Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of some botanicals and entomopathogenic fungi for the control of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) in West Showa, Ethiopia

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) is one of the most important serious insect pests of onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to evaluate some botanical extracts viz. Artemisia annua, Azadirachta indica, Bidens pilosa, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Cymbopogon citratus, Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana spp. ,(local var.,), Parthenium hysterophorous, Phytolacca dodecandra, Securidaca longepedunculata and two indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) viz. Beauveria bassiana (PPRC-56) and Metarhizium anisopliae (PPRC-6) and soap detergent powder. They were examined for controlling onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) under field condition in Guder, Toke Kutaye district of Ethiopia from mid October 2010 to early April 2011. Diazinon 60% E.C was applied at the recommended rate of 1.8 l/h and the plot left was examined as controls. After 1st day application of the different agents, EPF and untreated control were not significantly different. However, the results on 3rd, 5th, and 7th day after application of EPF treatments indicated that highly significant mortality. The rate of mortality in all of the treatments after 1st day ranged from 0 to 74.75%. On the other hand, botanical extracts recorded at 3rd day of application ranged from 26.09 to 74.75% within 3days of the higher mortality was recorded. On 5th and 7th day, except B. bassiana (PPRC-56), the mortality rate in all treatments became declined. The results indicated that insecticidal actions of all the tested agents exhibited to the ranging from 26.09 to 74.75% against onion thrips. Of the different agents, Nicotiana spp. , P. dodecandra, S. longepedunculata and N. tabacum exhibited high mortality rate (69.65, 68.99, 63.85 and 63.56%, respectively), whereas in C. cinerariaefolium, A. indica and P. hysterophorous showed intermediate mortality rate (60.79, 56.89 and 52.06 respectively) and the rest were the lowest mortality rate. High bulb yield reduction was recorded in untreated plots but low yield reduction was observed in treated plots and control check. The treatments also showed reducing onion thrips population and also gave significant control over the treated check. This study indicated that Nicotiana spp. , P. dodecandra, S. longepedunculata, N. tabacum and B. bassiana were significantly very effective against onion thrips under field condition at recommended rate and then confirmed the valuable rate of botanicals and EPF as components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in Ethiopia.
Efficient combination of a 3D Quasi-Newton inversion algorithm and a vector dual-primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method

A Quasi-Newton method for reconstructing the constitutive parameters of three-dimensional (3D) penetrable scatterers from scattered field measurements is presented. This method is adapted for handling large-scale electromagnetic problems while keeping the memory requirement and the time flexibility as low as possible. The forward scattering problem is solved by applying the finite-element tearing and interconnecting full-dual-primal (FETI-FDP2) method which shares the same spirit as the domain decomposition methods for finite element methods. The idea is to split the computational domain into smaller non-overlapping sub-domains in order to simultaneously solve local sub-problems. Various strategies are proposed in order to efficiently couple the inversion algorithm with the FETI-FDP2 method: a separation into permanent and non-permanent subdomains is performed, iterative solvers are favorized for resolving the interface problem and a marching-on-in-anything initial guess selection further accelerates the process. The computational burden is also reduced by applying the adjoint state vector methodology. Finally, the inversion algorithm is confronted to measurements extracted from the 3D Fresnel database.
The Influence of Glyphosate on Bud Dormancy in Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] was applied in the spring and fall to leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L. # EPHES) in the field at rates of 0.14 to 4.48 kg ai/ha. Fall applications of glyphosate at rates of 0.56 to 4.48 kg/ha stimulated axillary branching and caused an increase in the number of stems/m2 by the end of the following summer in a dense population. This was a result of shoot growth from buds on the crown region of the root system. The absorption and translocation of 14C-glyphosate applied to leaves of mature leafy spurge plants were evaluated at prebloom, full-bloom, and senescence phenological stages. Approximately 81% of the 14C-glyphosate applied to the leaves of senescing plants was absorbed. There was a decrease in the proportion of 14C translocated out of the treated leaf when applications were made after full bloom. Translocation of 14C to the treated stem, nontreated stems, root crown, and roots did not differ with phenological stage in 1983. Translocation and concentration of 14C in most plant parts in 1985 differed with phenological stage. Translocation to the crown buds as a percentage of the 14C absorbed was highest at the senescence stage. At senescence and before soil freezing, leafy spurge crown buds demonstrate transient but active elongation toward the soil surface. This active development may account for the enhanced translocation of 14C into the crown buds.
SELLING AUTOMOBILES AT RETAIL: IS EMPATHY IMPORTANT?

