Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Lupin Seed Subjected to 29 Years of Storage

Physiological and biochemical changes resulting from long-term storage of lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) seed were studied in a precisely controlled experiment to gain a better knowledge of the seed deterioration process. The seed was stored at different temperatures (0, −14, and +20°C) during a 29-yr period. It was found that after long-term storage at −14 and 0°C, the seed germinated well, whereas seed stored at +20°C did not germinate at all. The contents of albumin, biogenic amines, and soluble carbohydrates were determined. The content of albumin decreased in seed stored at +20°C. In two-dimensional electrophoresis of seed proteins, 343 spots were obtained with seed stored at −14°C, whereas the extract of seed stored at +20°C gave 290 spots. Out of all detected spots, 27 displayed significant differences in intensity related to seed storage temperature (−14, 0, +20°C). The identified 27 proteins could be assigned to four major functional categories: storage proteins, proteins connected with defense mechanisms, proteins responsible for energy reactions, and proteins involved in growth and development. Spermine, spermidine, and putrescine were also analyzed in stored seed. The content of biogenic amines was higher in seed stored at +20°C. Significant changes occurred in the content of soluble carbohydrates during seed storage. In seed stored at +20°C, verbascose did not occur and the total content of raffinose family oligosaccharides decreased. The content of reducing monosaccharides and sucrose increased. The results show that lupin seed storage at −14 and 0°C resulted in very similar levels of physiological and biochemical changes, affecting the germination rate, proteome, biogenic amines, and soluble carbohydrates, whereas storage at +20°C is incomparably more detrimental. M. Dobiesz, A.I. Piotrowicz-Cieślak, and D.J. Michalczyk, Dep. of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Univ. of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland. Received 11 Aug. 2016. Accepted 20 Mar. 2017. *Corresponding author (acieslak@uwm.edu. pl). Assigned to Associate Editor A. Goggi. Abbreviations: IPG, immobilized pH gradient; LC, liquid chromatography; LEA, late embryogenesis abundant; MS, mass spectrometry; NEM, N-ethylmaleimide; PA, polyamides; PR, pathogenesis-related; Put, putrescine; RFO, raffinose family oligosaccharides; RH, relative humidity; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulfate; SOD, superoxide dismutase; Spd, spermidine; Spm, spermine. Published in Crop Sci. 57:2149–2159 (2017). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2016.08. 0663 © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Published August 14, 2017
FDI and Economic Growth in Nigeria: A Co-integration Analysis

This paper establishes an empirical relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in Nigeria under the framework of cointegration analysis over the period 1970-2010. The econometric evidence from the Engle Granger cointegration tests suggests that there is no long-run relationship between FDI and economic growth in Nigeria. However, there is a short-run dynamic relationship between FDI and economic growth. And finally the study concluded that, for the achievement of a long-run relationship between FDI and economic growth in Nigeria, there is a need to improve the business environment, with the provision of necessary infrastructure and political stability in the country.
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP FUNCTIONING AND ADOLESCENT ADJUSTMENT

OF DISSERTATION LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP FUNCTIONING AND ADOLESCENT ADJUSTMENT The current dissertation consists of three interrelated studies examining the relationship between sleep functioning and adolescent adjustment. Although links between sleep patterns and internalizing problems and externalizing or problem behaviors in children and adolescents have been established in literature, several gaps remain in this research. This dissertation addressed these by: (a) testing sleep problems, quantity, and chronotype in childhood as predictors of internalizing problems in adolescence (Study 1), (b) testing sleep problems, quantity, and chronotype in childhood as predictors of problem behaviors in adolescence (Study 2), and (c) testing sleep problems and quantity as mediators of the chronotype-adjustment link (Study 3). Latent Growth Modeling (LGM) and Half-longitudinal Path Analysis were used to carry out these studies using a large sample of children part of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC). Findings from Study 1 and 2 showed that greater sleep problems in early childhood and their slower decrease during childhood predicted higher levels of internalizing problems and problem behaviors in early adolescence. Furthermore, lower sleep quantity in early childhood predicted higher internalizing problems and problem behaviors in early adolescence and a greater increase in problem behaviors in adolescence. Lastly, greater eveningness in early childhood predicted greater increases in problem behaviors during adolescence. Results of Study 3 provided evidence that evening chronotype longitudinally predicted less favorable sleep patterns, including greater sleep problems and lower sleep quantity. However, only sleep problems significantly predicted measures of adjustment, particularly internalizing problems; no effects of sleep quantity on adjustment were found.
Correlation of Anthropometric parameters and Blood pressure in children between 8 -12 years

