Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Phenotypic Diversity of Traditional European Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Germplasm of Southern Italy

The European plum (Prunus domestica L.) is a worldwide distributed tree species. Italy has an ample number of traditional varieties, but many are neglected and at risk of extinction. This germplasm is still cultivated in rural areas in spite of the EU-28 crisis of the stone fruit sector. Traditional European plum varieties remain poorly characterized, strongly limiting their promotion in local markets, use for farm diversification, and exploitation for local gastronomic products. In this study, we carried out an investigation of the morphological and genetic diversity present in an ex-situ collection of 29 traditional varieties of P. domestica of the Campania region (Southern Italy). The combination of five continuous and five categorical fruit traits allowed us to phenotypically distinguish all the varieties. Similarly, the Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) employed (five genomic and five deriving from Expressed Sequence Tags) identified a unique molecular profile for each variety. Moreover, the data indicated that the phenotypic and molecular investigations provided different clustering, suggesting that the two analyses sampled different sources of diversity. The number and the distribution of the scored phenotypes as well as the indices of genetic diversity imply the presence of a wide-ranging variation, which may sustain the development of high-value, niche market products. Our work provided evidence that the implementation of measures for a combination of ex-situ and on-farm conservation of traditional European plum varieties should be preferred to avoid the loss of an ample diversity.
Inheritance of HLA-Cw7 Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined disorder that is now thought to affect approximately 1 in 69 children in the United States. In most cases, the etiology is unknown, but several studies point to the interaction of genetic predisposition with environmental factors. The immune system is thought to have a causative role in ASD, and specific studies have implicated T lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and certain cytokines. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is involved in the underlying process for shaping an individual’s immune system, and specific HLA alleles are associated with specific diseases as risk factors. In this study, we determine whether a specific HLA allele was associated with ASD in a large cohort of patients with ASD. Identifying such an association could help in the identification of immune system components which may have a causative role in specific cohorts of patients with ASD who share similar specific clinical features. Specimens from 143 patients with ASD were analyzed with respect to race and ethnicity. Overall, HLA-Cw7 was present in a much greater frequency than expected in individuals with ASD as compared to the general population. Further, the cohort of patients who express HLA-Cw7 shares specific immune system/inflammatory clinical features including being more likely to have allergies, food intolerances, and chronic sinusitis as compared to those with ASD who did not express HLA-Cw7. HLA-Cw7 has a role in stimulating NK cells. Thus, this finding may indicate that chronic over-activation of NK cells may have a role in the manifestation of ASD in a cohort of patients with increased immune system/inflammatory features.
Does Intention Matter? Relations between Parent Pointing, Infant Pointing, and Developing Language Ability

ABSTRACT Infants’ pointing is associated with concurrent and later language development. The communicative intention behind the point – i.e., imperative versus declarative – can affect both the nature and strength of these associations, and is therefore a critical factor to consider. Parents’ pointing is associated with both infant pointing and infant language; however, less work has examined the intent behind parents’ points. We explore relations between parents’ and infants’ pointing at the level of communicative intention, and examine how pointing relates to concurrent and longitudinal infant language skills. In a sample of 52 mother-infant dyads, we measured mother and infant pointing at infant age 12-months, and infant expressive and receptive language at 12-, 18-, and 24-months. We found that mothers produced points with a variety of intentions, however we did not find relations between mother and infant pointing within the different communicative intentions. Replicating previous research, infant declarative pointing was related both concurrently and longitudinally to their language ability. Mothers’ declarative pointing was related to their infants’ concurrent language, while their imperative pointing was not. Further, there was an interaction between parent and infant declarative pointing, such that the positive relation between parents’ declarative pointing and their infants’ concurrent receptive language was present only for those infants who were also producing declarative points themselves. Findings suggest that parents’ declarative pointing may support both their infants’ early word learning and, perhaps, provides a model for their infant to begin using points as well. This study constitutes an important initial exploration of these relations.
Productivity and relative prices

