Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The production of Physalis spp. seedlings grown under different-colored shade nets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of seedlings of Physalis L. species under different-colored shade nets. Four shade nets individually stained white, blue, red and black, all with 50% shading, were used in this study, and an additional treatment (control) was used in which seedlings were grown in full sun. The study examined four species of Physalis , namely, P. peruviana , P. pubescens , P. minima and P. ixocarpa . The experiment followed a randomized block design with three blocks and 25 seeds per plot. The species were sown in styrofoam trays. Germination was monitored daily to calculate the Emergency Velocity Index (EVI) and stabilize the overall percentage of emergence. Height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area index and dry mass of seedlings were assessed at 50 days after sowing. The study found that these species react differently to changes in the light spectrum. Seedlings of P. peruviana should be grown under a white or red shade net; of P. pubescens under a white or black shade net; of P. minima under a white, red or black shade net; and of P. ixocarpa under a white shade net. For all species, 50% shade should be used.
Sistema di valutazione della sostenibilità del packaging alimentare

L'articolo descrive il percorso metodologico che ha portato alla delineazione di un sistema di valutazione delle prestazioni ambientali dei packaging alimentari lungo il loro intero ciclo di vita, che oltre a valutare le impronte strettamente ambientali degli imballaggi, tiene in considerazione anche la relazione che intercorre tra i requisiti ambientali, funzionali, comunicativi e di design, che un buon packaging dovrebbe garantire. Il sistema, basato su una valutazione multicriteria in cui sono riunite le misurazioni dei diversi criteri di valutazione inclusi nel sistema, permette, tramite un processo di normalizzazione basato su un campione di packaging di riferimento, di riassumere le valutazioni in un grafico a radar, che evidenzia criticita e potenzialita del packaging indagato rispetto ad altri packaging della medesima categoria. In questo modo, tramite un ulteriore passaggio di conversione ed aggregazione delle diverse valutazioni in un indice sintetico da 0 a 3, l'analisi dell'imballaggio puo essere inclusa nell'Indice Poliedro, finalita ultima della ricerca
Monetary Policy in Japan Reconsidered: A Regime-switching VAR Analysis

Using a regime-switching VAR, this paper investigates the effect of monetary policy in Japan. Unlike previous studies, this paper considers more than two regimes and introduces into the VAR analysis standard variables such as the money supply and price level. Based on the standard procedure, the independent regime for a quantitative easing policy is dentified when the policy effect is insignificant.
Trust in Governance Networks

Governance networks are characterized by complex interaction and decision making, and much uncertainty. Surprisingly, there is very little research on the impact of trust in achieving results in governance networks. This article asks two questions: (a) Does trust influence the outcomes of environmental projects? and (b) Does active network management improve the level of trust in networks? The study is based on a Web-based survey of respondents involved in environmental projects. The results indicate that trust does matter for perceived outcomes and that network management strategies enhance the level of trust.
Effects of Mobile Learning on Academic Performance and Learning Attitude in a College Classroom

While mobile learning has become increasingly popular and has received growing research interest, there appears to be insufficient emprical evidence from rigorous experimental research that supports its effectiveness on learning. This study addressed this issue by conducting a randomized experiment to investigate the impact of mobile learning on students’ academic performance and learning attitude. The results revealed that mobile learning can produce similar learning results as traditional classroom insruction, but students had mixed attitude towards different aspects of mobile learning. The research findings contribute to the scholarship of mobile learning and can inform the design and evluation of mobile-based educational interventions.
New Technologies in Thyroid Surgery

One of the earliest references to a successful surgical attempt for the treatment of goitre can be found in the medical writings of the Moorish physician Ali Ibn Abbas. In 952 A.D., he recorded his experience with the removal of a large goitre under opium sedation using simple ligatures and hot cautery irons as the patient sat with a bag around his neck to catch the blood. The first accounts of thyroid surgery for the treatment of goiters were given by Roger Frugardi in 1170. In response to failure of medical treatment, two setons were inserted at right angles into the goiter and tightened twice daily until the goiter separated. The open wound was treated with caustic powder and left to heal. The first successful typical partial thyroidectomy was performed by the French Surgeon, Pierre Joseph Desault, in 1791 during the French Revolution. Dupuytren followed in 1808 with the first total thyroidectomy, but the patient died 36 hours after the operation.
A REVIEW ON MOLECULAR MARKERS AS TOOLS TO STUDY EARTHWORM DIVERSITY

