Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION OF GAC (MOMORDICA COCHINCHINENSIS SPRENG.), A GREENHOUSE CASE STUDY

SUMMARY Greater cultivation of the underutilised Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis, by poorly resourced householders and farmers would potentially improve livelihoods, and, on a larger scale, meet the increasing demand for Gac as a health product. Cultivation methods need to be developed to suit small- and large-scale production and must consider the unpredictable ratio of male to female plants grown from seed, and slow growth induced by cool temperatures. In this study, we examined the responses of Gac to propagation and protected cropping techniques to identify potential methods for increasing production. Plants germinated from seed in seed-raising mix under warm and humid conditions were grown hydroponically to maturity in a climate-controlled greenhouse during a temperate winter, producing fruits that were harvested ripe, from 44 weeks after sowing. Cuttings taken from female plants were dipped in indole-3-butyric rooting hormone powder or gel, or were left untreated, and then placed in rock wool, potting mix, water or closed media sachet. All treatment combinations, with the exception of the untreated potting mix, permitted the development of healthy plants in a second greenhouse crop. Growing plants from seed, then vegetatively increasing the number of productive female plants by cuttings is a means to increase Gac production with limited resources. Gac production using greenhouse technology, as described here for the first time, is relevant to other temperate regions. The finding that larger fruits have a higher percentage of edible aril than smaller fruits provides a new area of investigation towards enhancing production.
Differences between two green algae in biological availability of iron bound to strong chelators

N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED) is a very strong Fe 3+ chelator. Strategy I vascular plants, which use a reductive system for iron acquisition, similar to many green algae, are able to access iron from HBED (R.L. Chaney. 1988. J. Plant Nutr. 11: 1033-1050). However, iron-limited cells of the Strategy I green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard were unable to access iron present as Fe 3+ -HBED. In contrast, Fe 3+ chelated with hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA; a weaker chelator) was rapidly taken up by iron-limited Chlamydo- monas cells. Chlamydomonas ferric reduction rates with Fe 3+ -HBED were approximately 15% of the rate observed with Fe 3+ -HEDTA, suggesting that low reduction rates with Fe 3+ -HBED might be one factor in the low rate of iron acquisition. By contrast, iron-limited cells of the Strategy I green alga Chlorella kessleri Fott et Novakovawere able to rapidly assimi- late Fe 3+ chelated by HBED, although ferric reduction rates with Fe 3+ -HBED were approximately 38% the rate of activity with Fe 3+ -HEDTA. Similar differential iron uptake rates for the two algal species were obtained using the strong Fe 3+ che- lator (and siderophore analogue) desferrioxamine B mesylate and the cyanobacterial siderophore schizokinen. These results suggest that there are differences among Strategy I green algae in their abilities to acquire Fe 3+ from various ferric che- lates: not all Strategy I algae can equally access tightly complexed Fe 3+ . Chlamydomonas appears to be the first docu- mented Strategy I organism that is unable to acquire iron from Fe 3+ -HBED. These results also suggest that green algal iron acquisition from siderophores is species dependent. Finally, we suggest that iron acquisition from Fe 3+ -HBED might
Red and far-red light influence carbon partitioning, growth and flowering of bahia grass (Paspalum notatum)

SUMMARY Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) plants were grown in growth chambers at Gif, France, and at Gainesville in Florida, demonstrating that the species is a long-day plant and greatly influenced by light quality during the photosynthetic period. Flowering occurred in all instances when the middle of the dark period was interrupted with red or red + far-red light. With nightly interruptions of farred light, flowering occurred only when a sufficient quantity of far-red was present during the photosynthetic period. Plants grown under short days with nightly interruptions of red, far-red or red + far-red light had less starch accumulation and greater leaf growth and dry weight than plants grown without nightly light interruptions, whatever the light quality during the photosynthetic period. The treatments did not affect the partitioning of assimilates and flowering in the same way.
Critical Success Factors influencing Web-Based Decision Support Systems in Online Shopping Context

