Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyclic Seed Dormancy in the Short-Lived Perennial Penstemon Palmeri

Penstemon palmeri is a short-lived perennial herb that occupies early-successional habitats at mid altitude in the semi-arid south-western United States. Laboratory germination experiments with seeds from nine populations showed that most seeds were non-dormant at autumn temperatures (15°C), but a majority required light for germination. Moist chilling at winter temperatures (1°C) for 4 weeks induced secondary dormancy in about half the seedsn whilst moist incubation at superoptimal summer temperatures (30°C) for 2 weeks removed most primary and chilling-induced secondary dormancy, prevented the induction of dormancy by chilling, and reduced the proportion of light-requiring seeds (.)
Chromosomal Location of a Wheat Osmoregulation Gene Using RFLP Analysis

The chromosomal location of an osmoregulation gene locus (or) was examined by exploring genetic linkage to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci which have been mapped on group 7 chromosomes or located specifically on chromosome 7A. The osmoregulation gene had previously been located on chromosome 7A, but its specific position was unknown. Analysis of linkage with the RFLP loci suggested a probable position on the short arm approximately 13 cM towards the centromere from RFLP locus Xpsr119. The findings, which were based on a relatively small sample, are of a preliminary nature and require confirmation with a larger set of genetic stocks.
Comparison of protective effects of several sugars on thermal and freeze denaturations of fish myofibrillar protein.

The protective effect of several kinds of sugars on freeze denaturation of carp myofibrillar protein was studied by measuring the rate constant (kD) for inactivation of its Ca-ATPase. As the inactivation of Ca-ATPase proceeded in two first order steps, the rate of an early fast step was employed to make a linear relation as a function of sugar concentration (M). The pro-tective effect of sugar on freeze denaturation of myofibrillar protein was estimated from the slope of log kD versus sugar (M). The protective effect (E) was thus found to become lower in the order of lactitol, glucose, maltitol=sucrose, sorbitol, and maltose. This rank of sugars coincided with that of the same sugars against thermal denaturation of fish myofibrillar protein, which has been previously reported. It was also found that a relatively lower concentration (0.1-0.3M) of sugar was enough to protect freeze denaturation of myofibriliar protein than that of sugar required to protect thermal denaturation of the same protein.
A suggested teaching model based on brain-based learning to develop secondary stage students’ critical reading skills and self-efficacy

The current study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a brain-based teaching model on developing critical reading skills and self-efficacy among secondary stage students. The basics upon which this model was built were determined, the teacher’s guide and the student’s worksheet were prepared. A critical reading skill test and self –efficacy questionnaire were prepared. The study had two groups: one experimental group and one control group (second secondary grade students). The tools of the study were pre adminstrated on both the experimental group and control group. The chosen critical reading skills were introduced according to the suggested teaching model. The tools were post applied on the experimental group and the control group. The obtained data from the pre and post administration of the tools were analyzed. The statistical analysis of the data assured large effect of the suggested brain-based teaching model on developing the critical reading skills and self-efficacy level of the experimental group students.
The effect of influenza vaccination on trained immunity: impact on COVID-19

Every year, influenza causes 290.000 to 650.000 deaths worldwide and vaccination is encouraged to prevent infection in high-risk individuals. Interestingly, cross-protective effects of vaccination against heterologous infections have been reported, and long-term boosting of innate immunity (also termed trained immunity) has been proposed as the underlying mechanism. Several epidemiological studies also suggested cross-protection between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 during the current pandemic. However, the mechanism behind such an effect is unknown. Using an established in-vitro model of trained immunity, we demonstrate that the quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine used in the Netherlands in the 2019-2020 influenza season can induce a trained immunity response, including an improvement of cytokine responses after stimulation of human immune cells with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was less common among Dutch hospital employees who had received influenza vaccination during the 2019/2020 winter season (RR = 0,61 (95% CI, 0.4585 - 0.8195, P = 0.001). In conclusion, a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine can induce trained immunity responses against SARS-CoV-2, which may result in relative protection against COVID-19. These data, coupled with similar recent independent reports, argue for a beneficial effect of influenza vaccination against influenza as well as COVID-19, and suggests its effective deployment in the 2020-2021 influenza season to protect against both infections.
Struktura sektora transportu drogowego w Polsce i ocena jego wyników ekonomicznych na tle państw Unii Europejskiej

