Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soybean Photosynthetic Rate and Carbon Fixation at Early and Late Planting Dates

Early planting (late April to early May) is recommended for increasing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] yield but a full understanding of the physiological response is lacking. Carbon dioxide exchange rate (CER) was measured on soybean planted between 18 April and 29 May to determine if CER could resolve this yield difference. During the season CER was measured twice weekly on individual leaves. Total carbon fixation, dry matter accumulation, and radiation use efficiency (RUE) were calculated for the growth periods R1 to R3 and R3 to R6. During the early vegetative stages CER (before flowering) declined for all planting dates and reached a minimum of 0.566 (late planting) to 0.629 (optimal planting) mg CO2 m−2 s−1 by approximately R2 (late flowering) followed by a linear rate increase to a maximum of 1.23 mg CO2 m−2 s−1 by R5 to R6 (early seed fill). The optimal first week of May planting increased main-stem node number, average CER during R1 to R6, total carbon fixation, and dry matter but did not increase seed yield. Overall, yield and seed number were positively related to CER between R3 and R6. These data demonstrate that (i) CER was controlled by plant growth stage and was independent of the date that growth stage occurred and (ii) early planting did not consistently increase the CER rate during the R3 to R6 growth stage, limiting yield improvement. Factors other than CER are more likely to explain the reported positive yield response to early planting.
Survival and Development of the Bronze Poplar Borer Agrilus liragus Barter & Brown (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Abstract Survival of Agrilus liragus B. & B. is highly dependent on host condition. Any weakening factor such as defoliation, mechanical injury, or previous damage by A. liragus increases tree susceptibility to attack and enhances borer survival. The insect itself, through its local weakening effect on the phloem and cambial tissues, controls to some extent its own feeding environment. Although parasitism and predation do take place, the condition of the host tree is considered the prime factor determining the density of the borer population.
Biota–sediment accumulation and trophic transfer factors for extremely hydrophobic polychlorinated biphenyls

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish, invertebrates, and sediment from a contaminated tidal creek system in coastal Georgia (USA) were traced to Aroclor 1268, a mixture of hepta through decachlorinated homologs (x̄CI = 8.5) used at a former chlor/alkali plant adjacent to the study site. The base 10 logarithm of the octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) for the 15 most abundant Aroclor 1268 components in these samples ranged from 6.7 to >9. The composite mean biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) for these congeners was 3.1, 0.81, and 0.28 for yearling striped mullet, spotted sea trout, and grass shrimp, respectively, species representing three trophic levels of the local food web. Individual congener BSAFs were negatively correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with log Kow for all three species. The composite mean trophic transfer factor (TTFlip), defined as the ratio of lipid‐normalized PCB concentrations in fish to grass shrimp, was higher for mullet (12) than for sea trout (2.9). Individual TTFlip values were two to three times higher for Cl7 and Cl8 homologs that were substituted at all four ortho positions, suggesting a difference in PCB retention based on chlorine substitution patterns. The relative magnitude of BSAFs and TTFlip values indicated that sediment‐ingesting forage species like mullet efficiently accumulate PCBs and are an important link in the food web transfer of sediment‐associated contaminants in this system. The negative linear relationships between BSAF and log Kow established in this study are among the first to be reported in the field for extremely hydrophobic PCBs.
A Bayesian approach to modelling subnational spatial dynamics of worldwide non‐state terrorism, 2010–2016

Terrorism persists as a worldwide threat, as exemplified by the on‐going lethal attacks perpetrated by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Al Qaeda in Yemen and Boko Haram in Nigeria. In response, states deploy various counterterrorism policies, the costs of which could be reduced through efficient preventive measures. Statistical models that can account for complex spatiotemporal dependences have not yet been applied, despite their potential for providing guidance to explain and prevent terrorism. To address this shortcoming, we employ hierarchical models in a Bayesian context, where the spatial random field is represented by a stochastic partial differential equation. Our main findings suggest that lethal terrorist attacks tend to generate more deaths in ethnically polarized areas and in locations within democratic countries. Furthermore, the number of lethal attacks increases close to large cities and in locations with higher levels of population density and human activity.
CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF USING FORMALIZED KILLED VACCINE ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH PROPOLIS AGAINST Pasteurella multocida CHALLENGE IN RABBITS

