Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pollen Parent on Pollen Tube Growth in Hass Avocado

This report supplies more information on the pollen-stigma intercompatibility reported on last year. Flowers of the cultivars Hass (A and E trees) and Ettinger were used as female parents and the cultivars Hass (A and E trees), Ettinger and Fuerte (A and E trees) were used as pollen parents for in vitro pollination experiments. As in the previous report, Ettinger as a pollen donor outperformed the other pollen parents, while Hass (A) was the best female parent. This means that if these results could be extrapolated to an orchard situation, Hass orchards interplanted with Ettinger should give higher percentage fruit set than pure Hass orchards. OPSOMMINC Hierdie verslag gee meer inligting oor stuifmeel-stempel verenigbaarheid waaroor daar verlede jaar verslag gelewer is. Blomme van die kultivars Hass (A en E borne) en Ettinger is as vroulike ouers gebruik, terwyl die kultivars Hass (A en E borne), Ettinger en Fuerte (A en E borne) as stuifmeelouers vir die in vitro bestuiwingseksperimente gebruik is. Soos in die vorige verslag was Ettinger die beste stuifmeelouer, terwyl Hass (A) die beste vroulike ouer was. Dit beteken dat indien die resudate na 'n boordsituasie geekstrapoleer kon word, Hass boorde wat met Ettinger gemeng is, beter vrugset behoort te lewer as suiwer Hass boorde.
The effects of work overload on the employees’ performance in relation to customer satisfaction: a case of water & power development authority, Attock, Pakistan

This paper explores the affect of work overload on the task related performance and customer orientation of employees in WAPDA. A survey through structured questionnaire was conducted among low level management, i.e. Meter Readers. The Public sector organizations in developing countries like Pakistan proved futile in delivering employee satisfaction. Employee dissatisfaction in consequence generates an array of tribulations which unswervingly affect the organization’s outcome and in return the society. The finding of study shows that a decline in performance occurred as a result of work load which led to less customer orientation among the employees This study recommend that the employees’’ performance should be regularly checked against certain standards in such way that if there is decline in performance, then it is increased with training, so that the customer orientation of employees doesn’t suffer.
Self-testing mutually unbiased bases in the prepare-and-measure scenario

We show that $2^d\to1$ quantum random access codes are optimised uniquely by measurements corresponding to mutually unbiased bases. Therefore, they provide an ideal self-test in the prepare-and-measure scenario for mutually unbiased bases in arbitrary dimension -- that is, we can characterise the measurements based solely on their outcome statistics. In dimensions where there is only one equivalence class of pairs of mutually unbiased bases, this characterisation is up to a unitary transformation and a global complex conjugation. Moreover, they self-test the states used on the encoding side in the same manner. While proving this result, we also provide a necessary condition for saturating an operator norm-inequality derived by Kittaneh.
Impacts of Permanent and Transitory Shocks on Optimal Length of Moving Average to Predict Wheat Basis

A new stochastic process is introduced where permanent changes occur following a Poisson jump process and temporary changes occur following a normal distribution. The model is estimated using hard wheat basis data and is used to explain why the optimal length of moving average to forecast basis varies over time. The estimated probability of jumps is large and thus the optimal length of moving average is small.
Teaching Visual Culture: Curriculum, Aesthetics, and the Social Life of Art

Global culture is rapidly shifting from text-based communication to image saturation. Visual culture is everywhere: on television, in museums, in magazines, in movie theaters, on billboards, on the internet, and in shopping malls. As a result, learning about the complexities of visual culture is becoming ever more critical to human development. This is the first book to focus on teaching visual culture. The author provides the theoretical basis on which to develop a curriculum that lays the groundwork for postmodern art education (K-12 and higher education). Drawing on social, cognitive, and curricular theory foundations, Freedman offers a conceptual framework for teaching the visual arts from a cultural standpoint. Chapters discuss: visual culture in a democracy; aesthetics in curriculum; philosophical and historical considerations; recent changes in the field of art history; connections between art, student development, and cognition; interpretation of art inside and outside of school; the role of fine arts in curriculum; technology and teaching; television as the national curriculum; student artistic production and assessment; and much more.
THE EFFECT OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING VOLUME ON JUMPING PERFORMANCE

