Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induced systemic resistance to rice blast fungus in rice plants infested by white‐backed planthopper

Many of the studies on herbivorous insects and also on pathogens have been conducted to clarify the relationship of insects to plants and of pathogens to plants. Studies on the relationship between insects and pathogens via host plants, however, have seldom been conducted (Karban et al., 1987). The white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera Horvas (Homoptera: Delphacidae), and the rice blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea Cooke, are an economically important insect pest and fungal disease of rice throughout south-east and far-east Asia, including Japan. In general, S. furcifera does not hibernate in Japan. The entire original S. furcifera population emigrates from mainland China into Japan during the rainy season from early June to early July. The population of the next generation of S. furcifera then increases rapidly in rice fields, and the highest peak of the population appears around late July or early August (Watanabe et al., 1991; Watanabe, 1996). At the same time, the rice blast disease caused by P. grisea develops commonly in rice fields in Japan and occasionally causes serious damage to the rice plants (Iwano, 1999). The authors therefore were interested in the interspecific relationships between S. furcifera and P. grisea via the host plants. In this paper, the results of experiments elucidating such interspecific relationships are discussed, in particular the effect of S. furcifera infestation in rice on the incidence of rice blast disease caused by P. grisea . Materials and methods
Nitrogen-fixing growth in continuous culture of a strain of Rhizobium sp. isolated from stem nodules on Sesbania rostrata

Summary: A strain of Rhizobium sp. (ORS571), isolated from stem nodules on Sesbania rostrata, was grown as a N2-fixing continuous culture for up to five weeks (> 80 culture replacements). Under optimum conditions of O2 supply [< 9 μm dissolved O2, 100–160 nmol O2 (mg dry wt)−1 min−1], N2 fixation rates were 300–400 nmol N2 (mg dry wt)−1 h−1 and nitrogenase activity in culture samples reached 2000 nmol C2H4 (mg dry wt)−1 h−1, the highest values yet recorded for any Rhizobium species. Other properties of the continuous cultures are described and a comparison is made with previous reports of N2 fixation by cultures of Rhizobium spp. Significant features were the greater tolerance to O2 of ORS571 and the retention of fixed N in the cells of this strain.
Rural Households’ Credit Access and Loan Amount in Wa Municipality, Ghana

This study focused on the determinants of rural households’ access to credit and loan amount. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 120 households from the Wa Municipality. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. In the absence of potential sample selection bias, a probit model and ordinary least squares regression were estimated. Empirical results show that gender, age, farming and trading occupations, credit history, and household income are significant determinants of rural households’ credit access. Also, gender, education, marital status, trading, formal sector workers, distance and credit source are significant predictors of loan amount. It is recommended that appropriate educational programmes be designed through promotion of self-financing adult literacy classes and local media to increase awareness and knowledge of households on credit. Additionally, procedure for getting loan should be simplified. Finally, to ease rural credit constraints informal financial institutions should increase their presence in the rural communities.
E-tail Quality and Online Social Communication for The i-Generation: Impacts on Online Purchase Intention

Internet has changed the way humans live in the world. As means of communication that connecting person with others for individual or business goals. Online communication will replace nearly offline ones; such as shifting people preference for buying product from offline to online. The i-Generation is representing those who highly influenced by online interactions because they are very used to accessing the internet at a very young age. E-retailers are doing business by adopting technology and internet such as website. They need to find new ways to engage the i-Generation by embracing technology and internet collaboration. Willingness and intention of the i-Generation have to be gained, as they are very potential customer of E-retailers. This study examined the relationship of E-tail quality (E-tailQ); online purchase intention (OPI) and online social communication (OSC). A total of 285 respondents from the i-Generation participated in this study. Partial least square (PLS) 3 was employed to analyze the data. The PLS 3 estimation shows that OSC has no significant effect on OSC and it is not mediating the relationship between E-tailQ and OPI. In addition, among the four dimensions of E-tailQ only website customer service and web design have significant effects on OSC. In contrast, all dimension of E-tailQ has a significant effect on OPI. Aus. Aca. Busi & Eco. Rev Vol 3(3), July 2017, P 119-130
Customer Switching Behavior: Developing model in the Iranian Retail Banking Industry

The aim of this research is studying the effective factors on customer switching. Customer retention is one of critical aspects of routine strategies on marketing, particularly when customers of a business reach to their maximum, finding and retention of new customers significantly is difficult and costly. At such point of life cycle of a business, priority is more on customer retention with old value and prevention of their switching, so it is necessary that institutes detect the factors of customer switch in order to keeping the relationships with customers and edit and execute necessary strategies to contrast with this phenomenon. Statistical population of this research is all of the customers of Tejarat Bank in Tehran that using the sampling method 220 customers are chose as sample. The required data are gathered by using questionnaire and for analyzing the data and examining the hypothesis is used of partial least square method (PLS). The results show that customer satisfaction, and customer trust has negative relationship with switching behavior, and service failure has direct relationship with
A Tool Use Task Proves Enriching for a Captive Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