Pasteurellosis is a common and troublesome issue of rabbits causing serious disorders. The immunization procedures are constantly the greatest preventive measures. In the present study, 40 New Zealand rabbits were used to investigate the protective efficacy of formalized Pasteurella multocida vaccine alone or in combination with propolis. The animals were divided into four equal groups (I-IV); negative control group, challenged non-vaccinated group, vaccinated challenged group and vaccinated propolis administered challenged group respectively. At the end of the 2 nd and 6 th weeks of the experiment, blood samples were collected from ear vein of rabbits for hematological, plasma, and serum examinations. The rabbits were then anaesthetized and sacrificed to collect tissue specimens from liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs for histopathological study. The results showed that using of propolis in combination with killed vaccine of Pasteurella multocida improved the immune response by increasing the leukocyte phagocytic activity against Pasteurella multocida (from 23.80% to 60.80%). Moreover, the clinicopathological findings including hemogram (RBCs count, Hb content, PCV, RBCs indices, platelets, total and differential leukocytes count), and hepato-renal function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, urea and creatinine), as well as, histopathological findings were better in infected rabbits treated with propolis- killed vaccine than using killed vaccine alone. Key words: propolis; pasteurellosis; phagocytosis; nitric oxide; P. formalized killed vaccine
Identification of stable restorers and genetics of fertility restoration in late‐maturing pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

A total of sixty-six germplasm lines were crossed with five CMS lines, where two belong to A4 cytoplasm, while other three belong to A2 cytoplasm. On the basis of pollen fertility test as well as good pod setting, of 330 hybrids, 34 restorer lines were observed in ICPA 2043 and 19 in ICPA 2092. Thirteen germplasm lines restored fertility in both the A4 CMS lines, viz. ICPA 2043 and ICPA 2092; however, none of the lines restored fertility in A2 CMS lines. For confirmation of result, restoration competence of identified lines tested subsequently 2 years at two different temperatures. The segregation patterns for fertility restoration studied in F2 and BC1F1 generations of selected ten crosses. Six crosses indicated the involvement of two major genes with recessive epistasis, three crosses confirmed dominant epistasis, and one cross indicated the involvement of duplicate recessive epistasis. The obtained results from this study will hasten the future three-line breeding programme and lead the hybrid technology to the farmers' field with the better exploitation of CMS lines.
Improved Induced-Spawning Protocol for the Spotted Rose Snapper (Lutjanus guttatus)

An improved protocol for hormonal induction of spawning in spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) resulted in increased spawning efficiency in newly-caught wild breeders and wild-caught adults maintained in captivity for more than a year. A controlled-release delivery system (implant) based on an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAc) matrix was loaded with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). The required GnRHa dose was established in two stages. The first stage included meta-analysis of our earlier experiments with wild spawners; the second stage included new experiments with wild and captive breeders. A nomograph was developed to calculate the required GnRHa implant dose, taking into account the origin of the female (wild vs. captive), the initial mean oocyte diameter, and body weight. The effective GnRHa dose was greater in wild than captive females and, in both cases, inversely related to mean oocyte diameter. Using this nomograph, over half the wild females with a mean oocyte diameter of ≥425 µm and over half the captive females with a mean oocyte diameter of ≥350 µm responded to GnRHa implant treatment (producing multiple spawning events in captives), with mean total relative fecundity ranging 80-278 x 103 eggs/kg body weight and 51-85% fertilization success. The nomograph can be used to calculate the GnRHa implant dose required to induce spawning in this species under commercial aquaculture conditions.
Fatores de competitividade organizacional