Web-based decision support systems are increasingly used over the past years. However, few studies have been conducted on evaluation of web-based decision support systems especially in the field of online shopping. This paper attempts to explore the critical success factors that influence decision making satisfaction in online shopping context by providing a conceptual model for this purpose. Although there are various factors which contribute in making online shopping decisions but this study focuses on five factors i.e. web site quality, data quality, knowledge management, decision making satisfaction, and perceived net benefit. Also, this research will use existing models that explain and predict information systems success. However, these success models need to be updated to recurrent industry developments since the updating existing IS success models, a better understanding of web-based DSS practitioner success can be achieved.
Executive Summary: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2015 Update A Report From the American Heart Association

Author(s): Mozaffarian, Dariush; Benjamin, Emelia J; Go, Alan S; Arnett, Donna K; Blaha, Michael J; Cushman, Mary; de Ferranti, Sarah; Despres, Jean-Pierre; Fullerton, Heather J; Howard, Virginia J; Huffman, Mark D; Judd, Suzanne E; Kissela, Brett M; Lackland, Daniel T; Lichtman, Judith H; Lisabeth, Lynda D; Liu, Simin; Mackey, Rachel H; Matchar, David B; McGuire, Darren K; III, Mohler Emile R; Moy, Claudia S; Muntner, Paul; Mussolino, Michael E; Nasir, Khurram; Neumar, Robert W; Nichol, Graham; Palaniappan, Latha; Pandey, Dilip K; Reeves, Mathew J; Rodriguez, Carlos J; Sorlie, Paul D; Stein, Joel; Towfighi, Amytis; Turan, Tanya N; Virani, Salim S; Willey, Joshua Z; Woo, Daniel; Yeh, Robert W; Turner, Melanie B; Comm, Amer Heart Assoc Stat; Subcomm, Stroke Stat
Evaluation of the Effect of Lime Modification on the Dynamic Modulus Stiffness of Hot-Mix Asphalt

Hydrated lime is often used as a mineral filler or antistripping additive in hot-mix asphalt (HMA). Many agencies across North America require the use of lime in all HMA mixtures being placed on high-volume roadways. Despite this wide use of lime, its effects on the HMA mixture dynamic modulus (E*) stiffness have rarely been evaluated. The new mechanistic–empirical (M-E) pavement design guide, Guide for Mechanistic–Empirical Design of New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures, developed under NCHRP Project 1–37A uses E* as the primary material property of asphalt mixtures for the HMA characterization. A comprehensive study was completed at Arizona State University to assess the effect of lime addition on the E* stiffness of HMA mixtures. The study demonstrated that the standard test and design methodologies of the new M-E pavement design guide could be used effectively for lime-modified HMA mixes. With these methodologies, hydrated lime was found to increase the E* of HMA mixtures by 17% to 65% across the range of mixtures, lime contents, and temperature, with an overall average of 25% increase found from 17 mixture–lime percentage combinations across six different HMA mixes. This paper also outlines a provisional protocol for evaluating the E* master curve for lime-modified HMA mixtures using any of the three hierarchical levels found in the new NCHRP Project 1–37A pavement design guide.
Substitutes for grazing in semi-natural grasslands - do mowing or mulching represent valuable alternatives to maintain vegetation structure?

