Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of somatic embryogenesis in crops: A review

‘Somatic embryogenesis’ is a process whereby somatic cells differentiate into somatic embryos. It is regulated by several factors, including phytohormones, proteins, transcription factors, and other related substances during different stages of development. Somatic cells are not terminally differentiated and therefore regain totipotency to initiate embryo development. Although this phenomenon is well known, the detail mechanism of how hormones specify cell fate during in vitro organogenesis is still mysterious. To uncover this mechanism, several studies have been done using biochemical, biological and molecular approaches with embryo-defective mutants or somatic embryogenesis. Recent progress in plant molecular and developmental biology now allows us to establish new pathways for the transition of somatic cells to the embryogenic state. Hormone signaling plays an important role in the cell differentiation during different stages of embryogenesis. During somatic embryo induction, there is differential gene expression resulting in synthesis of new mRNAs and proteins. An array of genes activated or differentially expressed during somatic embryogenesis have been isolated. Few transcription factors have been identified from embryo-defective mutants and some regulatory factors (phenolic compounds and peptidyl growth factors) were detected from culture medium during somatic embryogenesis. In future, research on characterization of development-specific genes during somatic embryogenesis may elucidate a deeper insight in understanding the mechanisms involved during differentiation of somatic cells and phenotypic expression. This review summarizes current understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of SE and various regulating factors affecting it.
Teacher-youth inter-informant agreement on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a community sample of refugee and immigrant adolescents in Montreal

Early detection and treatment of psychological problems amongst refugee and immigrant youth is crucial to improve their developmental outcomes and their social integration. Multiple informants approach is a standard practice in detecting psychological problems. Based on its extensive empirical use, this approach is recommended in order to avoid bias or misinterpretation during the assessment of the youth mental health needs. However, very few studies have investigated the inter-informant agreement between teachers and youth in a multiethnic context. The current study explores teacher-youth inter-informant agreement in a culturally heterogeneous sample of refugee and immigrant adolescents from three high schools in Montreal. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to 113 recently arrived migrant adolescents (female, n = 55; male, n = 58) to assess their own emotional and behavioural symptoms. The SDQ was also administered to their teachers ( n = 7) so that a comparison between self- and teacher reports could be made. Teacher-youth agreement was significant for the Emotional symptoms subscale, but this inter-informant agreement was significant for males only. These results underscore the need to raise school personnel awareness about potential undetected emotional problems in newly arrived refugee and immigrant female adolescents.
Comparing Grief as a Negative Emotion to Survival for Memory Enhancement

The survival memory effect tested using a comparison of a survival scenario to the strong negative emotion of a grief scenario. The main hypothesis was that strong, negative emotions allow one’s self to relate to the scenario as it seems to do in the survival scenario. Strong negative emotions may outperform survival in a free recall memory task due to deeper levels of processing. Grief and survival scenarios were compared to a moving scenario that was used as a control condition. The three scenarios were each followed by a list of separate words to be rated on their relevancy to the paired scenario. A distracting math task was given, followed by an unexpected free recall task. The current study found significant higher recall performance of survival recall over the control scenario and the grief scenario. This may be due to an overly strong emotional reaction from the grief scenario which diminished processing as a protective factor. Instead of heightening arousal and awareness as survival is predicted to do, grief may
DOCUMENT DE TRAVAIL WORKING PAPER N°06-13.RS RESEARCH SERIES DOES FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION MATTER FOR MACROECONOMIC EFFICIENCY? PIERRE-GUILLAUME MÉON

This paper investigates whether financial intermediary development influences macroeconomic technical efficiency on a sample of 47 countries, both developed and developing, over 1980-1995. We do so by applying Battese and Coelli (1995)’s method at the aggregate level. It is found that financial intermediary development, except financial depth, is on average associated with more efficiency. However we find strong evidence that this relationship is conditional on the level of economic development. The lower economic development the weaker is the impact of financial development on efficiency. That impact can even become negative in the poorest countries.
Rural-urban interdependencies: Analysis using an inter-regional SAM model

An inter-regional SAM-based model is used to analyse the nature of interdependencies within and between rural and urban areas in Grampian, North East Scotland. Through multiplier decomposition, the relative importance of inter- and intra-regional linkages is investigated. The results suggest that the magnitude of inter-regional feedback effects between the rural and urban areas is small, with both areas 'leaking' benefits from increased industrial activity to the rest of the world. However, attention is drawn to the reliance of urban industries an rural households for the provision of factor services as well as a source of final demand. The results suggest the need to broaden analysis of rural economies beyond production-related linkages. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Identification and Estimation of Dynamic Factor Models