RESUMO: Este artigo tem por objetivo identificar, na produção bibliográfica da área de administração de empresas, quais são os elementos considerados como capazes de prover melhores condições de desempenho no âmbito empresarial. O trabalho desenvolveu-se a partir da análise de conteúdo de artigos científicos, que tratam sobre assuntos relacionados à competitividade, à produtividade, à eficiência, ao desempenho e à performance organizacional, no Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, no período de 2000 a 2009. A partir da análise de 486 artigos científicos, identificaram-se 15 fatores de competitividade organizacional: Alianças Estratégicas, Capital Humano, Confiabilidade, Conhecimento, Custo, Fatores Culturais, Flexibilidade, Inovação, Qualidade, Rapidez, Relacionamento com Clientes, Responsabilidade Social, Sistemas de Controle, Técnicas de Produção, Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação. fatores apresentam potencial para contribuir ao estabelecimento de prioridades organizacionais, e podem ser considerados como orientadores na construção de instrumentos de gestão e na implementação de ações de melhoria da competitividade.
Produção de antissoro policlonal utilizando a proteína capsidial recombinante do Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus

RSPaV is the causal agent of pitting in the grapevine woody cylinder. The aim of this research was to produce polyclonal antiserum against recombinant RSPaV coat protein (CP) and evaluate its specificity and sensibility. The CP gene (780bp) of RSPaV was previously characterized. This gene was subcloned into the EcoRI site of the pRSET-B expression vector and the recombinant plasmid was used to induce the expression of the CP in E. coli cells. The CP, fused to a 6-His-tag, was purified from E. coli total protein extract by affinity chromatography using Ni-NTA resin. Identity of the purified protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, using antibodies against the histidine tail. The in vitro-expressed recombinant CP presented a MW of ca. 31kDa. The purified protein was quantified and 2.55mg used for the immunization of a rabbit. The obtained polyclonal antiserum reacted with different RSPaV isolates extracted from grapevines in indirect ELISA.
Case studies in awarding the lowest bid price in construction projects

The basic criterion for selecting a tender for construction projects is usually the price. Public construction procurement, the process by which contractors are chosen for public construction projects, has traditionally been based on selecting the lowest bidder. This process, although designed with good intentions, has several shortcomings. The aim of this paper is to investigate the consequences of selecting the lowest bidder through studying three case studies. These case studies include a rehabilitation project which is funded by the Italian government, construction a sewage pump station and pressure sewage line, and construction a new pump station which are funded by the Danish government. The investigations include bidding, evaluation, awarding, and implementation stages; in addition to highlight the encountered problems during these stages. The findings indicated that all three projects faced a number of problems; among them are delays, cost overruns and disputes. It is recommended that: Project cost estimate should be checked and agreed upon between all project parties before starting tendering stage. Bid evaluation process should be a joint effort task between related project parties and including various engineering specialization of expertise in order to be able to control and evaluate all the project items in early stage before starting the implementation stage. Bid evaluation should focus on the balance of items' prices and correctness of items unites prices. Awarding project should be to the lowest evaluated responsive bidder, who has the financial and technical capabilities and present the most logical and practical offer. Factors other than financial offer should be considered in the awarding decision.
Mortality of Australian alpine grasses (Poa spp.) after drought: species differences and ecological patterns

