Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultivation of Combretum bracteosum (Hochst.) Brandis.

In maximizing South Africa's floral diversity, plant propagators have begun exploiting the rich array of indigenous plants, especially those with horticultural potential. Plants previously unavailable to the professional and amateur gardeners alike, are legally becoming common-place in nurseries. However, in promoting the trade of indigenous plants to nursery-owners, rapid, easy and cost effective methods ofpropagating these plants need to be established. Combretum bracteosum is one such indigenous plant, the aesthetic appeal thereofexhibits great potential for ornamentation, especially when flowering. In facilitating the introduction of Combretum bracteosum into nurseries, small gardens or even pots, investigations carried out aimed to determine and analyse quick and easy methods ofpropagating this plant. Of the various propagation techniques considered, only one, micropropagation, required specialized skill and training prior to carrying out the relevant procedures and protocols. The two other techniques used, which are accessible to most plant propagators, were seed germination and propagation from cuttings. Propagation by seed germination yielded less than optimal results from a commercial perspective. Although the hard pericarp surrounding the embryo did not impose any dormancy inducing mechanisms, such as the restriction ofwater uptake or the leaching of an inhibitory compounds, it did act as a mechanical barrier to the emerging radicle and roots. Recommendations for optimal Combretum bracteosum seed germination would be to remove the protective pericarp completely, incubate imbibed embryos in complete darkness at 25°C. After radicle emergence the germinating embryos could be moved into an alternating light: dark cycle. A more viable and simpler alternative to seed germination, was propagation by stem cuttings. Treating the cuttings with 10% and 50% or 75% of the commercially available
Non-interest income management of banks in a global low interest rate environment

The significant change of the banking business models is easily observable in the current banking industry. Banks are forced to find additional source of income besides the one from traditional activities and thus the non-interest income is growing in importance. One of the reasons behind is that the banks need to recover from severe impacts of financial crisis in 2008-2010 and they want to adapt to the environment of low interest rates which has been occurring in the market since 2011. In this thesis, we analyze the presence of direct effect of non-interest income (proxied by fee income) on banks’ performance using data of 220 commercial and investment banks from U.S. and EU-28 countries over the period of 2007-2014. Using System Generalized Methods of Moment, the direct effect was not detected. However, we conclude that economy with low inflation rate and growing gross domestic product improves the banks’ profitability, as well as high capitalization and operating and credit quality efficiency. Furthermore, we found out that the volatility of the non-interest income has increased earlier than the crisis in 2008-2010 and it has been achieving almost continuous level till 2011 when it started decreasing again. Thus the hypothesis about relationship between volatility and financial crisis was rejected. JEL Classification C23, G21, L25
Source apportionment of atmospheric aerosol in a marine dusty environment by ionic/composition mass balance (IMB)

Abstract. PM10 aerosol was sampled in Santiago, the largest island of Cabo Verde, for 1 year, and analysed for elements, ions and carbonaceous material. Very high levels of dust were measured during the winter months, as a result of the direct transport of dust plumes from the African continent. Ionic and mass balances (IMBs) were applied to the analysed compounds, permitting the determination of six to seven different processes and source contributions to the aerosol loading: insoluble and soluble dust, sea salt, carbonaceous material and secondary inorganic compounds resulting from the reaction of acidic precursors with ammonia, sea salt and dust. The mass balance could be closed by the consideration and estimation of sorbed water that constituted 20 %–30 % of the aerosol mass. The balance methodology was compared with positive matrix factorisation (PMF), showing similar qualitative source composition. In quantitative terms, while for soil dust and secondary inorganic compound source classes, the results are similar, for other sources such as sea-salt spray there are significant differences in periods of dust episodes. The discrepancies between both approaches are interpreted based on calculated source profiles. The joint utilisation of the two methodologies, which are complementary, gives confidence in our capability for the correct source apportionment of aerosol particles.
Dual Inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum MF135558 and Klebsiella oxytoca MF135559 Enhance the Growth and Yield of Wheat Plant and Reduce N-Fertilizers Usage

