Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brassinosteroids and gibberellic acid: effects on in vitro pollen germination in grapevine

Many physiological processes related to plant growth and development are under the influence of growth regulators, which also have an impact on pollen germination. In this study, the effects of two brassinosteroid compounds, epibrassinolide and 22S,23S-homobrassinolide, and gibberellic acid (GA3) on in vitro pollen germination of two table grape cultivars, ‘Italia’ and ‘Cardinal’ (Vitis vinifera L.), were determined. A total of 28 treatments, alone and in combination, were applied to freshly collected pollens which were sown on a basic medium with 1% agar and 20% sucrose. Petri dishes were kept at 26±1°C for 24 hours. Counting of the germinated pollens revealed that the effects of these plant hormones were cultivar- and substance-specific. The cultivar ‘Italia’ was not influenced by the treatments (the highest germination ratio being 44.4% from 0.001 mg L-1 epibrassinolide) as opposed to the cultivar ‘Cardinal’. The highest germination ratio in ‘Cardinal’ was about 50% in pollens treated with 25 mg L-1 GA3 + 0.01 mg L-1 epibrassinolide. The control group resulted in 32.38% germination. Combining GA3 with epibrassinolide provided slightly higher germination ratios compared to combining GA3 with 22S,23S-homobrassinolide.
Examining differences in psychological adjustment problems among children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies

The aim of this study was to examine whether there was variation in levels of psychological adjustment among children conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technologies using the parents’ gametes (homologous), sperm donation, egg donation, embryo donation and surrogacy. Information was provided by parents about the psychological functioning of 769 children aged 5 to 9 years who had been born using ART (from the five groups described). Comparisons were made between the different conception groups, to UK national norms and, for a sub-sample of multiple births, to an age-matched twin sample. No differences were found between the conception groups except that fathers from the egg donation group rated children higher in conduct problems compared to other ART groups. No effects were observed by ART treatment type (ICSI vs. IVF, GIFT and IUI). There was some evidence of lower conduct problems and prosocial behaviour among children conceived through homologous IVF compared to national norms. Taken together, however, consistent differences between groups and in comparison to naturally conceived children were not apparent for mother- or father-rated adjustment problems. Children conceived with assisted reproductive technologies, regardless of whether they are genetically related or unrelated to their parents or born by gestational surrogacy do not differ in their levels of psychological adjustment. Nor do they appear to be at greater risk of psychological adjustment problems in middle childhood compared to naturally conceived children.
Traditional and novel references towards systematic normalization of qRT-PCR data in plants

The selection of appropriate controls is the key requirement for target gene normalization through quantitative real-time PCR. The consistent control is selected via a gene validation approach that includes several classic and novel housekeeping references. Our aim in this paper is to present major achievements, largely concerned with finding an invariable internal control in different plant species under a range of experimental conditions. The conflicts in gene normalization using classical references and their replacement with novel references are discussed as leading subject. This review also accentuates different methods used for the amplification of reference genes with special importance on ortholog/paralog approaches, and multi-transcript targeting. Some other issues are also discussed such as the use of quantitative real-time PCR in different areas of plant science for target gene normalization, and some areas where it might be a useful technique in unraveling other issues.
Encouraging Students to Read: What Professors Are (and Aren't) Doing About It

Reasons are examined as to why students are reluctant to complete assigned textbook readings on a timely basis. Prior research suggested that lack of student motivation, lack of student knowledge of effective study habits, competing demands on student time, and lack of congruency between student objectives for the course and professor objectives for students could be the cause. Our empirical research indicated that both the textbook and the professor can impact student willingness to complete assigned readings. Students (n=394) suggested that a good textbook be reasonably priced ($50 or less), concise (short chapters), loaded with great graphics, and easy to understand. Business faculty (n=77) shared ideas on how they encourage students to prepare for class by completing their assigned textbook reading. The authors divided the responses into one of two general categories: (1) requiring additional student preparation prior to class, or (2) incorporating in-class activities designed to measure the degree of student preparation. These responses were then categorized as reflections of professorial assumptions (Theory X or Theory Y) regarding their students. One author shared his success with the use of Thoughtful Intellectually Engaging Responses (TIERs) and Reading Logs. The authors conclude that an effective approach will require professors to develop course pedagogy that will attack multiple reasons for lack of preparation simultaneously so that we can reach all students who would otherwise remain unprepared. Suggestions on how to continue the dialog on this topic as well as suggestions for future research are provided.
Alterations of Sub-cortical Gray Matter Volume and Their Associations With Disease Duration in Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome

Object: The purpose of this study was to uncover the pathology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) by exploring brain structural alterations and their corresponding functional abnormality. Method: Surface-based morphometry (SBM) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) were performed to explore the alterations in cortical and sub-cortical gray matter volume (GMV) in a cohort of 20 RLS and 18 normal controls (NC). Furthermore, resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) was also performed to identify the functional alterations in patients with RLS. Results: We found significant alterations of sub-cortical GMV, especially the bilateral putamen (PUT), rather than alterations of cortical GMV in patients with RLS compared to NC using both SBM and VBM. Further sub-regional analysis revealed that GMV alterations of PUT was mostly located in the left dorsal caudal PUT in patients with RLS. In addition, altered RSFC patterns of PUT were identified in patients with RLS compared to NC. Moreover, correlation analyses showed that the GMV of the left caudate and the left ventral rostral PUT were positively correlated with disease duration in patients with RLS. Conclusions: The alterations of subcortical GMV might imply that the primarily affected areas are located in sub-cortical areas especially in the sub-region of PUT by the pathologic process of RLS, which might be used as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of RLS.
Dangerous neighborhood: saurophagy between syntopic Tropidurus lizards

Saurophagy constitutes an important source of mortality among lizards and has been reported for the genus Tropidurus. However, the extension of this behavior remains unknown. Herein, we record the predation of T. jaguaribanus by its congener T. hispidus. This is the first report of saurophagy among different species of syntopicTropidurus. Furthermore, whereas published records of saurophagy tend to be directed against juveniles, this case involved two adult individuals.
Handbook of Research on Learning and Instruction

Preface Part I. Research on Learning 1. Introduction to Research on Learning, Patricia A. Alexander and Richard E. Mayer 2. Learning to Read, Emily Fox and Patricia A. Alexander 3. Learning to Write, Susan De La Paz and Deborah McCutchen 4. Learning Mathematics, Ann R. Edwards, Indigo Esmonde, and Joseph F. Wagner 5. Learning Science, Richard Duschl and Richard Hamilton 6. Learning History, Linda Levstik 7. Learning a Second Language, Min Wang 8. Learning Motor Skill in Physical Education, Catherine D. Ennis and Ang Chen 9. Learning to Think Critically, Christina Bonney and Robert J. Sternberg 10. Learning to Self-Monitor and Self-Regulate, Marcel V. J. Veenman 11. Learning with Motivation, Eric M. Anderman and Heather Dawson Part II. Research on Instruction 12. Introduction to Research on Instruction, Patricia A. Alexander and Richard E. Mayer 13. Instruction Based on Feedback, John Hattie and Mark Gan 14. Instruction Based on Examples, Alexander Renkl 15. Instruction Based on Self-Explanation, Brenda A. Fonseca and Michelene T. H. Chi 16. Instruction Based on Peer Interaction, Kathryn R. Wentzel and Deborah E. Watkins 17. Instruction Based on Cooperative Learning, Robert E. Slavin 18. Instruction Based on Inquiry, Sofie M. M. Loyens and Remy M. J. P. Rikers 19. Instruction Based on Discussion, P. Karen Murphy, Ian A. G. , Wilkinson, and Anna O. Soter 20. Instruction Based on Tutoring, Arthur C. Graesser, Sidney D'Mello, and Whitney Cade 21. Instruction Based on Visualizations, Richard E. Mayer 22. Instruction Based on Computer Simulation, Ton de Jong
Research on Cucumber Downy Mildew Detection System based on SVM Classification Algorithm

Cucumber, a common economic crop, occupies a large proportion of vegetable cultivation in China. Plant diseases and insect pests, especially the cucumber downy mildew, are important causes for the decrease in the yield of cucumbers. In order to reduce the losses caused by pests and diseases and achieve rapid automatic identification of plant diseases and insect pests, this paper studies machine vision system and disease image detection with support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm, taking cucumber downy mildew for example. This paper carries out a method study in image acquisition, image preprocessing, feature parameter extraction, and pattern recognition, which obtains satisfactory results. The accuracy of cucumber downy mildew detection reaches 90%, significantly higher than that of artificial recognition.
Enhancing Pre-Service Physics Teachers' Perceived Self-Efficacy of Argumentation-Based Pedagogy through Modelling and Mastery Experiences.

This study explored the impact of explicit instruction on argumentation-based pedagogy, coupled with modelling and hands-on learning activities on pre-service physics teachers’ perceived self-efficacy to teach science through argumentation. Participants consisted of 24 pre-service physics teachers attending an established teacher education program at a Turkish university. The results showed that the intervention had a positive impact on participants’ self-efficacy to teach science through argumentation. More specifically, pre-service teachers who participated in this study: 1) viewed argumentation as a pedagogical tool that can help students to engage in meaningful learning, 2) reported high self-efficacy to teach science through argumentation and 3) indicated high motivation to teach science through argumentation in their future classrooms. In spite of these positive outcomes, participants shared their hesitations to teach science through argumentation as well. The implications of these findings for teacher education, teacher induction and future research are discussed.
Existence results for differential evolution equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach space