Aims Australian alpine ecosystems currently experience high precipitation in the snow-free season, but they are predicted to experience drier conditions under climate change. We observed high mortality of the dominant alpine grasses following drought in 2007. Our aims were as follows: to test the involvement of plant-available water (PAW) and other environmental variables in grass mortality in the field; to detect possible species differences in drought response and to link soil moisture to precipitation using soil properties and climate data. Methods The dominant tussock grasses of the Australian alpine zone, Poa hothamensis var. hothamensis N.G. Walsh, Poa hiemata Vickery and Poa phillipsiana Vickery (Poaceae), all exhibited mortality following drought in the Bogong High Plains, Victoria, Australia in 2007. PAW was calculated using soil water potential measurements, and past drought occurrence was modelled using climate data. We then tested the effects of PAW and soil depth on grass survival both at a large spatial scale spanning the elevational range of the alpine zone and at a smaller scale. Poa hothamensis and P. phillipsiana were compared in a common-garden experiment to test drought tolerance. Important Findings Poa hothamensis survival was predicted by dry-season PAW at the small spatial scale; at the large scale, soil depth and elevation were more important predictors of P. hothamensis survival, but dry-season PAW predicted P. hiemata survival. Common-garden experiments supported field observations that P. hothamensis is more droughtsensitive than is P. phillipsiana. We also present a simple polynomial relationship between rainfall and field soil moisture, which predicts that the alpine soils dry below wilting point several times a year. We suggest the timing of long rain-free periods may be more important than their duration.
Body size determines the strength of the latitudinal diversity gradient

In most groups of organisms, the species richness decreases from the tropics to the poles. The mechanisms causing this latitudinal diversity gradient are still controversial. We present data from a comprehensive weighted meta-analysis on the strength of the latitudinal gradient in relation to body size. We sampled literature data on the correlation between species richness and latitude for a variety of organisms, ranging from trees to protozoa. In addition, own data on the presence of large-scale diversity patterns for diatoms were included, both for local and regional species richness. The strength of the latitudinal gradient was positively correlated to the size of the organisms. Strongest decreases of species richness to the poles was found for large organisms like trees and vertebrates, whereas meiofauna, protozoa and diatoms showed weak or no correlations between species richness and latitude. These results imply that latitudinal gradients are shaped by non-equilibrium (regional) processes and are persistent under conditions of dispersal limitation.
Effect of Calcium and Calmodulin on Intrinsic Heat Tolerance in Relation to Antioxidant Systems in Maize Seedlings

Pretreatment of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds with CaCl2 solution significantly raised calcium and calmodulin levels and enhanced intrinsic heat tolerance in maize seedlings. This enhancement is specific to Ca2+ and cannot be substituted by Mg2+. In contrast, treatments with the Ca2+ chelator EGTA or plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blockers La3+ or verapamil lowered the intrinsic heat tolerance. Concurrent treatment with Ca2+ and Ca2+ -channel blockers (La3+, verapamil) also decreased the Ca2+ -enhanced heat tolerance. In addition, calmodulin antagonists chlorpromazine or W7 treatment eliminated the Ca2+ -enhanced heat tolerance, whilst W5, a less active analogue of W7, had little effect on the Ca2+ -enhanced heat tolerance. Measurement of antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation showed that heat stress induced an oxidative stress in maize seedlings. External Ca2+ treatment enabled the seedlings to keep relatively higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and lower levels of lipid peroxidation than Ca2+ -deficient treatments; on the contrary, EGTA treatment led to more rapid loss of SOD, CAT and APX activities and higher levels of lipid peroxidation in the seedlings under heat stress. In addition, concurrent Ca2+ and W7 treatment weakened the effects of Ca2+ treatment on SOD, CAT and APX activities and caused more severe lipid peroxidation. These results suggested that external Ca2+ can enhance the intrinsic heat tolerance of maize seedlings. This enhancement requires the entry of external Ca2+ into cells across plasma membranes and the mediation of intracellular calmodulin, and is associated with the increase of antioxidant system activity.
Effect of nitrogen and rhizobium inoculation on yield and biological N2 fixation of blue lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.).

