Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the induction of callus and antioxidant capacity of Hyoscyamus niger under in vitro salt stress

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under salt stress can cause oxidative damage. Nitric oxide (NO) is considered as a functional molecule in alleviating the oxidative damage of salinity to plants through modulating antioxidant metabolism. In the present study, effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, on induction of callus and seed germination, and antioxidant capacity of Hyoscyamus niger seedlings were studied under 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl stress. NO stimulated the germination of NaCl-treated seeds. NaCl treatment significantly induced accumulation of H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in Hyoscyamus niger, and application of 100 μM SNP stimulated ROS-scavenging enzymes and increased scavenging activity (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (OH•) scavenging activity and chelating activity of ferrous ions, resulting in lower lipid peroxidation induced by NaCl stress. Therefore, it can be concluded that the increased antioxidant capacity by NO might be responsible for its function in alleviating the inhibition of Hyoscyamus niger growth and cell damage by salt stress. Also the effect of SNP on the induction of callus of Hyoscyamus niger was investigated. Callus fresh weight increased significantly in the combined effect of 50 μM SNP with other plant growth regulators (PGR) compared to control. It is evident that SNP has a direct effect on the induction of callus by interacting with cytokinins and auxins.
A new look at the role of fire-released moisture on the dynamics of atmospheric pyro-convection

We investigate the contribution of the moisture released by wildland fires to the water budget and the convection dynamics of pyro-clouds forming atop fires. Using an approach based on stoichiometric principles and parcel theory of convection, we assess the relative contribution of sensible heat and latent heat to the convection energy. We find that moisture release is of much lesser importance for the fire convection than the release of sensible heat from the combustion. We conclude from theoretical considerations that it is highly unlikely that the decrease of the cloud base of pyro-cumulus compared with that of ambient free convection is due to the fire-released moisture alone, in contrast to what has been suggested previously. In addition to the analytical results, numerical simulations of a specific case study are presented. They show that the fire-released moisture accounts only for a small portion of the total water in the pyro-cumulus cloud. Also, the effect of the fire-released moisture on the convection dynamics and the height of injection is found to be small compared with the effect of the sensible heat release from the fire.
Phytochemical, Proximate, Vitamins, Minerals and Heavy Metals Composition of Two Indigenous Mushrooms (Daedaleopsis Confragosa, (Polyporaceae) and Russule Girolle (Cantharellus Cibarius)

The phytochemical, proximate, vitamins, minerals, heavy metals and antimicrobial composition of two indigenous species of mushrooms namely Russule girolle (Rg) or Cantharellus, cibarius and Daedaleopsis confragosa (Dc) were investigated. The phytochemical constitute of the Mushrooms are as follows tannin, 1.88±0.02% for Rg and 2.74±0.l00% for Dc), phenol (0.41±0.02% for Rg and-0.45±0.00% for Dc), sterol (0.18±0.00%, for Rg 0.23±0.02% for Dc, HCN, 0.10±0.01% for Rg and 0.13±0.00% for Dc, saponin 0.84±0.0% and 20.78±0.02%), alkaloid, 0.59±0.01% and 063±0.00%, flavonoid, 3.32±0.08% and 2.96±0.00%. for Rg and Dc respectively. Similarly the proximate composition in percentaces for Russule girolle(Rg) or Cantharellus, cibarius and Daedaleopsis confragosa were moisture, (8.42±0.03 and 8.79±0.07), Ash (8.53±0.08 and 10.77±0.03), fat, (3.35±0.06 and 11.53±0.08), protein, (18.73±0.44 and 22.62±0.08),and carbohydrate (55.75±0.62 and 41.12±0.27%) respectively. The result for vitamins were, B1, (0.16±0.00 and 0.19±0.0 mg/100g 1), B2, (0.45±0,00) mg/100g B3 (1.37±0.02 and 1.50±0.0 2 mg/100g), Vit E, (0.31±0.02 and 6.27±0.03 mg/100g) vit A (1.85±0.01 and 1.85±0.01 mg/100g) and Vit E (1.95±0.01 and 1.96±0.00%) respectively, Mineral contents were calcium (0.51±0.02 mg/100g for Rg and 0.570.03 mg/100g for Dc. magnesium, (0.18±0.00 mg/100g for Rg and 0.23±0.00 mg/100g for Dc, potassium (1.94±0.02 mg/100g for Rg and 0.2.78±0.00 mg/100g for Dc), phosphorus (0-12±0.00 mg/100g for Rg and 0.09±0.00mg/100g for Dc), iron (0.24±0.02 mg/100g for Rg and 0.19±0.01 mg/100g for Dc). The heavy metals concentration of the mushrooms were, Lead (not detected), Copper (0.03±0.000 and 07±0.00ppm, cadmium, not detected, Mercury (not detected) zinc, (0.12±0.00 and0.17±0.0)pmm respectively. The result obtained indicates that the mushrooms are of good quality. They are therefore recommended for maintenance of good health. They can also be exploited in the manufacture of drugs. Heavy metal levels obtained indicate that the mushrooms are safe for consumption but when consumed in very high quantity regularly may accumulate to toxic levels.
Time-Varying Informed and Uninformed Trading Activities

