Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Machine planting of Norway spruce by Bracke and Ecoplanter: an evaluation of soil preparation, planting method and seedling performance

We evaluated the effects of planting date and planting machine (Bracke: three machines, 69 regeneration areas in three years; Ecoplanter: six areas, two years) on the quality and field performance one and three years after planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) seedlings in central Finland. Both machine types planted on average 1800 seedlings per hectare, and after three years approximately 1600 (Bracke) and 1200 (Ecoplanter) were still alive. This study suggests that planting with a Bracke machine can achieve better regeneration rates than those observed in privately-owned Finnish forests. We characterized the quality of mounding and planting with the Bracke machine as excellent and that of the Ecoplanter as good. The soil preparation method of the Ecoplanter produced humus-rich mounds where seedlings were susceptible to pine weevils and consequently suffered higher mortality. Different machines were used in different regional areas and each machine was operated by different driver/s which may have influenced the results. No negative effects of planting date were observed. Seedling growth decreased if they were tall in relation to their root plug volume, grown too densely in the nursery, and if stored in the field for several months prior to planting. We conclude that mechanized planting is successful when the soil preparation method produces mounds covered by purely mineral soil. Planting from May to the end of September is suitable for seedlings intended for use during this period.
Court of Public Opinion: Government Accountability and Judicial Independence

Using a simple model of policy making in a system characterized by formal separation of powers, judicial dependence on government support, asymmetric information between voters and the government, and political accountability of the policy branch, I show conditions under which rational voters force the government to cede power over legislative decisions to the courts. Specifically, the public uses its ability to hold the elected branches of government accountable to enforce a judicial veto when judicial opposition to legislation provides more reliable information to voters than government support for legislation does. The model thus provides a theoretical justification for, and suggests important limits to, the common assumption that disregard for judicial decisions is politically costly for elected politicians. The model also demonstrates how other observed patterns in judicial politics--including judicial rubber-stamping of government decisions and government "passing the buck" to courts--can arise as equilibria in the same simple framework. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
The Impact of Parental Marital Disruption on Children's Performance in School

Although it is well-documented that children from divorced or single-parent families have lower performance in school, little is known about whether the timing of divorce is linked to a decline in school performance. In this paper, we examine whether and how the timing of change in parents’ marital status influences the odds that a child is held back a grade in school using the Baltimore Parenthood Study, a thirty-year longitudinal study that has tracked the lives of inner-city families. Using logistic regression and hazard analysis, we show that the odds that a child is held back in school increase dramatically around the period of marital dissolution.
Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the expression of single-domain cystatins in Glycine max (soybean).

Plant cystatins inhibit cysteine proteases and are important in regulating plant development and plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Furthermore, nitric oxide plays a signaling role in regulating plant responses to developmental processes, biotic and abiotic stress. With the aim of determining if nitric oxide is involved in the regulation of the expression of single-domain cystatins, we have identified single-domain cystatin genes in soybean (Glycine max cv. PAN626) on the basis of sequence homology to a nitric oxideinducible cystatin (AtCYS1, At5g12140) from Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis of the expression of the four cystatin genes revealed that transcript levels of these cystatins are altered by exogenously applied nitric oxide and a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Altered expression of these cystatins by nitric oxide and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor implies that changes in cellular nitric oxide content, which have previously been shown to occur during development and/or biotic and abiotic stress, influence soybean physiological processes that are regulated by cysteine proteases. Recombinant protein expression of one of the cystatins (as a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein) showed that it has inhibitory activity against the model cysteine protease papain but not the model serine protease trypsin and that it inhibits caspase-like activity in soybean nodule extracts. This serves as evidence that these four plant cystatins are functional cysteine protease inhibitors because of their high degree of primary sequence identity. It also indicates that the single-domain cystatins regulate caspase-like activity, which is known to participate in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress. We thus conclude that nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase-like activity regulate the expression of these cystatins, thus influencing soybean caspase-like activity. We also propose a role for this nitric oxide-mediated regulation of cystatin gene expression in the mediation of developmental processes and responses to abiotic stress in soybean.
Effect of Supplementary Feed, Fertilizer and Physico-Chemical Parameters on Pond Productivity Stocked With Indian Major Carps in Monoculture System

