Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arbuscular mycorrhizae and growth enhancement of micropropagated Prunus rootstock in different soilless potting mixes

Propagation of fruit rootstocks by in vitro techniques is done widely and has become a standard procedure in many nurseries. In these circunstances, the plantlets are transferred from sterile in vitro media to potting mixes prepared with organic substrates and inorganic conditioners which lack arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) propagules. Fruit tree crops, the prunus species in particular (Gilmore 1971), develop arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM). The early inoculation of plantlets with AM fungi in the nursery could enhance plant growth and increase field trasplant survival (Gianinazzi et al. 1989). The receptivity of the organic substrates used in the potting mixes to the AMF and the effects of the inoculation on plant growth have been little studied. Calvet et al. (1992) found that certain types ofpeat and composted substrates had a negative effect on the establishment of the AM symbiosis, although the AMF germination and early mycelial growth were not affected, and suggest a biological cause for the inhibition. Vidal et al. (1992) found that the symbiosis could be established in peat:sand mixes although soil:sand mixes were more conducive to AM root colonisation of micropropagated avocado plants. Schubert et al. (1990) working on micropropagated grapevine found that the AMF colonised the roots in all peat based media used, but only when soil was added to the mixes there was a significant response of the plant to the inoculation. Vestberg (1992) found that sand fertilised with bone meal was superior to rich based peat substrates in initiating rapid AM colonisation and sporulation of the AMF used. Biermann and Linderman (1983) have shown also that the addition of soil to peat induces growth responses to AMF inoculation. Nonetheless commercial growers are reluctant to add soil to theirpotting mixes due to the increase in weight and the risk of introducing soil borne pathogens. This work has studied the receptivity of two different peat based mixes, without added soil, to four AM fungi and the effects of the inoculation on plant growth.
Dissecting Circadian Rhythm in Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi, a Model Species for Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Research

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is an adaptation in plants that improves photosynthetic and water-use efficiency and has evolved independently many times in diverse lineages of flowering plants. It is hypothesized that convergent evolution of temporal gene expression underpins the independent emergences of CAM from C3 photosynthesis. To test this hypothesis, we compared diel gene expression profiles among Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi (a CAM species in the dicot lineage), Ananas comosus (a CAM species in the monocot lineage) and Arabidopsis thaliana (a C3 species in the dicot lineage). Our comparative analysis revealed signs of convergence in re-scheduling of diel expression of genes involved in nocturnal CO2 fixation, stomatal movement, heat tolerance, circadian clock, and carbohydrate metabolism in the two CAM species in comparison with the C3 species. The results presented in the study provide new insights into the evolution of CAM from C3 photosynthesis.
Influence of Degree of Integration on Post-Acquisition Business Performance at Coca Cola Beverages Africa, Kenya

: Acquisitions have become a popular business strategy for organizations that seek to grow, enhance efficiency, or manage competition. Many studies have examined the effect of acquisitions on business performance but are often inconsiderate of actual acquisition elements such as degree of integration. In addition, most of the studies have a biased focus on financial and petroleum industry while ignoring the beverage manufacturing sub sector. It is in this regard that the current study sought to examine the influence of degree of integration on post-acquisition business performance with a specific focus on Coca Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Kenya. The study was guided by the Haspeslagh and Jemison model, Cording, Christmann and King Model of Integration, and the balanced score card model. It used the descriptive survey design. The target population was CCBA, Kenya with 1094 employees. Data was collected from a sample of 92 staffs of Coca Cola Beverages Africa, Kenya using structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the simple linear regression method and results presented using tables. Results showed that CCBA, Kenya had a high level of business performance with a score of 73% in the post-acquisition period with the highest performance score being recorded in the financial perspective with a score of 75.2%. Findings also showed that degree of integration (score= 75.6%, r 2 =.482, β=.618, p=.001) had a statistically significant and positive influence on business performance at CCBA, Kenya. Based on the findings, the study concluded that degree of integration has a significant and positive influence on business performance. The study recommends that the management at CCBA, Kenya should focus on promoting the integration of the production function to improve business performance. The second indicator that was used to assess degree of integration was sociocultural integration. This indicator was assessed using items DI4 to DI6. Respondents also on average agreed with the claims made on these statements, suggesting that there was a high level of sociocultural integration at CCBA. Specifically, the findings illustrate that the acquisition led to creation of a completely new organizational structure, change in the management of the company, and introduction of new rules and work practices. The high level of sociocultural integration was confirmed by the aggregate sociocultural integration score (mean= 3.83), that was computed from the respondents rating of the three items. The aggregate mean translates to a percentage score of 76.6% for sociocultural integration. Cording et al. (2008) asserted that high level of sociocultural integration tends to bring about greater synergy. However, if not done correctly, it can lead to cultural clash that hamper the outcome of the acquisition.
Vegetal-derived Biostimulant Enhances Adventitious Rooting in Cuttings of Basil, Tomato, and Chrysanthemum via Brassinosteroid-mediated Processes