We consider a set of minimal identification conditions for dynamic factor models. These conditions have economic interpretations, and require fewer number of restrictions than when putting in a static-factor form. Under these restrictions, a standard structural vector autoregression (SVAR) with or without measurement errors can be embedded into a dynamic factor model. More generally, we also consider overidentification restrictions to achieve efficiency. General linear restrictions, either in the form of known factor loadings or cross-equation restrictions, are considered. We further consider serially correlated idiosyncratic errors with heterogeneous coefficients. A numerically stable Bayesian algorithm for the dynamic factor model with general parameter restrictions is constructed for estimation and inference. A square-root form of Kalman filter is shown to improve robustness and accuracy when sampling the latent factors. Confidence intervals (bands) for the parameters of interest such as impulse responses are readily computed. Similar identification conditions are also exploited for multi-level factor models, and they allow us to study the spill-over effects of the shocks arising from one group to another.
Measuring E-Service Quality from the Customers' Perspective: An Empirical Study on Banking Services

The purpose of this study is to evaluate e- service quality from the customers, perspective, and to examine the effect of e- service quality dimensions on customer’s perception of banking e- service quality. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaire from random samples drawn from the population of customers using e-banking service in Amman. The constructs in this study were developed by using measurement scales adopted from prior studies. The instrument was evaluated for reliability and validity. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The results in this study indicate that Reliability; Responsiveness; Ease of use; Personalization; Security; and Website design have influence on customer’s perception of e- service quality. This study and their results have several limitations and also indicate directions for further research. Keywords: E-service, Quality, banks, Iran.
Beyond Built to Last ... Stakeholder Relations in “Built‐to‐Last” Companies

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The publisher or original authors may retain copyright to the materials. Beyond built to last. : Stakeholder relations in built-to-last companies
The quality of reported earnings and the monitoring role of the board: Evidence from small and medium companies

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether corporate governance initiatives in South Africa that relate to the monitoring ability of the non-executive directors on the board of small and medium companies have improved earnings quality by adopting conservative accounting practices. The sample construct includes the 2008 – 2011 reporting periods of South African companies listed on the Alternative Exchange (AltX). A reverse regression of earnings on returns was used to examine the market-based attributes of earnings quality, i.e. conservatism and the timeliness of earnings. No evidence was found that the boards of small and medium-sized companies are inclined to adopt conservative accounting practices that will result in the asymmetric timeliness of earnings. There is also no evidence that the quality of reported earnings improved as a result of the monitoring ability of the board with reference to the representation of non-executive directors on the board. The findings can be of interest to investors, managers and regulators as the efficiency of corporate boards and the transparency of financial reporting have implications for all of them.
Tectonic and paleoclimatic significance of Quaternary river terraces of the Waipaoa river, east coast, North Island, New Zealand

Abstract Remnants of four aggradational terraces in the lower 45 km of the main branch of the Waipaoa River have been correlated with cold/cool climate episodes of the Otiran glaciation. The youngest of the aggradation levels—the Waipaoa‐1 terrace—has the c. 14.7 kaRerewhakaaituTephra as the oldest part of the coverbed sequence, indicating cessation of aggradation about 16 ka BP. This terrace is broadly correlated with Ohakean‐aged terraces in other parts of the North Island. The second most recent episode of aggradation—the Waipaoa‐2 terrace—is slightly older than the c. 28 ka Mangaone Tephra, and is broadly correlated with the Rata terrace. The third most recent aggradation episode— the Waipaoa‐3 terrace—is slightly older than the c. 55–57 ka Rotoehu Tephra (age estimate based on stratigraphic relationships in this study), indicating cessation of aggradation at c. 65 ka BP, and correlative with the Porewa terrace. The fourth, and oldest, aggradation episode we identify in the present landscape—the Waipaoa‐4 terrace—has poor age constraints, but is probably related to the cool period of late oxygen isotope stage 5 at c. 90 ka BP or the glacial period of oxygen isotope stage 6 at c. 140 ka BP. Tectonic deformation in the middle reaches of the Waipaoa catchment is deduced from the elevation difference of pairs of aggradation terraces, and takes the form of broad regional uplift in the range of 0.5–1.1 mm/yr. Uplift is probably driven by subduction processes in the middle part of the catchment and by a combination of deep‐seated subduction processes and local deformation associated with active faults and folds in the lower valley area. Downcutting rates of up to 7 mm/yr occur in upper reaches of the river. In the middle reaches of the valley, where there are both uplift and downcutting data, we find that downcutting is about four times faster than tectonic uplift. Thus, climate fluctuations are interpreted to be the primary control on formation of fluvial terrace landscapes in the region.
Explaining African Growth Performance: A Production-Frontier Approach