Transport drogowy ładunków stanowi znaczącą część systemu transportowego Polski i całej Unii Europejskiej. W artykule przeprowadzono analizę porównawczą struktury sektora transportu drogowego, kosztów świadczenia usług przez przewoźników z różnych krajów oraz ich wyników ekonomicznych. Celem artykułu jest wykazanie, że struktura polskiego sektora transportu drogowego i osiągane wyniki ekonomiczne na tle innych krajów UE są czynnikami utrudniającymi polskim przedsiębiorstwom dostosowanie się do Pakietu mobilności. Badania wykazały, że wprowadzenie proponowanych zmian spowoduje pogorszenie konkurencyjności polskich przewoźników, którzy wprawdzie mają obecnie przewagę kosztową, ale charakteryzują się niską wydajnością pracy, słabszymi niż konkurenci wynikami ekonomicznymi i niekorzystną strukturą sektora drogowego.
Schur numbers involving rainbow colorings

In this paper, we introduce two different generalizations of Schur numbers that involve rainbow colorings. Motivated by well-known generalizations of Ramsey numbers, we first define the rainbow Schur number R S ( n ) to be the minimum number of colors needed such that every coloring of {1, 2, …, n } , in which all available colors are used, contains a rainbow solution to a + b = c . It is shown that $$RS(n)=\floor{\log _2(n)}+2, \quad \mbox{for all } n\ge 3. $$ Second, we consider the Gallai-Schur number G S ( n ) , defined to be the least natural number such that every n -coloring of {1, 2, …, G S ( n )} that lacks rainbow solutions to the equation a + b = c necessarily contains a monochromatic solution to this equation. By connecting this number with the n -color Gallai-Ramsey number for triangles, it is shown that for all n ≥ 3 , $$GS(n)=\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} 5^k & \mbox{if} \ n=2k \\ 2\cdot 5^k & \mbox{if} \ n=2k+1. \end{array} \right. $$
Genetic diversity in chestnuts of Kashmir valley Selection for quality traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during early breeding generations

Selection for quality traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during early breeding generations requires quick analytical methods that need small grain samples. Marker assisted selection can be useful for the improvement of quality traits in wheat. The present study was conducted to screen 117 Pakistani adapted spring wheat varieties with DNA markers linked with genes controlling composition of low and high molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS and HMW-GS, respectively), starch viscosity, Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and grain hardness. DNA fragments associated with the presence/absence of quality related genes were amplified using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and detected using agarose gel electrophoresis. Positive allele of ω-secalin, which indicates presence of 1B.1R translocation, was found in 77 (66%) varieties. The marker PPO05 was found in 30 (26%) varieties, indicating lower PPO activity. Grain hardness controlled by Pinb-D1b allele was present in 49 (42%) varieties. Allele Wx-B1b which confers superior noodle quality was found in 48 (41%) varieties. HMWGS encoded by Glu-D1d allele that exerts a positive effect on dough strength was present in 115 (98%) varieties. LMW-GS alleles Glu-A3d and Glu-B3 were observed in 21 (18%) and 76 (65%) varieties, respectively. Results of the present study may help wheat breeders in selecting parents for improving desirable quality attributes of future wheat varieties. The varieties, identified having desirable quality genes, in this study can be used in the wheat breeding programs aiming to improve quality traits. Early generation marker assisted selection can help to efficiently utilize resources of a breeding program.
Relations between AVHRR NDVI and climate factors in Northern Tibet in recent 20 years