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementary feed, fertilizers and physico-chemical parameters on the primary and secondary productivity of earthen ponds stocked with Indian major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala) under monoculture system. Three fish species (350±15 g) were stocked at 70fish/pond for 90 days. Each species had three treated and one control pond. The control ponds received only organic and inorganic fertilizers, while treated ponds of all the fish species received organic and inorganic fertilizers along with supplementary feed. Pond productivity in terms of chlorophyll-a estimation, phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance were studied on daily as well as on weekly basis. Results of the study revealed that chlorophyll-a concentration significantly varied in fish ponds (Cirrhinus mrigala, F = 52.91, Labeo rohita, F = 20.00 and Catla catla, F = 11.73) and higher in treated than control ponds on daily basis. Whereas chlorophyll-a concentration on weekly basis was found significantly higher in ponds containing Cirrhinus mrigala (F = 40.14) and non-significant in Labeo rohita (F = 2.98) and Catla catla (F = 0.75). The diversity indices (diversity, equitability and Simpson index) of phytoplankton and zooplankton were significantly higher in treated versus control ponds. The order of abundance among 23 species of phytoplankton recorded during the study period were; Cyanophyceae > Englenophyceae > Bacillariophyceae. In conclusion, supplementary feed along with fertilizers and higher temperature significantly enhanced natural productivity of ponds compared to fertilizers alone.
Birch (Betula pendula Roth.) responses to high UV-B radiation

Responses of European silver birch seedlings to highly enhanced levels of UV-B radiation (14.4 or 22.5 kJm -1 d -1 UV-B BE ) were studied in a glasshouse experiment. Visible symptoms, membrane lipid composition, secondary metabolites, mRNA levels of chalcone synthase (Chs), Iocalisation of Chs mRNA and leaf structure were analysed. Interveinal chlorosis and asymmetric leaves were induced by UV-B. A significant UV-B -induced increase in 18:2 fatty acid of both glycolipids and phospholipids was detected. UV-B dependent increase in accumulation of a quercetin-3-glycoside and three other compounds, as well as a transient increase in Chs mRNA levels are indicative of induced biosynthesis of flavonoids. In situ experiments showed that mRNA of Chs was mainly found in the upper mesophyll and vascular bundle tissues. Structural observations showed injuries caused by high irradiances. At the light microscopy level there was first a reduction in palisade parenchyma and later a more dense structure of spongy parenchyma cells. Electron microscopy demonstrated an increase in vacuolar membrane whorls and dark bodies, occurrence of lipid material and darkened chloroplast stroma in mesophyll cells. However, results also indicated that Betula pendula is capable of inducing defence reactions such as biosynthesis of flavonoids even at very high UV-B radiation.
The Wolf-Rayet stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud - A comprehensive analysis of the WN class

Context. Massive stars, although being important building blocks of galaxies, are still not fully understood. This especially holds true for Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars with their strong mass loss, whose spectral analysis requires adequate model atmospheres. Aims. Following our comprehensive studies of the WR stars in the Milky Way, we now present spectroscopic analyses of almost all known WN stars in the LMC. Methods. For the quantitative analysis of the wind-dominated emission-line spectra, we employ the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmosphere code. By fitting synthetic spectra to the observed spectral energy distribution and the available spectra (ultraviolet and optical), we obtain the physical properties of 107 stars. Results. We present the fundamental stellar and wind parameters for an almost complete sample of WN stars in the LMC. Among those stars that are putatively single, two different groups can be clearly distinguished. While 12% of our sample are more luminous than 10(6) L-circle dot and contain a significant amount of hydrogen, 88% of the WN stars, with little or no hydrogen, populate the luminosity range between log (L/L-circle dot) = 5.3 . 5.8. Conclusions. While the few extremely luminous stars (log (L/L-circle dot) > 6), if indeed single stars, descended directly from the main sequence at very high initial masses, the bulk of WN stars have gone through the red-supergiant phase. According to their luminosities in the range of log (L/L-circle dot) = 5.3 . 5.8, these stars originate from initial masses between 20 and 40 M-circle dot. This mass range is similar to the one found in the Galaxy, i.e. the expected metallicity dependence of the evolution is not seen. Current stellar evolution tracks, even when accounting for rotationally induced mixing, still partly fail to reproduce the observed ranges of luminosities and initial masses. Moreover, stellar radii are generally larger and effective temperatures correspondingly lower than predicted from stellar evolution models, probably due to subphotospheric inflation.
An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Fiscal Decentralization and the Size of Government

The goal of this paper is to investigate the relationship between fiscal decentralization and the size of government. Using a pooled mean group estimator, which has rarely been applied in this context, we analyze a set of 23 OECD countries over the period 1970–2008. In contrast to previous studies we use an improved measure of fiscal decentralization, which effectively quantifies the degree of sub-national autonomy. Our results suggest that, in the long run, fiscal decentralization decreases the size of government.
Oscillation processes as a tool of physics cognition