We develop a framework to investigate time-varying informed and uninformed trading activities and the relationship between them. Informed traders may match the level of the uninformed arrival rate with certain probability so as to make better use of the camouflage provided by the uninformed trades. Our empirical estimation of 40 NYSE stocks shows that the buy and sell arrival rates of the uninformed traders are different and time-varying. Uninformed traders tend to adopt contrarian strategy in reaction to high prior stock returns, but employ momentum strategy in reaction to high prior market returns. The estimated probability of matching response ranges from 0.72 to 0.98, reflecting that informed traders are taking good advantage of the camouflage provided by the uninformed traders. The estimated time-varying probability of informed trading is a good predictor for various measures of bid-ask spreads, and is a better measure of information asymmetry than several existing measures.
Genetic variation in populations of the Korean endemic Eranthis byunsanensis (Ranunculaceae)

ABSTRACT: The genetic variation in populations of Eranthis byunsanensis, an endemic and rare species ofKorea, was studied using starch gel electrophoresis. All five known populations were sampled for allozymeelectrophoresis of nine enzymes coded by 10 loci. The overall genetic variation of E. byunsanensis populationwas shown to be considerably high within the populations (A = 2.4, P = 90.0, H E = 0.311). A positive F IS valueof E. byunsanensis indicated an overall deficiency of heterozygotes, and a low F ST value (0.131) showed littledifferentiation among populations. The high genetic variation, less genetic differentiation among populations,and a significant amount of heterozygote deficiency propose the hypothesis that they have an experience ofrecent isolation and fragmentation of their habitat. Thus, the rate of gene flow has been drastically reduced, andthe rate of inbreeding in E. byunsanensis populations has increased. Current habitats in Mai-san and Naro-doare vulnerable due to their small population size and the levels of anthropogenic activity in the regionconstantly threatening survival of this species. Because of the high genetic variation and low levels ofdifferentiation among populations in E. byunsanensis, it is not issue which populations have a priority forprotection, but we may concern the plan to maintain population continuously and diminish the rate of inbreeding.
Reduction in lamb mortality by means of grass wind-breaks: results of a five-year study.

The importance to lamb survival of reducing wind velocity over a lambing paddock has been demonstrated in a 5-year study involving 1153 fine-wool Merino lambs at Armidale, N.S. W. , using wind-breaks of a sterile Phalaris; survival of singles was increased by 10% and survival of multiples by 32%. Shearing the ewes just prior to lambing had no consistent effect on lamb survival. Wind (> 15 km/h) combined with rain and/or with low air temperatures (< 5OC) increased mortality by increasing the proportion of lambs that died of hypothermia immediately after birth, and resulted in some l-2 day-old lambs dying with milk in the abomasum. Vascular damage to the central nervous system (CNS) increased the susceptibility to hypothermia. The presence of peripheral oedema (cold injury) was an unreliable autopsy criterion that death was due to cold exposure.
Efficacy and safety of Citrus sudachi peel in obese adults: A randomized, double-blind, pilot study