A field experiment was carried out in the farm of faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt during the winter season of 2016 to study the effect of bio-fertilization under different level of nitrogen (75% and 50% of the full dose) on the growth and yield of wheat plant. Obtained results showed that the microbial inoculation leads to a significant increase in growth parameters (plant heights, number of tillers, leaves and dry weights). Also, microbial inoculation leads to a significant increase in NPK-contents as responded to all treatments under investigation in all stages of plant growth. The obtained results show a significant increase in yield parameters and its components (spike length, spike weight , number of grains / spike, weight of 1000 grains, grain and straw yield and NPK contents in grains and straw) as affected by microbial inoculation. The treatment T 9 (Az. chroococcum + K. oxytoca + 75 % dose of N) gave the highest value of grains and straw yield (19.61 and 3.13 ton/fed., respectively) with an increase by 21.87% and 19.01%, respectively. Also, the bio-fertilization has a pronounced increase in microbial count in comparison with the mineral fertilization. The present study recommend by the possibility of using the dual bacterial inoculum which containing Azotobacter chroococcum MF135558 and Klebsiella oxytoca MF135559 in the presence of 75% dose of N for enhancing growth and yield of wheat plants and reduce chemical fertilizers usage.
Cladistic Biogeography: Interpreting Patterns of Plant and Animal Distributions

Introduction 1. Historical biogeography. Introduction Distribution patterns A history of ideas Centres of origin Panbiogeography Conclusions 2. Methodological developments. Introduction Cladistics Cladistics and biogeography Discussion Conclusions 3. The real world. Introduction Same pattern: different taxa Different patterns: different taxa Geology and the cladistic biogeographer Conclusions 4. A new view of the world. Introduction Tropical versus antitropical Pangaea, Pacifica, or expanding Earth? Historical biogeography of the southern end of the world A new view of the world Conclusions Bibliography Glossary Index of animal and plant names General index
Snowfall Fraction, Cold Content, and Energy Balance Changes Drive Differential Response to Simulated Warming in an Alpine and Subalpine Snowpack

Despite widespread warming in mountain regions, little research to date has explored the physical mechanisms driving the variable response of snowpacks to changes in climate, instead focusing primarily on empirical relationships, such as seasonal air temperature or elevation. In this work, we evaluate how differences in snowfall fraction, cold content, and the snowpack energy balance produce simulated changes to snow accumulation and melt at an alpine and subalpine snowpack in the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research site. For our analysis, we created a 23 years baseline simulation using the SNOWPACK model forced by historical hourly meteorological data from water year 1991 through 2013. We then perturbed hourly air temperature in 0.5°C increments from +0.5 to +4.0°C above baseline and increased incoming longwave radiation accordingly. For every 1°C of warming, peak snow water equivalent declined by 43.9 mm in the alpine and 54.3 mm in the subalpine, melt onset shifted 6.2 days earlier in the alpine and 8.8 days in the subalpine, the snow season shortened by 10.7 days in the alpine and 16.4 days in the subalpine, and melt rate increased by 0.2 mm d−1 in the alpine while decreasing by 0.4 mm d−1 in the subalpine. We found the alpine snowpack was less sensitive to warming for three primary reasons: (1) Snowfall fraction decreased less rapidly per 1°C of warming than in the subalpine; (2) Cold content still consistently developed throughout the snow season, preventing mid-winter melt events; (3) Changes to snowmelt rate were not significant because increases to the turbulent fluxes balanced decreases in the radiative fluxes with earlier snowmelt onset. Additionally, at 3°C of warming and greater, the subalpine site experienced a fundamental shift where significant melt could occur throughout the entirety of the winter as cold content was no longer large enough to buffer against positive energy fluxes. In some years, the subalpine snowpack became transient with several cycles of accumulation and melt per winter. This tipping point suggests sites with lower cold content—like the subalpine studied here—are likely to be more sensitive to producing increased winter melt as warming continues over the coming decades.
Preparation, digestibility, and glucose response in mice of rice coated with resistant starch type 4 using locust bean gum and agar

