Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of King of bitters (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) seedlings to salinity stress beyond the salt tolerance threshold.

Salt tolerance threshold is an important factor for screening salt tolerant plants in the selection process. The objectives of present study were to determine the salt tolerance threshold and to evaluate the 32 accessions of Andrographis paniculata for salt tolerance. Two experiments were carried out for this purpose. In first experiment, 40-day-old seedlings were grown at different salinity levels (control, 4, 8, 12 and 16 dSm -1 ) on Hoagland medium and compared at various exposure times (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days). The results indicated that salinity, exposure time and their interactions had significant effect on the morphologic and agronomic traits. The relative growth rate (RGR) during exposure time was significantly decreased in two stages. The initial decrease happened five days after salt exposure, mainly due to osmotic stress, while the secondary reduce occurred 15 days after salt exposure because of ion stress. The results revealed no significant differences among accessions based on salt tolerance index in first ten days. All the studied morphological traits were decreased with increasing salinity levels. Finally, it was realized that 12 dSm -1 salinity for a period of 15 days can be considered as the salt tolerance threshold for A. paniculata seedlings. In the second experiment 32 different accessions were evaluated under salinity stress. All measured Agro-morphological traits; chlorophyll content, K + and Ca 2+ content were significantly decreased with increasing salinity levels, while proline and Na + content increased. Under salinity stress, tolerant accessions could accumulate higher proline, K + and Ca 2+ , and lower Na + content than sensitive accessions. Consequently, the results suggest that proline, Na + , K + and Ca 2+ are the most effective indicators for salinity tolerance screening in A. paniculata .
impacts of alien mink predation on island vertebrate communities of the Baltic sea archipelago: review of a long- term experimental study

Feral American mink (Mustela vison) are emerging as one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in northern Europe. Here we summarize responses of migratory seabirds, island small mammals and amphibians to 15 years of large-scale, experimental mink removal in the outer Finnish archipelago. Mink control led to increases in breeding populations of 14 of 22 species of seabirds, which were generally of smaller body size and later breeders as compared with those species which showed no responses. Mink also suppressed the natural summer increases of bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) and field vole (Microtus agrestis) populations but only during years of good rainfall. Impacts on common frogs (Rana temporaria) took seven breeding seasons to appear probably because of delayed maturation of frogs; the less palatable common toads (Bufo bufo) seemed unaffected. It appears then that the disruptive effects of mink impacts may cover the entire island vertebrate community with cascading consequences to the whole archipelago ecosystem. Ongoing research is focused on the effects of the native apex predator, the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), whose return may suppress the detrimental effects of mink.
Actinobacterial communities of boreal forest soil and lake water are rich in mycobacteria

The actinobacterial communities present in two Finnish lakes and in the surrounding conifer forest soil were investigated using DNA based methods. The dominant actinobacteria in the soil were found to belong to genus Mycobacterium. Therefore specific primers were designed and tested to study the mycobacterial communities in boreal environment more closely. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequencing analysis showed that the microbial populations in lakes were different from those in the surrounding soil. Thus, each of the environments had their own actinobacterial and mycobacterial populations. The majority of the obtained mycobacterial sequences were closely related to the described species of environmental mycobacteria, some of which are pathogenic. However, several sequences were not closely related to any presently known species. The chemical characteristics of boreal forest soil seem to favour proliferation of mycobacteria, many of which still remain to be isolated.
Magnetization of the La Palma Seamount Series: Implications for seamount paleopoles

Paleopoles determined from seamount magnetic anomalies constitute the major data source for the Pacific apparent polar wander path, but relatively little is known about the processes of remanence acquisition in seamounts. Since magnetic anomalies reflect both natural remanence (NRM) and the induced field, it is important first to assess whether the NRM is likely to represent an original field direction and second to constrain the magnitude of the induced component. To this end, we present paleomagnetic data from an uplifted, subaerially exposed section through a seamount on La Palma, Canary Islands. The Pliocene Seamount Series of La Palma comprises a >6 km sequence of alkalic extrusives and intrusives which includes all lithologies likely to be volumetrically important in seamounts. The structural tilt of the Seamount Series allows separation of early thermal or chemical remanence from magnetization components acquired after tilting (e.g., viscous remanence). The NRM provides a poor indication of the original magnetization direction, although the characteristic magnetization of many La Palma samples is compatible with the original pretilt direction. Hydrothermal alteration has resulted in the production of Ti-poor magnetite and an increasing contribution of hematite with increasing degree of alteration. More importantly, well-defined magnetization directions which deviate from any reasonable geomagnetic direction at La Palma can be attributed to hydrothermal alteration in a different polarity than prevalent during the original magnetization. Based on a comparison of the magnitude of low-stability components of magnetization and laboratory acquisition of viscous remanence and previous estimates of the induced magnetization, we conclude that viscous and induced magnetization probably account for 15-25% of the total magnetization of seamounts. The resulting paleopole bias is a function of the polarity and paleolatitude of the seamount and ranges from 4o to 16 o for Cretaceous seamounts in the Pacific.
An estimate for Heilbronn's exponential sum