Objective: This study was undertaken to explore the efficacy and safety of Citrus sudachi peel for metabolic risk factors in obese male and female adults. Background: Citrus sudachi Hort. ex Shirai (Rutaceae), called “sudachi”, is a small, round, green citrus fruit that is mainly cultivated in Tokushima Prefecture in Japan. Our group reported that Citrus sudachi peel powder improved glucose tolerance and dyslipidemia in Zucher-fatty rats and reduced hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in GK diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 40 participants with abdominal obesity and metabolic risk factors including hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance and elevated triglyceride levels. Participants were randomized to receive either tablets that contained 1.3 g dried Citrus sudachi peel powder or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. The sudachi peel group included 14 males and 5 females with a mean age of 54.5 years, and the placebo group included 18 males and 2 females with a mean age of 51.9 years.
Efficacy of regimens containing pegylated interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: A retrospective overview

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the response to interferon treatment, factors affecting permanent response, and recurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: This retrospective study included 305 patients with CHC. They received either pegylated interferon alfa-2A (PEG IFNα-2A) + ribavirin (RIB) treatment or pegylated interferon alfa-2B (PEG IFNα-2B) + RIB treatment for 48 weeks. Results: At the 48th week of treatment, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid (HCV RNA) clearance was seen in 151 (49.5%) of the 305 patients as end-of-treatment response (ETR). ETR was observed in 70 (50.7%) patients treated with PEG IFNα-2A + RIB and in 81 (48.5%) patients treated with PEG IFNα-2B + RIB (p>0.05). After 6 months of treatment, sustained virological response (SVR) was observed in 138 (45.2%) patients. SVR was observed in 63 (45.7%) patients treated with PEG IFNα-2A+RIB and in 75 (45.9%) patients treated with PEG IFNα-2B+RIB (p>0.05). After treatment, recurrence occurred in 35 (11.6%) patients. Conclusion: The long-term prognosis of CHC infection is positively affected by the treatment regimen. PEG IFNα-2A + RIB and PEG IFNα-2B + RIB treatment regimens have not yet increased HCV RNA clearance to the desired level. Thus, new treatment regimens are required.
Seasonal benthic organic matter mineralisation measured by oxygen uptake and denitrification along a transect of the inner and outer River Thames estuary, UK

Seasonal measurements of organic matter mineralisation by oxygen uptake and denitrification were carried out from July 1996 to March 1998 along a -200 km transect of the River Thames estuary, UK. There was a distinct gradient of decreasing rates of organic matter mineralisation seaward, which was related to the concentration of suspended solids and sedimentary organic carbon (C) at each site. There was clear seasonality and highest rates of oxygen uptake (10 056 pmol O 2 m -2 h -1 ) at the muddy sites, but lower rates and non-temperature-dependent oxygen uptake at the sandier sites. Denitrification, both that driven by nitrate from the overlying water (D w ) and that coupled to nitrification in the sediment (D n ), followed a similar trend to oxygen uptake, from negligible rates of approximately 1 pmol N m -2 h -1 for both D w and D n at the furthest offshore site, Site 12, to 11 407 and 8209 pmol N m -2 h -1 , respectively, at the inner muddy Site 1. The Thames estuary is heterotrophic and a very efficient organic C filter, trapping and remineralising 77% of its organic C-input. Attenuation of fluvial nitrate loads was regulated by freshwater flow. Minimal attenuation (3 %) occurred during peak flows (i.e. during periods of shortest freshwater flushing time) and > 100 % attenuation during periods of lowest freshwater flow (longest flushing times). Including the sewage treatment works (STWs) nitrate load in this calculation reduced the degree of attenuation of the nitrate load to, on average, 11%. Annual rates of D w and D n for an inner area of 125 km 2 were 112 and 85 Mmol N yr -1 , respectively, with a total rate of 196 Mmol N yr -1 (2744 t), which was equivalent to 9% of the total dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) load for 1995-96. A mean denitrification rate (D w ) of 0.64 mol N m -2 yr -1 , based on measurements in 4 east coast estuaries, was used to estimate a total rate of denitrification for the entire area of UK east coast estuaries. The total rate of 0.81 Gmol N yr -1 represented 16% attenuation of the total fluvial discharge of nitrate (-6 Gmol N yr -1 ) to the UK's east coast estuaries (1995-96) and hence a 16% reduction in the UK nitrate load to the North Sea.
Changes in light fraction soil organic matter and in organic carbon and nitrogen in compost amended soils.