Environmental enrichment is used to improve an animal’s physical and psychological well-being while housed in a captive environment. Alligood and Leighty (2015) suggested that enrichment that emulates the natural and preferred behaviors of the species may be optimal for improving welfare. Cognitive tasks that mirror challenges in an animal’s natural environment may prove especially beneficial (Washburn, 2015). The present study was designed to determine whether two sea otters (Enhydra lutis), Emma and Buck, were capable of learning to use a novel tool in a novel context. The otters’ time spent engaged with the apparatus was also examined to determine if such a task would be enriching to these animals. Although the sea otters were not successful in solving the tool use task, interaction with the apparatus appeared enriching to Emma. She spent on average 55.4% of each trial at the apparatus, whereas Buck spent only 6.2%. Only Emma’s interaction with the apparatus suggests that this device was very interesting and consequently enriching for her. Cognitive challenges, then, may be enriching even when animals fail to solve the intended problem.
Copula-Based Dynamic Conditional Correlation Multiplicative Error Processes

We introduce a copula-based dynamic model for multivariate processes of (non-negative) high-frequency trading variables revealing time-varying conditional variances and correlations. Modeling the variables' conditional mean processes using a multiplicative error model we map the resulting residuals into a Gaussian domain using a Gaussian copula. Based on high-frequency volatility, cumulative trading volumes, trade counts and market depth of various stocks traded at the NYSE, we show that the proposed copula-based transformation is supported by the data and allows capturing (multivariate) dynamics in higher order moments. The latter are modeled using a DCC-GARCH specification. We suggest estimating the model by composite maximum likelihood which is sufficiently flexible to be applicable in high dimensions. Strong empirical evidence for time-varying conditional (co-)variances in trading processes supports the usefulness of the approach. Taking these higher-order dynamics explicitly into account significantly improves the goodness-of-fit of the multiplicative error model and allows capturing time-varying liquidity risks.
Investigating The Impact Of Historical Costing On Real Earnings Management: An Empirical Study

The current study examines the relationship between Historical Cost Accounting (HCA) and real earnings management. Accounting literature argues that HCA provides a chance for manipulation. HCA creates large unrealized capital gains/losses that are recognized in income statements only when managers decide to sell such assets. This may induce managers to manipulate earnings. Moreover, managers are able to decide which assets to sell and during which period. Therefore, managers can exploit HCA in real earnings management by interfering in the structuring of asset sale transactions. The current study aims to contribute to the ongoing debate over dropping HCA and replacing it with Fair Value Accounting (FVA). Using a sample of the 71 most actively traded non-financial firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange during 2004–2010, multiple regression analysis is employed to test two main hypotheses: the income-smoothing hypothesis and the debt/equity hypothesis. The results provide evidence that managers in the Egyptian business environment exploit HCA in real earnings management to some extent. Managers with negative earnings changes tend to use HCA to smooth earnings, while managers with earnings changes do not. Moreover, there is no evidence for managers’ use of HCA to avoid violating debt contract terms based on accounting numbers.
Morphological, Chemical and Mineralogical Properties of the Soils of Abugi,Nigeria, and their Agricultural Potential

Three soil profiles at Abugi in the flood plains of River Niger, Kogi State, Nigeria were studied. The soils are moderately acidic (PH 4.7 to 6.0) in the suiface horizons. Exchangeable cations are low with the exception of calcium which is moderate and is the dominant exchangeable cation with values ranging from 0.50 to 7.00 cmol(+)/kg of soil. The dominant clay minerals are kaolinite, degraded-mica and quartz, while traces of smectite and feldspar were also detected. Abugi profile one was classified as Eutric Planosol (FAD 1988) or Fluvaquentic Humaquept (Soil Survey Staff 1992) while profiles two and three were both classifzed as Eutric Gleysol (FAD 1988) or Aeric Tropaquept (Soil Survey Staff 1992). The soils of Abugi area offer great potential for rice and sugarcane production if excessive flooding and increasing acidity can be controlled.
On Oscillation of Second-Order Nonlinear Neutral Functional Differential Equations

In this paper, some sufficient conditions are established for the oscillation of second-order neutral functional differential equation r(t)(x(t)+ p(t)x(t(t))) 0 0 + q(t) f(x(s(t))) = 0; t t0; where R ¥ t0 dt=r(t) = ¥; or R ¥ t0 dt=r(t) 0; 0 p(t) p0 0; for u6 0; k is a constant; (c) t2 C 1 ((t0;¥);R); s2 C((t0;¥);R); t 0 (t) t0 > 0; limt! ¥s(t)=¥; t s =s t;
Use of introductory organizers in television instruction

