Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stem Abscission in Phaseolus vulgaris Explants

Experiments with stem explants of Phaseolus vulgaris L, cv Red Kidney, show that abscission can be induced in stems, where it does not normally occur, and where there is no preexisting differentiation of an abscission zone Following excision, one or multiple abscission zones form spontaneously in the internode of the explant The internodal position can be altered by the time and duration of exposure to ethylene: ethylene can enhance abscission zone formation at the node and inhibit formation in the internode Ethylene effectiveness on stem abscission requires some aging of the explant prior to treatment Applied ethylene also results in abscission of petioles on the stem explant Treatment with NAA precludes both stem and petiole abscission Anatomical changes which precede separation in internodal and nodal regions are similar to those which occur during leaf abscission in Phaseolus and include (1) pith cell breakdown, followed by active cell division in a localized sector in the stem; (2) enlargement of divided cells at and proximal to the abscission zone thus formed; and (3) rupture of cells in the separation layer.
Lift the Ban? Initial Employment Restrictions and Refugee Labour Market Outcomes

This paper investigates the medium- to long-term effects on refugee labour market outcomes of the temporary employment bans being imposed on asylum seekers in many countries. Using a newly collected data set on employment restrictions together with individual data for refugees entering European countries between 1985 and 2012, our empirical strategy exploits the geographical and temporal variation in employment bans generated by their staggered introduction and removal coupled with frequent changes at the intensive margin. We find that exposure to a ban at arrival reduces refugee employment probability in post-ban years by 15%, an impact driven primarily by lower labour market participation. These effects are not mechanical, increase non-linearly in ban length, and last up to 10 years post arrival. The detrimental effects of employment bans are concentrated among less educated refugees, translate into lower occupational quality, and seem not to be driven by selective migration. Our causal estimates are robust to several identification tests accounting for the potential endogeneity of employment ban policies, including placebo analysis of non-refugee migrants and an instrumental variable strategy. We estimate a €37.6 billion output loss from the bans imposed on asylum seekers who arrived in Europe during the so-called 2015 refugee crisis.
Are the Operations of Microfinance Institutions Different Across Countries? A Comparative Analysis of Cambodia and the Philippines Using DEA and PCA

Abstract Of all the Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia and the Philippines have well-developed microfinance institutions (MFIs). However, the environments in which MFIs operate differ considerably between the two countries. Our study investigates the differences in management characteristics and efficiency of Cambodian and Philippine MFIs during the period of 2009-2015 using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and measures the key management characteristics and efficiency levels of local MFIs. Our study found that Cambodian MFIs tend to target sustainability (profitability) oriented management, and Philippine MFIs tend to target outreach (financial service to the poor) oriented management. Second, MFIs in the Philippines had a tendency to shift toward more outreach-orientated management over the period of our analysis. Third, while there are no clear differences in the capital-intensity of MFI operations between the two countries, over time capital-intensity improved in both. We further examined the relationship between country-specific factors, management characteristics and efficiency. We found that overall efficiency, outreach-orientation, and labor-intensive management were associated with the initial conditions of deposit-to-GDP ratio in the period of our analysis. This suggests that the development paths of MFIs are dependent on the development of traditional financial institutions in the early period of MFI development.
Assessing the Effects of Perceived Value on Event Satisfaction, Event Attachment, and Revisit Intentions in Wine Cultural Event at Yibin International Exhibition Center, Southwest China

The study examines the relationships among perceived value, event satisfaction, event attachment, and revisit intentions in a wine cultural festival context. Data was collected by questionnaire survey at many famous wine tourism sites at Yibin, China and a total of 419 valid samples were received. A questionnaire survey analyzed by SEM supports the model of revisit intentions as a function of attendees’ expressive and instrumental responses resulting from output/input perceptions of perceived value and a pleasurable level of consumption-related fulfillment of event satisfaction. Implications, such as the managers should design valuable activities to attendees and satisfy their needs for experiencing of wine culture, are displayed as well as future research opportunities recommended.
The backstage of the ABC model: The Antirrhinum majus contribution

At the beginning of the 1990s, a simple genetic model that explained flower development was presented based on Arabidopsis thaliana and Antirrhinum majus floral homeotic mutants. According to this model, which is a milestone in plant development studies, flower development can be explained by three classes of genes (A, B and C), each one controlling the identity of organs in two adjacent whorls. Intriguingly, more than 20 years later, there are still some unanswered questions, in particular regarding the universality of the class A-function genes. Class A genes are well characterised in A. thaliana, but so far no A mutants have been described in other plant species nor in Antirrhinum majus. Here, we retrace the story that led to the proposal of the ABC model focusing on the contribution of A. majus to this model. Although fewer groups are still using A. majus as a model system, this plant was a master contributor to our comprehension of the molecular networks controlling flower development.
Diameter, Height, Crown, and Age Relationship in Eight Neotropical Tree Species

