Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of foliar nickel (Ni) application on mineral nutrition status, urease activity and physiological quality of soybean seeds

Nickel (Ni) at low concentrations is an essential micronutrient for higher plants. Nickel is a cofactor of the enzyme urease and plays a critical role in the germination of seeds. This study aims to evaluate the effect of foliar Ni application on mineral nutrition status, urease activity and the physiological quality of soybean seeds. The study was conducted using different levels of Ni (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g ha) were applied in the presence or absence (0 or 75 g i.a. ha) of the fungicide pyraclostrobin. Leaf nitrogen concentrations showed a linear increase in response to Ni application irrespective of pyraclostrobin application. Foliar sulfur concentrations inversely proportional to Ni application in the absence of pyroclostrobin, but were proportional to Ni application when pyroclostrobin was also applied. Nickel application showed no effects on foliar concentrations of other macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg). Nickel concentrations in the leaves and seeds were proportional to nickel applications levels. There was a highly significant correlation between foliar Ni concentrations in the leaves and seed Ni levels (r = 0.99), indicating extensive translocation of Ni from leaf to seed. Urease activity increased proportionally up to 20 g ha, with peak activity between 20 and 40 g ha of Ni. Urease activity correlated highly with seed yield (r = 0.88) and pod number (r = 0.84). Seed germination and emergence rate increased proportionally with Ni application. However, when Ni was combined with pyraclostrobin, the germination percentage displayed a parabolic curve with an increase of germination up to 40 g ha of Ni. The electrical conductivity for a maximum was between 40 and 60 g ha of Ni. Nickel treatments had no significant effect on seedling length or seedling dry weight. Foliar application of Ni up to 20 g ha in the presence or absence of pyraclostrobin was beneficial to soybean plants based on seed yield, mineral nutrition status and physiological quality of soybean seeds.
Evaluation of genotoxic and cytologic effects of environmental stressin wheat species with different ploidy levels

Drought and salinity induce biochemical, physiological, morphological, and genetic responses in plants. To understand the damage to different wheat species caused by these stresses, we investigated root-shoot growth, cell division, chromosomal aberrations, and nucleolus organizer regions (AgNORs) in root tip cells. Inhibition of root and shoot growth were observed in diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid wheat genotypes after salt and drought stresses. Both stresses had adverse effects on dividing cells in root tips of all wheat species and caused a decrease in mitotic index values. Salt and drought lead to the induction of chromosome aberrations and repression of interphase AgNOR parameters. Both treatments produced different mitotic abnormalities including chromosomal stickiness, c-mitosis, and micronuclei formation, which indicated their action on the mitotic spindle. Reduction in AgNOR parameters showed that salt and drought may decrease the level of ribosomal biogenesis and reduce the length of the cell cycle. Because of the toxicity of Na ions, salinity inhibited all parameters at a higher degree than drought in all Triticum species. Cytotoxic effects of salinity and drought were mainly observed in meristematic cells in all wheat species. This comprehensive analysis may provide valuable information for understanding the effects of salt and drought stresses on cytogenetics of wheat species.
Vegetation and topographical correlates of fire severity from two fires in the Klamath-Siskiyou region of Oregon and California

We used vegetation data collected in areas before they were burned by the 2500 ha Quartz fire in southern Oregon and the 50 600 ha Big Bar complex in northern California to evaluate the ability of vegetation and topographic characteristics to predict patterns of fire severity. Fire severity was characterized as high, moderate, or low based on crown scorch and consumption, and changes in soil structure. In both fires, vegetation plots with southern aspects were more likely to burn with high severity than plots with eastern, northern, or western aspects. This was the only consistent predictor across both fires. In the Quartz fire, we found that plots at higher elevations and with larger diameter trees were more likely to burn with low or moderate severity. These correlations may have been influenced in part by the effects of unmeasured weather conditions. We found few strong correlates in the Big Bar complex, owing in part to the fact that most (75%) of our plots were in the low-severity category, providing relatively little variation. These results, in combination with previous studies of fire severity in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, suggest that areas with southern aspects tend to burn with greater severity than those of other aspects, areas with large trees burn less severely than those with smaller trees, and that correlates of fire severity vary extensively among fires.
Roads to Consciousness