Question: Which management treatments are suitable to replace historically applied grazing regimes? How and why does vegetation structure change following changes in management? Location: Semi-natural calcareous dry grasslands in southwest Germany. Methods: We analysed changes in floristic and functional composition induced by different management treatments (grazing, mowing, mulching, succession) in long-term experimental sites. First, floristic and functional distances between the initial conditions and the following years were determined. Second, we used RLQ analyses to include data on abiotic conditions, vegetation composition and functional traits in one common analysis. Finally, we applied cluster analyses on RLQ species scores to deduce functional groups. Results: In contrast to the historical management regime of grazing, all alternative management treatments led to changes in floristic and functional composition, depending on their intensity with respect to biomass removal. The distance analyses showed that mulching twice per year and mowing did not lead to strong changes in floristic or functional composition. However, RLQ analysis clearly provided evidence that only the grazed sites are in equilibrium, indicating that vegetation change still goes ahead. Conclusions: The current study clearly shows that RLQ is a powerful tool to elucidate ongoing processes that may remain hidden when separately analysing floristic and functional data. Alternative management treatments are not appropriate to sustain the typical disturbance dynamics of species-rich semi-natural grasslands. The less frequent an alternative management treatment is with respect to biomass removal, the less the floristic and functional structure can be maintained.
The Moss Physcomitrella patens

AbstractThe moss Physcomitrella patens, like seed plants, shows alternation of generations, but its gametophyte, the haploid phase of the life cycle, is dominant, making it ideal for genetic studies. Crosses show direct segregations, so F2 or test crosses are unnecessary. Mutagenesis yields mutants, the phenotype of which is directly evident. Haploid tissue can be propagated vegetatively, allowing the maintenance of mutants blocked early in development. Protoplasts, isolated from filamentous gametophytic tissue, regenerate directly into filamentous tissue, providing an abundant supply of single haploid cells for transformation. Recombination occurs at a high frequency between genomic sequences in transforming DNA and the corresponding chromosomal sequences, allowing precise inactivation or modification of genes. RNAi technology allows the inactivation of the expression of gene families and the partial knockdown of essential genes. Over 100,000 ESTs have been sequenced and annotated, and sequencing of the .
Evaluation of Proneness to Red Light Violation

Evaluation of proneness to red light running behavior, because it results from human and road factors, can aid in a proper selection of the sites to be treated and thereby increase the benefit of countermeasures to reduce the red light running (RLR) phenomenon. Starting from the conceptual framework of a model based on potential conflicts analysis, this paper shows that a quantitative evaluation of proneness to red light running behavior can be obtained from both the analysis of the effective operational characteristics of the intersection and the actual number of RLR violations. According to behavioral models referred to in the literature, which emphasize the influence that both human and road factors have on the user's decision-making process at red lights, the proposed approach also accounts for the impact of the local (site) and general (population) characteristics on the phenomenon. Field observations for a case study in an urban area are discussed to illustrate the methodological approach. Results obtained clearly show the sensitivity of the parameter assumed for describing proneness to red light violation to the operational characteristics of the intersections. Moreover, they underline that the common violation rates could cause improper evaluation of the extent of the RLR phenomenon at a specific intersection.
Herbivory strains resilience in drought-prone aspen landscapes of the western United States

Question Aspen forests in the northern hemisphere provide richer biodiversity compared to surrounding vegetation types. In both North America and Europe, however, aspen stands are threatened by a variety of human impacts: clear felling, land development, water diversion, fire suppression and both wild and domestic ungulate herbivory. We conducted a landscape assessment of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) for the purpose of identifying key components of resilience. Specifically, we tested novel measures linking plant–animal interactions, compared crucial functional differences in aspen types and made restorative recommendations based on the outcome of these assessments. Location Book Cliffs region, eastern Utah and western Colorado, USA. Methods Seventy-seven 1-ha plots were sampled for forest structure, composition, regeneration and recruitment, landscape elements, browse level and herbivore use. Use was determined by counting the number of pellet groups from ungulate species at each sample location. We tested the efficacy of a visual stand condition rating system when compared to objective metrics. A series of non-parametric analyses were used to compare functional aspen types and stand condition groups by key variables. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) allowed us to explore all our data to find the most critical measures of aspen stand conditions for the purpose of better informing future aspen monitoring. Results Plots differed significantly in seral or stable aspen functional types, stand condition rating and browse species use. Ordination analysis revealed that regeneration level and herbivore use were the strongest objective indicators of aspen stand conditions, while stand condition rating proved a valuable subjective index of forest status. While ungulate herbivory of aspen is problematic internationally, our results show acute impacts where moderate slopes, relatively low water availability and intense browsing predominate. Conclusions Appropriate measures for aspen communities, informed by crucial functional divisions, allowed us to gain a clear understanding of conditions across this large landscape. Overall, aspen in our study landscape is highly vulnerable to collapse due to narrow physiographic and climate limitations and browse levels. Without herbivory reduction, future conservation in such areas will be strained and widespread system failure may occur.
Reducing Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Delay at Signalized Intersections: Controlled-Field Evaluation of Effectiveness of Infrastructure-to-Vehicle Communication