This paper employs a production frontier approach that allows distinguishing technologic progress from efficiency development. Data on 35 African countries in 1970-2007 show that efficiency losses have constrained growth in Africa while technology progress has played a marginal growth enhancing role in the region. Moreover, physical and human capital accumulation are the main factors that drive productivity growth at the country level. Examining the outcomes of successful countries suggests that good governance, institutional quality and good policies are key factors for improving economic development in Africa. These factors are even more required in Sub-Saharan Africa given the natural constraints of geography in the region.
Air-sea transfer of gas phase controlled compounds

Gases in the atmosphere/ocean have solubility that spans several orders of magnitude. Resistance in the molecular sublayer on the waterside limits the air-sea exchange of sparingly soluble gases such as SF6 and CO2. In contrast, both aerodynamic and molecular diffusive resistances on the airside limit the exchange of highly soluble gases (as well as heat). Here we present direct measurements of air-sea methanol and acetone transfer from two open cruises: the Atlantic Meridional Transect in 2012 and the High Wind Gas Exchange Study in 2013. The transfer of the highly soluble methanol is essentially completely airside controlled, while the less soluble acetone is subject to both airside and waterside resistances. Both compounds were measured concurrently using a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer, with their fluxes quantified by the eddy covariance method. Up to a wind speed of 15 m s-1, observed air-sea transfer velocities of these two gases are largely consistent with the expected near linear wind speed dependence. Measured acetone transfer velocity is ∼30% lower than that of methanol, which is primarily due to the lower solubility of acetone. From this difference we estimate the “zero bubble” waterside transfer velocity, which agrees fairly well with interfacial gas transfer velocities predicted by the COARE model. At wind speeds above 15 m s-1, the transfer velocities of both compounds are lower than expected in the mean. Air-sea transfer of sensible heat (also airside controlled) also appears to be reduced at wind speeds over 20 m s-1. During these conditions, large waves and abundant whitecaps generate large amounts of sea spray, which is predicted to alter heat transfer and could also affect the air-sea exchange of soluble trace gases. We make an order of magnitude estimate for the impacts of sea spray on air-sea methanol transfer.
The Effects of a Rotational Cattle Grazing System on Elk Diets in Arizona Piñon–Juniper Rangeland

I t is not uncommon to hear statements such as these in the western United States. Dietary overlap between cattle and wild herbivores such as elk or deer has been 1 reported in various regions, seasons, and ecosystems. Competition between two species occurs when a shared resource is in limited supply or when the presence of one species disturbs the other. The simple fact that space and forage resources are shared might or might not, however, constitute a negative interaction between cattle and elk. 1 Studies in central Arizona 2 found that although diet similarity was high in certain years and seasons, there was actually little inter-specific competition between cattle and elk overall. Factors such as scale, season, and forage availability influ- ence the likelihood and degree of competition. Overgrazing isdetrimentaltosustainedlivestockandwildlifeproductivity. Livestock grazing can, however, be applied to positively manipulate habitat for wildlife. A review by Krausman et al. 3 cites a Montana case study in which a rotational cattle graz- ing system “maintained productive cover and forage for elk while enhancing native vegetation condition on all of the managed areas. ” DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i1_t olleson
QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE OF PINEAPPLE AS A RESULT OF POTASSIC FERTILIZATION