This study examined the effectiveness of the use of introductory organizers in presenting affective television materials to a college-level audience. Introductory organizers tested were a program title and an advance organizer. Course level (beginning vs. more advanced chemistry classes) represented the third variable in the 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design. Multivariate and univariate analyses were made of data obtained from 943 students and 54 teachers. Results showed that the advance organizer significantly increased student comprehension but had negative affective consequences. The program title also inhibited the more advanced students' perceptions of the personal value and relevance of the instructional material.
The effects of bank market power in short-term and long-term firm credit availability and investment

ABSTRACT This article investigates the short-term and long-term effects of bank market power on the availability of credit for companies, and on firm investment. Our results suggest that an increase in bank market power reduces firms’ credit availability and investment in the short-term, but firm investment recovers in the long-term. The economic significance of these relationships is found to be larger for SMEs than for other (larger) firms.
The Geography of Stigma Management

This study examines whether self-monitoring—a ubiquitous social psychological construct that captures the extent to which individuals regulate their self-presentation to match the expectation of others—varies across demographic and social contexts. Building on Erving Goffman’s classic insights on stigma management, the authors expect that the propensity for self-monitoring will be greater among sexual minorities, especially in areas where the stigma surrounding minority sexual orientations is strong. The authors’ survey of U.S. adults shows that sexual minorities report significantly higher levels of self-monitoring than heterosexuals and that this difference disappears in large cities. These findings speak to sociological research on self-presentation, with implications for the literatures on identity formation, stigma management, and labor markets.
The Relationship of Service Quality on Consumer Satisfaction in Shipyard Industry

Service quality and customer satisfaction have become a widely discussed issue for two decades. However, only a few intention used shipyard as the marketing researches target of these variables. The authors investigate the relationships between service quality dimensions and consumer satisfaction in shipyard industry. The authors test the significance of the relationships between service quality dimensions and consumer satisfaction. The results suggest that four service quality dimensions (tangible, responsibility, responsiveness and assurance) are antecedents of consumer satisfaction in this industry, while empathy has less effect on satisfaction. Implications for managers and future research are discussed.
Phytoremediation of lead polluted soil by Glycine max L.

A study was designed to assess the phytoextraction potential of Glycine max L. for lead (Pb). Pots experiment was conducted. Viable seeds were planted in 5 kg of soil placed in each plastic pot having 0 ppm (control), 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, 20 ppm and 25 ppm of Pb respectively. The study was carried out for a period of 12 weeks under natural conditions. Physicochemical properties of the soil were determined using standard methods. The results revealed that pH, phosphorous and moisture contents increased while nitrogen and organic carbon contents decreased in polluted soil remediated with Glycine max L. compared to the unpolluted soil. Leaf, stem, seeds and roots of the plant were analyzed for Pb uptake after 12 weeks. The plants mopped up substantial concentration of Pb in the above plant biomass of the seeds (4.2 mg/kg), stem (1.37 mg/kg) and leaves (3.37 mg/kg) compared to concentrations in the roots (1.53 mg/kg). The phytoextraction ability of the plant was assessed in terms of its bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). It was observed that the levels of Pb in the roots and shoots after 12 weeks showed that more bioavailable pool of Pb was translocated from the root to seeds, leaves and stem in that order. The results obtained suggest that the plant has phytoextraction ability and could be used in restoring soil polluted with Pb.
Impact of International Oil Crisis 2014-2016 over Enlisted Marketing OilCompanies Share Prices of Pakistan Stock Exchange

In the recent years, plethora literature is being provided over the oil crisis since 1973/74 up till the recent oil crisis. Being a developing economy, Pakistan heavily depends over the international oil prices constancy. Oil crises started from December 2014 had crucially decreased the prices breaking record of last 11 years. The primary objective of study is to measure the impact of current regional oil crisis over the market share prices of enlisted oil companies in Pakistan stock exchange study tests the relationship between oil prices and stock prices of oil companies of Pakistan. Results pinpoints the dominance of international oil prices volatility on real stock prices of Pakistani oil marketing companies both at short run and long run.
Status, Distribution, and Conservation of Scripps's Murrelet at Santa Catalina Island, California

