Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leaf and soil nutrient status of mango (Mangifera indica L.) grown in peninsular India and their relationship with yield.

In the mango orchards, surveyed in three states of peninsular India, year-wise and orchard to orchard variation in soil and leaf nutrients were observed. Leaf N varied significantly between the high and low yielding orchards. Leaf N, P and K contents were above the critical limits in both high and low yielding orchards. However, high yielding orchards were having higher leaf N, P and K contents. Fruit yield had significant correlation with leaf N before and during flowering, leaf P after harvest, leaf K before flowering, soil N at pea stage, and soil K before flowering, during flowering and at pea stage of fruits. The results indicated the importance of nitrogen and potassium nutrition in enhancing the productivity of mango orchards. Linear and multiple regression equations specified the yield variations accounted far by the leaf and soil nutrients. Leaf nutrient status explained the yield variations better than soil nutrient content.
Computer simulation studies of minerals

Applications of state-of-the-art computer simulations to important Earthand rock-forming minerals (Al2SiO5 polymorphs, albite (NaAlSi3O8), and MgSiO3 perovskite) are described. Detailed introductions to equations of state and elasticity, phase transitions, computer simulations, and geophysical background are given. A new general classification of phase transitions is proposed, providing a natural framework for discussion of structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic aspects of phase transitions. The concept of critical bond distances is introduced. For Si-O bonds this critical distance is 2.25 Å. Using atomistic simulations, anomalous Al-Si antiordering in albite is explained. A first-order isosymmetric transition associated with a change in the ordering scheme is predicted at high pressures. A quantum-mechanical study is presented for the Al2SiO5 polymorphs: kyanite, andalusite, sillimanite, and hypothetical pseudobrookite-like and V3O5-like phases (the latter phase was believed to be the main Al mineral of the lower mantle). It is shown that above 11 GPa all the Al2SiO5 phases break down into the mixture of oxides: corundum (Al2O3) and stishovite (SiO2). Atomisation energies, crystal structures and equations of state of all the Al2SiO5 polymorphs, corundum, stishovite, quartz (SiO2) have been determined. Metastable pressure-induced transitions in sillimanite and andalusite are predicted at ~30-50 GPa and analysed in terms of structural changes and lattice dynamics. Sillimanite (Pbnm) transforms into incommensurate and isosymmetric (Pbnm) phases; andalusite undergoes pressureinduced amorphisation. Accurate quantum-mechanical thermal equation of state is obtained for MgSiO3 perovskite, the main Earth-forming mineral. Results imply that a pure-perovskite mantle is unlikely. I show that MgSiO3 perovskite is not a Debye-like solid, contrary to a common assumption. First ever ab initio molecular dynamics calculations of elastic constants at finite temperatures are performed for MgSiO3 perovskite. These for the first time allowed a physically sound interpretation of seismic tomography maps in terms of the temperature distribution in the lower mantle of the Earth.
Development of measuring equipment and measurement of entrapping time for conger eel tube fishery in Tokyo Bay

Development of measuring equipment and measurement of entrapping time for conger eel tube ˆshery in Tokyo Bay TAKAHISA YOSHIDA,1 KEIICHI UCHIDA,2YOSHINORI MIYAMOTO,2 TAKASHI NANBA1 AND TOSHIHARU KAKIHARA2 1Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato, Tokyo 1088477, 2Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato, Tokyo 1088477, Japan
Distribution of free L-histidine and its related compounds in marine fishes.

By high-performance liquid chromatography the distribution of L-histidine, carnosine, anserine, and balenine was examined in the white and red muscles of nine species of marine fishes. The L-histidine contents of white muscle were 15.8-92. 8μmol/g in dark-fleshed fishes, 0.0734-0. 931μmolg in white-fleshed fishes, and 4.06-20. 3μmol/g in intermediate fishes. The L-histidien contents fo red muscle were lower than that of white muscle. Balenine as well as 1-and 3-methy ? -L-histidine was detected only in a trace amount in a few species. In contrast, carnosine and anserine were found in the white and red muscles of almost all species, in which skipjack white muscle showed the highest contents of 2.46-5. 57μmol/g (carnosine) and 7.69-21. 2μmol/g (anserine). In skipjack tuan, L-histidine, carnosine, and anserine were distributed at somewhat higher levels in dorsal white muscle than in ventral muscle. The level of each compound differed significantly among the anterior, middle, and posterior portions of skipjack red muscle. In skipjack tuna, L-histidine was also detected in other tissues, such as intestine, stomach, pyloric caecum, with the highest level of 20. 9μmol/g in pyloric caecum. Carnosine and anserine were also present in these tissues, but in smaller amounts.
Life history of the blue-green sharpshooter, Neokolla circellata