QUALIDADE E ACEITABILIDADE DE ABACAXI PEROLA EM FUNCAO DA ADUBACAO POTASSICA O Brasil se destaca como um grande produtor mundial de frutos de abacaxi (Ananas comosus), isto em parte se deve ao clima tropical ser extremamente favoravel a conducao do abacaxizeiro. O estado de Mato Grosso possui um grande potencial de producao para essa fruta, e atualmente ocupa o nono lugar no ranking de producao nacional. Para se ter competitividade no mercado, e necessaria a oferta de frutos de excelente qualidade. A qualidade de um fruto reune seus atributos sensoriais, o valor nutritivo e a seguranca alimentar que ele oferece. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar as diferentes doses de adubacao de potassio na qualidade organoleptica do fruto do abacaxizeiro. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2x4, com 8 tratamentos, constituidos respectivamente por 2 epocas de adubacao (trinta e sessenta dias) e 4 doses de potassio (0, 5, 10 e 20 g planta -1 de K 2 O) em 3 repeticoes. Os resultados encontrados nos testes realizados em frutos de abacaxizeiro nao foram significativos para as variaveis em estudo, no entanto apresentaram boa aceitabilidade junto aos consumidores. Palavras-chave : Ananas comosus , analise sensorial, qualidade organoleptica. ABSTRACT Brazil stands out as a major world producer of pineapple fruit (Ananas comosus), which is partly because the tropical climate is extremely favorable to the handling of pineapple. The State of Mato Grosso has a great production potential for this fruit, and currently ranks ninth in the ranking of national production. In order to be competitive in the market, it is necessary to offer fruit of excellent quality. The quality of a fruit brings together its sensory attributes, the nutritional value and the food safety it offers. The objective of the present work was to analyze the different doses of potassium fertilization in the organoleptic quality of the pineapple. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 2x4 factorial scheme, with 8 treatments, consisting of 2 periods of fertilization, respectively (thirty and sixty days), and 4 doses of potassium (0, 5, 10 and 20 g plant -1 of K 2 O) in 3 repetitions. The results found in the tests performed on pineapples were not significant for the variables under study; however, they had good acceptability by consumers. Keywords : Ananas comosus , sensory analysis, organoleptic quality. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.14583/2318-7670.v04n06a04
The Influence of Elastic and Inelastic Scattering on Electron Momentum Spectroscopy data

Electron Momentum Spectroscopy (EMS) measures the spectral function of matter directly, provided that multiple scattering effects are small. Even for the thinnest films this is not the case and one has to correct for multiple scattering effects in order to retrieve the spectral function. Both elastic and inelastic scattering effects affect the measurement. Elastic scattering is expected to increase greatly with increasing atomic number, much more so than inelastic scattering. For this reason EMS was thought to be of limited value for heavy targets. Here we present data for carbon silicon and gold and show that they are affected in different ways by multiple scattering. The gold sample has poor count rate, but in the spectra the multiple scattering effects appear rather minor. Carbon and silicon on the other hand has good count rate, but the spectra are strongly affected by multiple scattering. Monte Carlo simulations are used to understand these effects. Rather surprisingly the EMS spectra for heavy elements are of comparable quality as those of lighter elements.
Phylogenomic-Based Case Study: An Undergraduate Research Pedagogy at Kentucky State University, the Only Historically Black College and University in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Currently the undergraduate biology curriculum at 2 and 4-year colleges especially in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is undergoing a facelift by implementing a range of recommendations of committees on education. This has produced a demand to educate and train the current and future generation of undergraduates as scientists capable to perform modern biological research that is heavily dependent on genomic training, such as phylogenomics. It is our observation that the HBCUs may not have a strong infrastructure enough to meet this challenge without the development of vigorous research-based learning programs to complement the traditional lecture-only based configuration. In this case study, the first author undertook the objective to facilitate an undergraduate genomic research-pedagogy at the biology department in Kentucky State University, the only HBCU in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The wet-lab activities in this NSF funded research project include molecular microbiology training in culturing bacteria, isolating DNA, performing PCR, cloning amplicons and analyzing the sequence data. The associated case-study subject was assessed in gaining of wet-lab skills, knowledge, application of protocols, analysis of results and impact on career choice. The results reveal an enhanced student confidence in handling of molecular techniques and positive admiration towards bioinformatics. It suggests that the wet-lab based research pedagogy could play a role in retention of students in biology. Although this case-study subject has appreciated the value of the phylogenomic approaches, a substantial and continual support is required to retain student interest especially institution like this HBCU.
A transversely isotropic law for the determination of the circumferential young's modulus of bamboo with diametric compression tests

Bamboo is a highly anisotropic natural material widely used in structural applica- tions. A transversely isotropic constitutive equation is proposed here as the simplest law able to capture main anisotropic features of bamboo. Diametric compression tests were undertaken to determine the circumferential Young's modulus of two bamboo species based on the transversely isotropic model and using a simple formula of elasticity, validated with finite element analyses considering true and simplified geometries. Results showed that the use of idealized geometries and simple formulas provided a good estimation of the circumferential modulus. Load-deformation curves displayed a softening behavior which was approximated with two straight lines. Using the slope of the first line, the circum- ferential moduli were found to be 485 ± 172 MPa and 1685 ± 132 MPa for Guadua angustifolia and Phyllostachys pubescens, respectively. For Guadua angustifolia the circumferential modulus showed a significant increase with height, registering values of 651 ± 153 MPa for the top, 465 ± 126 MPa for the middle and 344 ± 98 MPa for the bottom parts of the culm. For Phyllostachys pubescens the circumferen- tial modulus was independent of the length of the specimen. Results confirm the significant anisotro- pic behavior of bamboo, that should be considered