Summary This study investigated the technical feasibility of coating type 4 resistant starch (RS4) onto rice with the edible polymers locust bean gum (LBG) and agar. The coating solutions were prepared using LBG, agar, and a mixture of LBG and agar at three concentrations (0.01%, 0.1% and 1%). The raw milled rice was soaked in the prepared coating solutions, rolled in RS4 powder and dried. Microscopic observation revealed that the RS4 coating on the rice surface with 0.1% and 1% LBG–agar mixture had a resistance to washing and cooking and covered the whole surface of the rice with good adherence. The thickness of the RS4 coating on the rice surface with 0.1% and 1% LBG–agar mixture was approximately 74 and 233 μm, respectively. Compared with uncoated rice and rice mixed with RS4, the RS4-coated rice showed lower starch digestibility, a decreased glucose response and a slower rate of blood glucose decrease.
Aspects of egg production and laying intensity for the geese population, (White Rhine Dutch geese), from Bihor County.

The paper presents partial results regarding the identification and characterization of some domestic poultry populations from Bihor County, for example Anseriformes, species Anser anser (domestic goose - White Rhine Dutch Breed). The experimental results and the case studies have been run in 3 farms of pure breed. There were analyzed a number of 110 geese (22 males and 88 females). Studies were made upon the following parameters: egg production and laying intensity, the quality of hatching eggs (egg weight, shell thickness, index format, Haugh index). The egg production per season averaged 41.4 eggs per head in January-July, due to the seasonal breeding of geese. Weight of resulted eggs has increased, as the birds approached the end of the laying season. Keyword: White Dutch Rhine breeds, Eggs yield, lazing intensity, incubation eggs, shell thickness
Development of Electro-Microbial Carbon Capture and Conversion Systems

Development of Electro-Microbial Carbon Capture and Conversion Systems Israa Salem F. Al Rowaihi Carbon dioxide is a viable resource, if used as a raw material for bioprocessing. It is abundant and can be collected as a byproduct from industrial processes. Globally, photosynthetic organisms utilize around 6’000 TW (terawatt) of solar energy to fix ca. 800 Gt (gigaton) of CO2 in the planets largest carbon-capture process. Photosynthesis combines light harvesting, charge separation, catalytic water splitting, generation of reduction equivalents (NADH), energy (ATP) production and CO2 fixation into one highly interconnected and regulated process. While this simplicity makes photosynthetic production of commodity interesting, yet photosynthesis suffers from low energy efficiency, which translates in an extensive footprint for solar biofuels production conditions that store < 2% of solar energy. Electron transfer processes form the core of photosynthesis. At moderate light intensity, the electron transport chains reach maximum transfer rates and only work when photons are at appropriate wavelengths, rendering the process susceptible to oxidative damage, which leads to photo-inhibition and loss of efficiency. Based on our fundamental analysis of the specialized tasks in photosynthesis, we aimed to optimize the efficiency of these processes separately, then combine them in an artificial photosynthesis (AP) process that surpasses the low efficiency of natural photosynthesis. Therefore, by combining photovoltaic light harvesting with electrolytic water splitting or CO2 reduction in combination with microbiological conversion of electrochemical products to higher valuable compounds, we developed an electro5 microbial carbon capture and conversion setups that capture CO2 into the targeted bioplastic; polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Based on the type of the electrochemical products, and the microorganism that either (i) convert products formed by electrochemical reduction of CO2, e.g. formate (using inorganic cathodes), or (ii) use electrochemically produced H2 to reduce CO2 into higher compounds (autotrophy), three AP setups were designed: one-pot, two-pot, and three-pot setups. We evaluated the kinetic (microbial uptake and conversion, electrochemical reduction) and thermodynamics (efficiencies) of the separate processes, and the overall process efficiency of AP compared to photosynthesis. We address the influence of several parameters on efficiencies and time-space yields, e.g. salinity, pH, electrodes, media, partial pressures of H2 and CO2. These data provide a valuable basis to establish a highly efficient and continuous AP process in the future.
EFFECT OF SILANIZED ZIRCONIA ON SOME MECHANICAL PROPERTIE S OF HEAT -POLYMERIZED POLY METHYLMETHACRYLATE DENTURE BASE MATERIAL

