Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Cold Tolerance during Seed Germination and Vegetative Growth in Tomato: Germplasm Evaluation

Cold tolerance (CT) of 31 tomato accessions (cultivars, breeding lines, and plant introductions) representing six Lycopersicon L. sp. was evaluated during seed germination and vegetative growth. Seed germination was evaluated under temperature regimes of 11 ± 0.5 °C (cold stress) and 20 ± 0.5 °C (control) in petri plates containing 0.8% agar medium and maintained in darkness. Cold tolerance during seed germination was defined as the inverse of the ratio of germination time under cold stress to germination time under control conditions and referred to as germination tolerance index (TI G). Across accessions, TIG ranged from 0.15 to 0.48 indicating the presence of genotypic variation for CT during germination. Vegetative growth was evaluated in growth chambers with 12 h days/12 h nights of 12/5 °C (cold stress) and 25/18 °C (control) with a 12 h photoperiod of 350 mmol.m -2 . s -1 (photosynthetic photon flux). Cold tolerance during vegetative growth was defined as the ratio of shoot dry weight (DW) under cold stress (DW S) to shoot DW under control (DWC) conditions and referred to as vegetative growth tolerance index (TI VG). Across accessions, TI VG ranged from 0.12 to 0.39 indicating the presence of genotypic variation for CT during vegetative growth. Cold tolerance during vegetative growth was independent of plant vigor, as judged by the absence of a significant correlation ( r = 0.14, P > 0.05) between TIVG and DWC. Furthermore, CT during vegetative growth was independent of CT during seed germination, as judged by the absence of a significant rank correlation (rR = 0.14, P > 0.05) between TIVG and TIG. A few accessions, however, were identified with CT during both seed germination and vegetative growth. Results indicate that for CT breeding in tomato, each stage of plant development may have to be evaluated and selected for separately.
Increasing the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum for nutrient uptake and control of red rot in sugarcane

The application of Trichoderma multiplied culture (TMC) of T. harzianum strain Th 37 @ 20 kg/ha on the stubbles at the ratoon initiation stage increased the availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) by 27, 65 and 44%, respectively. Availability of some of the micronutrients viz., Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were also enhanced, respectively by 6, 100, 79 and 66%. There was a considerable increase in organic carbon (55%) with concomitant decrease in soil pH (6%). There was significant difference in nutrient uptake between highly red rot susceptible variety (CoLk 7710) and moderately resistant variety (CoS 96268). The increase of N uptake was more in susceptible CoLk 7701 (69%) where as the uptake was only 45% in moderately resistant CoS 96268. P uptake increased by 96% in CoLk 7701 and 69% in CoS 96268. K uptake increased 128% over control of CoLk 7701 and 59% in CoS 96268. The level of protection against red rot increased up to 78% in combination with TMC + salicylic acid (SA) and 86% with metabolites + SA where as the protection was 60 and 71%, respectively with TMC and metabolites. Application of TMC + SA resulted in significant growth promotion through improvement in ratoon initiation (15%), number of tillers (8%), cane height (5%), girth (4%), number of internode (8%), length of internode (2%), single cane weight (5%) and number of millable cane (4%) which was reflected in the improvement in average yield by 23%.
Minimally invasive proximal cavities restored with a hybrid, flowable and low-shrinking composite: effect of marginal ridge preservation on failure pattern