This contribution explains several “roads to self-awareness”, all of them based on the natural sciences. The first one follows our bio-psychological evolution. The second road starts with the engineer’s point of view and mainly builds on information science and technology, in particular robotics. The third road taken is the most abstract; it exploits complex dynamic systems and their emergent properties. Despite their different origins and methods, these lines of investigation converge. That is, the findings of various fields can be combined into a unified theory of mind and selfawareness, which is the main purpose of this paper. This overall synthesis suggests that the mind results from a multi-hierarchical organizational structure, and self-reflexive flows of information in embodied systems. In addition to this, stable self-awareness appears spontaneously in sufficiently complex robots, when the system’s capability of describing itself crosses the level of conceptually clear information processing (thinking). As an application, one obtains a number of construction principles for mentally developing systems that are explained towards the end of this contribution.
The effects of a token economy on group attendance in a locked psychiatric facility

The ef ect of a token economy on coitpliance with a Special Treatment Program (STP) in a locked psychiatric facility was explored. Attendarice recprds of fouirteen clients before iir5)lementation were coitpared to attendance records after inplem<entation. The variable of medication changes during each period was recorded. The length of time the clients wer*! at the facility before the token econOity was iitplemented was also recorded. Data analysis included a Pearson's R to coitpare preand post-treatment measures. This study revealed that the token economy was significant in iit5)roving attendance for mentally-ill clients post­ deihstitutionalization where hospital stays are shorter. No significant effect was found between medication changes and attendance, Clients at the facility for a shorter time had better atte;ndance than those who were there longer. Future research shculd include a larger sanple size, a control unit, and how to better transition clients to an outpatient setting.
Lighting Methods Employed in Harvest of Fishery Products: A Narrative Review

Fishermen since time immemorial have employed various lighting methods aimed for favourable/successful harvest of fishery products. The latter on the other hand have evolved with habitat constituents for example, the waters, light and other external factors, which contribute to evolve the sensory adaptations. Whilst there is considerable literature about lighting approaches/methods employed in harvest of fishery products, no appraisal concerning the state-of-the-art to best of our knowledge has been performed. In this review, (some) relevant information about lighting methods employed in harvest of fishery products will be summarized under the following sub-headings: (a) Light as resource for fishing; (b) Eye of fish for vision and survival; (c) Catching the fish with light: experimental methods and instrumentation; (d) Light intensities that looks at: (i) attraction and reaction of fish; (ii) active escape of fish; (iii) induced stress of fish; as well as (e) Simulated trawls and conducted surveys. Some recommendations to direct future studies are also summarized.
Investigating the Causal Relationship between Inflation and Trade Openness using Toda–Yamamoto Approach: Evidence from Zambia

Abstract The paper examines whether a significant relationship exists between inflation and trade openness in Zambia over the period 1985 to 2015. We use the Toda-Yamamoto approach to Granger causality to test for a causal relationship between inflation and trade openness. The results establish a bi-directional causality between inflation and trade openness. Further, there exists a positive relationship between inflation and trade openness in Zambia. Our findings stress the importance for central banks to understand the consequences of international trade for domestic inflation.
Inhibition of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz) Sac. causal organism of rubber ( Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) leaf spot using plant extracts