The purpose of this research paper is to examine the relationship between perceived empathy of the salesperson by an automobile client/potential client, and that same person’s overall evaluation of the effectiveness of that salesperson in their encounter(s). The study is conducted using post buyer-seller meetings in automobile agencies using a formal intercept procedure and a structured questionnaire. The study demonstrates that there is a strong relationship between the perception that a consumer has of the empathetic behavior that the salesperson exhibited and their overall evaluations of that salesperson. The results were extremely strong. The study also suggests that trust is not the root cause of performance/effectiveness as has been suggested by many, but that empathy impacts both trust and perceived effectiveness. Finally the research also suggests that initial business dealings between buyer and seller are driven by empathy, but that once relationships are established trust becomes more important.
A Prospective Study of Total Laryngectomy and associated Complications

A prospective study conducted over a period of 2 years at a tertiary care hospital on all patients who underwent total laryngectomy to study the complications of the surgeries, their possible etiology. Laryngectomy is one of the most frequently done oncological surgeries in this part of the world, with high incidence of morbidity. Through improved techniques and preand postoperative protocols the incidence of complications have reduced, none the less they occur. Aim of the present study is to note the incidence of complications and their management in our setup.
Monetary Policy and Long-Run Systemic Risk-Taking

As an extension to the literature on the risk-taking channel of monetary policy, this paper studies the existence of a systemic risk-taking channel (SRTC) in the Eurozone, through an original macroeconomic perspective based on causality measures. Because the SRTC is effective after an “incubation period”, we make a distinction between short and long-term causality, following the methodology proposed by Dufour and Taamouti (2010). We find that causality from monetary policy to systemic risk, while not significant in the very short term, robustly represents 75 to 100% of the total dependence between the two variables in the long run. Reverse causality is rejected: systemic risk did not influence the policy of the European Central Bank before the global financial crisis. However, central banks must be aware that a too loose monetary policy stance may be conducive to a build-up of systemic risk.
Targeted molecular therapy (modified RIST regimen) in relapsed high risk stage IV neuroblastoma: two cases report

The prognosis for children with recurrent or refractory neuroblastoma remains a significant clinical challenge, and currently there are no known curative salvage regimens. In this paper we investigated the effect of imatinib with rapamycin and the chemotherapeutic agents temozolomide and irinotecan. We treated two children with recurrent neuroblastoma with this so called RIST protocol. Both patients, off therapy for 15 and 31 months, respectively are well, and developing normally, without any complications. These findings suggest that a combination regimen of RIST may provide a therapeutic benefit with a favorable toxicity profile to a unfortunate subset of patients with neuroblastoma.
Concurrent X-ray, near-infrared, sub-millimeter, and GeV gamma-ray observations of Sagittarius A

Aims. The radiative counterpart of the supermassive black hole at the Galactic center (GC), Sgr A � , is subject to frequent flares that are visible simultaneously in X-rays and the near-infrared (NIR). Often, enhanced radio variability from centimeter to sub-millimeter wavelengths is observed to follow these X-ray/NIR eruptions. We present here a multi-wavelength campaign carried out in April 2009, with the aim of characterizing this broadband flaring activity. Methods. Concurrent data from the XMM-Newton/EPIC (2–10 keV), VLT/NACO (2.1 μm, 3.8 μm), APEX/LABOCA (870 μm), and Fermi/LAT (0.1–200 GeV) instruments are employed to derive light curves and spectral energy distributions of new flares from Sgr A � . Results. We detected two relatively bright NIR flares, both associated with weak X-ray activity, one of which was followed by a strong sub-mm outburst ∼200 min later. Photometric spectral information on a NIR flare was obtained for the first time with NACO, giving a power-law photon index α = −0.4 ± 0. 3( Fν ∝ ν α ). The first attempt to detect flaring activity from the Fermi GC source 1FGL J1745.6–2900 is also reported. We model NIR, X-ray, and sub-mm flares in the context of non-thermal emission processes. We find that the simplest scenario involving a single expanding plasmoid releasing synchrotron NIR/sub-mm and synchrotron selfCompton X-ray radiation is inadequate to reproduce the data, but we offer suggestions to reconcile the basic elements of the theory and the observations.
Testing effects of openness in the process of China's economic growth during 1978-1995

This paper presents an endogenous growth model in which the growth rate of income is higher if the economy is more open. Openness, measured by the ratios of imports and of foreign direct investment to GDP, is hypothesised to affect economic growth through its impact on technological changes. The hypothesis cannot be rejected with Chinese data at the provincial level for the period 1978-1995 as there is a significantly positive correlation between growth of real GDP per worker and the measures of openness. This paper further tests the robustness of the effect and studies the alternative effects of openness on economic growth.
The influence of reduced irrigation on herbage, essential oil yield and quality of Thymus vulgaris and Thymus daenensis