Objective: The purpose of this work was to study the effect of addition of silanized zirconiapowder on flexural strength, deflection, modulus, toughness and micro-hardness of heat-polymerizedpoly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin.Materials and Methods: One hundred specimens of heat-polymerized PMMA were preparedfor flexural and hardness tests, fifty for each. Zirconia (ZrO2) powder was treated with silanecoupling agent then added to acrylic powder in percentage of 0%(control), 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5%by weight. Specimens for flexural test were prepared in the shape of flat strips with dimensions of(65×10×2.5mm) using compression molding technique. Flexural test was performed by three-pointbending test using universal testing machine. Flexural strength, flexural deflection, flexural modulusand toughness were obtained from the software of the testing machine. Specimens for microhardnesstest were prepared in dimensions of (10×10×3mm). Micro-hardness was determinedusing Vickers Micro-hardness Tester. Digital microscope was used to capture photomicrographsat x500 magnification of the surface of randomly selected specimen for each group to show thedistribution of different percentages of zirconia. One-way Anova followed by Scheffe’s post hocmultiple comparison test was performed with 5% level of significance for testing the significancebetween the means of tested groups.Results: There is a significant difference among the mean values of flexural deflection, flexuralmodulus, toughness and micro-hardness (P 0.05%). The digital microscope has shown nearly even distribution ofzirconia particles within the acrylic matrix at 0.5% and 1%, while clusters started to form at 2%,and 5% zirconia.Conclusion: Silanized zirconia powder could be used to improve the properties of heatpolymerizedacrylic denture base resin. The most appropriate percentages were 1% and 2%.
Activation of tolerogenic dendritic cells in the tumor draining lymph CD8+ T cells engineered to express CD40 ligand

Tolerogenic dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment can inhibit the generation and maintenance of robust anti-tumor T cell responses. Here, we investigated the effects of local delivery of CD40 ligand (CD40L) by tumor-reactive CD8 + T cells on dendritic cell activation and anti-tumor T cell responses in the TRansgenic Adenocarcimona of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model. To increase the immunostimulatory signal, CD40L was engineered, by deleting the majority of the cytoplasmic domain, to increase both its level of expression and duration on the surface of CD8 + T cells. Tumor-reactive CD8 + T cells expressing the truncated form of CD40L stimulated maturation of dendritic cells in vitro and in the prostate draining lymph nodes (PDLN) in vivo. Following dendritic cell maturation, a significantly higher fraction of adoptively transferred, tumor-reactive (reporter) CD8 + T cells was stimulated to express IFN- γ and infiltrate the prostate tissue. The antitumor CD8 + T cell response was further enhanced if TRAMP mice were also immunized with a tumor-specific antigen. These findings demonstrate that augmented T cell responses can be achieved by engineering tumor-reactive T cells to deliver stimulatory signals to dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment. This is an author-produced version of a manuscript accepted for publication in The Journal of Immunology (The JI). The American Association of Immunologists, Inc. (AAI), publisher of The JI , holds the copyright to this manuscript.
Effect of VAM and inorganic fertilizars on yield and N,P content and uptake in onion(Allium cepa L.)

Application of 50 kg N, 25 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O ha-1 and VAM inoculated to onion seedlings was found for maximum bulb yield (15.55 t ha-1 of onion on a sandy loam soil with low N, P and medium K ratings. besides this treatment 50% N and P also saved. The maximum leaf N content was recorded with VAM + P + K and it ranged between 2% (cpmtrol) and 3.5% (VAM + N + P + K). The bulb N content was fund maximum to time of 3.62 per cent in VAM + N+ P + K treatment to 2.45 per cent under control. The uptake of N also showed a significantly maximum value (293.5 mg N bulb-1) as against (92.7 mg N bulb-1 control). In contrast, P content was influenced by VAM, however, it was at par with VAM + N + P + K (0.40%) and VAM + l/2N + 1/2P + K (0.37%). The P uptake was 32.8 mg bulb-1 under VAM + N + P + K which was 142 per cent more over control (13.55 mg bulb-1).
Studies on growth, pungency and flavour characteristics of five varieties of garlic, (Allium sativum L.) bulbs during development