The purpose of this research is to model developments in productivity and relative prices in New Zealand and across countries. The first chapter produces aggregate and industry estimates of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for New Zealand based on Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) production functions. The CES approach simultaneously explains changes in labour share and output over time, and provides estimates of the contribution of capital and labour to productivity in New Zealand. The results suggest that negative capital-augmenting technical change in several industries has weighed on productivity in New Zealand. The second chapter focuses on high frequency dynamics of exchange rates. Tests for explosiveness in highly traded exchange rates at a daily frequency are performed using a methodology that accounts for the possibility of non-stationary volatility. Bouts of explosiveness in exchange rates are uncommon at a daily frequency and there is high concordance with explosiveness in the effective value of the US dollar, suggesting that there are relatively few instances where explosiveness in individual cross-rates reflect country-specific factors. The final chapter focuses on long term developments in sectoral productivity and prices across countries. The chapter tests the validity of an augmented BalassaSamuelson hypothesis using a panel of real exchange rate levels across 17 OECD countries based on a unique panel of sectoral TFP and price level data. The results show that real exchange rate dynamics can be explained by relative productivity levels both across countries and over time. Other relative fundamentals such as structural labour market differences also matter for real exchange rates.
Effect of cutting management, nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

An experiment was conducted during 1988-89 and 1989-90 to evaluate the performance of coriander (Coriander salivum L.) under different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and cutting management. Application of 100 kg Nlha gave the maximum seed yield and net returns. A dose of 30 kg P20,1ha proved superior to 0 and 60 kg P20,/ha in respect of yield and net returns. Amongst the cutting treatments (no cut, 1 cut 30 at days after sowing and 2 cuts at 30 and 60 days), 1 cut at 30 days after sowing seed production proved economic giving maximum yield and net returns.
An Empirical Study on Radio Propagation in Heterogeneous Networks: with Focus on Mobile Broadband Networks and Small Cell Deployment

The growing demand for mobile services represents a challenge for the existing networks. In order to cope with the increasing coverage and capacity requirements, operators have shifted the focus of their network evolution strategies from the densification and optimization of the macro layer to the deployment of heterogeneous networks (HetNets), where multiple radio access technologies and cell deployment options will coexist. These networks may be enhanced in the future by the use of higher frequency bands, which can help in supporting larger data rates as well as in coping with capacity problems in ultra-dense deployments. In order to plan and deploy such networks, radio propagation must be studied and properly modeled. The combination of different cell types and new frequencies have shaped a large set of yet unexplored propagation scenarios, which is further enlarged by the atypical use cases that will exist in the future cellular networks. With the aim of providing insight into some of these unexplored propagation scenarios, this thesis investigates, through experimental work and simulation analysis, different deployment configurations. The evaluation of the empirical data, together with the simulation results, is used to provide deployment guidelines and simple models useful for both radio planning and optimization; as well as for standardization purposes. The first part of the work addresses outdoor propagation. In the initial part of the analysis, the applicability of existing large-scale path loss models is validated, based on measurements, for selected frequencies, distances ranges and base station configurations outside of their original range of application. A lower accuracy of the models in the short range is observed, caused by the difficulty in predicting the antenna patterns effects in the close vicinity of the base station antenna. A geometrical extension of the models is proposed and the base station antenna pattern distortion effects are further analyzed in detail by means of simulations. With particular focus on relay node scenarios, a set of deployment guidelines is given based on empirical observations and performance evaluations. The propagation at higher frequencies is explored through several dedicated measurement campaigns for both the urban macro and micro cell scenarios with different base station
Distribution of External Load During Acquisition Training Sessions and Match Play of a Professional Soccer Team

Abstract Castillo, D, Raya-González, J, Weston, M, and Yanci, J. Distribution of external load during acquisition training sessions and match play of a professional soccer team. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3453–3458, 2021—The aim of this study was to use global position systems to analyze the external loads of the 3 different acquisition training sessions (ATS) with competitive matches in professional soccer players over a 6-week period. Sixteen professional soccer players participated in the study, which analyzed the distribution of external load during the training microcycle of a professional soccer team. The 3 types of ATS undertaken by the players were as follows: ATS1 (strength), ATS2 (endurance), and ATS3 (speed). The total distance covered, the distance covered at above 14 km·h−1, the distance covered >21 km·h−1, the number of high accelerations (>3 m·s−2), and player load were recorded. The results showed that external loads were consistently higher during matches when compared with all training sessions (range of effect sizes: 1.06–3.38). Between training session comparisons revealed higher external loads during ATS1 and ATS2, when compared with ATS3 (range of effect sizes: 0.60–2.41). The only external load variable that differed between ATS1 and ATS2 was the distance covered >21 km·h−1, which was higher for ATS1. Our findings suggest that technical staff should consider the physical demands of weekly periodization to understand the training process regarding optimizing player physical performance.
Effects on Carbon Sources and Sinks from Conversion of Over-Mature Forest to Major Secondary Forests and Korean Pine Plantation in Northeast China