Based on research of resonant and transitional processes in electric LC-, RL-, RC-, and LCRcircuits, the article offers theoretical and experimental proof of physical reality of complex frequency and other concrete complex numbers which are a function of complex frequency. Analysis of resonant processes in electric circuits has shown inconsistency in their conventional interpretation at real frequencies. On the contrary, interpretation of resonance at complex frequencies allowed explaining all the inconsistencies of its interpretation at real frequencies. We provide the description of experiments confirming physical reality of resonance at complex frequencies. As for transitional processes in electric circuits, their analysis by means of differential equations requires the solution of the respective characteristic algebraic equations. In this respect we demonstrate that the solution of algebraic equations with the use of real numbers rules out the existence of oscillation transitional process, and, therefore, does not conform to physical reality.
A pictorial Attitude IAT as a Measure of Implicit Motives

We tested the hypothesis that a pictorial attitude variant of the Implicit Association Test (PA–IAT) is a valid measure of implicit motives. The PA–IAT aims to capture attitudes towards pictures that are related to implicit motives. In the first two studies, we showed that the pictorial attitude Implicit Association Test (IAT) correlated more highly with non–IAT measures of implicit motives than other IAT variants. In the third study, we established the validity of the PA–IAT experimentally and showed that the pictorial attitude IAT correlated with non–declarative behavioural measures only if implicit motives were aroused. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unravelling Adjustment Mechanisms

Expatriate adjustment has been a prominent theme in international management research; nevertheless, the mechanisms of adjustment have rarely been investigated. This article addresses the issue by introducing a conceptual framework that integrates the theoretical notion of adjustment `modes' used in expatriation research with empirical descriptions of adjustment behaviours from the literature on intercultural management. The article further reports on a qualitative, in-depth study of German expatriates in the People's Republic of China. Participants detailed the differences they perceived in the new environment, as well as ways of adjusting to them. These included changes of expatriates' norms of interaction, the implemention of new working methods in the Chinese workplace, and the acquisition of new living habits. Perceived environmental conditions and adjustment behaviours were contingent a number of factors, such as education and job level of Chinese colleagues. Conclusions are drawn and implications for organizational practice and future research are made.
Tomographic evidence for a subducted seamount beneath the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica: The cause of the 1990 Mw = 7.0 Gulf of Nicoya earthquake

Tomographic images constrain the existence of a subducted seamount beneath the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. The subducted seamount is found at a depth of 30 km within the rupture area of the March 25, 1990, Mw = 7.0 Gulf of Nicoya earthquake. The Gulf of Nicoya earthquake was a typical thrust‐type subduction earthquake and occurred on a shallow dipping thrust fault parallel or along the boundary between the subducting Cocos plate and the overriding plate. Precise relocation of the mainshock and its aftershocks in a 3‐D P‐wave velocity model shows that the area of the mainshock rupture is coincident with the imaged subducted seamount. Most of the aftershocks are relocated within or close to the inferred subducted seamount above the subducting oceanic plate. We interpret the subducted seamount as an asperity whose rupture caused the 1990 Gulf of Nicoya earthquake.
Probing Biomolecular Interactions at Conductive and Semiconductive Surfaces by Impedance Spectroscopy: Routes to Impedimetric Immunosensors, DNA‐Sensors, and Enzyme Biosensors

Impedance spectroscopy is a rapidly developing electrochemical technique for the characterization of biomaterialfunctionalized electrodes and biocatalytic transformations at electrode surfaces, and specifically for the transduction of biosensing events at electrodes or field-effect transistor devices. The immobilization of biomaterials, e.g., enzymes, antigens/antibodies or DNA on electrodes or semiconductor surfaces alters the capacitance and interfacial electron transfer resistance of the conductive or semiconductive electrodes. Impedance spectroscopy allows analysis of interfacial changes originating from biorecognition events at electrode surfaces. Kinetics and mechanisms of electron transfer processes corresponding to biocatalytic reactions occurring at modified electrodes can be also derived from Faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Different immunosensors that use impedance measurements for the transduction of antigen-antibody complex formation on electronic transducers were developed. Similarly, DNA biosensors using impedance measurements as readout signals were developed. Amplified detection of the analyte DNA using Faradaic impedance spectroscopy was accomplished by the coupling of functionalized liposomes or by the association of biocatalytic conjugates to the sensing interface providing biocatalyzed precipitation of an insoluble product on the electrodes. The amplified detections of viral DNA and single-base mismatches in DNA were accomplished by similar methods. The changes of interfacial features of gate surfaces of field-effect transistors (FET) upon the formation of antigen-antibody complexes or assembly of protein arrays were probed by impedance measurements and specifically by transconductance measurements. Impedance spectroscopy was also applied to characterize enzymebased biosensors. The reconstitution of apo-enzymes on cofactor-functionalized electrodes and the formation of cofactor-enzyme affinity complexes on electrodes were probed by Faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Also biocatalyzed reactions occurring on electrode surfaces were analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. The theoretical background of the different methods and their practical applications in analytical procedures were outlined in this article.
Information Systems Strategic Alignment Maturity Levels: Corporate and Project Implementation Perspectives