Plant-derived protein biostimulants exhibit hormone-like activities promoting plant growth and yield, yet detailed investigations on hormonal function have remained limited. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of vegetal-derived-biostimulant on morphological and metabolic changes in cuttings of three herbaceous species demonstrating different rooting ability, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum L.), in comparison to auxin. Unrooted cuttings were applied with or without biostimulant (100, 1000, 5000, and 10000 mg L−1) or auxin [1% indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) plus 0.5% 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); 100, 200, 300, and 500 mg L−1] as a basal quick-dip, stuck into inert media, and evaluated at 20 days after placement under intermittent mist. Both compounds increased adventitious rooting in all cuttings. Biostimulant required a significantly higher threshold for a series of adventitious rooting responses than auxin, and the maximum effectiveness was achieved at 5000 mg L−1 for biostimulant and 100, 200, and 300 mg L−1 for auxin in basil, tomato, and chrysanthemum, respectively. Adventitious rooting responses (dry mass and length) to biostimulant showed a gradual logarithmic rise as a function of increasing dosages, which was not in agreement with biphasic dose-response of auxin. Biostimulant significantly increased or tended to increase fine roots in all tested cuttings, which was not consistent with auxin. Relatively high levels of endogenous brassinosteroids (BRs) were present in non-treated cuttings of basil, tomato, and chrysanthemum in decreasing order. Both compounds had no effects or concomitantly increased or decreased BR levels in plant tissues, with fewer effects on basil and tomato, containing high BR levels, but more prominent effects on chrysanthemum, containing relatively low BR levels. Contrasting effects of biostimulant and auxin were found in antioxidant activities, which were promoted by biostimulant but inhibited by auxin either in roots or shoots. These results indicate that the hormonal effects of vegetal-derived biostimulant are primarily exerted by BR-mediated processes while involving interaction with auxin. Both the biostimulant-derived BRs and auxin were suggested to modulate endogenous BR pool via overlapping and interdependent regulatory functions, inducing morphological and metabolic changes during adventitious rooting of cuttings in a plant species-specific manner.
Subcortical Anatomy of the Default Mode Network: a functional and structural connectivity study

Most existing research into the default-mode network (DMN) has taken a corticocentric approach. Despite the resemblance of the DMN with the unitary model of the limbic system, the anatomy and contribution of subcortical structures to the network may be underappreciated due to methods limitation. Here, we propose a new and more comprehensive neuroanatomical model of the DMN including the basal forebrain and anterior and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei and cholinergic nuclei. This has been achieved by considering functional territories during interindividual brain alignment. Additionally, tractography of diffusion-weighted imaging was employed to explore the structural connectivity of the DMN and revealed that the thalamus and basal forebrain had high importance in term of values of node degree and centrality in the network. The contribution of these neurochemically diverse brain nuclei reconciles previous neuroimaging with neuropathological findings in diseased brain and offers the potential for identifying a conserved homologue of the DMN in other mammalian species.
Response of marine communities to local temperature changes