Changes have been studied on growth, protein, pungency and flavour characteristics in five varieties of garlic, during bulb development at four stages of growth, beginning 150 days after planting at an interval of 15 days till maturity. In general, fresh and dry weights, diameter, height, diameter/height ratio of garlic bulbs, total, non-enzymatic and enzymatic pyruvate and specific activity of alliance increased upto 180 days after planting and declined thereafter. The mean sulphur and protein contents increased throughout bulb development. Varieties ‘HG-6’ and ‘HG-17’ have better size after 195 days of planting.
Effect of Nicosulfuron Rate, Adjuvant, and Weed Size on Annual Weed Control in Corn (Zea mays)

Field experiments were conducted in 1988 and 1989 to (i) evaluate annual weed control with nicosulfuron applied at rates of 17 to 70 g ai/ha with several additives and (ii) evaluate annual weed control with nicosulfuron applied at rates of 17 to 105 g/ha at three corn growth stages. In 1988, in the adjuvant study, giant foxtail control increased linearly with no additive or with urea ammonium nitrate as the rate of nicosulfuron increased. Petroleum oil concentrate, nonionic surfactant, and a combination of either petroleum oil concentrate or nonionic surfactant with urea ammonium nitrate applied with nicosulfuron increased giant foxtail control to 90% or greater regardless of rate both years. Nicosulfuron at all rates with no additive and in combination with all additives controlled 93% or more of redroot pigweed and Pennsylvania smartweed both years. Corn grain yield was related to the level of giant foxtail control. In the rate by corn growth stage study, giant foxtail, redroot pigweed, and Pennsylvania smartweed control was 90% or greater regardless of nicosulfuron rate or application stage both years. Corn grain yield was related more to the duration of weed competition than the level of weed control with grain yield 8 to 12% lower with nicosulfuron applied at the V7 growth stage compared with the V3 or V5 growth stage.
Development of cryopreservation techniques.

Foreword Cryopreservation, i.e. the storage of biological material at ultra-low temperature, usually that of liquid nitrogen (–196°C), is the only method currently available to ensure the safe and cost-effective long-term conservation of genetic resources of species that have recalcitrant seeds or are vegetatively propagated. Dramatic progress has been made over the last 10 years in this area with the development of cryopreservation techniques for well over 100 plant species. Cryopreservation protocols are increasingly becoming available for routine application in genebanks. However, much of the work to date has been done on temperate species, with research on tropical and subtropical species lagging behind. This is of particular concern given the large number of tropical species that are either vegetatively propagated or that produce recalcitrant seeds. Both JIRCAS and IPGRI are heavily involved in cryopreservation research. In the framework of its Visiting Fellowship Programme, JIRCAS has carried out a project specifically to develop techniques for the long-term preservation of vegetatively propagated crop germplasm. During the project, visiting scientists from developing countries have developed cryopreservation protocols for selected tropical crops. For more than 15 years, IPGRI and its predecessor IBPGR has supported cryopreservation research in collaboration with partners in Asia, the Pacific and Oceania, Africa, the Americas and Europe. As a result of their experience in the field of cryopreservation, JIRCAS and IPGRI, in October 1998, jointly organized an international workshop to assess the current state of the science, to explore cryopreservation applications and to examine outstanding problems. The focus of the workshop was on the use of cryopreservation to conserve the germplasm of tropical plant species. An additional objective was to identify priority areas for collaborative research, technology development, transfer and application. The workshop was attended by a large number of cryopreservation experts from both developing and developed countries who presented their latest research results and contributed to the discussions. This publication of the proceedings of the workshop thus presents a comprehensive overview of current knowledge concerning the biological and physical mechanisms involved in cryopreservation, and the status of the development of protocols for new species and their application in genebanks. We trust that it will help to stimulate further collaborative research and thus contribute to the wider application of cryopreservation for the safe long-term and cost-effective conservation of genetic resources of tropical species.