In vitro and in vivo antifungal evaluations were carried out on twenty-one plants selected from fourteen families on a folial pathogen of para rubber, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz). Sac. Extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. and Allium sativum L. exhibited total inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of C. Gloeosporioides. An evaluation of concentration effects was carried out using four concentrations of five selected plants: A. sativum, Jatropha curcas, O. Basilicum, Vernonia amygdalina and Ageratum conyzoides. A. sativum and O. basilicum totally inhibited conidial germination 24 h after inoculation, and conidial germination in liquid amended media was recorded only in the A. conyzoides amended liquid media. An in vivo evaluation showed that treatment with 100% O. basilicum resulted in disease index (D.I) of 31.7% which was significantly lower than the control 65% D.I at 5% level of probability.
Discussion: Applications and Innovations in Spatial Econometrics

These articles provide a discussion of studies presented in a session on spatial econometrics, focusing on the ability of spatial regression models to quantify the magnitude of spatial spillover impacts. Both articles presented argue that a proper modeling of spatial spillovers is required to truly understand the phenomena under study, in one case the impact of climate change on land values (or crop yields) and in the second the role of regional industry composition on regional business establishment growth.
Stochastic Estimation and Control of Queues Within a Computer Network

Abstract : Captain Nathan C. Stuckey implemented the idea of the stochastic estimation and control for network in OPNET simulator. He used extended Kalman filter to estimate packet size and packet arrival rate of network queue to regulate queue size. To validate stochastic theory, network estimator and controller is designed by OPNET model. These models validated the transient queue behavior in OPNET and work of Kalman filter by predicting the queue size and arrival rate. However, it was not enough to verify a theory by experiment. So, it needed to validate the stochastic control theory with other tools to get high validity. Our goal was to make a new model to validate Stuckey's simulation. For this validation, NS-2 was studied and modified the Kalman filter to cooperate with MATLAB. Moreover, NS-2 model was designed to predict network characteristics of queue size with different scenarios and traffic types. Through these NS-2 models, the performance of the network state estimator and network queue controller was investigated and shown to provide high validity for Stuckey's simulations.
The influence of prior issue attitudes on perception bias and perceived message credibility in participatory websites

Using a simulated participatory website focused on the issue of a smoking ban, this study investigates whether individuals perceive similar messages differently and how their prior issue attitudes relate to perception bias and perceived message credibility in the context of online environment. In general, findings indicate biased assimilation of media content online. Participants perceived the entire online discussion to be congruent with their prior issue attitudes. However, for the smoking ban supporters, a relative hostile media perception was observed in that they perceive the ban opposing messages as significantly more biased in favor of the opposing position. Lastly, participants perceived a higher level of credibility for specific posts supporting their own point of view. Findings and implications are discussed in comparison with previous research on media perception. Keywords: prior issue attitude, perception bias, biased assimilation, hostile media perception, perceived message credibility, smoking ban, participatory websites
Is a Retrovirus (XMRV) Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer in Indian Population

1 Division of Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry; Institute of Cytology & Preventive Oncology (ICMR), I-7, Sector-39, Noida, India 2 Utter Pradesh Technical University, Lucknow, U.P. India 3 Research Department , 4 Surgical Gynae Uro-Oncology, 5 Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, New Delhi, India 6 R.G. Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital, New Delhi, India *Corresponding author
Chemical, biochemical, and fatty acids composition of seeds of Opuntia boldinghii Britton et Rose

Opuntia boldinghii Britton and Rose, is a Cactaceae distributed in Venezuelan semiarid and coastal regions. In this research, the proximate composition showed: moisture 7.66%; ethereal extract 5.53 g/100g; protein (N x 6.25) 2.89 g/100g; total ash 2.53 g/100g; crude fiber 16.26 g/100g. Minerals determined were: calcium 0.59 mg/100g; phosphorus 24.93 mg/100g; potassium 2.80 mg/100g; iron 1.34 mg/100g. Total carotenoids value was 0.92 mg/100 and vitamin C concentration was 4.15 mg ascorbic acid/100g. Caloric value was calculated at 349.07 Kcal. Antinutritional factors present were: total tannins 0.33%; condensed tannins 0.08% of leucocyanidin equivalent; trypsin inhibitors units 25.26 mg pure inhibited trypsin/g and non-detected saponins. Fatty acids profile showed: linoleic 67.20%; oleic 18.00%; palmitic 10.40%; stearic 3.00%; palmitoleic 0.50%. In vitro protein digestibility was 28.15%. In conclusion, O. boldinghii seeds are an important source of natural fiber and, given its high linoleic acid content, its oils can be used as a nutraceutic agent.
Structural masonry analysis : recent developments and prospects