The effects of N supply and Rhizobium inoculation on biological N 2 fixation and yield of blue lupins were investigated in pot experiments with a mixture of sand and soil as substrate and 15 N labelled fertiliser. This seems important, as 90% of lupingrowing area in Germany consist of blue lupins because their anthracnosis tolerance and the knowledge about N 2-fixing capacity of German blue lupin strains is inadequate. 15 N was used to differ between fertiliser-born N and the N derived from dinitrogen fixation. Rhizobium inoculation increased the symbiotic biological N 2 fixation of lupins in absence of mineral nitrogen. In presence of mineral N the effect of Rhizobium inoculation was not significant. L. angustifolius fixed considerable amounts of dinitrogen also after flowering. For getting high yield of blue lupins, a Rhizobium inoculation is essential. Mineral N supply at sowing increased dry matter production, but decreased partly the biological N 2 fixation of Rhizobium inoculated blue lupins. The total N amounts were increased by N supply at sowing. Nevertheless, nitrogen fertilisation of blue lupins at sowing is not essential if the soil could supply the plant N demand the for early growth stages. At flowering mineral N supply affected only slightly the dry matter production of L. angustifolius and reduced the biological N 2 fixation after flowering in inoculated plants. Therefore, a late N supply to blue lupins is not recommended. The N dynamics, that means the relationship between biological N 2 fixation, supply of combined N, and plant yields was similar to yellow lupins and contrary to white lupins. The biological N 2 fixation of L. angustifolius appears relatively tolerant to mineral N supply.
Sex ratios and the status of the male in Pseudococcinae (Hem. Coccidae).

1. The male of Pseudococcus is co-equal in importance with the female for the propagation of the species. Virgin females of P. citri , Risso (both aerial and root forms), P. maritimus , Ehr. , P. gahani , Green, P. longispinus , Targ. , and T. peregrinus , Green, are incapable of producing offspring. No form of parthenogenesis occurs in these five species. Only fertilised eggs develop. 2. The relative abundance of the male sex varies greatly from species to species. The specific sex ratio of citri is 101·62± 1·54 ♂♂ per 100 ♀♀, estimated from 11,413 progeny from 47 females; that of maritimus is 59·65± 9·39 ♂♂ per 100 ♀♀, estimated from 4,630 progeny from 42 females; that of gahani is 43·025± 2·28 ♂♂ per 100 ♀♀ estimated from 12,092 progeny from 61 females; that of longispinus (for bisexual families only) is 19·28± 2·27 ♂♂ per 100 ♀♀, estimated from 4,084 progeny from 19 females; and that of peregrinus 37·01± 7·906 ♂♂ per 100 ♀♀, estimated from 3,946 progeny from 24 females.
Use of CERES-Wheat model for wheat yield forecast in central Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

A methodology was developed for large area yield forecast using a crop simulation model and a discrete technology trend, and was applied to the coherent wheat yield variability zones of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. The approach consisted of three major steps: (a) prediction of technology trend yield using historical yield series of the region; (b) prediction of weather-induced deviation in wheat yield using CERES-Wheat simulation model and relating weather-induced deviation in simulated yield to deviation in observed yield deviations from technology trend; and (c) final yield forecast by incorporating predicted yield deviation in trend predicted yield. The regression coefficients for step (b) were generated using 10 years' data (1984/85–1994/95) and the reliability of the approach was tested on a data set of 5 years' independent data (1995/96–1999/2000). The results showed that this approach could capture year-to-year variability in large area wheat yield with reasonable accuracy. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between observed and predicted yield was reported as 0·098 t/ha for the mean yield of 2·072 t/ha (4·72%). However, the RMSE was slightly higher in the forecasting period in comparison to the calibration period. The use of this methodology for issuing the pre-harvest forecast and the effect of upgrading the technology trend were also studied. The pre-harvest forecasts were made using in-season weather data up to the end of February and climatic-normal for the rest of the wheat-growing season, which showed good agreement with observed wheat yields. The forecasts of wheat yield for the season 1999/2000 were made using the technology trend up to 1994/95 and the updated technology trend up to 1998/99, which showed that the RMSE fell in the latter case, from 4·10 to 2·50%.