The effects of replacing over-mature forest with secondary forests and plantations are significant for terrestrial ecosystem carbon (C) dynamics. However, the carbon balance and recovery time of this replacement process remain unclear. This study measured the fluxes of CH4 and CO2 in soils and the annual net C sequestration (ANCS) from seven ecosystems with different vegetation types (over-mature forest (OMF), Korean pine plantation (KPP), hardwood forest (HWF), Betula platyphylla forest (BPF), Populous davidiana forest (PDF), mixed deciduous forest (MDF), and Mongolian oak forest (MOF)) using the static chamber-gas chromatography method and the relative growth equation method. We examined the effects of environmental factors (e.g., air and soil temperature, soil volumetric water content (SVWC), soil pH, nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and soil organic carbon (SOC)) on CH4 and CO2 fluxes at the Maoershan Ecosystem Research Station in Northeast China. The carbon source or sink of OMF, KPP, and five secondary forests (HWF, BPF, PDF, MDF, and MOF) were then evaluated based on net ecosystem C balance. The results revealed that the mean annual CH4 fluxes varied between −0.046 and −0.077 mg m−2 h−1. The mean annual absorption of CH4 in the secondary forests and OMF were respectively 1.09–1.67 times and 1.11 times higher than that of KPP (0.046 mg m−2 h−1, p < 0.05). The mean annual CO2 fluxes varied between 140.425 and 250.023 mg m−2 h−1. The CO2 fluxes in the secondary forests and KPP soils were respectively 1.33–1.78 times and 1.16 times higher than that of OMF (140.425 mg m−2 h−1, p < 0.05). The CH4 and CO2 fluxes were mainly influenced by air and soil temperature, SVWC, soil pH, NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and SOC in Northeast China. The ANCS of vegetation (3.41 ± 0.27 − 6.26 ± 0.75 t C ha−1 y−1) varied widely among different forest types: KPP had the largest ANCS (6.26 ± 0.75 t C ha−1 y−1, which was higher than secondary forests and OMF by 1.20–1.84 times and 1.46 times, respectively, p > 0.05). Carbon sources and sinks were significantly different among the seven types of vegetation: OMF and KPP were observed to be the greatest C sinks, and secondary forests were shown to be the weakest carbon sinks or net C sources in the study region.
The optimal cash holdings speed of adjustment and firm value: An empirical study in Indonesia

This study employs two models of the speed of cash holdings adjustment to measure the effect of cash management on firm value, they are the deviation standard cash holding model and partial speed of adjustment model. Using sampling companies from Indonesia during 2001-2017, the study employs some techniques of regression for dynamic panel data with fixed effects, the pooled ordinary least square with fixed effects, and regression moderated analysis. Research findings show that: first, the deviation standard cash holding and partial speed of adjustment affect firm value; second, by using the deviation standard cash holding model, it shows that managerial ownership, institutional ownership, investment and debt moderate the effect of the deviation standard cash holding on firm value; third, by using the partial speed of adjustment model, it shows that investment moderates the effect of partial speed of adjustment on firm value. The implications of the study are to explain two speed of cash holding adjustment models and their impacts on the increasing trend of firm value. JEL Classification : C33, G31, G34 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/jkdp.v23i2. 2604
Effect of Income Inequality on Economic Growth in Selected West Africa Countries: An Empirical Analysis

The paper empirically investigates the effect of income inequality on economic growth in the selected Western African countries for the period of 1969-2016 by using panel data analysis. The results of panel data method indicates that poverty has positive and statistically significant effect; openness has a negative, and also significant effect on economic growth. On the other hand, inequality and human capita have negative effect on economic growth and slightly statistically significant. The results of this study show that the policy makers should focus on reinvestment in human capital, poverty reduction, land reforms, and infrastructure development as the dynamics of economic growth for these countries.
The Resilience of Central Bank Interest Rate on the Association of Financial
Leverage and Firm Performance