The female deposits a single egg in a slitlike egg chamber cut in the petiole or midrib of grapevine leaves. The egg period varies from 12 to 22 days during the spring in the greenhouse. Nymphs pass through 4 to 6 molts. The average duration of the nymphal stages was 46 to 53 days on grapevines, 58 to 66 days on common alfalfa. Under natural conditions the adults acquire the winged stage during the summer, winter over, and die in the spring. At Berkeley there is usually only one generation a year, but a partial second generation may occur.
Effects of Water Stress and Simulated Grazing on Leaf Elongation and Water Relations of an East African Grass, Eustachys paspaloides

Eustachys paspaloides was studied under conditions of water stress and simulated grazing (clipping) in the laboratory. Leaf and soil water potentials and leaf elongation rate (LER) were monitored during a 41-day drying period, and following rewatering. Water relations characteristics of tillers were derived from pressure-volume curves during the drought and recovery periods. Water stress developed more slowly in clipped than in unclipped plants; predawn water potentials declined at mean rates of 0.13 and 0.38 MPa day-1 in clipped and unclipped plants, respectively. Consequently, leaf elongation of clipped plants continued approximately a week longer during the drying period than when plants were not clipped. Following rewatering, LER increased from zero to steady levels over 4 days. Osmotic adjustment due to solute accumulation occurred in tillers of water-stressed plants. The difference in solute potential at full turgor between well-watered and stressed plants was 0.29 and 0.20 MPa for clipped and unclipped plants, respectively. The delay in permanent wilting afforded by lowered osmotic potential was about 1 day, indicating that osmotic adjustment is not a mechanism for reducing the effect of water stress on growth during long-term drought in Eustachys. However, osmotic adjustment may be an acclimation response to short-term drought during the growing season, and may aid in survival during the long dry season by limiting dehydration of the growing points.
Role of Silver Nitrate on in Vitro Flowering and Shoot Regeneration of Solanum nigrum (L.)—An Important Multipurpose Medicinal Plant

Silver nitrate induced MS media enhanced multiple shoot regeneration and in vitro flowering from axillary bud and leaf explants of Solanum nigrum (L.) an important antiulcer medicinal plant. Healthy axillary bud and leaf explants were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with BAP/Kn (1.0 - 2.0 mg/l) in combination with IAA/NAA (0.5 mg/l) and AgNO3 (0.1 - 1.0 mg/l). The explants were responded effectively and good regeneration frequencies were observed in all the combinations of silver nitrate tested when compared to control. Maximum number of multiple shoots (34.3) was found in leaf explants cultured on MS media supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/l), NAA (0.5 mg/l) and AgNO3 (0.4 mg/l). These regenerated shoots were sub-cultured on to the flowering media. Maximum number of in vitro flowers (12) was obtained from axillary bud explants in BAP (2.0 mg/l), Kn (1.0 mg/l), IAA (0.5 mg/l) and AgNO3 (6.0 mg/l) supplemented media when compared to leaf (4) and control. All the in vitro raised shoots were transferred to rooting medium supplemented with NAA, IBA (1.0 - 2.0 mg/l) and AgNO3 (0.1 - 0.6 mg/l). The best rooting response (24.6) was observed in 2.0 mg/l IBA + 0.4 mg/l AgNO3. The well rooted plantlets were transferred to polybags containing soil + vermiculate in 1:1 ratio for hardening and finally the hardened plantlets were transferred to field conditions.
BREEDING BIOLOGY OF HEERMANN'S GULLS ON ISLA RASA, GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