Organic vegetable growers can use compost to supply crops with nutrients and increase soil organic matter (OM), but little information is available about the transformations of compost OM over time in organically managed systems. This study examined light fraction soil organic matter (LFSOM) and organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in organically and conventionally managed snap bean cropping systems (continuous beans (CB) and a fully phased beans/fall rye rotation (BR)) following three years of fertility treatments (1x and 3x compost, and 1x synthetic fertiliser, where 1x provided 50 kg ha-1 N). Light fraction C and N increased with compost amendment, with the C:N ratio significantly lower in composted plots than in synthetically fertilised plots. Rotation and weeding method played no role in the composition of LFSOM, or the percentage of LFSOM making up whole soil organic C or N. Light fraction N and C roughly doubled in the 1x compost plots over the three years, compared with synthetically fertilised plots, but was only 2.5 times higher in 3x compost plots. While the addition of 13 t ha-1 C increased whole soil C by 5.6 Mg ha-1, tripling the amount of added C raised whole soil C by 9.9 Mg ha-1. 1x and 3x compost increased whole soil N by 20 and 33%, respectively, compared with the 1x synthetically fertilised plots. The 3x compost treatment only, by reducing bulk density, improved soil physical properties.
The relationship between language anxiety and the actual and perceived levels of foreign language pronunciation

The construct of anxiety has been captivating the interest of SLA researchers for a long time. Numerous observations show that most individuals experience anxiety when learning a foreign language (FL) and using it, both in classroom and real-life contexts, though to a different extent. An analysis of studies conducted on language anxiety (LA) throughout several decades (Horwitz, 2010) shows that researchers have focused, first and foremost, on examining the nature, symptoms and consequences of being anxious, proving its detrimental effect on FL and L2 learning and performance. However, the causes of LA seem to have been less thoroughly explored. The paper reports on a study investigating whether the actual level of FL learners’ pronunciation and the pronunciation level perceived by students can be considered significant sources of anxiety. It is hypothesized that both pronunciation levels are related to LA, with the latter being a more important determinant of LA than the former. To measure the subjects’ degree of anxiety, the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986) was applied. The actual level of pronunciation was diagnosed with the use of a Pronunciation Test, consisting of a Perception Test and two Production Tests (word and passage reading). The perceived pronunciation level of the participants was measured with a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this research. The Pearson moment-correlation proved LA to be significantly correlated with both levels of pronunciation, with the relationship being more meaningful in the case of the perceived FL pronunciation level. Ma gorzata Baranucarz 492
How long do pilots look forward? Prospective visual guidance in terrain hugging flight

The title of this paper reflects the notion that pilots need to predict their future flight trajectory, and hence exercise prospective control, to ensure safe passage through and over cluttered and undulating terrain. Of critical importance is how long, in time, a pilot needs to be able to see into the future to maintain an adequate safety margin for guidance. The emphasis here is on how long in time, rather than how far in space. Understanding the nature of the temporal mental ‘models’ required to support this prediction is considered key to understanding the workings of the human motion perception system, and how they might be exploited in the design of aids to flight guidance in degraded visual conditions. A related question is how the safety margin might connect to the handling qualities construct, the Usable Cue Environment, which was developed to help determine the optimum control augmentation requirements for flight in poor visibility. Answers to these questions can be used to inform the design of pilot vision aids on the one hand and to provide a more quantitative basis for the UCE construct on the other. The paper reports results from research underway in a collaborative project involving The University of Liverpool and the French Research Laboratory, ONERA, aimed at developing a more quantitative basis for the UCE, based on fundamental perception principles. In the present paper the visual requirements for vertical manoeuvring over undulating terrain are addressed, and how these lead to natural relationships between the selected speed and height. The theoretical framework is supported by results from piloted simulation trials, with a detailed examination of the temporal variables associated with vertical and horizontal flight path control in degraded visual conditions.
OULU BUSINESS SCHOOL