Our aim in this paper is to study the existence and uniqueness of a mild solution to an initial value problem (IVP for short) for a class of nonlinear differential evolution equations with nonlocal initial conditions in a Banach space. We assume that the linear part is not necessarily densely defined and generates an evolution family. We give two results, the first one is based on a Krasnosel’skii fixed point Theorem, and in the second approach we make use Mönch fixed point Theorem combined with the measure of noncompactness and condensing.
Imitation-Induced Criticality: Network Reciprocity and Psycho-logical Reward

The nodes of a regular two-dimensional lattice play a game based on the joint action of two distinct levels. At the first step of the game, using a random prescription half players are assigned the cooperation and half the defection state. At the bottom level the strategy choice is done on the mere basis of imitation according to the homo imitans principle, generating a form of collective intelligence that makes the system sensitive to the criteria determining the strategy choice adopted at the top level. The units of the top level, in fact, play the prisoner's dilemma game and are allowed to update their strategy either by selecting the strategy of the most successful nearest neighbor, success model, or merely on the basis of the criterion of the best financial benefit, selfishness model. The intelligence emerging from imitation-induced criticality leads in the former case to the extinction of defection and in the latter case to the extinction of cooperation. The former case is interpreted as a form of network reciprocity enhanced by the imitation-induced criticality and contributing to the evolution towards cooperation. We perturb the selfishness model with a form of morality pressure, exerted by a psychological reward Lambda for cooperation, to establish the sensitivity of collective intelligence to morality. We find that when Lambda gets a crucial value Lambda-c, exceeding the temptation to cheat, the system makes a transition from the supercritical defection state to the critical regime, with the warning that an excess of morality and religion pressure may annihilate the criticality-induced resilience of the system.
Multiple foraging strategies in a marine apex predator, the Galapagos sea lion Zalophus wollebaeki

Three fundamental foraging patterns in air-breathing marine vertebrates have been described: epipelagic, mesopelagic and benthic. Many sea lion species with access to extensive con- tinental shelves have been described as benthic foragers. Coincidently these species are considered threatened. The Galapagos sea lion Zalophus wollebaeki, a top predator in the Galapagos Islands, is also considered threatened in this ecosystem. Sea lions at the central part of the archipelago have access to a vast continental shelf. For this reason we hypothesized that sea lions within this region would dive benthically. In addition, effective protection and conservation of this species requires knowledge of their foraging patterns and habitat utilization. We investigated the diving behaviour and habitat utilization of female Z. wollebaeki of a centrally located colony situated inside the high- est density area of the population using time-depth recorders and satellite telemetry. Three distinct foraging patterns were found and described (shallow, deep and bottom divers), and individuals uti- lizing each pattern foraged in different locations. Epipelagic, mesopelagic and benthic dives were exhibited in the sea lions' diving behaviour, but these dive types were not exclusively associated with a foraging pattern. Between foraging trips females hauled out more frequently on other islands than they did on their breeding colony. The finding of 3 distinct foraging patterns that differ spatially has direct implications for management, particularly with regard to fisheries interactions. Marine pro- tected areas can be implemented in the regions described as Z. wollebaeki foraging areas. Z. wolle- baeki's wide foraging range coupled with their use of multiple haul-out sites should be considered in future studies when determining foraging trip lengths and habitat utilization since presence/absence from the colony does not reflect foraging trip length.
Response of phytoplankton in an alpine lake to inputs of dissolved organic matter through nutrient enrichment and trophic forcing

Inputs of terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) are increasing in alpine lakes due to multiple drivers such as climate change, tree line advancement, and insect epidemics. A 21 d microcosm experiment investigated three potential mechanisms by which increased inputs of terrestrial DOM subsidies might affect phytoplankton density, growth, and species assemblage: (1) directly, by providing nutrients enhancing growth of select phytoplankton species (nutrient stimulation hypothesis); (2) indirectly, through trophic forcing of zooplankton uniformly increasing the total biomass of all zooplankton that selectively graze on phytoplankton (trophic intensity hypothesis); and (3) indirectly, through trophic forcing of zooplankton by favoring zooplankton species that selectively graze on phytoplankton (trophic shift hypothesis). We manipulated DOM (terrestrial DOM additions vs. unmanipulated control), zooplankton (presence vs. absence), and incubation depth (epilimnion vs. hypolimnion) in a full 3 × 3 factorial design. Phytoplankton density and growth increased substantially and species assemblage shifted to near dominance by Asterionella formosa in the presence of DOM. Zooplankton biomass and growth increased with the addition of DOM, yet the species assemblage remained stable across treatments, and contributed to selective grazing effects on phytoplankton. Our data support the nutrient stimulation and trophic intensity hypotheses. While DOM effects have been classically attributed to stimulation by addition of fixed carbon, our experiments indicate that nutrient stimulation is also important. Additionally, the indirect DOM effect of trophic forcing can occur in the absence of selective effects of DOM on zooplankton.
Corrigendum to ''Peroxy radical observations over West Africa during AMMA 2006: photochemical activity in the outflow of convective systems