Background & Aim: Drought stress, as a main abiotic stress, has a significant influence on growth and metabolic activities of plant species. In this study, the influence of reduced irrigation on dry herbage, essential oil yield, and chemical components of two thyme species were investigated. Experimental: This study was done in an experimental greenhouse, I.A. U. , Shahrekord Branch, Iran at 2012 in a CRD with three replications. Three irrigation levels were I1 (irrigated in field capacity or control), I2 (slight drought stress or irrigation in 75% field capacity), and I3 (mild drought stress or irrigation in 50% field capacity). Two thyme species included Thymus daenensis and T. vulgaris. The essential oils obtained by hydro-distillation and were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Results & Discussion: Results indicated that irrigation levels had a significant effect on many morphological and physiological characteristics, including dry matter, plant height, and leaf area index (LAI). In addition, levels of irrigation affected on oil yield and some major constituents in the essential‎ oils. ‎ Carvacrol,‎ γ-terpinene, and p-cymene contents in the essential oils were significantly increased under stressed conditions, whereas thymol amount was significantly reduced under stressed conditions. Recommended applications/industries: According to the results of this study, drought stress reduces the essential oil yields and dry herbage in both species of thyme.
Consequences of Collective-Focused Leadership and Differentiated Individual-Focused Leadership

Recent advances in leadership research suggest that collective-focused leadership climate and differentiated individual-focused leadership might simultaneously, yet oppositely, affect collective outcomes. The present study extends this literature by addressing open questions regarding theory, methods, statistics, and level of analysis. Therefore, a new and more parsimonious theoretical model is developed on the organizational-level of analysis. Drawing on the commitment literature, we argue for opposite relations of the two leadership constructs on the affective organizational commitment climate. We subsequently theorize that contingent-reward leadership climate moderates these opposing relationships, making our study the first in this field to investigate moderators. Last, we reason that organizational effectiveness is enhanced when affective commitment is “put into action” and raises the organizational citizenship behavior climate. Our three-path moderated-mediation hypotheses are tested, and supported, by structural equation modeling analyses in a multisource data set containing 16,911 respondents from 157 companies. Extensive alternative model testing shows that our theory and findings are robust.
Exposure to parents’ negative emotions in early life as a developmental pathway in the intergenerational transmission of depression and anxiety

This thesis aims to examine the links between exposure to parents’ depression and anxiety in the early years of life, and infants’ socio-emotional development. The thesis first focuses on the associations between infants’ and parents’ emotional expressions, and between infants’ and parents’ reactions to novel stimuli in everyday interactions, and next the associations between parents’ depression/anxiety, and infants’ attention to emotional stimuli are investigated. The findings of the current thesis reveal significant alterations in mothers’ and fathers’ emotional expressions in everyday interactions in case of lifetime anxiety and depression diagnoses. Moreover, these alterations were found to be linked to parallel alterations infants’ interactive behavior and to explain infants’ emotion processing.
The availability and dimensions of tree hollows that provide nest sites for Cockatoos (Psittaciformes) in Western Australia.

A 15-ha plot of salmon gum woodland contained 241 hollows with an entrance diameter and depth exceeding 90 mm, in 173 trees, the majority (95%) in salmon gums. Occupancy of these hollows during the spring of 1978 was 47%; eight species of bird (six Psittaciformes, one Anseriformes and one Falconiformes) were involved. Galahs, corellas, red-tailed black cockatoos and Port Lincoln parrots were the most numerous hollow-nesting birds in the area; there were differences in the sizes of hollows they used, which were separable on entrance size and on inside diameter of the hollow 0.5 m below the entrance. There was a trend for hollow size to decrease in the order: red-tailed black cockatoos, corellas, galahs and Port Lincoln parrots. Red-tailed black cockatoos nested in more dead trees, or trees which were lower and had smaller canopies, than did the other three species. The woodland contained few young trees, trees were dying rapidly and there was no regeneration. This situation is typical for woodland throughout the agricultural area, and future prospects are discussed.
Litter production in a natural stand of Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.)