Background: Blood pressure is a major determinant of health and cardiovascular morbidity. It is determined by a number of factors including BMI. Being a lifestyle disease, it has its roots in early childhood. The on-going pandemic of childhood obesity has resulted in a marked increase in cases of childhood hypertension. Therefore we studied the prevalence of overweight and obesity, the defining parameters and their correlation with blood pressure in school children.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted in three schools in Mumbai, with children largely from middle class population. Dietary history, physical activity details were noted. Anthropometric details such as weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, triceps skinfold thickness were noted. Blood pressure was recorded after being seated for 10 minutes. Statistical analysis was done to study correlation between anthropometry and blood pressure.Results: 981 students were examined. 57.8% had normal BMI, 12.33% and 16.82% had severe thinness and thinness respectively. 9.07% and 3.98% were overweight and obese respectively. Mean Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) for boys and girls was 0.88 and 0.82 respectively. Mean Waist Height Ratio (WHtR) for boys and girls was 0.45 and 0.43 respectively. Mean Triceps Skin Fold Thickness (TSFT) for boys and girls was 5.47 mm and 6.31 mm respectively. 25% of children with systolic prehypertension were overweight, 6.66% were obese. 37.2% of children with diastolic prehypertension were overweight, 16.27% were obese. 32.7% of children with systolic stage 1 hypertension were overweight, 20% were obese. 47.05% of children with diastolic stage 1 hypertension were overweight, 26.47% were obese. 37.1% of children with Systolic stage 2 hypertension were overweight, 37.14% were obese. 30.76% of children with diastolic stage 2 hypertension were overweight, 23.07% were obese. The prevalence of both systolic and diastolic hypertension increased curvilinearly with increasing WHR, WHtR and TSFT. WHR at the cutoff of 0.85 revealed a sensitivity of 60 % and specificity of 53%. Positive predictive value was 11.4% and negative predictive value was 92.9%. WHtR at the cutoff of 0.45 showed a sensitivity of 76.7 % and specificity of 70%. Positive predictive value was 20.5% and negative predictive value was 96.7%. TSFT at the cutoff of 9 mm had a sensitivity of 73.3 % and specificity of 84.3%. Positive predictive value was 32% and negative predictive value was 96.9%. Conclusions: BMI, WHR, WHtR and TSFT had a strong positive correlation with systolic & diastolic blood pressure. WHtR was more sensitive and TSFT was more specific in detecting hypertension. As a predictor of hypertensiom, TSFT was the most useful single parameter in our study.
The potential of Cittaslow for sustainable tourism development: enhancing local community's empowerment

ABSTRACT The slow movement has recently offered an alternative approach to sustainable tourism development, and this study aims to investigate the potential of Cittaslow philosophy and practices for enhancing local community involvement and empowerment in the tourism sector through which sustainable tourism is better implemented. Qualitative research was conducted on the case of Goolwa in South Australia, the first non-European Cittaslow. The results reveal that not only did Cittaslow accreditation and its accompanying practices encourage local community participation in decision-making processes, but also revitalised the locality of Goolwa through promoting local specialities and products, in particular food and wine. A stronger and more effective collaboration among local communities, businesses and residents after the Cittaslow accreditation was noted in the context of psychological and social aspects of local community empowerment, especially for developing and managing tourism. This paper further discusses the implications of Cittaslow through which local community empowerment and sustainability in tourism can be more achievable.
Protective Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Methamphetamine-Induced Apoptosis in Adult Male Rats