The mechanics of masonry structures has been underdeveloped in comparison with other fields of knowledge, with non-linear analysis being a popular field in research. Here, the possibilities of using structural component models and detailed models using macromodelling and micro-modelling are addressed. The possibility of linking microand macroapproaches through homogenization techniques is highlighted. Finally, recommendations for material data required for advanced non-linear analysis are provided.
BOBMEX: The Bay of Bengal Monsoon Experiment

The first observational experiment under the Indian Climate Research Programme, called the Bay of Bengal Monsoon Experiment (BOBMEX), was carried out during July-August 1999. BOBMEX was aimed at measurements of important variables of the atmosphere, ocean, and their interface to gain deeper insight into some of the processes that govern the variability of organized convection over the bay. Simultaneous time series observations were carried out in the northern and southern Bay of Bengal from ships and moored buoys. About 80 scientists from 15 different institutions in India collaborated during BOBMEX to make observations in most-hostile conditions of the raging monsoon. In this paper, the objectives and the design of BOBMEX are described and some initial results presented. During the BOBMEX field phase there were several active spells of convection over the bay, separated by weak spells. Observation with high-resolution radiosondes, launched for the first time over the northern bay, showed that the magnitudes of the convective available potential energy (CA-PE) and the convective inhibition energy were comparable to those for the atmosphere over the west Pacific warm pool. CAPE decreased by 2-3 kJ kg(-1) following convection, and recovered in a time period of 1-2 days. The surface wind speed was generally higher than 8 m. s(-1). The thermohaline structure as well as its time evolution during the BOBMEX field phase were found to be different in the northern bay than in the southern bay. Over both the regions, the SST decreased during rain events and increased in cloud-free conditions. Over the season as a whole, the upper-layer salinity decreased for the north bay and increased for the south bay. The variation in SST during 1999 was found to be of smaller amplitude than in 1998. Further analysis of the surface fluxes and currents is expected to give insight into the nature of coupling.
Loss of Productivity Due to Heat Exposure among Iranian Outdoor Workers

Introduction: Direct sunlight and increased heat load influence mental and physical health of workers negatively and result in performance impairment. Activity reduction is a natural body response to increase in internal body temperature, and a compensatory mechanism to make body balanced. This study was carried out to estimate productivity loss due to heat exposure among Iranian outdoor workers. The study population was entire Iranian outdoor workers in 2014, in different job categories. Method: Heat exposure was calculated using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature using of meteorological data from 83 synoptic stations in 30 Iran’s provinces. Estimation of heat induced productivity loss was done based on graph of “work capacity”. Discussion: The results show that WBGT value reached its highest level during summer, especially in Bushehr (38.87 °C), Khuzestan (38.54 °C), and Sistan-and-Baluchestan (32.51 °C). While, in Chahar-Mahal-and-Bakhtiari (26.55 °C) and West-Azarbaijan (27.25°C) the least values of WBGT was observed. The highest productivity loss occurred during summer with its highest level in two provinces of Khuzestan and Bushehr (96%). In conclusion, by moving from north-west regions toward south-east regions, the level of productivity loss greatly increased. In Iran, the average of productivity loss during summer period is 60%, which is a significantly high value, in terms of climate condition and occupational distribution. Result: Due to the important role of outdoor workers and growing trend of increase in temperature, productivity loss of this working population is undeniable. Adopting preventive strategies to increase compatibility and reduce sensitivity of exposed workers is essential.
Does external knowledge affect environmental innovations? An empirical investigation of eleven European countries