Peroxy radical measurements made on board the DLR-Falcon research aircraft over West Africa within the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) campaign during the 2006 wet monsoon are presented in this study. The analysis of data focuses on the photochemical activity of air masses sampled during episodes of intense convection and biomass burning. Generally, the total sum of peroxy radical mixing ratios, measured in the outflow of convective clouds, are quite variable but occasionally are coupled with the NO variations indicating the coexistence or simultaneous emission of NO x, with a potential radical precursor (i.e. formaldehyde, acetone or peroxides), which has likely been transported to higher atmospheric altitudes. Based on the measurements, significant O 3 production rates around 1 ppb/h in the MCS outflow are estimated by using a box model with simplified chemistry. Peroxy radicals having mixing ratios around 20–25 pptv and with peak values of up to 60–70 pptv are measured within biomass burning plumes, detected at the coast in Ghana. Calculations of backtrajectory densities confirm the origin of these air masses being a biomass burning region at southern latitudes and close to the Gulf of Guinea, according to satellite pictures. Measured peroxy radical concentrations agree reasonably with modelled estimations taking into account simple local chemistry. Moreover, the vertical profiles taken at the aircraft base in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, indicate the common feature of having maximum concentrations between 2 and 4 km, in agreement with other literature values obtained under similar conditions. Correspondence to: M. D. Andrés Herńandez (lola@iup.physik.uni-bremen.de)
Running head: SCHEMA INCONSISTENCY AND CREATIVITY

Although people and events that disconfirm observers’ expectancies can increase their creativity, sometimes such social schema violations increase observers’ rigidity of thought and undermine creative cognition. Here we examined whether individual differences in the extent to which people prefer structure and predictability, determine whether social schema violations facilitate or hamper creativity. Participants in Study 1 formed impressions of a schema-inconsistent female mechanic (vs. a schema-consistent male mechanic). Following schema-inconsistent rather than consistent information, participants low (high) in need for structure showed better (impeded) creative performance. Participants in Study 2 memorized a series of images in which individuals were placed on a schema-inconsistent (vs. consistent) background (e.g., an Eskimo on the desert vs. on a snowy landscape). Following schema-inconsistent imagery participants low (high) in need for structure increased (decreased) divergent thinking.
A Hydrodynamical Model of a Rotating Wind Source and Its Effects on the Collapse of a Rotating Core

This work presents three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations with the fully parallel GAGDET2 code, to model a rotating source that emits wind in order to study the subsequent dynamics of the wind in three independent scenarios. In the first scenario we consider several models of the wind source, which is characterized by a rotation velocity and an escape velocity , so that the models have a radially outward wind velocity magnitude given by 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 times . In the second scenario, we study the interaction of winds emitted from a binary system in two kinds of models: one in which the source remains during the wind emission and a second one in which all the source itself becomes wind. In the third scenario we consider the interaction of a rotating source that emits wind within a collapsing and rotating core. In this scenario we consider only wind models of the second kind built over a new initial radial mesh, such that the angular velocity of the wind is 1, 100, and 1000 times the angular velocity of the core .
Mussels in flow: drag and dislodgement by epizoans

Dans le but de mesurer la force d'attachement de Mytilus californianus et de Mytilus edulis, on exerce des forces en vue d'arracher ces moules au substrat (mouvements de dragage). La force d'attachement augmente avec la surface de la coquille et est influencee par la place de la moule au sein du banc. La presence d'epibiontes augmente pour les moules le risque de delogement par les mouvements d'eau
Post-Conflict Risks

Post-conflict societies face two distinctive challenges: economic recovery and reduction of the risk of a recurring conflict. Aid and policy reforms have been found to be effective in economic recovery. In this article, the authors concentrate on the other challenge — risk reduction. The post-conflict peace is typically fragile: nearly half of all civil wars are due to post-conflict relapses. The authors find that economic development substantially reduces risks, but it takes a long time. They also find evidence that UN peacekeeping expenditures significantly reduce the risk of renewed war. The effect is large: doubling expenditure reduces the risk from 40% to 31%. In contrast to these results, the authors cannot find any systematic influence of elections on the reduction of war risk. Therefore, post-conflict elections should be promoted as intrinsically desirable rather than as mechanisms for increasing the durability of the post-conflict peace. Based on these results, the authors suggest that peace appears to depend upon an external military presence sustaining a gradual economic recovery, with political design playing a somewhat subsidiary role. Since there is a relationship between the severity of post-conflict risks and the level of income at the end of the conflict, this provides a clear and uncontroversial principle for resource allocation: resources per capita should be approximately inversely proportional to the level of income in the post-conflict country.