Deriving value from Information Systems (IS) investments has been a great concern in most organizations. IS strategic alignment also known as Business-IS alignment has been argued as one of the approaches of achieving IS investment value. Various researchers have proposed approaches to understanding the importance, achievement and maintenance of strategic alignment in organizations. This research used a strategic alignment assessment framework derived from Luftman’s Strategic Alignment Maturity Model (SAMM) to establish alignment maturity levels of public universities in Kenya. The approach adopted considers both Corporate (decision making) level and Project (IS implementation) level in evaluating strategic alignment maturity of an organization. Survey questionnaires were used in data collection and quantitative data analysis was employed. The study found out that the alignment maturity scores was higher at IS project implementation level as compared to corporate level. There was also consistency in alignment maturity scores ranking of factors in the two levels with communication and partnership scoring high at both levels while the human resource skills were ranked lowest at both levels. Keywords: Strategic alignment, Information Systems Investments, Strategic Alignment Maturity Model (SAMM), IS project implementation
Urban Amenities and the Development of Creative Clusters: The Case of Brazil

This paper describes the creative potential of Brazilian territories, including aspects pointed as cities’ comparative advantages in terms of creativity: cultural facilities, labor market and public expenditures in culture. The paper uses clustering analysis, applied to secondary data from the Brazilian Demographic Census (IBGE), Survey of Basic Municipal Information (MUNIC/IBGE) and municipal expenditures in culture from National Treasury (FINBRA). Among the six clusters which were created, three are well defined and the others are quite mixed. Cluster 1 includes the two largest and most developed cities in Brazil, S? o Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Cluster 2 is composed of capitals of important states in Brazil and cities where large universities are located. We named this cluster as creative university centers. Cluster 3 comprises 99 municipalities and can be named as centers of cultural and ecological tourism.
Application of the UTAUT Model to understand factors influencing the use of Web 2.0 tools in e-learning in Kenyan Public Universities

The introduction of Web 2.0 tools has led to enhanced communication and collaboration in both social and academic environments. The focus of this study was to identify factors influencing the use of Web 2.0 tools in e-learning in Kenyan Public Universities. The tools can then be introduced and used to aid in successful collaborative learning. A descriptive survey research design was used. Data was collected through questionnaires from both students and lecturers. Purposive sampling was used for the selection and the respondents, who included e-learning instructors and students. A total of 48 lecturers and 136 students participated in the study. The results of the study showed that the most common tools used for elearning in Kenyan Public Universities were social networks, which included YouTube and Facebook. It was also interesting to note how learners perceived the tools. The major challenges relating to these tools were also identified. Finally, Performance expectancy was identified as the main factor influencing the use of Web 2.0 tools in Public Universities in Kenya.
Ethnobotany and antibacterial potentiality of Blumea lacera L. from Sundarban Mangrove forest of Bangladesh

Indigenous knowledge on the utilization of Blumea lacera L. by the interim people as well as ethnic communities living at the vicinity of Sundarban mangrove forest of Bangladesh were documented through survey, interview, collection and identification. Native people of Sundarban use the herb in bleeding piles. Leaf of the plant was found to be the most useful part for ethnomedicinal use. Generally, leaves of B. lacera have been used to treat most kinds of colds. Warm leaf paste used as diuretic whereas leaf paste with black pepper powder was found to apply in dog bite. Furthermore, B. lacera collected from Sundarban mangrove habitat as well as from natural plain land habitat (JU campus) were subjected to a comparative analysis of antibacterial activity. Antibacterial study from the present experiment suggested that the ethyl acetate fraction of B. lacera , irrespective of habitat choice, was active against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus . The methanol fraction of Sundarban sample showed significant dose dependent increase in antibacterial activity against the gram-negative bacteria Serratia sp. , Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholera while the JU sample did not produce any inhibition zone . The n- hexane fractions of both type plant samples were entirely non-responsive to the bacterial growth. Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 3 (2): 17-24, 2014 (December)