During 1980 and 1981, I studied nest-site selection and reproductive success in Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, Mexico. About 95% of the world population of this species nests on Isla Rasa. In 1980, about 130,240 nests were present within an area of 0.8 km 2. In the Midriff Island Region (which includes Isla Rasa), oceanic productivity is high even during E1 Nifio events because of tidal upwelling. My results indicate that the Heermann's Gull is characterized by high nesting density (up to 110 nests per 100 m 2) and high nesting synchrony. Massive synchronized communal flights to nesting areas occurred every evening during several weeks prior to egg laying. Nesting density in valleys (71 per 100 m ) was higher than on rocky hills (9.5 per 100 m2). Clutch size was higher in valleys in 1981 than in 1980 and was lowest on rocky substrates on hills. Hatch- ing success was independent of clutch size but varied with substrate and year. Fledging suc- cess among broods was independent of hatching order. Fledging success and reproductive success (i.e. the number of chicks fledged/number of eggs laid) were higher in valleys in 1981 and were lowest on rocky hills in 1980, and reproductive success was significantly high- er for three-egg clutches than for one-egg clutches. The observed patterns of reproductive performance may be correlated with annual variation in food abundance and with exposure to predators in different nesting habitats and among different nesting densities. Received 2 December 1996, accepted 30 October 1998.
Effect of acidic electrolyzed water on the microbial counts in shredded vegetables. (Part II). Pretreatment effect of alkaline electrolyzed water.

強酸性電解水によるカット野菜(キャベツ,レタスおよびキュウリ)の殺菌において,強アルカリ性電解水を前洗浄に用いた場合の影響について検討した結果,以下の知見が得られた. (1) キャベツおよびレタスを対象にした場合,強酸性電解水による殺菌が1分間のときには,強アルカリ性電解水で前洗浄することによって強酸性電解水による単独5分間の殺菌効果と同等以上の効果が示された. このことから強アルカリ性電解水の利用により処理時間の短縮が可能であることが示唆された. (2) カットキャベッおよびカットキュウリを対象にした場合,強酸性電解水による殺菌において,強アルカリ性電解水などで前洗浄をすることにより,殺菌時の強酸性電解水の性能低下(ORP,ACCの低下)を抑制することが示された.
Production and Location of Xylanolytic Enzymes in Alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. K-1

The production and location of xylanolytic enzymes in alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. K-1, isolated from the wastewater treatment plant of the pulp and paper industry, was studied. When grown in alkaline xylan medium, the bacteria produced xylanolytic enzymes such as xylanase, β-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and acetyl esterase. Two types of xylanases (23 and 45 kDa) were found to be extracellular, but another type of xylanase (35 and/or 40 kDa) was detected as pellet-bound that was eluted with 2% triethylamine from the residual xylan of the culture. The xylanases were different in their molecular weight and xylan-binding ability. Arabinofuranosidase and β-xylosidase were found to be intracellular and extracellular, respectively, and acetyl esterase was found to be extracellular. The extracellular xylanolytic enzymes effectively hydrolyzed insoluble xylan, lignocellulosic materials, and xylans in kraft pulps.
An EOQ model for items with Weibull distributed deterioration, shortages and power demand pattern

An inventory model is considered in which inventory is depleted not only by the deterministic ( or probabilistic ) demand, but also by deterioration. Hence, we derive the EOQ model for inventory of item that deteriorates at a Weibull distributed rate, assuming the demand rate with a power function of times. Moreover, the proposed deterministic ( or probabilistic ) model cannot be solved directly in a closed form, thus we used the computer software IMSL MATH/LIBRARY (1989) to find the optimal reorder time ( or the optimal initial expected stock ). Finally, three numerical examples and sensitivity analyses are provided to assess the solution procedure for the deterministic inventory model.
Learning-Driven Product Cycles, New Product Adoption and North-South Inequality

This paper examines how key product-cycle parameters, such as the ease of new product adoption and the pace of product obsolescence, influence North-South wage inequality and the trade pattern. An innovative feature of the paper is in modeling the interaction between endogenous Northern product innovation and endogenous production transfers to South with industry specific learning, cross-industry learning spillovers, and product obsolescence. Greater difficulty in adopting new products raises wage inequality while lowering Northern innovation and Southern learning rates. Slowing the pace of product obsolescence reduces wage inequality in the short run, but does the opposite in the long run.
A preliminary investigation of the feeding ecology of skates (Batoidea: Rajidae) off the west coast of southern Africa