Background: The negative consequence of methamphetamine abuse is due to neuropathologic changes in the brain, which reduces dopaminergic neurons and result in damage to different brain areas. Neurotoxicity induced by methamphetamine increases the oxidative stress and associated with neuronal apoptosis. The role of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 probably produces its neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on methamphetamine-induced apoptosis in adult male rats. M aterials and Methods: Fifty Wistar eight-week adult rats randomly divided into 5 groups: Healthy control, methamphetamine injection (Meth), methamphetamine injection and CoQ10 5mg/kg treatment (Meth+Post CoQ10 5mg/kg), methamphetamine injection and CoQ10 10mg/kg treatment (Meth+Post CoQ10 10mg/kg), methamphetamine injection and CoQ10 20mg/kg treatment (Meth+Post CoQ10 20mg/kg). Methamphetamine with a purity of 96% with a dosage of 20 mg/kg was injected Intraperitoneal. Coenzyme Q10 for three treatment groups was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days in a dosage of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day. The protein expressions of Baxand Bcl2 were evaluated by western blotting technique. R es ults: Bax protein expression was significantly lower in Meth+Post CoQ10 5mg/kg (p=0.010) and so Meth+Post CoQ10 10mg/kg (p=0.004) comparing to Meth group. In addition, Bcl2 protein expression was significantly higher in Meth+Post CoQ10 5mg/kg comparing to Meth group (p=0.018). However, there were no significant differences between control and CoQ10 treatment groups. Bax/Bcl2 ratio was significantly lower in Meth+Post CoQ10 5mg/kg (p=0.005), Meth+Post CoQ10 10mg/kg (p=0.008) and Meth+Post CoQ10 20mg/kg (p=0.044) comparing to Meth group. C onclusion: We suggest that CoQ10 reduces the methamphetamine-induced apoptosis in the striatum of the rats through the reduction of apoptotic factors and increase of anti-apoptotic pathways.
Aquatic insect communities in and around the tropical streams of Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of land use on aquatic insect communities in and around the streams of Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia. Five sampling stations were selected from pristine streams (S1 and S2) and streams in the vicinity of human activities (S3, S4, and S5). Aquatic insects were sampled using Surber net from June 2012 to January 2013. A total of 10360 individuals of aquatic insects from nine orders, 49 families, and 67 genera were collected. Order Coleoptera (27%), Ephemeroptera (26%), Trichoptera (24%) were the common orders found in the streams of Kinabalu Park. Stenelmis spp. (12%) was the dominant taxa, followed by Psephenus spp. (10%) and Hydropsyche spp. (8%). Pristine streams generally had higher total abundance, genera richness and diversity of aquatic insects. Based on the water parameters, all stations were classified as Class I. Biotic indices rated most stations were not impacted, but lower values were found in S3, S4, and S5. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that water temperature, canopy cover, water velocity and stream width were the most influential environmental parameters on aquatic insect assemblages in the streams of Kinabalu Park.
SME Identity and Homogeneity – Are There Meaningful DifferencesBetween Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises?

This study examines entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation, information technology competency, firm profitability and growth, with respect to differences exhibited among three size categories—micro, small and medium—within the SME classification. The results of our examination reveal significant differences among the three categories on some of the dimensions but no differences on others. Further, the pattern of similarities and differences may lead to useful suggestions for SME managers. The implications with respect to practice and further research are discussed.
Does CEOs Performance-based Compensation Waits on Shareholders? A Cross National Analysis

The objective of the paper is to develop deeper insight into how the firm’s incentive systems are designed and, whether the CEOs compensation pay-to-performance schemes really align the incentives of executives and shareholders. Logit and Stepwise regressions on executive compensation data of 231 listed companies’ belongings to four countries from the Anglo-American and the Euro-continental corporate governance models over the period 2004-2008 show that pay-to-performance incentives serve likely shareholders as they tend to create value. Moreover, sensitivity analyses point out that their effects on the Long Term Total Shareholder Return (LTTRS) are far from unanimous. They often depend on the context in which they are planned and executed. More specifically, they are even large than the property rights are stripped, the institutional ownership is less restricted, the governance quality is better, the investor protection is high, and the legal system is common law one.
Macroeconomic effects of high interest rate policy: Mexico’s experience

We study the effects of the high interest rate policy implemented in Mexico under the inflation targeting (IT) scheme on the price level and on GDP and its components. We specify a macroeconomic model inspired by the theory of the effective demand, and on this basis we demonstrate, through comparative statics, the complex set of relationships between the variables involved, and the chain of reactions that a shock to the interest rate is likely to provoke. Our main conclusions show that an interest rate rise may be instrumental to control inflation. However, this rise contributes to appreciate the exchange rate, which is the main channel through which inflation is tamed. Currency appreciation raises the share of wages in GDP even as it reduces the debt service of firms indebted in dollars. It follows that the interest rate rise may have, under certain conditions, an indirect positive impact on output. Thus, our results diverge from those entailed by the theory that is at the basis of the inflation-targeting strategy, and even from some contemporary non-conventional approaches. JEL Classifications: E52, E11, E12, E43
Determining the Occurrence of Freshwater in the Aquifers of the Deltaic Formation, Niger Delta Nigeria