This paper presents the results of a controlled-field experiment designed to evaluate the efficiency of a speed recommendation algorithm developed to reduce vehicle fuel consumption at signalized intersections. The evaluated algorithm received instantaneous speed data from the vehicle and computed real-time fuel-efficient speeds that were promptly communicated by an audio signal to the driver to follow. The controlled-field experiment included two other scenarios for comparison. In the first scenario, participants drove freely through the intersection (no communication between the vehicle and the infrastructure). In the second scenario, the time remaining for the current signal indication was communicated to the driver by an audio signal. The experiment was designed as a split-split-plot design in which the scenarios served as the plots, the grade (downhill or uphill) as the split plot, and the time-to-red indication offset (10, 15, 20, and 25 s) as the split-split plot. In total, 1,536 trips were conducted by 32 participants (16 females and 16 males) between the ages of 18 and 30. The collected data were compared in relation to fuel economy and travel time over a fixed 430-m distance (250 m upstream of the intersection and 180 m downstream). The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the evaluated scenarios. The developed optimal speed advisory algorithm was found to be efficient in reducing fuel consumption, with savings up to 19%, depending on the grade and red indication offset. In addition, the developed speed advisory algorithm was found to reduce travel times by up to 10%.
Koenigs-Knorr Glycosylation with Neuraminic Acid Derivatives

Earlier we reported a convenient and efficient method of preparing α2-6 sialooligosaccharides in conditions of Koenigs-Knorr reaction. The use of Ag2CO3 allowed carrying out α2-6 sialylation of galacto-4,6-diol of mono- and disaccharides with chloride of acetylated N-acetylneuraminic acid methyl ester as glycosyl donor. In this study we applied this approach to other derivatives of neuraminic acid, namely, Neu5Gc, 9-deoxy-9-NAc-Neu5Ac, Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Ac, and Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Ac as glycosyl donors; eight compounds were synthesized: Neu5Gcα-O(CH2)3NH2 (8), Neu5Gcα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH2)3NH2 (10), 9-deoxy-9-NAc-Neu5Ac-O(CH2)3NH2 (15), 9-deoxy-9-NAc-Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH2)3NH2 (17), Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Acα-O(CH2)3NH2(23) Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Acα-OCH3 (24), Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Acα-OCH2(p-C6H4)NHCOCH2NH2 (25), and Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Acα2-8Neu5Acα-O(CH2)3NH2 (32). These sialosides were used for characterization of siglecs and other carbohydrate-binding proteins.
Correlating causative factors in cleft lip and palate patients: An epidemiological study