This study compared high and low daily volume periodized plyometric training programs and their effect on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance over a 2 week testing time course after training. Thirty-five male subjects participated. Subjects CMJ was tested on a force platform prior to and at 2, 6, 10 and 14 days post training. Peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), reactive strength index-modified (RSI mod), jump height (JH), and body mass were assessed. No differences were found between the high and low volume training groups. Subjects GRF, RSI mod, and JH performance was improved in a range of 6 to 14 days post- training. Low and high volume periodized plyometric training programs produced equal results. Six to 14 days of recovery post training was required to accrue the training benefit.
Microsatellite and mating type markers reveal unexpected patterns of genetic diversity in the pine root‐infecting fungus Grosmannia alacris

Grosmannia alacris is a fungus commonly associated with root-infesting bark beetles occurring on Pinus spp. The fun- gus has been recorded in South Africa, the USA, France, Portugal and Spain and importantly, has been associated with pine root diseases in South Africa and the USA. Nothing is known regarding the population genetics or origin of G. alacris, although its association with root-infesting beetles native to Europe suggests that it is an invasive alien in South Africa. In this study, microsatellite markers together with newly developed mating type markers were used to characterize a total of 170 isolates of G. alacris from South Africa and the USA. The results showed that the genotypic diversity of the South African population of G. alacris was very high when compared to the USA populations. Two mating types were also present in South African isolates and the MAT1-1/MAT1-2 ratio did not differ from 1:1 (v 2 = 1� 39, P = 0� 24). This suggests that sexual reproduction most probably occurs in the fungus in South Africa, although a sexual state has never been seen in nature. In contrast, the large collection of USA isolates harboured only a single mating type. The results suggest that multiple introductions, followed by random mating, have influenced the population structure in South Africa. In contrast, limited introductions of probably a single mating type (MAT1-2) may best explain the clonality of USA populations.
Is Abnormally Large Volume a Clue

This paper investigates whether abnormal trading volume provides information about future movements in stock prices. Utilizing data from the Taiwan 50 Index from October 29, 2002 to December 31, 2013, the researchers employ trading volume rather than stock price to test the principles of resistance and support level employed by technical analysis. The empirical results suggest that abnormal trading volume provides profitable information for investors in the Taiwan stock market. An out-of-sample test and a sensitive analysis are conducted for the robustness of the results.
INFUENCE OF SEED COATING WITH MICRONUTRIENTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF WINTER WHEAT IN SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL PLAINS

Polymer seed coating with micronutrients may provide important nutrients during plant growth and improve yields. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three seed application rates (265, 395 and 530 mL 100 kg seeds-1) of polymer based mixture of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) micronutrients on dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) near Blackville, SC from 2010 to 2012. Compared to untreated control, seed coating significantly increased grain yields by 5.0 and 2.1% with seed applications at 530 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1, respectively. Dry matter yield improved over control by 13.4, 22.6 and 20.7%, N uptake by 13.9, 24.6 and 19.3% and P in plant biomass by 16.0, 23.3 and 21.3% with seed applications at 265, 395 and 530 mL 100 kg seeds-1, respectively. Coating application of 265 mL 100 kg seeds-1 increased grain N content by 5.0% compared to control. Grain P uptake was greater with seed application rates of 265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1 (0.415 and 0.399%, respectively) than 530 mL 100 kg seeds-1 (0.385%). Significantly higher grain Cu uptake was observed at rate of 395 mL 100 kg seeds-1 than 265 and 530 mL 100 kg seeds-1. Based on significant linear relationships, increasing dry matter yield and N uptake by 1 kg ha-1, Zn content in plant biomass and grain Cu content by 1 ppm and plant height by 1 cm, increased grain yields by 2.6, 369.3, 27.8, 18.3 and 58.3 kg ha-1, respectively. Grain yields improved by 706.4, 357.4 and 436.2 kg ha-1 with increasing plant Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) by 0.1 unit at 16, 18 and 21 weeks after planting. These results indicate that polymer seed coating may help improve some nutrient uptake and production of dryland winter wheat in Southeastern Coastal Plains.
A Study on Class I Integrons and Antimicrobial Resistance among Clinical Staphylococci Isolates from a Turkish Hospital

Purpose: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are increasingly significant in the hospital setting due to multidrug resistance. Integrons are genetic elements that can play a role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. While their role is well established in gram-negative bacteria, less is known about the presence of integrons in gram-positive bacteria. Our aim was to investigate the presence of class 1 integrons in clinical MRS isolates. Methods: One hundred clinical MRS isolates were included in the study. Identification of MRS isolates was confirmed by multiplex PCR in which staphylococcal 16S rRNA, nuc and mecA genes-specific primers were used. The presence of class 1 integron was investigated by PCR with intI 1-specific primers. Results: All methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were positive for 16S rRNA, nuc and mecA genes. All methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) were positive for 16S rRNA and mecA, and negative for nuc gene. The existence of class 1 integron was not detected in all the isolates tested. Conclusions: Class 1 integron positive clinicial MRS strains have only been shown in a few studies from East Asia. Further studies are needed in order to determine the significance of integrons in staphylococci and their role in DNA transfer between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND DIURETIC ACTIVITIES OF ALCOHOLIC AND AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF EPALTES PYGMAEA DC. (ASTERACEAE)