Diameter, height, crown shape, and crown area were measured on 23-42 trees ranging in size from saplings to large adults for each of eight common dicotyledonous tree species in a neotropical forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Six species were canopy trees, one species was an emergent tree, and the remaining species was an understory tree. Crown areas and shapes were quantified by eight radii measured every 450 from the trunk to the vertically projected edge of the crown. Crown areas were calculated from the areas of circles with the average radius; crown shapes were measured by the coefficients of variation of the eight crown radii. Age-diameter relationships were estimated from diameter growth increments over an 8-yr period. Observed height-diameter relationships were compared to expectations based on the theories of elastic similarity, constant stress, and geometric similarity. Slopes of log-transformed height-diameter relationships differed from the theoretically expected value of 2/3 for elastic similarity in three of eight species; two canopy species had higher slopes, but not as high as the expected value of 1.0 for geometric similarity; one canopy species was shorter, but the slope was greater than the slope of 0.5 predicted by the constant stress theory. The theory of elastic similarity also predicts that canopy mass to trunk mass ratio should remain constant during tree growth. Observed ratios based on proxy variables for the masses were constant in six of eight species- the two deviant species had heavier crowns in large trees than expected from their diameters. Crown shapes were much more variable in some species than others. The understory species had much lower r2 values for height-diameter and crown-diameter relationships, suggesting that these relationships may be more variable in trees that live in the less windy understory than in trees that reach the canopy. The allometric relationships for the species in this study were not unique for each species, suggesting that it may be possible to model the allometric relationships of many species with fewer equations than species. If the primary adaptive forces acting on tree species in a diverse forest are their physical environment and the sum of competitive interactions with an ever-changing mix of neighbors, then different species may have similar resource allocation patterns. Thus, using the age-size relationships, we found three groups of species among the seven canopy species. Two groups had three species each and one species (Ocotea whitei) was in a group by itself. The understory species, Faramea occidentalis, was also in a group by itself.
DYNAMIC PANEL DATA ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN EMERGING AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Entrepreneurship is considered as a key driver of economic growth and development. That is why, scholarly contributions have set out to identify its national determinants. In the present study, we aim to shed some light on to how the institutional framework affects the entrepreneurship levels, by focusing on emerging and developing countries. More specifically, this study examines the impact of intellectual property rights (IPR) on entrepreneurship in emerging and developing countries. This issue is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of developing countries which adhere to the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPS). Further to this agreement, all member countries of the world trade organization are required to achieve high standards of IPR. From the theoretical analysis, it appears that the impact of IPR on innovative entrepreneurs is positive, while their impact on imitators is more ambiguous. To empirically test these hypotheses, we apply a System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) technique on a panel of 28 countries during the period 2005-2012. The entrepreneurship level is measured by the new business entry density while the protection degree of intellectual property rights is measured by the IPR index of World Economic Forum. The findings show a non-significant effect of IPR on new business entry. We conclude that the intellectual property rights are not an effective tool of industrial policy in emerging and developing countries. Governments should rely on other factors in order to spur entrepreneurship.
The comparative ecology of Polystichum aculeatum, P. braunii, and P. lonchitis in Hordaland, western Norway

The comparative ecology of the three species of Polystichum in Hordaland, western Norway, has been studied. Species frequency data and environmental variables were recorded in 132 sample units from 10 different localities. The numerical methods used to analyse these data are two-way indicator species analysis, detrended correspondence analysis, canonical correspondence analysis, and Gaussian legit regression. The main floristic gradient in the data is closely related to altitude. The second floristic gradient follows patterns in precipitation and soil pH. The ordination and classification results show that P. braunii is primarily a plant of deciduous forests, P. aculeatum occurs in open or woodland habitats near the coast, and P. lonchitis favours open habitats with cool summers at either low or high altitudes. The Gaussian legit regression results suggest that low altitude, short distance from the coast, and high soil pH may be important in influencing the growth of P. aculeatum, whereas P. braunii appears to depend most strongly on high soil depth and humidity and an adequate but not too extensive snow-cover in winter. P. lonchitis is found to favour high soil and air humidity, high light intensity, and not too high summer temperatures. The results contribute to our understanding of the local, national, and European distributions of the three species. In western Norway, conditions appear to be generally favourable for P. braunii and P. lonchitis, but are clearly less favourable for P. aculeatum.
Combined effect of autoclaving‐cooling and cross‐linking treatments of normal corn starch on the resistant starch formation and physicochemical properties

