acceptance. While goal specificity and goal acceptance were found to be most consistently related to performance, several intervening variables emerged which tended to affect significantly the impact of certain attributes on performance. The findings are discussed within a motivational framework and it is argued, based on the data, that performance under goal-setting conditions is a function of at least three important variables: the nature of the task goals, additional situational-environmental factors, and individual differences. (A 13-page bibliography is included.) (Author/BP) THE ROLE OF TASK Mt ATTRIBUTES IN ETLOYEE PERFORWICE
The efficiency of the Turkish banking system

This study analyses the efficiency of the Turkish bank system over the period 2000-2005. The estimation shows that inefficiency decreases over the period under consideration and the analysis unambiguously indicates that the Turkish banking system has a large potential for improvement. The state banks appear to reduce their costs more comfortably than the private banks. The results also suggest that the restructuring programme that started in 2001 appears to have transformed the state-banks into the more efficient and profitable institutions.
On-site audits, sanctions, and bank risk-taking: An empirical overture towards a novel regulatory and supervisory philosophy

This paper investigates the role of banking supervision, measured in terms of enforcement outputs (i.e., on-site audits and sanctions) in containing bank risk-taking. Our results on the direct banking supervision–risk-taking correlation show an inverted U-shaped relationship between on-site audits and bank risk, while the nexus between enforcement actions and risk appears linear and negative. With respect to the combined effect of efficient supervision and banking regulation (in the form of capital and transparency requirements) we find that effective supervision and disclosure prerequisites are important and complementary mechanisms in reducing bank fragility, by contrast to capital requirements which are proven rather futile in controlling bank risk, even when supplemented with a higher volume of on-site audits and enforcement actions.
NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS OF CARDINAL GRAPES GROWN IN ÇANAKKALE, TURKEY

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional status of the Cardinal grapes that are grown in Canakkale. Leaf and soil samples were taken from 18 different vineyards to ensure a uniform sampling area. Although all of the soil samples contained suitable pH values for grapes, levels of organic matter content were found to be low. Lime (CaCO3) content was at an insufficient level in 72% of the soils at 0-30 cm depth and in 61% of the soils at 30-60 cm depth. Phosphorous (P) content was at low and medium levels in 94% of the soils. Potassium (K) was found to be insufficient in 50% of the soils. In both depths, the iron (Fe) content of 33% of soils was lower than the critical level. Manganese (Mn) content was at an insufficient level in 22% of the soils. There were no nutritional problems with respect to zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the soils. Nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) contents of leaf blades were higher than those of leaf petioles. Potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) contents of leaf petioles were higher than those of leaf blades. There were no differences between zinc (Zn) contents in leaf blades and leaf petioles. The N content of 89% of the leaf blades and P content of 61% of the leaf blades was higher than the critical level. There were no nutritional problems with respect to K in leaf blades. The Ca contents of leaf blades and leaf petioles were found to be at insufficient levels. The Mg contents of leaf blades and leaf petioles were found to be sufficient. There were no nutritional problems in leaf blades and leaf petioles with respect to Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu.
ASYMPTOTIC DISTRIBUTIONS FOR DIMENSION REDUCTION IN THE SIR-II METHOD

The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic for testing the dimen- sionality in the SIR-II method is derived and shown to be a linear combination of 2 random variables under weak assumptions. This statistic is based on Li's (1991) sequential test statistic for sliced inverse regression (SIR). Also presented is a simulation study of the result.
Where next for condition monitoring of rotating machinery

Condition monitoring has progressed for many years with significant but fairly incremental improvements to algorithms for data analysis. Pattern recognition methods for the condition monitoring of rotating machinery are well established and can successfully detect and classify many types of faults. However, some faults are difficult to distinguish and locating faults requires a spatial model of the machine. To be useful, these models must be an accurate representation of the machine. Of course, as with any model, the required accuracy depends on the use to which the model is put. This paper considers models of various faults and machines, highlights the use of estimation methods, and discusses the required model fidelity. Examples of faults such as cracks, unbalance, bends and misalignment are given. Consideration is given to the information that may be established about an operational machine, and how it might be implemented in future condition monitoring systems to significantly enhance their value.
Oak sprouts grow better than seedlings under drought stress