‘Earthworms’, the natural creature and unsung heroes of soil have gained much of the scientific attention throughout the world including India to maintain fertility of soil and dietary protein source for domestic animals. Earthworms play an important role in soil ecology and are well recognized as engineers of soil. They occupy a vital position in soil food-webs. Aristotle called them intestines of the earth and considered as important biological resources that have tremendous potential in agricultural ecosystems as they remarkably influences physical structure as well organic matter composition of the soil. Of globally estimated 6500 species of earthworms, only 3500 species are discovered and described. Indian subcontinent has got a massive fauna of Oligochaete, (earthworms) which are represented by 505 species and 67 genera. Molecular markers such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Simple Sequence (SSR) have proved to be worthy and important in assessing genetic diversity. Recently DNA barcoding has exposed unexpected number of species that were often impossible to be isolated on morphological basis. The present study reviewed the diversity of earthworms with integrated approach of taxonomy including molecular markers.
Modified Π-Shaped Slot Loaded Multifrequency Microstrip Antenna

A single layer, single feed microstrip antenna with multifrequency operation in compact size is proposed. A modified inverted π-shaped slot is introduced at the left side radiating edge of the patch to reduce the size of the antenna by reducing the resonant frequency. Multiple resonant frequencies with increased frequency ratio are also obtained by cutting the modified inverted π-shaped slot. The measured result shows that the proposed antenna resonates at 3.3, 4.55, 5.56 and 6.08 GHz in microwave S and C band. The size of the proposed patch is only 0. 176λL × 0. 132λL at its lower operating frequency. The proposed patch antenna has achieved 68% size reduction as compared with the conventional rectangular microstrip antenna with same patch area. An extensive analysis of the reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio, gain, radiation efficiency and radiation pattern of the proposed antenna is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is suitable for WiMax and HiPERLAN wireless systems.
Does International Openness Affect Productivity of Local Firms? Evidence from Southeastern Europe

This paper examines the role of international openness on the change of firm productivity in Southeastern Europe (SEE). This is a crucial question for middel income countries. Using firm-level date for six transition economies over the period 1994-2002, we identify whether foreign ownership and propensity to trade with more advanced countries can bring about higher learning effects. We find that (i) foreign ownership has helped at restructuring and enhancing productivity of local firms in four out of six countries, (ii) exporting to advanced markets has a larger impact on productivity growth in four countries, especially when firm's absorptive capacity is taken into account, (iii) in contrast, exporting to the less competitive markets of ex-Yugoslavia seems to affect negatively the productivity growth in three countries, and (iv) learning effects from importing follow a similar path than exporting. Our results suggest that trade liberalisation is not uniformly beneficial. Regional composition of trade flows and absorptive capacity of local firms matter. Trade liberalisation within the SEE region thus may not provide a substitute for a general trade liberalisation and access to the more competitive markets of OECd countries.
The Occurrence of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Mineral and Peat Soils in Peninsular Malaysia

The aims of this study are to isolate and identify Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) from mineral and peat soils in relation with the soil physico-chemical parameters. The mineral soil was sampled from the MPOB Research Station Hulu Paka in Terengganu, whereas peat soil was sampled from the MPOB Research Station Teluk Intan in Perak. Isolation of these fungi was carried out using a selective medium. Morphological characteristics of fungi were studied by observing the mycelium and conidia grown on agar plates using a light microscope. Soil physico-chemical parameters such as pH, water content, carbon and nitrogen content were also determined. Two species of EPF isolated from both types of soils were identified as Isaria amoenerosea and Metarhizium anisopliae. On potato dextrose agar, the colony of I. amoenerosea was pink in colour and slow growing with floccose mycelium which producing conidiophores with 3 to 4 phialides. The conidia were subglobose or irregular shapes between 2.0-3.0 µm long × 1.7-2.0 µm wide. The colony of M. anisopliae was whitish yellow and turned to dark green when matured; slow growing with floccose mycelium. The conidia were cylindrical with the dimension ranging from 6.0-7.0 µm long × 2.0-2.8 µm wide. The result shows that the occurrence of I. amoenerosea was more dominant than M. anisopliae. In mineral soil, out of 30 samples, I. amoenerosea was isolated from 25 soil samples (83%), while the M. anisopliae was only found in 15 samples (50%). In peat soil, out of 36 samples collected, 26 samples (72%) were found with I. amoenerosea, while the fungus M. anisopliae was isolated from eight samples (22%). In this study, the occurrence of EPF on mineral soil was higher than from peat soil, which was possibly due to low water content, high soil temperature and low C/N ratio.
Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies of (GeS2)100-x(SbSI)x glasses and composites on their basis