for any integer a coprime to p. It is important to note here that if n ≡ n′ (mod p), then n ≡ n′p (mod p). Thus the summand in S(a) has period p with respect to n, so that S(a) is a ‘complete sum’ to modulus p. It was a favourite problem of Heilbronn, and later of Davenport, to show that S(a) = o(p) as p → ∞. Odoni [3] examined sums related to S(a), and showed that they are O(p) in a suitable average sense. However his argument fails to give a non-trivial upper bound for an individual value of S(a). Indeed he shows how Weil’s approach leads only to the estimate S(a) = O(p), which is worse than the trivial bound! We can now answer Heilbronn’s question with the following theorem.
Impact of the assimilation of lightning data on the precipitation forecast at different forecast ranges

Abstract. This study investigates the impact of the assimilation of total lightning data on the precipitation forecast of a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The impact of the lightning data assimilation, which uses water vapour substitution, is investigated at different forecast time ranges, namely 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, to determine how long and to what extent the assimilation affects the precipitation forecast of long lasting rainfall events (> 24 h). The methodology developed in a previous study is slightly modified here, and is applied to twenty case studies occurred over Italy by a mesoscale model run at convection-permitting horizontal resolution (4 km). The performance is quantified by dichotomous statistical scores computed using a dense raingauge network over Italy. Results show the important impact of the lightning assimilation on the precipitation forecast, especially for the 3 and 6 h forecast. The probability of detection (POD), for example, increases by 10 % for the 3 h forecast using the assimilation of lightning data compared to the simulation without lightning assimilation for all precipitation thresholds considered. The Equitable Threat Score (ETS) is also improved by the lightning assimilation, especially for thresholds below 40 mm day−1. Results show that the forecast time range is very important because the performance decreases steadily and substantially with the forecast time. The POD, for example, is improved by 1–2 % for the 24 h forecast using lightning data assimilation compared to 10 % of the 3 h forecast. The impact of the false alarms on the model performance is also evidenced by this study.
The effectiveness of using puzzles in developing Palestinian tenth graders' vocabulary achievement and retention

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using puzzles in developing tenth graders vocabulary achievement. It also examined the long-term effect of the puzzles on the retention of the vocabulary. The researchers purposively chose 80 tenth graders from Abdul Kareem Al-Aklook secondary School for boys in Dair Al Balah for the experiment and randomly chose two classes from the tenth grade classes. The sample of the study was 80 students, (40) students in each one. Educational Puzzles were used in teaching the experimental group, while the traditional method was used with the control one in the second term of the school year (2012-2013). The experiment lasted for six weeks. After two weeks, a delayed test was administrated to the experimental group to measure retention. The results of the study revealed that there were significant differences in mean scores of vocabulary test in favor of the experimental group in the post application. It also showed that there were no significant differences in mean scores between the post-test and delayed test of the experimental group. And this was due to the method of using puzzles in teaching vocabulary. In the light of those findings, the study recommended the necessity of implementing puzzles in teaching English language to make better outcomes in students' achievement and to shed light on techniques that emphasize organizing information for long learning (retention).
Development of a holistic wellness model for managers in tertiary institutions : original research

Individuals struggle to attain optimal wellness and health levels due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviour. A holistic wellness model was developed in this study to provide a framework for a cross-sectional survey to assess the wellness behaviour and health risk levels of managers in two South African universities. A census was done on the total population of 324 and responses were received from 89 managers. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistical procedures to analyse the quantitative data. The findings suggested that the managers had high levels of wellness behaviour and low levels of health risks. Physical fitness and nutrition as well as medical self-care wellness behaviour levels were identified as weaknesses among managers, for which urgent interventions are required.
Effectiveness of neutral RAPD markers to detect genetic divergence between the subspecies uncinata and mugo of Pinus mugo Turra

Fifteen populations of Pinus mugo subsp. mugo (shrub) and Pinus mugo subsp. uncinata (erect), located in the Alps, were investigated through genetic variation scored at 64 polymorphic RAPD loci. In addition, morphological traits of the female cones were analysed. According to AMOVA most of the genetic variation was found within populations (83.39%), and only 1.25% of it between subspecies. Populations differed in terms of their internal genetic variation, with Nei’s gene diversity ranging from 0.227 to 0.397. Morphological data showed differences between subspecies, although none of the populations showed full accordance with expectations. Significant correlation was found between matrices for geographical and morphological distances, while genetic distances were not correlated with any other aspect. The efficacy of morphological and RAPD markers in discriminating between subspecies, and the contribution of the results in relation to the preservation of biodiversity, are discussed.
Studies on salinity tolerance of two peanut cultivars in relation to growth, leaf water content. some chemical aspects and yield.