The study attempted to determine the occurrence of freshwater in the aquifers of the Deltaic Formation, Niger Delta Nigeria using Lithologic Logs, Electrical Resistivity and Borehole Parameter (Depth) as input data. The Geographical Information System technique that permit diverse geospatial analyses, modelling and data manipulation and Simple Regression Method that permits the assessment of relationship between two variables were adopted in this study. While the Lithologic Logs were adopted to delineate aquifers and aquitards, the Electrical Resistivity was employed to determine the occurrence of freshwater in the aquifers of the study area. The modelled Geological Sequence revealed that the geology of the study area is very complex and consists mostly of unconsolidated sedimentary materials from top soil to the deep horizon. Hence, all the aquifers have very high storage capacity. It was revealed that the nature of resistivity does significantly increases with depth, which indicates lower level of salinity with increasing depth of hole. The study established positive relationship between depth of hole and aquifer resistivity in 80% of the sampled locations indicating the occurrence of freshwater in deep aquifers of the study area. The study identified three distinct aquifers (shallow, intermediate and deep) within the Deltaic Formation. The study also emphasized the occurrence of near surface overlying aquitards in the eastern part of the study area, indicating that shallow aquifers of the eastern part are less vulnerable to near surface contamination. Finally, the study concluded that, in most cases, groundwater quality increases as the depth of well increases within the study area. Finally, this study demonstrated the capabilities of Geographic Information System in spatially referenced visualization of hydrogeological characteristics of complex geology.
The matching of motivations to affordances among Maltese elected local government volunteers : implications for sustaining civil society

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to both understand the motives for volunteering in local government (a strong/structured context) and determine how such motivation and other demographics interact with organisational contexts to influence volunteering outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a functional approach to volunteerism. The Volunteer Functions Inventory is modified to better assess the motivations of elected local government volunteers. The responses of 152 Maltese local councillors were used to answer four research questions empirically. Findings – Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the introduction of a seventh VFI dimension, namely the political function. The study provides evidence that local councillors who received greater amounts of functionally relevant benefits reported more satisfaction and a stronger intention to continue volunteering in local government. The aggregated effect of multiple motives as well as other person-based determinants (marital status and education) produced a significant impact on volunteering outcomes in this strong/structured situational context of this public sector environment. Originality/value – This study contributes to a better understanding and assessment of the motivations of elected local government volunteers. It addresses practical recommendations for sustaining civil society, while acknowledging the potential and contribution of volunteers with various demographic characteristics.
An influence of methane/hydrogen proportion in fuel blend on efficiency of conversion energy in SI engine

The relations between methane/hydrogen proportions in fuel blend are presented in this paper. The research cycle carried out contains results of dynamometer chassis tests complemented with mathematical model calculations. An object of X16SZR engine installed in Opel Astra I was investigation. The engine has been equipped with additional CNG feeding system where fuel is being injected into intake manifold under low pressure. 8 fuel blends were tested with variable methane/hydrogen volume proportion (%): 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50. The feeding and ignition systems were controlled by nominal drivers. In every measuring series engine was tested in the following steady states: on idle, high speed without load and full power at discrete variable speed in range 1500…3500 rpm. The main aspect of the analysis was to identify the influence of hydrogen share on engine parameters such power, fuel consumption, in-cylinder pressure, temperature and exhaust gas composition. Very significant ecological fact possibility of CO 2 emission reduction has been identified. Result of increasing content of hydrogen in fuel mixture is engine knocking. Analysis carried out on the basis of results allowed it to the point on methane/hydrogen proportion in fuel blend considering a total efficiency, emission and heat flux in parts of combustion chamber in engine.
Integrating E-Commerce and Social Engineering Perspectives on Trust in Online Communication

Currently, interpersonal trust in computer-mediated communication is a research topic for e-commerce as well as usable security researchers. While the e-commerce researchers focus on gaining warranted trust, usable security researchers focus on preventing misplaced trust, in order to protect users from social engineering attacks. In this paper an approach to integrate findings and theories from both fields is proposed in order to create a complete model for predicting trust in electronic messages or websites, whether they are authentic or not.
Age-related Differences in the Relations between Individualized HRM and Organizational Performance: A Large-Scale Employer Survey

The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between individualized HRM practices and several measures of organizational performance, including the moderating role of employee age in these relationships. A large-scale representative study among 4,591 organizations in the Netherlands showed support for the relationships between individualized HR practices with organizational performance. Employee age moderated the relationships between the use of individualized practices and sickness absence and turnover, such that organizations with a high percentage of older workers benefited from work schedule practices, and organizations with high percentage of younger workers benefited from development practices.