Objective: Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of whole plant of Epaltes pygmaea DC. (Family Asteraceae) were screened for hepatoprotective and diuretic activities at the doses of 200 mg and 400 mg/kg body weight of AlEp and AqEp. Methods: Paracetamol was used to induce liver injury in rats and silymarin was used as the standard drug in hepatoprotective activity. Furosemide was used as reference drug for diuretic activity. Results: The plant extracts were effective in protecting the liver injury induced by paracetamol in rats. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphotase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Increased urine volume and urinary electrolytes excretion showed significant diuretic result at tested dose levels. Conclusion: The alcoholic and aqueous extract of E.pygmaea possesses hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats and also have potent diuretic activity.
Trading Activity as a Liquidity Measure In Indonesia Stock Exchanges

Trading activity that is indicated by the trading volume or the turnover is the measures of stock market liquidity. This paper presents a theoretical and empirical investigation of the relation between return and trading activity. As a consequence of clientele effect that relating the holding period and bid-ask spread, this paper shows that relation between return per unit price per unit time and trading activity, has a concave form similar as the relation between return per unit price per unit time and bid-ask spread. Based on the monthly data from Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period of 2008-2013, the proposed concept has been validated.
Consumption and Exchange Rate Uncertainty: Evidence from Selected Asian Countries

We set out to assess the effects of exchange rate uncertainty on real consumption in selected Asian countries. Consumption influences business cycles, which in turn shape short-run monetary policy decisions. Hence, understanding factors driving consumption is appealing to policymakers. In the extant literature, few studies have analysed the effects of uncertainty on consumption. The available ones generally focus on the long-run effects, in spite of the fact that the short-run persistence and adjustments to equilibrium are equally relevant. Our study takes this limitation seriously by distinguishing the short- and long-run effects of exchange rate uncertainty on consumption. Using a flexible dynamic panel data technique that allows long-run effects to be homogeneous and the short-run effects to be heterogeneous, we find that uncertainty impedes consumption in the long run. In the short run, however, the effects are immaterial. This evidence remains robust to the measure of uncertainty, asymmetric uncertainty, the role of consumer prices, and the global financial crisis of 2008. By decomposing uncertainty into its temporary and permanent components, we find that the latter have a stronger effect on consumption in the long run than the former. Although both components demand policy attention, the evidence suggests that policymakers should be more concerned with permanent uncertainty.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Campylobacter in Mature Cattle at Harvest

Gharst, G. , D. J. Hanson and S. Kathariou. Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Campylobacter in Mature Cattle at Harvest Campylobacter is considered to be a leading bacterial cause of acute enteritis in the United States. Campylobacter is found in the fecal material and the gastrointestinal tract of a broad range of animals. It has been suggested that the greatest cause of human infection is cross-contamination and/or the consumption of undercooked meat and poultry products. In the United States there are limited data on the presence of Campylobacter in cattle. This study investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter (C. jejuni and C. coli) as well as the presence of antibiotic resistant strains in mature cattle at slaughter. Representative fecal samples (n = 610) of the day’s harvest were taken from the colon of mature cattle older than 30 months of age, over a period of 17 months. Species of Campylobacter isolates were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Pure cultures of Campylobacter were obtained from 143 of the 610 samples (23.4%, SE 1.7%). Of the confirmed Campylobacter-positive samples, the majority (93.0%) yielded C. jejuni, with C. coli recovered from the rest (7.0%). Seasonal data showed that Campylobacter prevalence is somewhat greater during the winter (29.4%) as compared to summer months (20.7%) (P ≤ 0.05). Some of the isolates were resistant to selected antibiotics, with the greatest incidence being resistance to ampicillin (49.7%). The data imply that there may be a human health risk from the colonization of mature cattle at harvest by Campylobacter. Further research needs to be done to evaluate the food safety impact of Campylobacter colonization of cattle. PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF CAMPYLOBACTER IN MATURE CATTLE AT HARVEST by GREGORY ALLEN GHARST A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE
1 FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE : THE BRAZILIAN EXPERIENCE ON PRUDENTIAL REGULATION AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE EFFECTS OF THE 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS 1