Normal corn starch (NCS) was treated by both autoclaving-cooling and cross-linking to produce resistant starch (RS). The RS yield, crystalline structure, as well as other physicochemical properties of the modified starch were investigated. The yield of RS was 12.2% by four autoclaving-cooling cycles, and it could be further increased up to 31.0% by the subsequent cross-linking using sodium trimetaphosphate/sodium tripolyphosphate. The scanning electron microscopy images clearly illustrated that the granular structure of native starch was disrupted and a continuous network with irregular shape was formed after autoclaving-cooling cycles. The subsequent chemical cross-linking appeared to make the network structure more compact and dense. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that B- and V-types coexisted in all the modified corn starches, and all these modified starches exhibited very low viscosity which remained almost constant regardless of temperature changes.
Transmission of three viroids through seed and pollen of tomato plants.

The severe strain of potato spindle tuber viroid (s-PSTV) as well as chrysanthemum stunt (CSV) and cucumber pale fruit (CPFV) viroids were found to be transmitted through seed and pollen of the tomato cvs. Rutgers and Najwcześniejszy. Plants pollinated with a pollen infected with any of these three viroids became systematically infected. Plant, fruit and seed symptoms of viroid infection were noted on sap- and pollen-inoculated plants and the yield of these plants was reduced. Tomato cv. Rutgers plants grown from infected seeds were symptomless although all three viroids were detected in these plants by bioassay and by electrophoresis on 5% polyacrylamide gel. When DNA complementary to s-PSTV RNA was used for a direct viroid detection in seed samples by spot hybridization technique it hybridized not only with s-PSTV RNA but also with CSV RNA as well as with CPFV RNA.
Adenosine A3 receptors and viability of astrocytes

We investigated the role of the A3 adenosine receptor in cells of the astroglial lineage (both rat primary astrocytes and human astrocytoma ADF cells) by means of the selective A3 agonists N6‐(3‐iodobenzyl)‐adenosine‐5′‐N‐methyluronamide (IB‐MECA) and CI‐IB‐MECA, and by utilizing the selective A3 receptor antagonist MRS1191. Exposure of ADF cells to μM concentrations of either agonist resulted in reduction of cell number, likely due to cell death. In both rat astrocytes and human astrocytoma cells, at concentrations 2–3 orders of magnitude lower (which were not associated with cytotoxicity), these same agonists induced a marked reorganization of the cytoskeleton, with appearance of stress fibers and numerous cell protrusions. Functionally, these morphological changes were associated with cell protection, as demonstrated by a significant reduction of spontaneous apoptosis in A3 agonist‐treated cells. To confirm a role for the A3 receptor in this effect, MRS1191 completely counteracted CI‐IB‐MECA‐induced reduction of spontaneous apoptosis. In ADF cells, A3 agonists also induced changes in the intracellular distribution of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐XL, which became localized in cell protrusions. Also, this effect was specifically antagonized by MRS1191. These dual actions of A3 agonists in vitro may have important in vivo implications. For example, a robust and acute activation of the A3 receptor following massive adenosine release during ischemia may contribute to brain cell death; conversely, a subthreshold activation of this receptor prior to ischemia may trigger protective mechanisms (i.e., induction of stress fibers and of a Bcl‐XL‐dependent reorganization of cytoskeleton) making the brain more resistant to subsequent insults (“ischemic tolerance”). Drug Dev. Res. 45:379–386, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cristulariella depraedans as causal agent of leaf spots of a maple and other trees and shrubs

Results of the first studies in Poland on Cristulariella depraedans , the causal agent of necroses on tree and shrub leaves, are presented. The fungus was recorded on Acer platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus and eight other species of trees and shrubs, including Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Lonicera xylosteum and Padus avium that were not previously known as hosts of the fungus. The disease symptoms, which depend on the host plant species, the size and number of necrotic lesions on leaves, and the morphological features of the fungal propagules were characterized.
Examining an integrated model of green image, perceived quality, satisfaction, trust, and loyalty in upscale hotels

ABSTRACT This study considered a comprehensive model for understanding how green image, perceived quality (PQ), guest satisfaction, and trust simultaneously influence guests’ loyalty/behavioral intention. The relationships between the proposed constructs/variables were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) based on data collected from 200 UK travelers who stayed at upscale hotels in Europe. Results show that green image has an indirect positive effect on guests’ loyalty mediated through perceived quality (PQ) and trust, with PQ in turn influencing loyalty indirectly through satisfaction and trust. These results help to demystify the causal relationships among the investigated constructs/variables, suggesting in particular that a hotel’s green/eco-friendly image positively influences guests’ perception of a hotel’s products and services as well as establishing the role of PQ, satisfaction, and trust as mediators of green image as a determinant of guest loyalty.
New evidence corroborates population differentiation in Xanthoria parietina

