Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Concentration and Dry-Matter Accumulation in Maize Crop: Assessing Maize Nitrogen Status with an Allometric Function and a Chlorophyll Meter

The ability to determine the optimal nitrogen (N) content in maize plants needed to obtain maximum growth is important to the management of the crop. It has been shown that N content declines as a function of aboveground biomass accumulation (W): [N] = 3.4W–0.37. The goal of this study is to evaluate the applicability of relating chlorophyll meter readings with the optimal N content relationship to provide a tool for whole-plant N-status diagnosis in maize without the necessity of measuring N content. Biomass of shoot and specific organs, N concentration, and chlorophyll meter measurement of specific leaves were measured over several sites and years. Nitrogen-concentration measurements indicated that whole-plant N status can be represented by the N concentration of the topmost fully expanded leaf. A quantitative relationship between N concentration and chlorophyll meter measurement on the uppermost expanded leaf was established and validated.
Adaptability and genotype-environment interaction of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) varieties in North Eastern Ethiopia

An experiment was conducted to study the adaptability and genotype × environment interaction of finger millet varieties in the north eastern part of Ethiopia. Eight finger millet varieties and a local check were tested at Sirinka, Kobo, and Jari in 2013 and 2014 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replicates. The result showed that the year 2013 was relatively better than 2014 for finger millet yield. Variety Bareda ranked first in terms of yield at Sirinka both in 2013 and 2014 (SR13 and SR14), and Kobo in 2013 (KB13). Variety Tadesse ranked first at Jari in 2013 (JR13); however, both the local check and Gute ranked first at Jari in 2014 (JR14). Except at JR14, the local check ranked second in all the environments. The Additive Main-effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis showed that the best fit model was AMMI1 and it explained 68.54% of the genotype × environment interaction. Genotypes Bareda, the local check and Gute had higher grain yield in that order. Similarly, environments SR13, JR13 and KB13 had above average grain yield. Varieties Tadesse and Padet had small interaction effect; however, Bareda and Gute exerted relatively higher interaction effect. Similarly, environment SR13 contributed minimum interaction effect; whereas KB13 and JR13 contributed higher interaction effect. Genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot identified the local check, Bareda and Gute as more desirable varieties. Based on the overall performance and adaptability of the finger millet varieties across environments, Bareda could be recommended for production at Sirinka and Kobo, whereas the local check could still be used at Jari. Key words: Adaptability, additive main-effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Eleusine coracana, G × E interaction, genotype and genotype × environment (GGE).
The strategy of investment in the stock market using modified support vector regression model

Stock indices forecasting has become a popular research issue in recent years. Although many statistical time series models have been applied in stock indices forecasting, they are limited to certain assumptions. Accordingly, the traditional statistical time series models might not be suitable for forecasting real-life stock indices data. Hence, this paper proposes a novel forecasting model to assist investors in determining a strategy for investments in the stock market. The proposed model is called the modified support vector regression model, which is composed of the correlation coefficient method, the sliding window algorithm and the support vector regression model. The results show that the forecasting accuracy of the proposed model is more stable than the existing models in terms of average and standard deviation of the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Accordingly, the proposed model would be used to assist investors in determining a strategy for investing in stocks.
Defining Country Size: A Descriptive Analysis of Small and Large States

This paper defines the size of 215 countries using population and land area dimension. The statistical technique of cluster analysis was used to identify the groups of states that share the same characteristics of population and land area, and 83 countries were classified as small. From the descriptive analysis small size does not imply lower economic development/performance compared to large states. However, the economies of small states are more vulnerable. Proximity to developed markets, degree of economic freedom and openness to foreign markets were identified as the main factors explaining differences in economic performance among small states.
Training Package for Fostering Stable Self-Esteem and Reducing Fear of Negative Evaluation and Testing its Effectiveness on Self –Handicapping

Abstract Introduction: Self-handicapping is a defense strategy in which a person, prior to any performance, creates some obstacles by which he manipulates his attributions after the performance. This variable is regarded as one impediment to educational efficiency. This study aims to design a training package to foster stable self-esteem and reduce the fear of negative evaluation to influence teenagers’ self-handicapping. Method: To this end, based on an empirical research study and after the confirmation of the validity of the designed training package by experts (p<0.001), one high school was selected through convenience sampling method from among Junior high schools. The population of eighth grade high schoolers (150) answered to Jones Self-Handicapping Scale (1982), Brief Form of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNES-B) and Instability of Self-Esteem Scale (ISES). From among the foregoing population, a group of 60 high schoolers with an average age of 14 years old who had obtained the highest self-handicapping scores were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups and received the training package for 8 one-hour sessions. Then, a post-test and a follow-up test were administered after one subsequent month. Data was analyzed using the regression analyze, independent- t method and mixed analysis of variance. Result: The study results suggested the effectiveness of the training package in promoting the stable self-esteem and reducing the fear of negative evaluation and consequently reducing self-handicapping scores of the subjects (p<0.001,partial η²= 0/315). Conclusion: This study proposes that, owing to the criticality of adolescence, training packages focusing on fostering stable self-esteem and decreasing fear of negative evaluation may be highly effectual in alleviating adolescents’ self-handicapping and operate as a factor leading to more development and growth for them.
Efficacy of screening methods used in breeding for black pod disease resistance varieties in cocoa