This paper investigates the effects that knowledge sources external to the firm have on its environmental innovations (EIs). Using the CIS 2006-2008, we refer to both the probability to introduce an EI and the number of EI-typologies adopted by firms. We estimate the impact of the “depth” and “breadth” of knowledge sourcing. In addition, we test for the moderating role of the firm's absorptive capacity. In general, knowledge sourcing has a positive impact on both types of EI-performance. However, a broad sourcing strategy reveals a threshold, over which the propensity to introduce an EI diminishes. Cognitive constraints in processing knowledge inputs that are too diverse could explain this result. Absorptive capacity generally helps firms in turning broadly sourced external knowledge into EI. Conversely, internal innovation capabilities and knowledge socialization mechanisms seem to diminish the EI impact of knowledge sourced through intense external interactions. The possibility of mismatches between internal and external knowledge and problems in distributing the decision-makers’ attention between the two could explain this result.
The influence of the presence and drainage of an ice-marginal lake on the flow of Gornergletscher, Switzerland

Abstract Gornergletscher, Switzerland, is located adjacent to the marginal lake Gornersee, which periodically drains. We measured glacier ice-flow velocities during two drainage events of the lake, in 2004 and 2006. The common feature of these events was that, during both, Gornersee filled to its maximum level and then overflowed. The events differed in that in 2004 Gornersee rapidly drained via a sudden subglacial connection, whereas in 2006 the lake water continued to overflow and slowly discharged into a nearby moulin. We analysed the changes in ice-flow velocities in the vicinity of Gornersee during the two drainage events, using a three-dimensional ice-flow model which is able to (1) simulate locally variable enhanced basal motion of the ice and (2) account for the load and release of water pressure exerted on the ice margin. We demonstrate that the key features of the observed flow changes can be reproduced adequately in the numerical model by considering these two effects as the main mechanisms. We interpret the 2006 flow changes to be dominated by the release of lake water pressure acting on the ice during the lake drainage. The 2004 ice-flow changes can be explained by enhanced basal motion, and the impact of the lake water pressure provides certain clues to some observations insufficiently explained by enhanced basal motion.
Experiment of Document Clustering by Triple-pass Leader-follower Algorithm without Any Information on Threshold of Similarity K azuaki

The number of clusters has to be defined a priori in most clustering algorithms, but it is usually unknown in situations to which document clustering is applied. Therefore, it would be convenient if a clustering algorithm could be executed without any information on the number of clusters. This article attempts to develop such an algorithm by extending the leader-follower clustering algorithm, which is appropriate for the clustering of large-scale datasets. Specifically, a threshold value required for executing the leader-follower clustering algorithm is automatically estimated from some pairs of documents by scanning the document file one time before executing the standard leaderfollower algorithm. In particular, the triple-pass algorithm in which cluster vectors are generated in the second scan and each document is allocated to the most similar cluster in the third scan is proposed. The experimental result suggests that the triple-pass leader-follower clustering algorithm is sufficiently effective and comparable with the hierarchical Dirichlet process (HDP) mixture model and with the spherical k-means algorithm with automatically estimating the number of clusters based on the cover-coefficient. The algorithm requires less computational iteration than the other two methods, and is thus cost effective.
Alternating Leadership as a Proactive Organizational Intervention: Addressing the Needs of the Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials

The article examines traditional leadership research and assumption concerning hierarchical and leaderfocused paradigms against the needs of the Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials who favor a spontaneous, self-initiated leadership/followership theory identified as Alternating Leadership - that acknowledges the duality of leader/follower within each individual. A matrix offers interventions that enhance and expand leadership and followership roles and generational expectations. Conclusions suggest a confirmation of the dual Alternating Leadership role existing within all employees or managers and range of worker-centered, real-time interventions needed to increase worker interaction and synergy.