This is the fixed version of an article made available by an organization that acts as a publisher by formally and exclusively declaring the article "published". If it is an "early release" article (formally identified as being published even before the compilation of a volume issue and assignment of associated metadata), it is citable via some permanent identifier(s), and final copy-editing, proof corrections, layout, and typesetting have been applied.
Effect of Ionic Versus Nonionic Contrast Media on the Development of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) may complicate the course of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and may be associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ionic versus nonionic contrast media (CM) on the development of CI-AKI in patients undergoing primary PCI and to determine risk factors for CI-AKI. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included 102 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction who were subjected to primary PCI. They either received the ionic CM ioxitalamate (53 patients) or the nonionic CM iohexol (49 patients). The incidence of CI-AKI was compared between the 2 groups as well as different demographic data, risk factors, and clinical and procedural data. Daily serum creatinine was recorded for all patients in the first 72hours following the intervention and until discharge for patients who developed CI-AKI. CI-AKI was defined as a rise in serum creatinine by ≥0.3mg/dL or by more than 1.5 times baseline, or urine volume <0.5mL/kg/h for 6hours in the 72-hour period following primary PCI. Results: Overall, CI-AKI occurred in 17 patients (16.7%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of CI-AKI between the ionic and the nonionic groups. Univariate regression showed that CI-AKI had significant correlation with older age (61.8±8.0 years; P= .006), hypertension (P= .016), preexisting renal dysfunction (P= .025), hemodynamic instability (P= .03), complete revascularization (P= .031), and high contrast volumes exceeding the maximum allowed contrast dose (P= .027). After multivariable adjustment, old age and hypertension were still independent correlates of CI-AKI. CI-AKI was significantly associated with mortality (P< .001). Discussion: CI-AKI frequently complicates primary PCI and is associated with higher incidence of mortality. The incidence of CIAKI seems to be comparable between ionic and nonionic CM post-primary PCI. Optimizing periprocedural hemodynamic stability and using the least possible volume of CM can minimize the risk of CI-AKI.
Comparison of Lead Zirconate Titanate Properties between the Pressing Process and the Gel Casting Process by using Ethylene Glycol Diglycidyl Ether (EGDGE) Epoxy Resin as a Gelling Agent

Gel casting has been widely developed during the past ten years due to its applicability in the complex shape fabrication of small ceramic products such as transducers and sensors, and this process provides a low-cost manufacturing route. The purpose of this research is to focus on the PZT properties resulting from the pressing and gel casting processes. In the pressing process, a soft PZT 5H powder was pressed using an Instron testing machine under 90 MPa. In the gel casting process, the ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) epoxy monomer and a solution of an ammonium salt of an acrylic polymer in water (NH4PAA) were utilised as a gelling agent and dispersant, respectively. The results showed that the viscosity of the PZT was minimised by adding 1.2 wt% of the dispersant. The highest green strength of approximately 35 MPa was found from the pressed sample. In the gel casting process, at 40 wt% EGDGE resin content and 46 vol% solids loading provided the highest green strength of approximately 30 MPa. The PZT samples from both processes were sintered at 1,200 °C. The sample from the pressing process provided the highest values of d33, kp and er of approximately 590 pC/N, 0.62, and 2,875, respectively; while the PZT samples fabricated from a gel casting slurry incorporating a 40 wt% EGDGE resin and 46 vol% solids loading provided d33, kp and er values of approximately 575 pC/N, 0.6, and 2800, respectively. The results indicated that the desired properties of the pressed PZT sintered samples were slightly higher than those of the properties of the PZT gel cast samples. Keywords: PZT, Piezoelectric, Dielectric, EGDGE Epoxy Resin, Gel Casting
Household health inequality in Pakistan: A comparative analysis