This study investigates the moderating effect of the Central Bank's interest rate on the relationship between financial leverage and firm profitability. The study uses panel data of Pakistani firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period 2009-2016 with fixed effect regression analysis. Firm profitability is used as a dependent variable and is measured by EBIT and ROE while leverage andCentral Bank's Interest Rate (SBIR) are used as Independent variables. Results show that leverage isnegatively associated and statistically significant with firm performance (FP) while SBIR is negativelyrelated but this relation is statistically not significant. This imply that SBIR has no direct effect on firm performance. The important factor is the composite effect of leverage and SBIR on FP, which isnegative and statistically significant. These results imply that the central bank's policy of discountrates has an indirect effect on FP as this policy affects lending decisions of the firm. All these findings are consistent with previous studies. The study adds to the existing literature of banks interest rates and leverage in the sense that when government increases interest rates, it indirectly affects the firm performance as a firm may or may not be able to get credit from these financial institutions. Thus,government and policy makers are to take into account firms' performances and overall capitalmarket while changing he interest rates of the country. Keywords: Financial leverage; Central bank interest rate; Profitability; Moderating effect
Long-Term Orientation and Earnings Management Strategies

In this study, we investigate how country-level long-term orientation affects managers' willingness to engage in earnings management and choice of earnings management strategy. Using a comprehensive dataset of 47 countries for the period from 2003 to 2015, we find that firms in long-term-oriented cultures rely relatively more on earnings management through accruals, while firms in short-term-oriented cultures engage in relatively more real earnings management. Furthermore, we find a larger discontinuity around earnings benchmarks in long-term-oriented cultures suggesting that manipulation of accruals enables benchmark beating with high precision. JEL Classifications: M14; M16; M21; M41.
The Relationship Between School Climate and Academic Achievement of High Schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia

International. (UMI No. 3091129). Stolp, S. , & Smith, S. (1995). Transforming school culture: Stories, symbols, values, and the leader’s role. Eugene, OR: Clearinghouse on education management. Stringer, R. A. (2002). Leadership and organizational climate: The cloud chamber effect. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall. Sugai, G. , & Horner, R. (2001). School climate and discipline: Going to scale. The National Summit on the Shared Implementation of IDEA, Washington, DC. Sugai, G. , La Salle, T. , Freeman, J., Simonsen, B. , & Chafouleas, S. (2016). Technical brief school climate: Academic achievement and social behavior competence. Center for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Center for Behavioral Education and School Climate and Academic Achievement 114 Research, University of Connecticut. Retrieved from:https://www.cga. ct.gov/ed/tfs/20160829_School%20Climate%20Task%20Force/2
Changes in Enforcement of Low-Level and Felony Offenses Post-Ferguson: An Analysis of Arrests in St. Louis, Missouri

Objective: to study changes inenforcement of low-level offenses and felonies in the City of St. Louis, Missouri after the high-profile events in Ferguson. Methods: dialectical approach to the cognition of social phenomena which uses the following research methods based on it: general scientific (analysis, synthesis, induction) and specific scientific methods (formal-legal, systemic, comparative-legal, sociological). Results: as a result of several highly publicized incidents of police killing unarmed Black suspects, many contend that American police are in the midst of a crisis. Police have faced high levels of public scrutiny that some argue has stifled police activities and led to spikes in violent crime. This phenomenon – coined in the aftermath of the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri – has become widely known as the Ferguson Effect. This study uses seven years of data and time series analysis to assess whether the events in Ferguson were associated with a reduction in arrests for felonies and low-level offenses in the nearby City of St. Louis, Missouri. Scientific novelty: it is shown that there was an initial reduction in low-level arrests of Whites and Blacks in the wake of Ferguson. Enforcement of misdemeanors and ordinance violations then increased and returned to expected levels, but only for Blacks. Post-Ferguson, felony arrests initially dropped for Blacks, but not Whites, and then climbed for both groups. This work adds to the burgeoning literature on police responses in the wake of a high-profile shooting. Practical significance: the main provisions and conclusions of the article can be used in scientific, educational and law enforcement activities when considering issues related to prevention and elimination crime.
Do Internships Pay Off? The Effects of Student Internships on Earnings

ABSTRACT We study the causal effect of student internship experience in firms on earnings later in life. We use mandatory firm internships at German universities as an instrument for doing a firm internship while attending university. Employing longitudinal data from graduate surveys, we find positive and significant earnings returns of about 6 percent in both ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrumental variables (IV) regressions. The positive returns are particularly pronounced for individuals and areas of study that are characterized by a weak labor market orientation. The empirical findings show that graduates who completed a firm internship face a lower risk of unemployment during the first year of their careers, suggesting a smoother transition to the labor market.