Objectives: The present study assessed the restorative potential of silorane, flowable or hybrid-based composite resin for the ultraconservative occlusal fossa technique. Materials and methods: Thirty-two intact human molars received in the proximal ridge a 1x2x4 mm size occlusal cavity leaving the enamel ridge intact. The bur was then tilted at 30° alongside enamel ridge to simulate a typical carious cavity. After enamel etching and application of adhesive system, cavities were filled with three composites and then, a 0.8 mm diameter hole was prepared beneath the proximal contact area to simulate an incipient enamel carious lesion. Restored molars were submitted to mechanical loading. The adhesive interfaces before and after loading were evaluated with SEM. The fracture test was performed on fatigued molars and maximum breaking loads were recorded. Results: The hybrid and silorane composites showed, after the fatigue test, higher percentages of continuous margins (81±12 and 75±17, respectively) in comparison to flowable material (53±24). Similar fracture resistance was recorded by the three composite types, but significantly lower than the fracture resistance of the non-restored group. Nevertheless, a trend to a ductile behaviour, i.e. better capacity for elastic deformation, was observed in the group restored with the hybrid composite. Conclusions: Minimally invasive occlusal restorations with marginal ridge preservation and simulated proximal decay can be efficiently restored with hybrid and low shrinking composites. The flowable composite might not be indicated in this cavity type, in view of the marginal degradation observed after the fatigue test.
Vision-Based Goal-Conditioned Policies for Underwater Navigation in the Presence of Obstacles

We present Nav2Goal, a data-efficient and end-to-end learning method for goal-conditioned visual navigation. Our technique is used to train a navigation policy that enables a robot to navigate close to sparse geographic waypoints provided by a user without any prior map, all while avoiding obstacles and choosing paths that cover user-informed regions of interest. Our approach is based on recent advances in conditional imitation learning. General-purpose, safe and informative actions are demonstrated by a human expert. The learned policy is subsequently extended to be goal-conditioned by training with hindsight relabelling, guided by the robot's relative localization system, which requires no additional manual annotation. We deployed our method on an underwater vehicle in the open ocean to collect scientifically relevant data of coral reefs, which allowed our robot to operate safely and autonomously, even at very close proximity to the coral. Our field deployments have demonstrated over a kilometer of autonomous visual navigation, where the robot reaches on the order of 40 waypoints, while collecting scientifically relevant data. This is done while travelling within 0.5 m altitude from sensitive corals and exhibiting significant learned agility to overcome turbulent ocean conditions and to actively avoid collisions.
EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM NITRATE SPRAYING ON FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘MALAS YAZDI’ POMEGRANATE

The present research was carried out to investigate the effects of potassium nitrate on pomegranate fruit quality. Treatments were: 1) control, distilled water was used; 2) potassium nitrate 250 mg L-1 plus Tween-20 and 3) potassium nitrate 500 mg L-1 plus Tween-20. All treatments were sprayed on fruits with a diameter of 30 mm. Juice, peel, seed characters, and fruit quality components were evaluated when fruits were harvested. Results indicated that 250 mg L-1 potassium treatment increased juice volume and weight compared with the control and the 500 mg L-1 K treatments. As the potassium nitrate level increased, aril length and diameter decreased. Although there was not a significant difference among treatments on titrable acidity and pH contents of fruits, the highest total soluble solids and vitamin C were obtained in the 250 mg L-1 potassium nitrate treatment when compared with the others. These findings show that applied potassium nitrate significantly influences fruit quality of pomegranate when fruit are in the beginning stages of growth and development.
Turning up the heat on the provenance debate: Testing the ‘local is best’ paradigm under heatwave conditions

A key aspect of successful restoration projects is the sourcing of propagation material suited to the environmental and biotic conditions of the proposed planting site. Traditionally, the use of propagules collected locally has been advocated for revegetation on the assumption that this material is better adapted to local conditions. A rapidly changing climate, however, is challenging the assumption that the use of local genetic stock will provide the best restoration outcome in the long term. We tested the 'local is best' paradigm using open top chambers to simulate the predicted summer temperatures for 2050 in western Sydney, Australia.We compared the establishment success of Eucalyptus tereticornis and Themeda australis, dominant species in Cumberland Plain Woodland, grown from local versus non-local seed. All plants survived an exceptional summer heatwave and few differences between temperature treatments were found. No evidence of local superiority was found for survival or growth of non-reproductive tissues of either species. However, local provenance plants of E. tereticornis suffered significantly greater herbivory in the ambient temperature treatment than one non-local provenance, and local provenance plants of T. australis demonstrated significant superiority to most non-local provenances in all catego- ries of reproductive growth. For both species, the provenances from warmer climates demonstrated comparable, and often better, growth performance than the local provenance plants.
Effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens (IISR-6) and Trichoderma harzianum (P-26) on growth of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in the nursery