Background/Objectives: Subsistence of health inequalities explains that basic human right is not available to every person in the country. As everyone knows that health of newborn child and maternal health are reflections of any good economy. The Infant Mortality (IM) and Maternal Mortality (MM) are caused by the health inequality, and hence this study is the first attempt to measure health inequality with respect to IM and MM for the most affected country like Pakistan.Methodology: On the basis of different income group across Punjab from the latest HumanDevelopment Index reports (HDI), data is extracted from primary household survey through Multi-stage technique for one year from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. Concentration index is utilized to calculate Health inequality. CI has value from -1 to +1. The negative value of CI signifies the fact that the IM is higher in lower quintile of wealth for all regions in Punjab. Findings: The results revealed existence of significant inequalities with respect to IM in Punjab. The Highest inequality with respect to IM and MM is observed in the DG Khan and Chakwal where lowest was observed in Sialkot. However, the high inequality in DG Khan was accompanied by high IM, while Sialkot experiences lowest levels of inequality with lowmortality rates. It is concluded that inequality in the wealth creates inequalities in the health status in Punjab. The regional health policies and reforms can also play catalytic role in controlling themortality rate as well as inequalities inmortalities at macro level in Pakistan.
Comparative Analysis of Ribosomal Protein Gene, eL14 Expression between Two Types of Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Lines

Association between the expression of ribosomal protein (RP) genes and cancer is widely known. More specifically, the extra-ribosomal functions of RPs have been linked to carcinogenesis. The ribosomal protein gene, eL14 has been reported to be associated with malignancy of the colorectum, albeit of mechanism yet unclear. Its expression in cells derived from different tissue origin of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has never been explored. Therefore, this study aims to comparatively analyse the expression pattern of eL14 between two different CRC cell lines (DLD-1 and HCT116). It involved a conventional gene expression analysis, the Reverse-Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays. Products of RT-PCR assay were resolved via an agarose gel electrophoresis method, and band intensities of amplicons were documented and quantified using TotalLab Quant software. We observed differential expression patterns of eL14 between DLD-1 and HCT116 cells, but statistical analysis revealed insignificant differences. Therefore, the relevance of eL14 as a biomarker to distinguish between different colorectal cancer cells is suggestive but not conclusive.
Ownership Structure, Agency Relationship and Dividend Policy in unlisted Cameroonian Companies

Financial decisions in general and dividend policy in particular are based on the relationship between the stakeholders. Also, analyzing the dividend policy in companies that are not listed on the stock market remains important. The object of our study is to analyze the agency relationship in the link between the ownership structure and the distribution of the dividend at the level of Cameroonian companies. We opted for a qualitative and quantitative study. The statistical tests carried out (with 67 companies) are the comparison test of means and the analysis of variance with one factor (using Statistic Package for Social Science [SPSS] software). The results of this research show that regular and irregular dividend payments lead to a low level of conflict between majority-minority shareholders and shareholder-managers. This leads to a negative relationship between the concentration, the ownership identity, and the dividend policy.
Effect of Magnetic Treatment on Enzyme Activation of Paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

All organisms during their life are faced with two types of magnetic field (MF), one of them is natural magnetic field that is the result of earth magnetic field and the amount is between 0.03 and 0.07 mT, another is artificial magnetic field which is the result of application of electrical power at homes and industrial workshops. Magnetic field which is produced in a wide range has positive and negative effects on animal and plant life. Today an important question is if magnetic field has any distinctive effect on biological systems. There are reports about the shortterm MF exposure. MF influences a variety of plant functions such as growth (Racuciu et al., 2007), development (Yano et al., 2004; Rakosy Tican et al., 2005), protein biosynthesis and enzyme activity (Alikamanoglu et al., 2011). But the interaction of such fields with the living cells is still unclear (Atak, 2007). MF causes an oxidative stress, that is, increases the activity, concentration, and lifetime of free radicals which are highly reactive byproducts of normal metabolism and immune defense (Scaiano, 1994). Accumulation of reactive oxygen species which are generated during stress can harm many cellular components such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Two wheat cultivars treated International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 10 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Influence of Soil Amendments on the Growth and Yield of Rice in Acidic Soil