Abstract. The small population of Scripps's Murrelets (Synthliboramphus scrippsi) at Santa Catalina Island, California, has been restricted for at least several millennia to isolated pairs nesting in cliff and shoreline habitats that are mostly inaccessible to island fox (Urocyon littoralis catalinae). Prior to 1994, the only evidence of murrelets breeding at Catalina was a single nest reportedly found on Bird Rock in 1967. In 1994–1995, a larger and more widespread population estimated at 25–75 pairs was indicated through vocal detection surveys of murrelets attending nocturnal at-sea congregations in nearshore waters near breeding areas. Murrelets were heard at 11 of 25 survey stations, with highest vocal activity between Land's End and Ribbon Rock (6–62 detections per survey). In 2004 and 2012, round-island spotlight surveys better assessed the distribution and abundance of murrelets in congregations, with 101 and 291 individuals, respectively, observed along the 82-km transect. Highest numbers in 2012 suggest a current breeding population of roughly 100–200 pairs at Catalina, the fourth largest colony in southern California. Congregations were strongly associated with coastal cliffs between (1) Isthmus Cove and Twin Rocks and (2) Iron Bound Bay and Catalina Harbor. In 2000–2013, night-lighting captures of 79 birds in congregations recorded 10 (13%) murrelets with brood patches, usually indicative of egg-laying. During captures in 2008 and spotlight surveys in 2012, three family groups (adults with small downy chicks) departing island nests were observed in nearshore waters. No nests were found during searches on offshore rocks (including Bird Rock) in 1991–1996, but 7 nests were discovered in 2012–2013 during searches of boataccessible shoreline cliffs between Isthmus Cove and Twin Rocks. Overall, 6 of 8 clutches (75%) with known fates were successful, but evidence of mammalian predators preying on murrelet eggs was also present. A long-term monitoring, research, and restoration program is needed at Catalina. Initial restoration efforts should focus on reducing predation by introduced mammals and reducing impacts from oil pollution and bright lights.
Radonifying operators and infinitely divisible Wiener integrals

In this article we illustrate the relation between the existence of Wiener integrals with respect to a Levy process in a separable Banach space and radonifying operators. For this purpose, we introduce the class of theta-radonifying operators, i.e. operators which map a cylindrical measure theta to a genuine Radon measure. We study this class of operators for various examples of infinitely divisible cylindrical measures theta and highlight the differences from the Gaussian case.
The Impact of Terrorism on the Defence Industry

This paper analyses the impact of terrorism on Israeli companies related to the defence, security or anti-terrorism industries, relative to its impact on other companies. We match every Israeli company to the American company with the closest expected return among all the companies that belong to the same industry and trade in the same market, in order to isolate the effect of terrorism from other common industry shocks. The findings show that whereas terrorism had a significant negative impact of 5% on non-defence-related companies, it had a significantly positive overall effect of 7% on defence-related companies.
Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Income Inequality and Income Distribution in Asian Countries

This study examines the macroeconomic determinants of income inequality using dynamic panel data analysis. Specifically, the study employs dynamic panel data analysis based on the generalized method of moments over 1990–2013 across 33 Asian countries. The World Bank data series was widely used as data for macroeconomic variables while the Gini index was collected from the World Income Inequality Database. In addition to the macroeconomic factors, the study incorporates a series of political economic and demographic factors to provide more realistic estimates. The study found an inverted U-shaped (parabolic) relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) and inequality, supporting the wellknown concept, the Kuznets curve. Apart from that, official development assistance (ODA), education, and labor force participation reduce inequality while higher inflation, political risk, terms of trade, and unemployment increase inequality in Asian countries. The study further observed that an initial increase in GDP redistributes income from the bottom 20% of people to the middle class and richest groups. However, further increases in GDP redistribute the income from the top 20% to middle-income and poor groups. Similarly, inflation, unemployment, terms of trade, and ODA are also significant factors of income distribution among Asian countries. This study recommends ensuring higher and steady long-term economic growth, and enhanced access to education and employment while nd political stability to sustain more equal income distribution followed by lowerincome inequality in the region.
Influence of microclimatic conditions under high tunnels on the physiological and productive responses in blueberry ’O’Neal’

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) production under tunnels has spread in recent years. However, there is little information on the productive and physiological responses of blueberry grown under high tunnels. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of high tunnel microclimate on the physiological and productive responses of blueberries. A total of 1296 plants of highbush blueberry 'O'Neal' were grown in high tunnels, leaving the same amount of plants under open fields (control). Environmental temperature (T, °C) and relative humidity (RH, %), diffuse and total photosynthetically active radiation (PARdiffuse and PARtotal, /<mol m-2 s-1), stomatal conductance (gs, mmol nr2 s-1) and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of the leaf were measured. Fruit yield, date of harvest initiation and fruit growth rate were also determined. The maximum T was on average 10-12 °C higher inside the high tunnel than the control, whereas the minimum T averaged only 2-5 °C higher. PARtotal decreased an average of 25% under tunnel, while levels of PARdiffuse increased more than 150%. The gs ranged between 42% and 99% higher in the high tunnel compared to the control, and was positive and statistically related (r2 = 0.69**) to PARdiffuse variations. Blueberries under high tunnel recorded an accumulated yield 44% higher, while harvest started 14 d earlier compared to control. The results suggest that high tunnels in blueberries increases fruit yield and improves precocity due to higher temperatures during the flowering stage and fruit set. Particular light conditions under tunnels would favor higher leaf stomatal conductance in this crop.