Abstract: In order to examine genetic variation and population structure of the widespread lichen-forming ascomycete Xanthoria parietina from similar habitats, but different sites in Scandinavia, we investigated seven populations in Scania, southernmost Sweden, and compared the results with a corresponding study on Storfosna, central Norway. Sequence variations of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were used as molecular markers, for both a part of the IGS region and the complete ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. The amount of genetic variability observed was comparable in the two investigations. Divergence between populations in different habitats found in the previous study was also present in this study. Xanthoria parietina is genetically differentiated between habitats with no evidence of restricted gene flow between populations in the same habitat at the present spatial scale, at least at sites along the coast of Scandinavia. Differentiation between habitats is considerable at both study sites, which we attribute to restricted gene flow between habitats, i.e. habitat isolation.
Patterns of septal biomineralization in Scleractinia compared with their 28S rRNA phylogeny: a dual approach for a new taxonomic framework

A molecular phylogeny of the Scleractinia is reconstructed from approximately 700 nucleotides of the 5′end of the 28S rDNA obtained from 40 species. A comparison of molecular phylogenic trees with biomineralization patterns of coral septa suggests that at least five clades are corroborated by both types of data. Agaricidae and Dendrophylliidae are found to be monophyletic, that is supported by microstructural data. Conversely, Faviidae and Caryophylliidae are found to be paraphyletic: Cladocora should be excluded from the faviids, whereas Eusmilia should be excluded from the caryophylliids. The conclusion is also supported by the positions, sizes and shapes of centres of calcification. The traditional Guyniidae are diphyletic, corroborating Stolarski's hypothesis ‘A’. Some results from our most parsimonious trees are not strongly statistically supported but corroborated by other molecular studies and microstructural observations. For example, in the scleractinian phylogenetic tree, there are several lines of evidence (including those from our data) to distinguish a Faviidae–Mussidae lineage and a Dendrophylliidae–Agaricidae–Poritidae–Siderastreidae lineage. From a methodological standpoint, our results suggest that co‐ordinated studies creating links between biomineralization patterns and molecular phylogeny may provide an efficient working approach for a re‐examination of scleractinian classification. This goal is important because in the evolutionary scheme proposed by Wells that presently remains the basic framework in coral studies, patterns of septal microstructures are involved. Validating from molecular phylogenies a given microstructural character state as a potential synapomorphy for a clade is the only way to include fossils in the coral classification, an approach that should allow the unity of coral classification to be maintained up to the origin of the phylum in the Triassic times.
Components of the Sex Brand Secretions of Some Danaid Butterflies

aphrodisiac pheromone necessary for successful courtship in Danaus gilippus berenice3) and D. chrysippus on the basis of chemical and biological survey. Thus the prominent volatile and biologically active components in the secretion of hairpencils have been subjected to chemical investigation for many other species of danaid butterflies.4~7) On the other hand, only scant attention have been devoted to the survey of alar scent organ secretion. Recently, Boppre et ai8) reported the function of the scent organs (pockets) on the hindwings of D. chrysippus and suggested that the contact behavior between hairpencils and pockets might control pheromone biosynthesis. They found that both the pocket and hairpencil secretions of the species contain the same compound, dihydropyrrolizine [danaidone (1)]. This report describes the chemical components of the scent organs (sex brands) (Fig. 2) on the hindwings of danaid butterflies caught in the field in Japan and Formosaand discusses the role of these sex brands. The sex brand (Fig. 2) of the following male danaid species were examined in this work: Anosia chrysippus Linnaeus (10 heads, collected in Japan), Parantica melaneus swinhoei Moore (29 heads, Formosa), Parantica sita niphonica Moore (37 heads, Japan), Salatura genutia
Local perceptions of forest rules and interactions between rules, ecotourism, and human-wildlife conflicts: Evidence from Chitwan National Park, Nepal

There is always a conflict of interest between conservation efforts and communities living near conservation areas. Buffer zones and opportunities for ecotourism are sometimes created to lessen the negative impact of the stringent rules involved in conservation which directly impacts the livelihoods of neighbouring communities. This paper examines a Nepalese community’s perceptions of the Buffer Zone Community Forest (BZCF) rules, and investigates the interplay of rules, ecotourism, and human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Data were obtained from face-to-face household surveys and key informant interviews carried out in two Buffer Zone Villages in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. It was found that access to forest resources has become more restricted since ecotourism was introduced in the BZCF. Furthermore, contrary to expectations, settlements both closer to and farther from the forest are largely affected to the same extent by these restrictions. This study recommends better livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged groups in and around the BZCF, along with the development of forest policies based in reality to improve compliance with forest rules and to gain local support for conservation efforts.