Experiments conducted to study the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens (IISR-6) and Trichoderma harzinaum (P-26) on growth of black pepper (Piper nigrum) rooted cuttings in the nursery indicated that maximum height and leaf area of cuttings were obtained with application of P. fluorescens thrice, which was on par with raising cuttings in T. harzianum applied potting mixture and application of P. fluorescens thrice. Number of roots and biomass production were higher with combined application of P. fluorescens (thrice) and T. harzianum which was on par with application of P. fluorescens thrice.
Population Genetics and Evaluation of Genetic Evidence for Subspecies in the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)

Abstract. Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) are among the most common North American shorebirds. Breeding in Arctic North America, this species displays regional differences in migratory pathways and possesses longitudinal bill length variation. Previous investigations suggested that genetic structure may occur within Semipalmated Sandpipers and that three subspecies corresponding to western, central, and eastern breeding groups exist. In this study, mitochondrial control region sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci were used to analyze DNA of birds (microsatellites: n = 120; mtDNA: n = 114) sampled from seven North American locations. Analyses designed to quantify genetic structure and diversity patterns, evaluate genetic evidence for population size changes, and determine if genetic data support the existence of Semipalmated Sandpiper subspecies were performed. Genetic structure based only on the mtDNA data was observed, whereas the microsatellite loci provided no evidence of genetic differentiation. Differentiation among locations and regions reflected allele frequency differences rather than separate phylogenetic groups, and similar levels of genetic diversity were noted. Combined, the two data sets provided no evidence to support the existence of subspecies and were not useful for determining migratory connectivity between breeding sites and wintering grounds. Birds from western and central groups displayed signatures of population expansions, whereas the eastern group was more consistent with a stable overall population. Results of this analysis suggest that the eastern group was the source of individuals that colonized the central and western regions currently utilized by Semipalmated Sandpipers.
Do Black Bears Respond to Military Weapons Training?

Abstract The primary function of military training areas is to support military missions; however, management of natural resources that is compatible with that function has become a focal issue on many military installations. We investigated the relationship between black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat use and weapons-firing exercises at 3 spatial scales on the western portion of U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune), North Carolina. In 2000 and 2001, we collected 1,494 telemetry locations for 14 bears (6 males, 8 females). We used spatial contours of human auditory disturbance levels based on the noise generated from firing activities to establish high-, medium-, and low-disturbance noise zones for each firing range. We used the multinomial logit form of discrete choice analysis to examine whether bears exhibited a spatial (i.e., general avoidance of areas associated with military activity) or temporal response (i.e., avoidance of military training areas but only when firing exercises occurred). Except for small areas near the firing positions, differences in bear use among the 3 noise zone areas was mostly a function of the prevalence of selected vegetation types and not a response to military activity. Our temporal analysis further suggested that bears did not respond to weapons exercises; the distance of bears to the nearest high-disturbance noise zone was not associated with the occurrence of weapons exercises.
The influence of nitrogen fertilisation and soil pH on the dry matter yield and forage quality of Pennisetum purpureum and P. purpureum × P. glaucum hybrids

The influence of soil acidity and nitrogen fertilisation on the DM yield of Pennisetum purpureum (napier grass) and two Pennisetum hybrids, known as Bana and Green-gold, was investigated on the Hatfield Experimental Farm of the University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. The pH(H 2 O) of top soil on the experimental site was 4.2. Two other pH levels (5.6 and 6.5) were created by applying different rates of Ca(OH) 2 . Four levels of N fertilisation (0, 100, 200 and 400 kg/ha) were compared using 3 replications per treatment combination. The results indicated that napier grass was not well adapted to the site, but both hybrids were persistent and droughtresistant and compared favourably with other pasture grasses adapted to this region. None of the pastures in this trial was sensitive to acidity in the top soil. The optimum level of N application was 150 kg/ha/yr, similar to that for other subtropical grass pastures in the region.
Relationship Governance Dynamics: The Roles of Partner Selection Efforts and Mutual Investments