Using NOAA/AVHRR 10-day composite NDVI data and daily meteorological data at six stations from 1981 to 2001,the annual and interannual variations of NDVI and the relations between NDVI and eight climate factors were analyzed.The main results showed that the most important climate factor affecting the annual variations of NDVI was temperature.The relation between NDVI and water vapour pressure was more marked than that between NDVI and precipitation and the relation between NDVI and sunshine duration was negative.The correspondence between NDVI and wind velocity was negative with no time lag.The correspondence between NDVI and sunshine duration had a marked lag between 0 and 10 days,while the time lags were in the range from 20 to 40 days between NDVI and other variables including potential evapotranspiration,temperature,water vapour pressure and precipitation.The most important climate factor affecting the interannual changes of NDVI was potential evapotranspiration.
First Principles Enhanced Electronic Band Structure of SrTiO3 using DFT+U Method

Density functional theory (DFT) technique was used to study the influence of Hubbard U on the calculated electronic properties of perovskite SrTiO3. We used the Quantum Espresso (QE) software package with exchange-correction energy function within local density approximation for DFT and DFT+U calculations. The band structure, total and partial density of states (DOS and PDOS) were calculated. Three set of methods were adopted in the calculations: DFT without U, DFT+U with calculated U through linear response theory, and DFT+U with manually increment of U value. The calculated Hubbard U using linear response theory is 3.27 while selected U for manual increment method were chosen from 4.27 to 10.27 with an interval of 1. For DFT and DFT+U with calculated U, the calculated band gaps were 1.80 and 2.19 eV respectively. During increasing of U, the calculated band gap were increasing from 2.43 eV (@U=4.27) and reaches peak of 3.06 eV (@U=8.27) which later reduce to 2.19 eV (@U=10.27). Therefore, DFT+U method with incremental Hubbard U resulted in better band gap value of 3.06eV that is closer to the experimental result of 3.25eV.
Long-term impacts of variable retention harvesting on ground-layer plant communities in forests

ground-layer plant communities in Pinus resinosa forests Margaret W. Roberts*, Anthony W. D’Amato, Christel C. Kern and Brian J. Palik Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA; Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05095, USA; Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA; and Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA
Prolong Administration of Methanolic Whole Fruit Extract of Lagenaria breviflora (Benth.) Roberty Provoke Oxidative Stress and Kidney Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats

Kidney diseases contributed to the worldwide burden of human diseases, with approximately more than ¾ million deaths annually. The exact reason (s) for the high prevalence of kidney and urinary tract diseases are unknown. The effects of 1 mL of methanolic fruit extract of L. breviflora administered orally, at 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg/body weight once daily for fourteen and twenty-eight days respectively on serum and tissue antioxidants status, electrolytes and the activities of some ‘marker’ enzymes of kidney toxicity in Wister rats was investigated. The control group received 0.9% physiology saline. Using established protocols, the results showed that the extract negatively altered (p<0.05) the electrolyte balance, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, Lactate dehydrogenase, antioxidant enzymes activities, glutathione and malondialdehyde status in dose and duration dependent manners when compared with the untreated group. Histological evidence revealed mild tubular and glomerular damage. Although, no significant change was observed in the kidney body weight ratio in all the extract treated groups, our results, suggest that extract of L. breviflora may be nephrotoxic at high dosage over a prolonged period.
Pain Scores of Scalpel versus Diathermy Skin Incisions in Head and Neck Surgeries