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to correlate the incidence of cleft lip and palate (CLP) with possible etiological factors such as consanguinity, history of abortions or miscarriages, type of delivery, oral destructive habits, and family history. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was completed using a standardized questionnaire which was prepared to investigate the information of 166 patients referred to/undergoing orthodontic rehabilitation treatment of CLP at the hospital. The variables assessed were consanguinity, affected members in family and relatives, gestational history, past abortions and/or miscarriages, medications taken by mother during pregnancy, and parental habits of tobacco chewing and/or smoking. Statistical Analysis Used: Correlation of the above-mentioned variables as well as any mutual effects of gender and cleft type was assessed statistically by Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: The results of the present study provide demographic details of cleft patients in Gujarat, which show that cleft deformity is seen more in male patients (n = 98; 59%). Unilateral CL and palate of left side (CL + PUL) occurs most frequently (n = 62; 37.3%) both in male (n = 40; 40.8%) and female (n = 22; 32.4%) patients. Occurrence of CL + PUL is followed by bilateral CL and palate (CL + PB) (n = 45; 27.1%) and unilateral CL and palate of right side (n = 27; 16.3%). The oral destructive habits of parents (n = 82; 49.4%), past abortions and miscarriage (n = 47; 28.3%), family history (n = 26; 15.7%), and consanguinity (n = 24; 14.5%) could be correlated with the occurrence of CLP. Conclusion: This can serve as a guide for future reference to health workers so that they can take measures to create awareness among the people to avoid consanguineous marriages, use of tobacco, abortions, and create awareness about a family history. The outcome could also help government/public health sector workers to develop strategies for awareness, identification, and treatment of cleft deformities.
Comparative methods for inducing and measuring non-shivering thermogenesis in newborn lambs

Thirty-one newborn lambs were allocated to four treatments involving subcutaneous or slowly administered intravenous injections of noradrenaline (a natural predominantly a-agonist) or isoprenaline (a synthetic pure ($-agonist). The thermogenic effect of these treatments, attributed to brown adipose tissue, was assessed by changes in metabolic rate and rectal temperature. The objective was to define the optimum treatment for studying genetic variation between lambs in the thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue. After all treatments, metabolic rate increased significantly by about 7 W/kg to a peak averaging 2·3 times the resting metabolic rate. Rectal temperature increased significantly by about 1°C. Both drugs administered at 150 [ig/kg were similar in potency with noradrenaline producing slightly, but not significantly, greater responses; subcutaneous injections gave significantly larger and more prolonged responses than intravenous injections. Subcutaneous isoprenaline produced the longest sustained response with peak metabolism difficult to define. Subcutaneous noradrenaline injections provided the simplest satisfactory treatment for large scale experiments.
Use of artificial cover objects for detecting red katipo, Latrodectus katipo Powell (Araneae: Theridiidae)

Introduction Katipo are endemic widow spiders belonging to the genus Latrodectus (Theridiidae), a genus notorious for the dangerous bites of adult females. Latrodectus has a global distribution and is represented in New Zealand by two species; L. atritus Urquhart 1890 and L. katipo Powell 1871. Recently, it was recommended that these be referred to as ‘black’ and ‘red’ katipo, respectively (Patrick 2002). Both species of katipo have declined throughout their respective coastal duneland habitats and ranges. A recent nationwide survey for red katipo revealed they were present at only 46% of sites where they had been recorded previously (Patrick 2002). Threats to red katipo are degradation and loss of habitat due to historical and on-going processes, including replacement of the native sand-binder pingao (Desmoschoenus spiralis) with introduced marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), deliberate and accidental spread of exotic species such as Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), and damage caused by stock and recreational vehicles (Griffiths 2001). Although red katipo appear to have declined in number and distribution, the scarcity of detailed historical records and lack of a nationallyimplemented standard survey methodology mean that current rates of population declines and range reductions are difficult to determine. Monitoring is sporadic and consists of repeated sampling of some known populations over time in combination with surveys at sites were red katipo are scarce and/or have been recorded previously. Such surveys rely on hand-searching of suitable habitat, ideally by experienced observers. The probability of detecting katipo may vary according to the complexity and structure of the habitat being searched (Patrick 2002), observer experience, time-of-year, and the developmental stage, with spiderlings and males being more difficult to detect than adult females (Troup 2004). This variability can remain despite efforts to standardise survey conditions in-so-far as this is possible. For instance, two successive 30 min searches conducted by experienced observers at the exact same site yielded 33 and seven red katipo, respectively (Patrick 2002). Collectively, these difficulties highlight the need for practical and robust monitoring methods. New Zealand Entomologist 29: 99-102 (2006)