This thesis looks at reemployment processes and strategies after the annual mass layoffs conducted by Nokia in Oulu, Finland. Most of other existing firms in Oulu were Nokia’s stakeholders and that is why the dismissals’ effects were so remarkably damaging. The labor market suffered from the oversupply of skilled workers and the city of the increasing rate of unemployment. Because of the stressful situation that posed great challenges for reemployment, people’s other factors than work experience and education proved to be crucial. In this study, the job search behaviors, strategies, and processes of the dismissed Nokia-employees are examined in the context of a sudden structural change. In addition, the development of their job opportunities before, during, and after the structural change are investigated. Primary data from qualitative semi-structured interviews with seven ex-Nokians is combined with secondary data for gathering information. The main findings from the study show that external, professional assistance contributes considerably for gaining job interviews and offers. Moreover, social networks and get-togethers act as an important information source for informal job leads. The strategy or behavior that an individual decides to choose for one’s job search is closely attached to one’s personal, characteristic behavior and thus more or less conscious. In addition, the ability and readiness to adapt to the changing demands of the labor market appears to be important for the successful reemployment. In addition, the study shows that the business landscape has diversified i.e. there are now also many other ICT firms than Nokia. On the other hand, the diversification has created new jobs and thus increased job opportunities but also resulted in expanded job descriptions and thus required the exNokians to supplement their previous education and experience before being able to enter the labor market again. Lastly, the employee loyalty in Oulu is high which means that the employee turnover rate is low. This results in reduced knowledge spillovers and open positions. In conclusion, the economic development could be in danger of slowing down. The purpose of this thesis is not to provide a guide to a successful reemployment. Rather, the aim is to ignite the discussion on what kinds of tools and services would enhance one’s reemployment possibilities during a sudden structural change. The findings give policy-makers and firms good implications and empirical evidence when facing similar circumstances in the future. The thesis introduces the reader to a modern job search where fluctuations and uncertainty are now a standard.
Oviposition Preference and Larval Performance of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Four Eastern North American Hardwood Tree Species

Abstract Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) is an invasive wood-boring cerambycid beetle that kills hardwood trees. The host range of this species is unusually broad but is not well defined in the available literature and may include tree species that have not been reported as hosts because they have not previously been exposed to the beetle. We evaluated oviposition by A. glabripennis offered a choice of four common eastern North American forest and landscape hardwood tree species, and performance of the resulting larvae, under greenhouse conditions. Significantly greater numbers of oviposition sites were found on sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall, than on red maple, Acer rubrum L. , green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall, or red oak, Quercus rubra L. , with no significant differences among the other three tree species. Similarly, significantly greater numbers of living larvae were found in sugar maple than in the other tree species; however, more were found in red oak and fewer in green ash than expected, considering relative numbers of oviposition sites. After 90 d, mean mass of living larvae did not differ significantly among tree species. These results suggest that all four tree species may be suitable hosts for A. glabripennis. Most importantly, although larval establishment was poor in green ash and larval growth may have been retarded in red oak, larvae did survive and grow in both species. We recommend that these tree species be considered potential hosts when surveys are conducted to detect infested trees or when replanting infested areas.
Does Proximity to Wind Farms Affect the Value of Nearby Residential Properties? Evidence from Washington and New York States

The rapid growth of wind farms across rural communities in the U.S. has spurred concerns over the effect of wind turbines on residential property values. This paper presents a hedonic regression analysis of property values using a partial panel of properties from two counties in the United States. A total of 24 models are estimated. This paper compares the results of market and county-assessed data, interaction terms, and varying assumptions about the effect of wind turbines. This study finds weak evidence that property values near wind turbines are lower than nearby areas, but given methodological limitations and likely endogeneity bias further research is necessary.