Black pod is an important fungal disease of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) that causes severe yield losses. The disease affects the pods, beans, flower cushions, leaves, stems and roots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of resistance screening methods used in breeding black pod disease resistance in cocoa. The resistance of cocoa leaves and pods to Phytophthora palmivora was investigated in twenty five international genotypes of cocoa in five laboratory experiments and a field observation at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. A significant clonal difference for leaf and pod resistance was observed at penetration and post-penetration stages of infection. Correlation between resistance of leaves and pods was positive and significant at both penetration and post-penetration stages of infection. The occurrence of such a characteristic of cocoa leaf suggests the value of use of leaves of cocoa seedlings for the prediction of pod resistance to black pod disease. The reliability of the tests was evaluated by correlating results of the inoculation tests with the level of field infection. These correlations were generally positive and significant, both for detached pod and leaf tests. The high positive correlation between detached leaves and pods and natural Phytophthora pod rot infection in the field showed that detached organs can be used for prediction of resistance in the field. Overall, for the convenience of operations and reliability of results, leaf disc test was the best screening method and was also time saving. Clones SCA 6, T85/799, LAF1, ICS 1 and GU 225V were noted to be promising for breeding against black pod disease. The susceptible clones were MO 20, T79/501, VENC 4-4, PA 120 and MOCORONGO.
Effects of soil pH on the ectomycorrhizal response of Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings

To examine the effects of soil pH on ectomycorrhizal formation and function on Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake, seedlings inoculated with nine ectomycorrhizal fungi (seven isolates of Pisolithus spp., Scleroderma cepa and Laccaria laccata collected under eucalypt stands in Australia and the Philippines) were transplanted into pots containing a non-sterile acid (pH 4·6) sandy loam amended with four levels of CaCO3 that raised the soil pH from 4·6 to 6·6 (5 mM CaCl2). Pots were placed in temperature-controlled water baths (28 ± 2 °C) inside an evaporatively cooled glasshouse for 9 wk. Increase in soil pH from 4·6 to 6·6 significantly decreased plant d. wt and shoot nutrient content of uninoculated and inoculated seedlings. Inoculation with four Pisolithus spp. (H445, H2144, M56 and H4003) significantly increased the growth of E. urophylla seedlings at pH 4·6. At pH 6·6, eight ectomycorrhizal isolates significantly improved total d. wt compared with those of the uninoculated seedlings. Pisolithus isolates stimulated seedling growth more than L. laccata whereas S. cepa was ineffective at all pH levels. Total d. wt of H445 inoculated plants grown in P-deficient (8 mg P kg-1 soil) soil was 147% more than that of uninoculated plants given the same P rate and was 70% that of plants fertilized with 64 mg P kg-1 soil (P64) at pH 46. At soil pH 5·8 and 6·6, M56 was the best growth-promoter for E. urophylla. These results indicate that soil pH can significantly alter the development and function of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Soil pH did not significantly affect mycorrhizal formation by the different ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, the percentages of mycorrhizal root tips formed by the different ectomycorrhizal fungi differed significantly. Pisolithus isolate H445 formed the highest percentage of colonized roots and highest total d. wt at pH 4·6 and 5·2, implying its potential for commercial use in acidic conditions.
Morphology, Structure, Thermal Stability, XR-Diffraction, and Infrared Study of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide–Modified Smectite