The structure and structural changes under the isothermal annealing of (GeS2)100-x(SbSI)x (0 ≤ x ≤ 90) glasses were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The nanoheterogeneous nature of these glasses structure has been revealed. The matrix of (GeS2)100-x(SbSI)x glasses is basically built just of binary GeS4, SbS3 and SbI3 structural groups and contains a small amount of molecular fragments with homopolar Ge Ge and S S bonds. The phase structure arising in the glass matrix at crystallization corresponds to the structure of crystalline SbSI.
Devolution as a Means for Self-governance: Its Potential for Poverty Reduction in Kenya

This study examined devolution which was introduced in Kenya at the beginning of 2013 with a view to establishing whether it was helping to reduce poverty as provided for in the Republic of Kenya Constitution (RoK, 2010). As is the case in other African countries, the majority of Kenyans are poor. We gathered data through desk reviews of relevant books, journal articles and reports and interviews with senior staff of Kakamega, Kisumu and Kajiado counties. It was evident that after abolishing Kenya's independence (1963) devolved constitution termed "Majimbo" and establishing a highly centralized governance system, Kenya implemented several deconcentration measures which included the District Focus for Rural Development, Rural Development Grants and Rural Works Program aimed at facilitating decision making and allocation and use of resources in communities. These various efforts did not lead to improvement in the country's poverty situation which stood at 56 per cent in the 1980s and 1990s. With the introduction of devolved funds such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATIF) in 2003, the poverty situation had reduced gradually to 46 per cent at present. We have also shown that devolution which was introduced recently with more decision-making powers and resources had potential to ensure further reduction of poverty, especially at the county and household levels.
Measuring growth opportunities

Although the impact of growth opportunities on company value has been recognized since Miller and Modigliani (1961), relatively little empirical work has been undertaken to value growth opportunities. In this study the validity of the KBM model (Kester (1984) and Brealey and Myers (1981)) is tested on a sample of 278 large UK companies for 1987–1995. Applying standard assumptions, the value of growth opportunities is found to account for a larger proportion of market values than assets-in-place. However, tests of the KBM model cast doubt on the credibility of these results and the validity of the model. The KBM model is highly sensitive to the inclusion of inflation in the risk free interest rate, and with a real interest rate (which on theoretical grounds is preferable), the model ceases to provide credible results. The model also fails to provide results consistent with expectations derived from option pricing theory regarding the relationship between the value of growth opportunities and the value of assets-in-place. These limitations of the KBM model indicate a need for a reappraisal of the method of measuring the value of growth opportunities.
How Symbols and Rituals Affect School Culture and Management

The aim of the study is to evaluate the directors, teachers, and servants in the pre, pri- mary, and secondary schools of the Near East University on their views about the functions of symbols, values, and rituals in developing school culture. This study was carried out in fall 2016–2017 academic year with 15 directors, 170 teachers, and 15 servants from the pre, primary, and secondary schools of the Near East University. In this research, a qualitative study was conducted, in which a case study design with a semi-structured interview technique was used to collect data through sampling, one of the objective sampling methods. A qualitative analysis technique based on the research questions for content analysis of the collected data was used. The majority of the participants empha- sized that the common values of the individuals at school, symbols, rituals, and traditions formed the bases of school culture. Although, in general, perceptions and views related to school culture are positive, there are arguments that school culture should be inte-grated deeper into education. It is commonly believed that, if worked in collaboration, symbols, values, and ritual functions will contribute a great deal to social—organiza-tional—and individual development.
Effects of Two Sensory Stimulation Models on Recovery in Adults with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Background and Aims: Literature from medical and health sciences indicated that sensory stimulation had a positive effect on traumatic brain injury patients. The present study was aimed to find out the effectiveness of a specific sensory stimulation (4 modalities) in comparison with another sensory stimulation (5 modalities) on recovery in comatose patients following severe traumatic brain injury. Methods: The study design was experimental, repeated measured with three groups. Two sensory stimulation models were compared with one control group. Forty-five participants with traumatic brain injury were recruited from surgical wards at Maharaj Nakhon Sri Thammarat Hospital, Thailand. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups, each group of 15 participants. Outcomes of the program were recovery determined by the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). Inter rater agreement of the CRS-R was 0.85. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, repeated measure analysis of variance, and post hoc comparison were used for data analysis. Results: All the patients were equally comparable regarding their baseline characteristics, and basic recovery determined by CRS-R. Recovery scores of the three groups were improved. However, those who received the sensory stimulation program (4 modalities) had significantly higher CRS-R scores (P<0.001) after 5 days when compared to the two other groups. Conclusion: The sensory stimulation therapy had positive effects on traumatic brain injury patients. Application of the program required few stimuli materials which could be stored at the patient’s bedside making them accessible to care providers. However, monitoring physiologic parameters should be done before, during and after the stimulation.
Regeneration and molecular analysis of date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) plantlets using RAPD markers