Introduction and Objective: Head and neck surgeries, as other surgeries, require an incision of sufficient length to allow the surgeon a good view of the operating field and to permit the visibility of important structures like nerves and large arteries. The objective of this study is to compare mean pain score with scalpel verses diathermy method of head and neck surgeries on 1st postoperative day. Subjects And Methods: All patients with the age 18 years to 60 years, of either gender underwent Head and Neck surgeries (Thyroidectomy, neck dissection, excision of neck mass), duration of surgery less than or equal to 1 hour and Incision size 5-10cms were included. The patients were assigned into either group A (diathermy incision) or group B (scalpel incision). Pain score was noted on 1st post-operative day by numerical analogue scale for pain. Results: Mean age of the patients in diathermy group was 39.26+/-7.04 years while in scalpel was 45.96+/-5.28 years. There were 33 (55%) male patients while 27 (45%) female patients. Mean pain score in diathermy group was 4.10+/-0.71 while in scalpel group 6.86+/-0.62. Unpaired t-test was applied and statistically sufficient of evidence of significant relationship was observed as p-value was found to be less than level of significance (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: There is strong difference in the mean pain score in scalpel verses diathermy in head and neck surgeries on 1st postoperative day.
A new species of Gegeneophis Peters (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) from the surroundings of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India

A new species of Indian caecilian, Gegeneophis madhavai (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) is described from two specimens collected from the Western Ghats of southern Karnataka. This species is distinguished from all other species of the genus in having visible eyes, fewer than 100 primary annuli and more than 25 secondary annuli confined to the posterior of the body.
UNIVERSITY OF VAASA SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

The purpose of this thesis is to study the effect of European banks’ operational risk on their capital adequacy. Thesis distinguishes between observed data published by the European Banking Authority and adverse economic conditions compiled in their Stress tests. Thesis utilizes a panel dataset of 666 operational losses reported from 21 European countries between years 2013 and 2018 with a series of explanatory variables to control for events in the economy and financial indicators. Countries are grouped into regions of the European Union to control for different characteristics in the European banking system. Additional tests use econometric techniques and tests for changes in the qualitative insights during the time period chosen. Results conclude that there is not a significant relationship between the level of operational losses and the capital adequacy reported by European banks; heterogeneity of results is also evident among different regions within European banking system. Rather than external risks to bank’s operations, financial indicators such as solvency and liquidity play an important role in the final capital adequacy ratio reported by European banks. Similarly, operational risk is not found to be driving lower capital adequacy ratio under financial distress or worst-case economic conditions. By employing robustness tests and alternative models, these findings are reinforced. Additionally, other risks such as market and credit have more potential to determine capital adequacy systemic shock. ______________________________________________________________________
Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with olive tree in Southern Morocco

Plant-parasitic nematodes affect significantly the production of susceptible plants, including olive trees. In this context, nematode communities were determined in soil samples collected from 23 olive growing sites in the Haouz and Souss regions (southern Morocco). These sites corresponded to various modalities: wild (Olea europaea L. ssp. sylvestris) or cropped olive (Olea. europaea L. ssp. europaea), traditional or high-density cropping, rainfed or irrigated. Even free-living nematodes prevailed in most of the sites, high population levels of plant-parasitic nematodes were observed in rainfed cropping systems than in irrigated systems. Ten nematode families and 14 genera were identified. The most important plant-parasitic nematodes detected, in order decreasing frequency of infestation (percentage of samples), were spiral nematodes Helicotylenchus spp. (100%) and Rotylenchus spp. (87%), lesion nematodes Pratylenchus spp. (100%) and root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. (40%). Most of the nematode species were assigned to more or less colonizer nematodes, whereas only one family (Longidoridae) was assigned to persistent nematodes. Considering the two producing areas, plant-parasitic nematodes were significantly more abundant in the Souss region than in the Haouz region, but nematode diversity was higher in the second one. The prevalence of Meloidogyne spp. in the Haouz region would be related to the predominance of irrigated cropping systems in this region. Hoplolaimidae nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp. and Rotylenchus spp.) are better adapted to rainfed conditions that prevail in the Souss region. Co-inertia analysis showed the importance of soil physic-chemical characteristics (e.g., pH, texture and nutrients) on the structure of the plant-parasitic nematode community patterns. The high occurrence of Helicotylenchus spp. in olive orchards may be induced by fertilization. Aphelenchoides spp. , Gracilacus spp. , Pratylenchus spp. , Rotylenchidae and Tylenchidae were supported by coarse textures as it was observed in the Souss region. (C) 2015 Friends Science Publishers
Sexuality as taboo: using interpretative phenomenological analysis and a Foucauldian lens to explore fathers’ practices in talking to their children about puberty, relationships and reproduction