Abstract: This study focused on the comparison of two contrasting forest regeneration types and their susceptibility to drought stress. Transpiration and biomass production were studied on young sessile oak trees Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. regenerated as sprouts and seedlings, and grown in a coppice experimental site in the Czech Republic. Biomass production was estimated using destructive methods, while transpiration was derived from sap flow measurements and assessed according to the plant biometry and microclimatic conditions. Sprouts were characterized by a significantly higher diameter, height, leaf area and above-ground biomass and by a lower wood density as compared with seedlings of the same age. Moreover, the sap flow of sprouts was higher than that of seedlings, which was explained by the plant dimension. Transpiration, expressed as sap flow scaled to plant leaf area, did not differ between seedlings and sprouts when soil water was not limiting. However, during drought periods, when soil water potential dropped below -1.4 MPa, sprouts transpired significantly more than seedlings. Our results confirm that sprouts have access to a larger water pool via the old stump root system and are able to draw more water under drought. Moreover, sprouts seemed to be less susceptible to water limitations than seedlings of similar age. Less influence of drought on sprouts may partially explain their higher above-ground biomass production. Based on our results, coppice could be an appropriate management system to be adopted in sites characterized by frequent or extreme drought periods.
Application of a Multiplex PCR with Specific PCR Primers for the Detection of the Genus Paramecium and the Paramecium aurelia Complex

The representatives of the genus Paramecium are well-studied ciliates and can be used in water quality assessment and the determinations of saprobic levels. For these applications, a clear and unambiguous identification of ciliate assemblages is essential, which is typically based on morphological characters requiring a sound taxonomic knowledge and experience in species determination including microscopic identification of both living and stained specimens. Therefore, we developed and applied specific PCR primers for the detection of species belonging to the genus Paramecium and the Paramecium aurelia complex. These primers were successfully tested with different Paramecium species including representatives of the P. aurelia complex as well as closely related species like Frontonia sp. and Tetrahymena sp. in both experimental and environmental samples. These primers can be used in a simultaneous approach achieving fast and reliable results with regard to determination of ciliate community and water assessment.
Production of lettuce with brackish water in NFT hydroponic system

Groundwater reserves in the semi-arid regions, which are mostly brackish, could be used to meet local water demands. Hydroponic cultivation is an alternative of rational use of water. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the technical feasibility of using brackish groundwater in the semi-arid region of Bahia and Reconcavo of Bahia for hydroponic production of curly lettuce cv. ‘Veronica’ and purple lettuce cv. ‘Quatro Estacoes’. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in the city of Cruz das Almas, Bahia State, in a randomized block experimental design, composed of seven treatments [T1- public-supply water; T2- water from the well of UFRB; T3- reject water from the well of Cruz das Almas; T4- water from the well of Sapeacu; T5- reject water from the well of Sapeacu; T6- reject water from the well of Conceicao do Coite and T7- artificially salinated water (NaCl)] and six replicates in an experimental hydroponic structure using the nutrient film technique (NFT). The following variables were analyzed: number of leaves, shoot fresh matter, shoot length, root length, shoot dry matter, and root dry matter. Relative shoot dry matter production in curly lettuce increased by 1, 5, and 2% in the treatments T2, T3, and T4, respectively, whereas in purple lettuce, the increments were 10, 1, and 20%, respectively, for the same treatments. The use of brackish groundwater from the deep tubular wells of the Federal University of Reconcavo da Bahia and Sapeacu and desalination reject water from the tubular well of Cruz das Almas proved to be technically feasible for hydroponic lettuce production.
Activity of oxalic and citric acids on the mite Varroa destructor in laboratory assays