The article studies interfirm governance in the context of supplier–reseller relationships. Using a longitudinal study, the authors examine the roles of supplier selection efforts and mutual specific investments with respect to (1) motivating a supplier to make incremental investments and (2) safeguarding these investments from supplier ex post transaction costs. The authors also examine the joint effects of selection efforts and mutual investments on supplier ex post transaction costs. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest guidelines for channel strategy. Theoretically, they provide new insights into relationship dynamics, including evidence regarding the effects of a firm’s governance choices over time.
Investigation on the microbial profile of canned foods

A total of thirty (30) canned food samples comprising of six samples each of Sardines, Milk, Tomatoes, Meat and mixed vegetables were randomly collected from super stores, kiosks and local markets. All samples are within expiry date, none of which is bloated, leaking and/or physically damaged. Samples were analyzed by standard methods for total plate counts (aerobic and anaerobic incubations), and for spoilage, pathogenic and coliform organisms. The total aerobic plate count ranges from < 10cfu/g to 1.4x103 cfu/g. Anaerobic plate count ranges from < 10cfu/g to 1.0 x 102. Bacillus subtilis, B. coagulans, B. cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. sporogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp and S. epidermides were isolated from some of the samples. The need for effective HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) is recommended to prevent under processing, pre-process and post-process contaminations, inadequate cooling, contamination from leakage through seams and pre-process spoilage
A comparative analysis of oil content and fatty acid in different varieties of Arachis hypogaea L. from Turkey

The aim of the study is to investigate the composition of the oil content and the fatty acids in different varieties (i.e. NC-7, Batem-5025, Osmaniye-2005, Sultan, and Halisbey) of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in the province of Osmaniye in Turkey. Batem-5025 provided the greatest percentage of oil with 50.30%. Higher concentrations in oil specimens were found for oleic and linoleic acids. The fatty acids in the all varieties were oleic (51.32-62.43%), linoleic (18.27-27.54%), palmitic (8.35-9.69%), stearic (2.64-3.36%), behenic (2.56-2.85%), arachidic (1.43-1.62%), and lignoceric (1.15-1.53%) acids listed in order of concentration. The saturated fatty acids were observed to be far less than the unsaturated ones (80.07-81.88%) in any of the varieties. The varieties of NC-7 and Osmaniye-2005 had oleic and linoleic acids at the highest concentration and stearic and palmitic acids at the lowest, respectively. NC-7 showed the best oleic-to-linoleic (O/L) ratio with 3.41.
Influence of cyanobacteria blooms on sediment biogeochemistry and nutrient fluxes

To explore the influence of cyanobacteria blooms on internal nutrient loading and sediment biogeochemistry, we conducted a 3 yr (2008–2010) field investigation in the upper Sassafras River, a shallow tidal freshwater tributary of Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. During 2010 a dense diazotrophic cyanobacteria bloom was accompanied by abnormally high pH (9.0–10.5) and supersaturated oxygen throughout the summer. With the persistence of high pH in the water column and organic matter inputs from sedimented phytoplankton detritus, flux rates of NH+4 and soluble reactive phosphate were significantly higher during the summer of the bloom year than the same period in nonbloom years. Although low summer N2‐N flux rates generally coincided with reduced water‐column NO−3 concentrations, the efficiency of nitrification was constrained by elevated pH that converted NH+4 to more toxic NH3. Denitrification was subsequently limited by nitrate supply, elevated pH, and the deepening of the oxic layer in the sediment. During blooms, we observed increases in bioavailable nutrient release from the sediment, coupled with decreases in inorganic N : P flux ratios and inhibition of N2 loss from the ecosystem. These changes in sediment nutrient recycling created positive feedbacks that may have fueled the prolonged blooms and selectively fostered growth of diazotrophic cyanobacteria.
Lateral target strength of Antarctic krill