Clonal plants of date palm (Poenix dactylifera L.) were regenerated from juvenile leaves on regimes consisting of the use of 2,4-D. Success depended on the concentrations of 2,4-D tested. The cultures produced adventitious shoot buds directly at the basal part of leaves as well as excessive calli. Somaclonal variation in plantlets which can be induced by 2,4-D during recurrent somatic embryogenesis were tested by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles. Nine arbitrary 10- mer primers were used to amplify DNA from 180 plantlets. RAPD patterns of the plantlets were identical with the original plant mother, indicating that 2,4-D did not induce somaclonal variation that can be detected by the RAPD technique.
Osteology of the Late Cretaceous Alvarezsauroid Linhenykus monodactylus from China and Comments on Alvarezsauroid Biogeography

The alvarezsauroid theropod Linhenykus monodactylus from the Upper Cretaceous of Inner Mongolia, China is the first known monodactyl non-avian dinosaur, providing important information on the complex patterns of manual evolution seen in alvarezsauroids. Here we provide a detailed description of the osteology of this taxon. Linhenykus shows a number of features that are transitional between parvicursorine and non-parvicursorine alvarezsauroids, but detailed comparisons also reveal that some characters had a more complex distribution. We also use event-based tree-fitting to perform a quantitative analysis of alvarezsauroid biogeography incorporating several recently discovered taxa. The results suggest that there is no statistical support for previous biogeographic hypotheses that favour pure vicariance or pure dispersal scenarios as explanations for the distributions of alvarezsauroids across South America, North America and Asia. Instead, statistically significant biogeographic reconstructions suggest a dominant role for sympatric (or “within area”) events, combined with a mix of vicariance, dispersal and regional extinction. At present the alvarezsauroid data set is too small to completely resolve the biogeographic history of this group: future studies will need to create larger data sets that encompass additional clades.
How important is location in determining kiwifruit orchard returns

Between-orchard variation in approximated average gross revenue per hectare of 341 conventionally managed commercial ‘Hayward’ (HWCK) kiwifruit orchards was spatially modelled across Te Puke, the main production region of New Zealand, over six consecutive growing seasons (2003-2008). Variation between orchards in average gross revenue within seasons (of which spatial variation is a component) was greater than variation between seasons (~temporal variation). Within seasons there were spatial patterns to the distribution of approximated gross revenues per hectare between orchards. The temporal consistency of the spatial variation enabled segregation of the Te Puke growing region into three geographic zones which contained orchards that consistently earned distinctly different returns both within and across seasons. Despite the differences in orchard revenues between the geographic zones identified being statistically significant and the location of an orchard within the Te Puke growing region having an effect on orchard revenue, orchard location was not predictive of orchard revenue. Therefore it is concluded that the spatial component of between-orchard variation in revenue was exceeded by that of non-spatial site-to-site variation. This we attribute to differences in individual management practices between orchards. As orchard revenue is determined (in order of decreasing influence) by fruit numbers, fruit size and fruit dry matter content – the same hierarchy of responsiveness to orchard management practices – then it follows that orchard revenue is very open to manipulation by orchard management practices. Therefore geographic zonation between orchards should not be where the effort in managing variation in Hayward kiwifruit and/or land values is concentrated.
Eco-friendly management of Sclerotinia stem rot of mustard

India plays a vital role in global oilseed demand contributing about 12-13 percent of world oilseeds crop area, comprising of 6-7 percent of world oilseed output. Among oilseed crops, rapeseedmustard contributes 19.2 percent and 22.7 percent in area and production, respectively. These crops occupy an area of 6.85 million ha yielding 8.64 million tones with an average productivity of 1220 kg/ha (10). Amongst the diseases, stem rot caused by Sc/erotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is next only to Alternaria blight in importance. Stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was considered to be the disease of minor importance of rapeseed and mustard but due to newer agriculture technology and extensive cultivation of new susceptible varieties, the disease is appearing in epidemic form. The disease was observed in severe form in Gujarat during 1987-88 and 1988-89 causing losses up to 50 percent (6). Chauhan et al. (5) reported that stem rot of mustard caused yield loss up to 72 per cent in severe cases in Uttar Pradesh. Yield losses in susceptible crops due to stem rot may be as high as 100 percent (9).