The diets of 14 species of skates (Rajiformes: Rajidae) collected along the coast of South-Western Africa between Walvis Bay and Cape Agulhas over a depth range of 50–1 016 m were analysed. Two distinct communities of skates could be recognized on the basis of depth zonation, the boundary between these communities being at approximately 380 m water depth. These two skate communities have similar species components: the so-called biscuit skate community (the shallow one) has two crustacean specialists (Cruriraja parcomaculata, Raja wallacei), one fish specialist (R. alba) and two generalists (R. pullopunctata, R. cf. clavata); the so-named grey skate community has two crustacean specialists (Raja caudaspinosa, R. confundens) and two generalists (Bathyraja smithii, R. leopardus). The grey skate community appears to be a more complex and dynamic assemblage with higher diversity (at least 13 species) than the biscuit skate community (five species). In both communities the most common prey items were crustacea.
Effects of the Protein Level and Energy Concentration of Concentrated Diets on the Diets Digestibility of Sub-adult Giant Pandas

The significance of the effects of the protein level(Crude protein,CP) and energy concentration(Gross energy,GE) of concentrated diets on the diets′ digestibility for two sub-adult giant pandas were studied by grouping according to two intersecting factors(2CP×2GE). "The results indicated that the CP level of concentrated diets produced significant effect on the digestibility of CP,hemi-cellulose and GE of the diests (P￡005),and extremely significant effect on that of crude fat(P￡001)(the correlation coefficients were 0.7830,0.7618 ,0.5504,0.6723,respectively). The GE concentration produced significant effect on the digestibility of nitrogen free effusion(NFE),neutral detergent fibe(NDF) and GE of the diets (P￡005),and extremely significant effect on that of crude fat(P￡001)(the correlation coefficients were 0.5569,0.6047,0.5052,0.7411,respectively). The interacting effect of the two studied factors was significant on the digestibility of NFE,NDF and GE(P￡005)a For the digestibilities of crude fat,hemi-cellulose for Trial 1-4 and crude fat,hemi-cellulose,NDF,cellulose and GE for Trial 1-5,the linear regression of digestibility and the two assessed factors was significant(α=005)(among them,for crude fat of Trial 1-4 and crude fat and hemi-cellulose of Trial 1-5,the regression was extremely significant(α=001)a By comparing every kind of digestibility of the diets (using LSR method) between different trials,the obvious conclusion could be drawn that Formula 1 (CP 2×GE 2,ie. CP 20.61%×GE 19.53 MJ/kg) was the optimum formula,because all digestibilities of Trial 1,except for that of lignin,were the highest among the five trials.
Lean thinking and the delivery of sustainable construction projects

The construction industry is affected by factors that are forcing change. The demand for ‘sustainable’ construction was brought to the forefront by the adoption of the Kyoto protocol and the Brundtland report, both of which force an appraisal of the energy efficiency and sustainability of materials selected for use within buildings. Moreover, the demand for competence, as outlined in the Egan Report with its focus on progress in the areas of time, cost and quality of the construction process, is pushing the building industry towards the use of lean construction techniques. The main objectives of this research are to develop a methodology that links the principles of sustainable construction together with the principles of lean thinking into one strategic approach to the control of waste in the construction process. The extent to which sustainability and lean thinking are mutually exclusive is explored in this paper. Then, the possibility of merging lean thinking and sustainability to the benefit of productivity in construction projects is introduced.
Is there a relationship between α-linolenic acid and prostate cancer?