We characterized the interlayer structure and morphology of modified natural clays. Organoclay-based materials are increasingly used for multiple applications. We modified a purified Na-bentonite using cation exchange with hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA) and characterized it using; UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoacoustic FTIR spectroscopy (PA-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques, laser scattering distribution (LSD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The adsorption of HDTMA on interlayer sites of Na-smectite fraction is nearly total until an adsorption equivalent to 1.85 times the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the clay. The formation of the HDTMA-smectite changes the properties of the clay from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The XRD patterns show an increase in the basal spacings. TGA characterization and analysis were shown to be useful to estimate the amount of surfactant within the organoclay. LSD analyses have shown a decrease of the effective particle diameter with increasing sonication times. AFM images showed that these Na-smectite surfaces appeared foliated with irregular aggregate structures at high HDTMA loading. The present study shows that not only the basal spacing but the morphology and the particle size of the organoclay strongly depend on the packing density of surfactant within the smectite interlayer space.
Wheels of change in higher education: a collaborative, multi-stakeholder project as a vehicle for sustainability education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to profile the development of a bicycle parking hub at the University of Tasmania to illustrate how the Academic Operations Sustainability Integration Program promotes real change through the engagement of stakeholders from across an institution to deliver campus sustainability. This case study outlines one example of how place-based learning initiatives focused on campus sustainability challenges have delivered authentic education for sustainability in the Australasian higher education setting. Design/methodology/approach This case study outlines the process through which a cross-disciplinary place-based learning initiative was designed, implemented and evaluated over a three-year period. The evaluation of the project was designed to assess the impact of this education for sustainability approach on both operational and student learning outcomes, and to make recommendations on the continuation of place-based learning initiatives through the Academic Operations Sustainability Integration Program. Findings This case study illustrates how learning can be focused around finding solutions to real world problems through the active participation of staff and students as members of a learning community. This experience helped the authors to better understand how place-based learning initiatives can help deliver authentic education for sustainability and the success factors required for engaging staff and students in such efforts. Originality/value The case study highlights an example of an education for sustainability initiative that was mutually driven by the operational and learning objectives of an institution, and specifically the ways in which the engagement of staff and students from across an institution can lead to the successful integration of these two often disparate institutional goals.
Statistics Corner Questions and answers about language testing statistics

-0.042 -0.003 0.191 -0.085 0.132 0.924 -0.048 0.159 0.196 -0.014 -0.104 -0.074 Ascendance -0.006 0.029 0.952 -0.044 0.090 0.175 0.010 0.076 0.157 0.008 -0.134 -0.056 Thinking extraversion 0.017 -0.069 0.008 -0.021 0.033 -0.039 0.992 0.047 -0.047 -0.029 0.014 -0.039 Rhathymia 0.054 0.119 0.083 0.061 0.202 0.160 0.059 0.922 0.143 0.163 -0.005 0.066 General activity 0.052 -0.077 0.186 -0.075 0.149 0.213 -0.063 0.154 0.900 -0.056 -0.152 -0.138 Lack of agreeableness 0.056 0.009 0.089 -0.005 0.958 0.119 0.037 0.180 0.124 0.069 -0.059 -0.018 Lack of cooperativeness 0.961 0.103 -0.005 0.107 0.057 -0.035 0.020 0.048 0.044 0.088 0.114 0.154 Lack of objectivity 0.112 0.934 0.031 0.151 0.010 -0.002 -0.082 0.113 -0.068 0.180 0.108 0.153 Nervousness 0.136 0.180 -0.053 0.870 -0.005 -0.097 -0.029 0.067 -0.076 0.262 0.233 0.216 Inferiority feelings 0.183 0.156 -0.213 0.292 -0.092 -0.146 0.026 -0.010 -0.203 0.201 0.814 0.191 Cyclic tendencies 0.116 0.226 0.012 0.271 0.096 -0.013 -0.043 0.199 -0.060 0.862 0.170 0.186 Depression 0.253 0.225 -0.085 0.267 -0.027 -0.103 -0.068 0.091 -0.183 0.220 0.190 0.815
Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Across a Weak Discontinuity Controlled by Fluid Injection

We investigated the problem of a hydraulic fracture propagation through a weakly cohesive frictional discontinuity for different conditions of fracture toughness, in situ stresses, fracture intersection angle, injection parameters and permeability of the pre-existing fracture. The parametric sensitivity of the fracture interaction process, in terms of crossing versus arresting of the hydraulic fracture at the discontinuity, was performed using numerical simulations through an extensive parameter space representative of hydraulic fracturing field conditions. The effect of the pre-existing fracture permeability on the crossing behavior was analyzed using a simple analytical model. We showed that the injection rate and viscosity of fracturing fluid are the key parameters controlling the crossing/non-crossing interaction behavior, in addition to already known fracture interaction angle and in-situ stress parameters. We have also found that the pre-existing fracture hydraulic aperture, when as large as that of the hydraulic fracture aperture, has significant influence on the interaction and may more likely cause the hydraulic fracture to arrest.
The market orientation-marketing performance relationship: the empirical link in international joint ventures