This field experiment was carried out through the successive growth seasons (Summer, 2008 and 2009). In El-Tina Plain area to study salinity tolerance of two peanut cultivars namely Gregory and Giza 6 and the soil salinity level effect on plant growth, yield, leaf water content, chemical composition and other parameters. Salinity levels of the three used soils were 7.55, 9.20 and 12.5dSm-1. The studies treatments were disturbed among the experimental plets in split design with six replicates. All farming processes for peanut plants were carried out according to recommendations of Ministry of Agriculture. At flower stage, the plant samples were taken from three replicates for estimate some vegetative growth parameters and chemical variables. On the other hand, other plants samples were taken from the other three replicates at maturity stage where its used to estimate the yield and the chemical composition of both straw and seeds. The obtained results cleared that, all studied characters of growth, total water content, free water content, relative water content, leaf water potential, photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates and non soluble carbohydrates showed a significant decrease by increasing salinity levels. Moreover data recorded a significant increase in total soluble sugars, leaf water deficit, bound water content, membrane integrity, proline and total free amino acids concentrations and enzyme activity as a result of increasing salt stress conditions. Gregory variety had the best growth and yield, and also its was more stable in its physiological and chemical component under salt stress conditions compared to variety Giza 6. So, Gregory variety was more tolerance to salinity stress compared to Giza 6 variety. The obtained data also show that, the yield of both straw and seeds and also its content of N, P and K were decreased with the increase the levels of soil salinity. Such decrease was found with oil and protein content of seeds. In two growth seasons, the previous decrease found with Gregory cultivar was lower than that found with Giza 6 cultivar.
An exploration of applying rules based system modelling into a quality management framework - extending the quality triangle

The construct of quality management has moved on greatly since the "quality policing" concepts of the 1980's. Continual improvement and customer centric business development philosophies have become the norm within a "total" business environment. Typically, organisations exploit a series of matrices, templates and models to monitor and control their operations. It has however been noted that, often, due to minimal formal user centric instructions being available, even simple quality and business models are misused and fail to deliver their potential to impact on the business. This paper discusses the possibilities of applying knowledge based engineering fundamentals into quality and business frameworks and discusses a scenario where live, interactive benchmarking and predicative analysis could become common place within business design and improvement modelling.
Allometric height-diameter equations for Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl

Silvicultural practices used for forest management in the Indigenous Community of Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro (CINSJP for its initials in Spanish), Michoacan, Mexico, are important for the sustainability of its woodlands. For this purpose, techniques that provide reliable and current quantitative estimates are required. The aim was to t an equation that describes the allometric relationship between total height and normal diameter (Th-nd) of Pinus pseudostrobus in the CINJSP forests. Data were obtained from P. pseudostrobus stands that have been managed with the Silvicultural Development Method (SDM) at di erent stages according to the current forest management program. The research area is between 2,200 and 2 500 masl, has a temperate type C (w2) climate, and is located at southwest of the Purhepecha Plateau within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt region. The sample size consisted of 169 total height-normal diameter (Th-nd) data pairs. Ten allometric models to evaluate the goodness of t were tested, choosing three models based on the lowest values of the sum of square errors of prediction (SSE) and the root mean squared error (RMSE), the highest adjusted coe cients of determination and the signi cance of their parameters. The deviations of the models were smaller than 0.01 m. The three-parameter equation T h = K + 38.06004/1+6.033101exp(0.066439dn) proved to be statistically more stable than the rest, and it also shows deviations of less than one meter per tree and less than 1% for the entire population.
Design and Implementation of Marine Information System, and Analysis of Learner's Intention Toward

The goal of this study is to conduct further research and discussion on applying the internet on marine education, utilizing existing technologies such as cloud service, social network, data collection analysis, etc. to construct a marine environment education information system. The content to be explored includes marine education information system design, the establishment of marine environment knowledge exchanging mechanism and learner’s intention toward use. We take students from one national university of science and technology as objects, figuring out the behavioral intention of college students toward applying marine education information system in teaching. The survey and analysis showed if users consider the system is easy to use, and the system function is clear and comprehensible, they will have higher efficiency of learning.
International Pragmatics Association PIROPOS 1 AS METAPHORS FOR GENDER ROLES IN SPANISH SPEAKING CULTURES