The toxicity of oxalic and citric acid to Varroa destructorAnderson and Trueman was stud- ied with a laboratory assay. A contact test was used for the bioassay. Capsules were sprayed with solu- tions of the acids in a Potter tower and allowed to dry. Slight but significant differences in toxicity of oxalic acid were found among mites from different brood stages; the median lethal density for mites from pupae with white eyes was 1.49 μg/cm 2 . Citric acid was less toxic than oxalic acid. The addi- tion of sucrose to oxalic acid made the material more hygroscopic and the mortality of the mites increased at 75% R.H. Glycerol showed a similar synergic activity irrespective of relative humidity. Varroa destructor / bioassay / oxalic acid / citric acid / sucrose / glycerol / synergism
Genetic association between milk lactose, freezing point and somatic cell score in Italian Holstein cows

Università degli Studi di Padova, Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, Viale dell’Università 16,35020 Legnaro, Italy angela.costa. 1@phd.unipd. it (Corresponding Author) Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Frisona Italiana (ANAFI), via Bergamo 292, 26100 Cremona, Italy Massey University, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Private Bag 11222, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand
Integration of Commodity Derivative Markets: Has it Gone Too Far ?

We examine the impact of two financial crises on commodity derivative markets: the subprime crisis and the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers. These crises are “external” to the commodity markets because they occurred in the financial sphere. Still, because commodity markets are now highly integrated with each other and with other financial markets, such events could have had an impact. In order to fully comprehend this possible impact, we rely on tools inspired by the graph theory that allow for the study of large databases. We examine the daily price fluctuations recorded in 14 derivative markets from 2000 to 2009 in three dimensions: the observation time, the space dimension—the same underlying asset can be traded simultaneously in two different places—and the maturity of the transactions. We perform an event study in which we first focus on the efficiency of the price shock’s transmission to the commodity markets during the crises. Then we concentrate on whether the paths of shock transmission are modified. Finally, relying on the measure proposed by Bonacich (Am J Sociol 92(5):1170–1182, 1987) for social networks, we focus on whether the centrality of the price system changes.
Effect of forced-air artificial intermittent drying on cocoa beans in South-Western Nigeria

Drying experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of forced-air, artificial intermittent drying system on quality of fermented cocoa beans harvested in south-western Nigeria. The beans were dried naturally by using traditional sun drying method and artificially, by hot air inside an oven at air temperatures of 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55°C respectively. Fermented beans were exposed to 9 h of drying and 15 h of resting daily. The following quality parameters were assessed; free fatty acid (FFA), pH, moisture content and acetic acid for each drying temperatures and sun drying. From the test results, the free fatty acid and acetic acid levels increases with increase in drying temperature, also, the pH level decreases with increase in drying temperature. Optimum bean-quality was obtained for cocoa beans dried at 45°C oven temperature. A predictive equation was established that shows the relationship between oven temperature (°C) and free fatty acid level (mg/g) of the beans. Generally, it was also discovered that there is no known adverse effect on the quality of the beans dried under forced-air artificial intermittent drying system.
Heritability and Correlation among Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Yield and Some Agronomic and Sugar Quality Traits in Ethiopia

To assess broad sense heritability and phenotypic and genetic correlations among sugarcane yield components, an experiment was conducted at Wonji and Metehara Sugar Estates of Sugar Corporation of Ethiopia during 2012/2013. High broad sense heritability (h2) was detected for stalk diameter (0.730), single cane weight (0.672), millable cane number (0.624), stalk height (0.624) and pol % (0.608), indicating that these traits could be selected for easily. Expected genetic gain of the yield components was moderate to high. All traits had low to high genetic correlations (rg = -0.005 to 0.884) with cane yield and (rg = 0.027 to 0.999) with sugar yield. On average genetic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations. High Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV), broad sense heritability and expected genetic advance were recorded for stalk diameter, single cane weight and millable cane number. A selection strategy based on these traits could lead to improvement in cane and sugar yield.