This study examines the relationship between market orientation and International Joint Venture (IJV) marketing performance in Thailand. The primary data for the study were collected from a self-administered mail survey of 831 Thai-Foreign IJVs in Thailand. The sample consisted of 161 firms that were primarily engaged in agricultural, metal-working, electrical and chemical industries. From the application of the exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and the discriminant analysis it was concluded that market orientation is a key antecedent of IJV marketing performance.
Effect of Short-term Debt to Total Assets Ratio on Financial Performance of Medium-sized and Large Enterprises in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of short-term debt to total assets ratio on the financial performance of medium-sized and large enterprises in Kenya. The study drew on secondary data consisting of audited financial statements from 60 large enterprises listed at the NSE and 30 medium-sized enterprises which are among the Top-100 medium-sized enterprises totaling to 90 enterprises for a six year period (2011 to 2016). The main objective of the study was to establish the effect of short-term debt to total assets ratio on financial performance of medium-sized and large enterprises in Kenya. Short-term debt to total assets ratio was used as capital structure proxy while ROE and ROA were used as measures of financial performance. The study was anchored on positivism paradigm and guided by the following capital structure theories: Irrelevance theory, static trade-off theory, pecking order theory and free cash flow theories. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation, simple regression) were used to analyze data. Simple regression was used to establish the extent the independent variable (SDTAR) affected the dependent variable (financial performance) while Pearson correlation was used to measure strength of the effect of short-term debt to total assets ratio on financial performance. The hypothesis was tested using calculated value of F and the critical value of F. The study established that SDTAR had a significant negative effect on ROE and ROA. In conclusion the study established that a decrease in financial performance was attributed to an increase in short-term debts total assets ratio. It was recommended that the enterprises reduce the usage of short-term debts in financing operations so as to improve their financial performance. It was also recommended that future studies to look into the effects of credit terms or policies to establish the cost of short-term debts in Kenya, and further studies to be undertaken to investigate into other factors that account for the variability in financial performance of medium-sized and large enterprises in Kenya. Keywords : Short-term Debt, Total Assets, Financial Performance, Capital Structure
Systematic Measurement Error in Election Violence Data: Causes and Consequences

Abstract What are the causes and consequences of systematic measurement error in violence measures drawn from media-based conflict event data? More specifically, how valid are such event data for geocoding and capturing election violence? This study examines sub-national variation in election violence and uses original data from domestic election monitor surveys as a comparison to widely used sources of event data. The authors show that conventional data under-report events throughout the election cycle, particularly in sparsely populated areas and outside anticipated violence hotspots. Moreover, systematic measurement error of media-based event data for measuring election violence can generate significant relationships where none exist, and can result in different effect magnitudes. The article suggests areas for future research and indicates ways in which existing work on election violence may have been affected by systematic measurement error.
1 ENSO and solar activity signals from oxygen isotopes in diatom silica during Late Glacial-Holocene transition in Central Andes ( 18 o S )

1Institute of Earth Sciences Jaume Almera-CSIC, C/Lluís Solé i Sabarís s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain 2Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, 15701 A Coruña, Spain 3Faculty of Geology, University of Barcelona, C/ Martí Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain 4NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, British Geological Survey, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK 5School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK 6 Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
Diets and enteroparasitic infestation in Sarotherodon galilaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cichlidae) in Oba reservoir Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Oba reservoir lies between Latitude 8° 3" N to 8° 12" N and Longitude 4° 6" E to 4° 12" E in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria. Investigations were carried out between November 2011 and October 2013. Studies on morphometric, food, and feeding habits and enteroparasites of Sarotherodon galilaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) were done using standard methods. Ten types of food items were exploited by adults S. galilaeus while immature exploited six. In immature, insect parts had the highest frequency of occurrence (92.31 %), while in matured diets, Copepods were highest (78.21 %). The fish species was generally observed to be omnivores, but were primarily carnivores. Parasites recovered from the enteron were Neoechinorhynchus rutili, Acanthocentius tilapia, Clinostomum tilapia, Procamallanus laevionchus and Paracamallanus cyathopharynx; no parasite was found in the stomach. Parasitic prevalence was season and sex dependent, intensity was season dependent, and there was no relationship between parasite burden and fish size.
The effect of age on interhemispheric transfer time: an event related potential study

The present study sought to investigate the effects of aging on interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT). Poffenberger (1912) devised a behavioural paradigm thought to be a measure of IHTT. In this paradigm IHTT is estimated by calculating the crossed-uncrossed difference (CUD); the difference in speed of response between responses made in response to stimuli contralateral to responding hand (crossed) and those made by hands ipsilateral to the stimuli (uncrossed). IHTT can also be estimated through event related potentials (ERPs) by calculating latency differences between the waveforms over the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. Results from previous experiments comparing younger and older participants with these two methods are inconsistent. Twenty three younger (18-25 years) and 23 older (65-77 years) participants had their electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded whilst completing the Poffenberger paradigm. IHTT estimates from the two measures were compared between the groups. Older participants were found to have a faster IHTT estimate from the P1 ERP component compared to younger participants. This result is in contrast to the current literature. Replication of this result is recommended before firm conclusions about its implications can be made.