The Brazilian economy was severely hit by the 2008 crisis. In the beginning of the crisis, the vast majorities of the economic agents and authorities thought that Brazil could face some sort of decoupling since some macroeconomic fundamentals were very good. What we saw, however, was that the Brazilian economy was not decoupled, and expectations faced a huge deterioration soon after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 15th. Two aspects regarding the impact of crisis in Brazil, however, deserve a great deal of attention: (a) although deep, the impact did not last for a long time. Actually, the GDP growth experienced a good recovery in the second quarter of 2009, showing that the health of the Brazilian economy was good; (b) the Brazilian banking system performed very well during the crisis, although we cannot say the system was not in danger in the worst time of the crisis. In spite of the confidence crisis faced by the banking system 1, it showed a great deal of resilience. In this aspect, we argue that the restructure faced by the banking system in the aftermath of the Real Plan, as well as the development of a solid supervision regulation helped a lot the system to avoid the systemic crisis that was an open possibility to the Brazilian banking system in the end of 2008. These notes, thus, discusse why the Brazilian banking system performed pretty well in the 2008 financial crisis and how the Brazilian banking (and prudential) regulation can be taken as responsible for this good performance. More specifically, the paper back to the middle of the 1990s, when the Real Plan was implemented, in order to understand the role played by the restructuring of the Brazilian financial system in helping to pave the way to the great resilience experienced by the Brazilian banking system during the 2008 crisis. More specifically, the prudential regulation that was implemented in Brazil in the aftermath of the Real Plan seems to play a decisive role
On the Noncompensation for Illiquidity in Equilibrium Asset Returns

This paper studies the efiects of illiquidity on asset prices, emphasizing the microstructure view of market liquidity. We set up a static CARA-Gaussian model in which a risky asset is traded under imperfect competition. We flnd that traders’ portfolios difier from Pareto optimal risk sharing due to insufflcient liquidity provision in the market. The expected return of the risky asset, however, is identical to the return under perfect competition and thus re∞ects only a risk premium but no liquidity premium. This result contradicts the prediction of liquidity premia in asset pricing models on exogenous transaction costs.
Comparative analysis of results from experimental and numerical studies on concrete strength

Some results of numerical experiments of testing concrete cubes and prisms on unconfined compression, and the comparison of results obtained with experimental and specified data, are presented in the article. When performing calculations of structures in a nonlinear setting, it is very important to choose adequate deformation diagrams or material models. Because of the fact that there are no instructions how to use the diagrams of concrete and armature deformation in collaboration of steel and concrete, the simulation of reinforced concrete structures by finite elements of the same type without any assumptions is impossible. Numerical experiments have been performed in the LS-DYNA software package. This software package allows simulating the collaboration of concrete and steeling with the help of three-dimensional (for concrete) and rod (for the reinforcement) finite elements. As samples, a cube and a prism with dimensions of 150×150×150 mm and 150×150×600 mm, respectively, have been taken. The samples are simulated by solid finite elements. For the simulation of concrete, the non-linear CSCM (Continuous Surface Cap Model) material is used. The tests were carried out with samples of the following classes of concrete as for cylinder compressive strength: C12, C16, C20, C25, C30, C35. This corresponds to the following classes of cube compression strength: B15, B20, B25, B30, B37, B45. The tests have been carried out considering the friction coefficients between the plates of a testing machine, and a sample. The performed researches have shown that the destruction nature of the samples in a numerical experiment corresponds to the failure nature in real tests. The investigated model of CSCM concrete can be used in the calculation of concrete and reinforced concrete structures with acceptable accuracy for main classes of concrete.
Joint Residence-Workplace Location Choice Model Based on Household Decision Behavior

Residence location and workplace are the two most important urban land-use types, and there exist strong interdependences between them. Existing researches often assume that one choice dimension is correlated to the other. Using the mixed logit framework, three groups of choice models are developed to illustrate such choice dependencies. First, for all households, this paper presents a basic methodology of the residence location and workplace choice without decision sequence based on the assumption that the two choice behaviors are independent of each other. Second, the paper clusters all households into two groups, choosing residence or workplace first, and formulates the residence location and workplace choice models under the constraint of decision sequence. Third, this paper combines the residence location and workplace together as the choice alternative and puts forward the joint choice model. A questionnaire survey is implemented in Beijing city to collect the data of 1994 households. Estimation results indicate that the joint choice model fits the data significantly better, and the elasticity effects analyses show that the joint choice model reflects the influences of relevant factors to the choice probability well and leads to the job-housing balance.