A number of studies have suggested there is a positive association between diet or plasma α-linolenic acid levels and the incidence of prostate cancer (1, 2), however other studies have not supported this association (3, 4). The lack of consistency in findings from these studies might be due to a number of reasons including methodological limitations related to measurement error in estimating past dietary exposure of a nutrient like α-linolenic acid from food frequency questionnaires, measurement of α-linolenic acid levels in plasma which might not represent long-term dietary intake, the assumption that α-linolenic acid levels in plasma is representative of α-linolenic acid levels in the prostate tissue, and the sample size of the studies which might have been too small in some studies. To shed light on the relationship between fatty acid exposure and the invasiveness and metastatic potential of prostate cancer, one study (4) examined prostatic levels of individual fatty acids in relation to histopathological characteristics of cancer in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for localised disease. The results of the study showed that prostatic α-linolenic acid levels tended to be lower in cases than in control subjects with significantly lower levels when tumours extended to an anatomical or surgical margin. Measuring prostatic levels of fatty acids, as in this study, offers advantages over self-reported usual dietary intake, since it provides an estimate of exposure at the target organ level, where the concentrations likely reflect long-term dietary intake. We have been investigating the effect of α-linolenic acid and other fatty acids on the growth of PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. Concentrations of fatty acids tested ranged between 10-200 μg/mL. Cells were plated out at a density of 104/100 μl/well in a 96-well plate and allowed and overnight period for attachment. Different concentrations of fatty acids were then added in parallel and incubated for 24, 48, or 72 hours in a 370C and 5% CO2 incubator. Effects of fatty acids on cells was determined using a colorimetric MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolinm bromide) assay. The results showed that α-linolenic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as DHA and EPA significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the growth rate of the tumour cells at the high concentrations. Current studies are looking at mechanisms of fatty acids effects on tumour cells which might include fatty acid peroxidation, where spontaneous oxidation of PUFA yields reactive aldehydes and other products of lipid peroxidation that are potentially toxic to cells and may also signal apoptosis. Also fatty acids can exert their effect by interfering with the lipoxygenase enzyme activity. The present results indicate that PUFA, including ALA, are effective at reducing the growth of PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines However, mechanisms of action are not yet understood and require further investigation.
Exploring the Role of E-Servicescape Dimensions on Customer Online Shopping: A Stimulus-Organism-Response Paradigm

With limited empirical evidence and an incomplete understanding of e-servicescape environment, its effects on e-commerce websites still needs to be explored. Hence, the study understands and assesses the effects of e-servicescape environment on customer purchase behavior, considering the moderating role of gender. The stimulus-organism-response framework was adapted to formulate a conceptual model, in which the e-servicescape (stimulus) features were modelled as an antecedent of customer trust (organism) on website that directs customer behaviour of purchase intention (response). To conduct an analysis, a data sample of 304 responses was collected from those who have earlier used e-commerce websites using a structural equation modelling technique. Results of the study shows that e-servicescape dimensions are a strong predictor of trust that strongly impacts customer purchase intention. Results further reveal that in an online environment, the gender gap is depleting as it impacts all three dimensions of the e-servicescape on customer behavior which remains consistent for both groups.
Children's perceptions of transport

The aim of this project was to find out at what age children become aware of cars and transport problems, especially environmental aspects. Eighty interviews were undertaken asking questions about cars, transport issues and attitudes to these. It was found that brand, speed and value awareness increases with age. Children as young as four years of age are aware of the makes and types of car. Results suggest an awareness of accident risk at age five, but no environmental awareness till age ten. (A)
Output power improvement of a push-push FET DRO by using an additional DR

In this article, the output power level and phase noise properties of nine conventional push-push dielectric resonator oscillators (DRO) have been experimentally investigated while adding an identical dielectric resonator (DR) at the drain ports. The nine oscillators were designed to generate 20 GHz from a 10 GHz fundamental oscillation frequency. They have been tested with three different power combiners at the output port. It was observed that the output power level of a push-push FET DRO can be improved by placing a second DR, while the phase noise characteristics remain approximately equal to the ones obtained before adding the DR.
Zoning in steenstrupine-(Ce) from the Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, South Greenland: a review and discussion

Most crystals of steenstrupine are metamict, but some are crystalline throughout or in thin marginal zones parallel to the crystal faces of metamict crystals. The anisotropic parts of the crystals have lower contents of U and Th than the interior isotropic parts. Some features, such as high contents of Na in the anisotropic steenstrupine, favour formation of the zonation as a result of crystallisation in a medium in which decreasing amounts of U and Th were available during the last stages of growth of the crystals. One reason for this could be the fixation of U and Th in interstitial pigmentary material. Another feature, the fact that steenstrupine adjacent to fractures penetrating the crystals from the surface is anisotropic, indicates that leaching and recrystallisation may also play a role in the transformation of parts of metamict steenstrupine into an anisotropic phase.