1 Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Brazil. 2 East Amazon Agroforestry Research Center, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brazil. 3 Department of Earth Sciences and Ecology, Emílio Goeldi Museum, Brazil. 4 Agroforestry Research Center of the Western Amazon, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brazil. 5 Institute of Biodiversity and Forests, Federal University of Western Pará, Brazil. 6 Amapá Agroforestry Research Center, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brazil. 7 Institute of Science and Technology of Natural Water Resources, Federal University of Western Pará, Brazil. 8 Bacteriologia Labor, Agronomic Institute of Parana, Brazil.
Orbital period modulation and spot activity in the RS CVn binary V711 Tauri

Aims. We attempt to establish the real nature of the orbital period variation and its relation to the spot activity of V711 Tau, and determine why the (B −V) colour of the star appears to be nearly independent of its V magnitude. We wish to verify whether existing predictions in the literature for the long-term spot activity of the star are true or not by making extended photometric observations, and whether the broad component of Hα emission originates in more localised active regions, as suggested by some chromospheric models, by searching for any correlation between the base-line width of the emission and the light modulation. Methods. We obtained new radial velocities of the G-type component of V711 Tau on 42 nights during 2004−09, and BV photometry of V711 Tau on 202 nights during the years 1993−2009. We measured the equivalent widths of two well resolved lines of the G-type component from 13 of the spectra obtained by us. We also measured the equivalent widths and base-line widths of Hα emission from 21 spectra obtained during 2008−09. We analyse these along with relevant information available in the literature. Results. The available radial velocity data of V 711 Tau are consistent with a sinusoidal modulation of its orbital period; the period of modulation is found to be 36.3 ± 1.9 yr. The fractional light-loss over a photometric cycle is found to vary with an average period of 14.1 ± 0.3 yr. It appears that physical processes linked to the magnetic activity of the spotted star are responsible for the variation in the orbital period. The excess reduction in the B band flux relative to that in V band caused by spot activity is almost compensated for by the fractional increase in the contribution by the hotter companion to the total light in the blue spectral region, and thereby makes the (B − V) colour of the binary system nearly independent of its V magnitude. We find that the ratio of the radii of the components derived from their v sin i values, which is usually quoted in the literature, is substantially larger than that implied by the ratio of their brightnesses in V band. There is a slight indication from the V band data that the spot activity in V711 Tau has a component that is fixed in the orbital frame of reference. The equivalent width and base-line width of Hα emission do not show any obvious correlation with the V band light curve.
Testing the Effectiveness of the Czech National Bank’s Foreign-Exchange Interventions

This article reviews several approaches to testing the effectiveness of foreign-exchange interventions and applies some of these to data on interventions made by the Czech National Bank in 2001 and 2002. The reaction function of the CNB and the impact of interventions on exchange rates and on conditional and implied volatility are estimated, and the successfulness of interventions is discussed within the event-study approach. The results indicate that the interventions by the central bank had only a minor, short-term effect on exchange rates and, to a certain extent, contributed to increased conditional and implied volatility.
Determination of antioxidant activity, phenolic contents and antiviral potential of methanol extract of Euphorbia spinidens Bornm (Euphorbiaceae)

Purpose : This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Euphorbia spinidens Bornm (Euphorbiaceae) and its effect on Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) replication. Methods : The methanol extract of aerial parts of E. spinidens collected from Khorasan State in North- Eastern part of Iran was used in this study. Total phenolic, flavonoid contents and the antioxidant activity were evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminum chloride colorimetric method and β- carotene-linoleate model system, respectively. Both the cytotoxic and antiviral effects of the crude extract on Vero cell line were determined by quantifying the viability of Vero cells using 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Results : Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of E.spinidens were 70 ± 1 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dry extract (mg GAE/g extract) and 49.66 ± 1.00 mg rutin equivalent/g of dry extract (mg RTN/g extract), respectively. Antioxidant activity was 44 ± 1 % compared with the standard, buthylated hydroxytuloene (BHT). The 50 % cytotoxic concentration (CC 50 ) of the extract on Vero cells was 5.072 ± 0.063 mg/ml and its antiviral concentration of 50 % effectiveness (EC 50 ) value was 0.34 ± 0.003 mg/ml. Conclusion : The findings of this study show that the methanol extract of E.spinidens has high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, this extract has significant antiviral effect on HSV-1 probably due to the inhibition of viral replication. Keywords : Antioxidant, Antiviral, Euphorbia spinidens Bornm, Herpes simplex virus
Light-element Abundance Variations in the Milky Way Halo

We present evidence for the contribution of high-mass globular clusters to the stellar halo of the Galaxy. Using SDSS-II/SEGUE spectra of over 1900 G- and K-type halo giants, we identify for the first time a subset of stars with CN bandstrengths significantly larger, and CH bandstrengths lower, than the majority of halo field stars, at fixed temperature and metallicity. Since CN bandstrength inhomogeneity and the usual attendant abundance variations are presently understood as a result of star formation in globular clusters, we interpret this subset of halo giants as a result of globular cluster dissolution into the Galactic halo. We find that 2.5% of our sample is CN-strong, and can infer based on recent models of globular cluster evolution that the fraction of halo field stars initially formed within globular clusters may be as large as 50%.