An area of high krill (Euphausia superba Dana) density was continuously monitored with down-looking and side-looking sonars over a period of 24 h. Measurements of volume backscattering strength were used to describe the density of krill with depth and the vertical movement of krill over time. In situ measurements were made of dorsal aspect target strength (TS) and, as krill moved into the near-surface layer (0-15 m), in situ measurements were made of lateral-aspect TS. The probability density function (PDF) of TS measurements made with the down-looking transducer had a mode at approximately −73 dB. The PDF of TS measurements made with the side-looking transducer was broader with a mode at approximately −67 dB. Sampled krill had a bi-modal length distribution with a major mode at 44 mm and a minor mode at approximately 30 mm.
Size at maturity in the mud spiny lobster Panulirus polyphagus (Herbst, 1793)

The size at sexual maturity of the mud spiny lobster Panulirus polyphagus was estimated by assessing the sizes at which the animals become morphologically, physiologically and functionally mature, from samples collected from the wild along the Saurashtra coast. The size at physiological maturity was assessed from the condition of the gonad and its stage of development. The size at morphological maturity was assessed by following the development of external indices of maturity. Change in the length of the penile process in relation to the carapace length (CL) was also studied in males. Linear plots of the somatic lengths against the carapace lengths in size groups 50 mm CL were used to assess changes in growth patterns from juvenile phase to sub-adult and adult phases. Comparisons were also made between growth patterns of males and females. The size at functional or physical maturity was assessed from the frequency distribution of males and females with respect to specialised structures which ensure the mating and propagative capabilities of the animals, namely, decalcified windows on the ventral side, well developed setal brush on the dactylii of the fifth pair of walking legs and ovigerous condition in females and penile process in males. Observations made in the study indicated that the size at onset of sexual maturity can be traced to 51–55 mm CL for males and 51–60 mm CL for females. The critical maturation phase extends between 56 and 65 mm CL for males and between 66 and 75 mm CL for females.
Incubation under fluctuating temperatures reduces mean base water potential for seed germination in several non-cultivated species

Seeds of Carduus acanthoides, Cynara cardunculus, Cirsium vulgare, Brassica campestris, and Sisymbrium altissimum were incubated at a range of decreasing osmotic potentials (Ψo) under fluctuating temperatures or the median temperature of the fluctuation cycle. Fluctuating temperatures promoted total seed germination in water and at reduced osmotic potential. Total germination was reduced as the Ψo decreased. However, this trend was smallest under fluctuating temperatures, signalling a higher tolerance of seeds to reduced osmotic potential. Effects of osmoticum and temperature were modelled with the hydrotime model. The parameters estimated from the model, the hydrotime constant (θH), the mean base water potential Ψb(50) and its standard deviation (σΨb) gave good descriptions of germination time courses. For all species, incubation under fluctuating temperatures shifted Ψb(50) values downwards without modifying their distribution substantially. This accounted for the greater tolerance of germination to reduced Ψo under fluctuating temperatures. To confirm that these effects were mediated by temperature fluctuations per se, the behaviour of C. acanthoides and C. cardunculus incubated at the minimum, the mean and the maximum temperature of the fluctuation cycle was also analysed. Constant maximum and minimum temperatures of the cycle did not stimulate germination, nor did they shift Ψb(50) towards more negative values. The hydrotime model provides a physiologically based quantitative description for germination promotion due to fluctuating temperature.
Histology of organogenesis from callus cultures of black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.)

A histological study of the indirect organogenesis from leaf cultures of black pepper was carried out. The undifferentiated cells of callus were found to differentiate into vascular nodules called meristemoids, which then develop into xylem elements, especially tracheids. On culturing in the shooting medium, these nodules differ- entiated into shoot apical meristem. This adventitious origin provides chances for variability.