This paper analyzes the piropo in Spanish discourse as a speech event and as cognitive metaphor. This form of indirect speech act represents a Spanish discourse tradition that is still present in today's discourse practices of Spanish-speaking cultures. These piropos are seen as reflections in language of the traditional roles of men and women in Spanish speaking cultures. The roles of men and women as depicted in the analysis of piropos shows a very defined place for each sex in these societies. Women are constructed as passive recipients and reactive, men as active producers and initiators.
Promoted growth and improved quality of Gerbera jamesonni L. flowers using exogenous application of amino acids

Commercially available amino acids mixtures have several advantages such as enhancing assimilation of fertilizer, facilitating uptake of water and nutrients and improving photosynthesis of plants. To investigate the response of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonni L.) flowers ‘Saltino’ to foliar application of a mixture of 19 essential amino acids (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg L-1) and ammonium nitrate (200 mg L-1) as nitrogen source, a pot experiment was carried out in the research greenhouse of Eram Botanical Garden of Shiraz University. Number of flowers, flower diameter, stems length, chlorophyll, proline, protein and nitrogen contents, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and vase life of flowers were significantly improved by amino acids treatments. No significant difference was observed between ammonium nitrate and amino acids mixture for flower fresh and dry weights. Results suggested that application of amino acids mixture can induce acetyl CoA, which plays an improvingrole in physiological processes in plants. Application of amino acids mixture as a promising and sustainable approach can be recommended to promote quality and quantity of gerbera flowers.
Social Norms and Women in the Labor Force

Social norms and gender roles shape the prevalent gap in the labor force participation of men and women. This study aims to understand whether female labor force participation is affected by social norms by using the election of female senators and governors as a possible cause of norms that support working women. Using a regression discontinuity design, I estimate the relative change in women’s labor force participation after a woman wins the Senate seat or governor’s office by a narrow margin of victory. My estimations do not provide evidence to reject the hypotheses of no demonstration effect of female politicians on labor force participation of women.
SCINTILLATION ARCS IN LOW-FREQUENCY OBSERVATIONS OF THE TIMING-ARRAY MILLISECOND PULSAR PSR J0437–4715

Low-frequency observations of pulsars provide a powerful means for probing the microstructure in the turbulent interstellar medium (ISM). Here we report on high-resolution dynamic spectral analysis of our observations of the timing-array millisecond pulsar PSR J0437–4715 with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), enabled by our recently commissioned tied-array beam processing pipeline for voltage data recorded from the high time resolution mode of the MWA. A secondary spectral analysis reveals faint parabolic arcs akin to those seen in high-frequency observations of pulsars with the Green Bank and Arecibo telescopes. Data from Parkes observations at a higher frequency of 732 MHz reveal a similar parabolic feature with a curvature that scales approximately as the square of the observing wavelength (λ2) to the MWA's frequency of 192 MHz. Our analysis suggests that scattering toward PSR J0437–4715 predominantly arises from a compact region about 115 pc from the Earth, which matches well with the expected location of the edge of the Local Bubble that envelopes the local Solar neighborhood. As well as demonstrating new and improved pulsar science capabilities of the MWA, our analysis underscores the potential of low-frequency pulsar observations for gaining valuable insights into the local ISM and for characterizing the ISM toward timing-array pulsars.
Systemic Risk Allocation for Systems with a Small Number of Banks

This paper provides a new estimation method for the marginal expected shortfall (MES) based on multivariate extreme value theory. In contrast to previous studies, the method does not assume specific dependence structure among bank equity returns and is applicable to both large and small systems. Furthermore, our MES estimator inherits the theoretical additive property. Thus, it serves as a tool to allocate systemic risk. We apply the proposed method to 29 global systemically important financial institutions (G-SIFIs) to evaluate the cross sections and dynamics of the systemic risk allocation. We show that allocating systemic risk according to either size or individual risk is imperfect and can be unfair. Between the allocation with respect to individual risk and that with respect to size, the former is less unfair. On the time dimension, both allocation fairness across all the G-SIFIs has decreased since 2008.
Longevity and Lifetime Labor Supply: Evidence and Implications

Conventional wisdom suggests that increased life expectancy had a key role in causing a rise in investment in human capital. I incorporate the retirement decision into a version of Ben-Porath's (1967) model and find that a necessary condition for this causal relationship to hold is that increased life expectancy will also increase lifetime labor supply. I then show that this condition does not hold for American men born between 1840 and 1970 and for the American population born between 1890 and 1970. The data suggest similar patterns in Western Europe. I end by discussing the implications of my findings for the debate on the fundamental causes of long-run growth.