In Malaysia, about 0.5 million ha of acid sulfate soils are found scattered over the east, west, and Sabah and Sarawak regions that can potentially be cultivated with paddy. This type of soil is acidic and not immediately suitable for crop production unless improved by applying some amendments. Thus, the current study was carried out to investigate the effects of various types of soil amendments on the growth, yield, and physiological responses of rice grown in extremely acidic conditions using ground magnesium limestone (GML), basalt, biochar, and compost as soil amendments. The acid sulfate soil with a pH of 3.76 was obtained from a paddy field in Merbok, Kedah. The plant responses were evaluated based on agronomic, physiological, and yield performance. The compost-treated rice showed the best performance in all three criteria. Compost treatment increased the soil pH up to 6.25. Physiological performances such as chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, and water use efficiency were higher after compost treatment, while transpiration and stomatal conductance showed the highest after GML treatment. It can be concluded that the addition of compost as a soil amendment can increase soil pH and create favorable soil conditions for rice cultivation in acid sulfate soil, leading to improved rice growth performance.
The accuracy of estimating time to contact in transversal motion and head-on motion

The ability to estimate precisely the time to contact (TTC) of the objects is necessary for planning actions in dynamic environments. TTC estimation is involved in many everyday activities with different levels of difficulty. Although tracking a ball that moves at a constant speed and estimating the time it reaches a non-moving target can be fairly simple, tracking a fast moving car with inconsistent speeds and estimating the time it reaches another car is rather difficult. In this study, we asked participants to estimate TTC of an object in transversal and head-on motions. The object became invisible shortly after movement initiation. The results demonstrated that TTC estimation for transversal motion is more accurate than for head-on motion. We present a mathematical model to explain why humans are better in estimating TTC for transversal motion than for head-on motion.
KONAKLAMA İŞLETMELERİNE YÖNELİK E- ŞİKÂYETLERİN İNCELENMESİ: SAKARYA ÖRNEĞİ

Konaklama isletmeleri hizmet odakli isletmeler olmasi sebebiyle insan unsuru onem tasimaktadir. Musterilerin istek ve arzularinin daha iyi bir sekilde yerine getirilmesi icin sikâyetler tespit edilmeli ve cozumler uretilerek hizmet kalitesi arttirilmalidir. Calismada, konaklama isletmelerine yonelik e-sikâyetlerinin incelenerek; sikâyetlerin boyutlara ayrilmasini, en fazla sikâyet konusu olan unsurlarin bulunup cozumler getirilmesini ve isletmelerin bu sikâyetlere geri donus oranlarinin tespit edilmesi amaclanmaktadir. Yapilan calismada nitel analiz yontemi kullanilarak Şikayetvar ve TripAdvisor internet sayfalarindaki Sakarya’daki konaklama isletmelerine yonelik E-sikâyetlerin icerik cozumlemesi yontemiyle incelenmesi sonucunda 8 ana ve 48 alt kategori elde edilmistir. Konaklama isletmeleri yildiz sayilarina gore incelenmis olup 5 yildizli otellere yonelik sikâyetlerin cogunlukta oldugu belirlenmistir. Otelin ozellikleri ve imkânlari, yonetim politikasi en fazla soz edilen ana sikâyet kategorisini, fiyat uygulamalari, is goren davranis ve tutumu en fazla karsilasilan sikâyet alt kategorilerini olusturmaktadir. Elde edilen verilerin konaklama isletmelerine yonelik olarak katkisi tartisilmis ve gelecekte yapilabilecek calismalara oneriler gelistirilerek e-sikâyetlere cozumler gelistirmesinin gerekliligi savunulmaktadir.