Background Fathers can play an important role in their children’s learning about relationships and sexuality but we know very little about the father’s lived experience in this regard. Aim To explore eight fathers’ perceptions and experiences of discussing puberty, relationships and reproduction with their 10-year-old children. Methods The paper commences with a genealogical analysis of the history of sex education in England from the Public Health Act of 1848 to the present day. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as both a methodology and a method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with each father and results were analysed ideographically, followed by analysis across the group. Interpretations were developed using a Foucauldian lens of governmentality and biopower. Findings The paper explores how synthesis of IPA with a Foucauldian lens revealed significant tensions between the fathers’ cognitions, accounts and behaviours, which were underpinned by an enduring perception of sexuality as taboo. Conclusion By providing a contextualised understanding of the fathers’ practices, this study demonstrates that a more informed approach to health promotion strategy can be achieved and the implications for nursing are explored.
Drying and storage effects on germination of primed grass seeds.

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) has become the dominant species over large areas of rangeland in the Great Basin region of the western United States. Rapid germination at low temperature may contribute to the competitive success of cheatgrass in areas formerly dominated by native sagebrush and bunchgrass species. The objectives of this study were to determine whether seed priming could be used to stimulate low-temperature germination rate of native bunchgrass seeds and whether any priming effect was retained after drying and storage. Matric-priming was used to enhance germination rate response of 7 Great Basin native perennial grasses: thickspike wheatgrass [Agropyron dasystachyum (Hook.) Scribn. ], bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Love], canby bluegrass (Poa canbyi Scribn.), sandberg bluegrass (Poa sandbergii Vasey.), bottlebrush squirreltail [Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) J.G. Smith], sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.), and basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus (Scribn. and Merr.) A. Love]. Priming enhanced germination rate of these species by 4 to 8 days at 10 degrees C. All species except canby bluegrass and basin wildrye could be induced to germinate as quickly as cheatgrass if they were not air-dried after priming. All species except canby bluegrass retained significant germination enhancement after 11 weeks of storage but only bluebunch wheatgrass maintained a germination rate comparable to cheatgrass when seeds were dried for storage.
A Systematic Review of Instruments for the Assessment of Insomnia in Adults

Introduction: Self-reported sleep instruments remain the most practical methods for the assessment of insomnia in clinical practice. This systematic review aims to identify, describe and summarize the psychometric properties of questionnaires available for the assessment of insomnia in the adult population. In addition, the review also aimed to identify sleep instruments available in the Arabic language. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The quality assessment of the instruments was conducted using two established international criteria. Results: One hundred and seven articles were selected for inclusion, from which 31 instruments were identi ﬁ ed and categorized based on the constructs they assess as: (1) screening for insomnia (n=14); (2) measuring the consequences of insomnia (n=8); (3) assessing the cognitive aspects of insomnia (n= 5); and (4) assessing sleep hygiene (n= 4). The review of the psychometric properties showed that the Insomnia Severity Index and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire were the most extensively evaluated instrument. Criterion validity and reliability measures were the most commonly reported properties. Only four of the identi ﬁ ed instruments were available in Arabic. Discussion: Overall, the ﬁ ndings of this study indicate ample availability of sleep instruments. However, psychometric testing for several of the available sleep instruments remains incomplete, particularly responsiveness and interpretability. Our ﬁ ndings suggest that future studies should focus on reporting more psychometric measures to ensure the trustworthiness of these instruments.