Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced backcross QTL analysis: Results and perspectives

The advent of molecular maps and the derived quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping technology has provided strong evidence that despite the inferior phenotype, exotic germplasm is likely to contain QTLs that can increase the yield and quality of elite breeding lines. These results have motivated the development of a new molecular breeding strategy, referred to as advanced backcross (AB) QTL method which integrates QTL analysis with variety development, by simultaneously identifying and transferring favorable QTL alleles from unadapted to cultivated germplasm. The AB-QTL strategy has so far been tested in tomato, rice, barley, maize and pepper, and in most of the cases favorable exotic QTL alleles for important agronomic traits have been identified. The most extensive experiments have been conducted in tomato, where populations involving crosses with five wild Lycopersicon species have been genotyped and field tested in a number of locations around the world for numerous traits important for the tomato processing industry. These studies have shown that on average, for approximately 30% of QTLs for any given trait, the wild species allele is predicted to be superior (from an agricultural viewpoint) to the cultivated parent allele. From the AB populations, near-isogenic lines (NILs) have been created that contain specific QTLs from the wild donors that are able to significantly improve the performance of the elite variety. Marker-assisted selection can be used to combine favorable QTL alleles from the same or from different wild donor species to obtain multi-QTL NILs with even higher performance. Currently, in the tomato project, a multi-QTL NIL has been obtained by pyramiding four wild QTL alleles that together produce an effect on brix and brix ✕ yield that goes far beyond any other commercial cultivar and nearly doubles the brix ✕ yield over the original starting material (cv E6203). QTL-NILs provide a starting point for fine-mapping QTLs, thus elimi
Stratosphere–troposphere separation of nitrogen dioxide columns from the TEMPO geostationary satellite instrument

Abstract. Separating the stratospheric and tropospheric contributions in satellite retrievals of atmospheric NO2 column abundance is a crucial step in the interpretation and application of the satellite observations. A variety of stratosphere–troposphere separation algorithms have been developed for sun-synchronous instruments in low Earth orbit (LEO) that benefit from global coverage, including broad clean regions with negligible tropospheric NO2 compared to stratospheric NO2. These global sun-synchronous algorithms need to be evaluated and refined for forthcoming geostationary instruments focused on continental regions, which lack this global context and require hourly estimates of the stratospheric column. Here we develop and assess a spatial filtering algorithm for the upcoming TEMPO geostationary instrument that will target North America. Developments include using independent satellite observations to identify likely locations of tropospheric enhancements, using independent LEO observations for spatial context, consideration of diurnally varying partial fields of regard, and a filter based on stratospheric to tropospheric air mass factor ratios. We test the algorithm with LEO observations from the OMI instrument with an afternoon overpass, and from the GOME-2 instrument with a morning overpass. We compare our TEMPO field of regard algorithm against an identical global algorithm to investigate the penalty resulting from the limited spatial coverage in geostationary orbit, and find excellent agreement in the estimated mean daily tropospheric NO2 column densities (R2=0.999, slope=1.009 for July and R2=0.998, slope=0.999 for January). The algorithm performs well even when only small parts of the continent are observed by TEMPO. The algorithm is challenged the most by east coast morning retrievals in the wintertime (e.g., R2=0.995, slope=1.038 at 14:00 UTC). We find independent global LEO observations (corrected for time of day) provide important context near the field-of-regard edges. We also test the performance of the TEMPO algorithm without these supporting global observations. Most of the continent is unaffected (R2=0.924 and slope=0.973 for July and R2=0.996 and slope=1.008 for January), with 90 % of the pixels having differences of less than ±0.2×1015 molecules cm−2 between the TEMPO tropospheric NO2 column density and the global algorithm. For near-real-time retrieval, even a climatological estimate of the stratospheric NO2 surrounding the field of regard would improve this agreement. In general, the additional penalty of a limited field of regard from TEMPO introduces no more error than normally expected in most global stratosphere–troposphere separation algorithms. Overall, we conclude that hourly near-real-time stratosphere–troposphere separation for the retrieval of NO2 tropospheric column densities by the TEMPO geostationary instrument is both feasible and robust, regardless of the diurnally varying limited field of regard.
Excirolana braziliensis ( Crustacea : Isopoda ) is also a complex of cryptic species on the coast of Chile El isópodo marino Excirolana braziliensis ( Crustacea : Isopoda ) es también un complejo de especies crípticas

Speciation is a direct consequence of isolated populations in taxa with low dispersal potential. The brooding crustacean Excirolana braziliensis, with a presumably wide geographic range of distribution (~16o N-41o S in the Pacifi c and ~19o N-35o S in the Atlantic), has been detected to correspond to cryptic species on the coast of Panama. Latitudinal variations in reproductive features in E. braziliensis have been attributed to phenotypic plasticity, however, the differences may be the result of divergent populations. Considering that the taxon has been reported to be a complex of cryptic species in other geographic areas and given the phenotypic differences detected along its distribution range, we hypothesized that E. braziliensis is a complex of species in the coast of Chile. We used partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from 132 individuals with the diagnostic morphology of E. braziliensis collected along ~2200 km of coast to determine the genetic structure of E. braziliensis. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses showed three distinct clades with 14 to 19 % of genetic divergence and high values of genetic differentiation. Intra and inter-clade divergence revealed the existence of a species complex of E. braziliensis on the coast of Chile, supporting growing evidence of the high abundance of cryptic species in marine invertebrate taxa.
An Empirical Analysis of Audit Expectation Gap in Nigeria

The main objective of this paper is to establish whether or not the problem of audit expectation gap exist in Nigeria, and whether those areas of concern, (areas that brought about the misunderstanding between the public and the audit profession) could be identified and measures could be taken to either eliminate them or reduce them to the barest minimum. To achieve this, the paper developed questionnaire based on the method used in the literature. The process ensures that data is collected for the public’s expectation on the issues of the expectation gap on the one hand, and then subsequently and side by side, we compared the issues with the audit authorities’ required or expected perception. The data collected was analyzed using a five-point likert type scale anchored by a five scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. Furthermore, to test for the significant expectation gap between the two groups of respondents, both the parametric and non parametric statistical tests were used. The paper found that there is expectation gap in the country as evidenced in the views of the respondents. The first issue investigated reveals that there is wide expectation gap between the views of the auditors and non auditors in terms of the quality of audit report. The inferential statistics which tests whether there is significant difference in the opinion of auditors and non-auditors on the improvement of company audit in Nigeria shows that there is significant difference in the mean opinion of auditors and non- auditors on the issues of the expectation gap. The paper therefore concluded that there is wide gap on the understanding of the role of the auditors by the public. Based on the findings of the paper, we recommended that there is the need for continued sensitization of the public, by both the auditing profession and other stake holders on the role and duties of the auditor to avoid unreasonable expectation by the public.
THE FATE OF A RED NUGGET: IN SITU STAR FORMATION OF SATELLITES AROUND A MASSIVE COMPACT GALAXY

To study the accretion phase for local massive galaxies, we search accreting satellites around a massive compact galaxy ( M * ∼ 3.9 × 10 10 M ⊙ ? > ), spectroscopically confirmed ( z spec = 1.9213 ? > ) in the eXtreme Deep Field, which has been originally reported in Szomoru et al. We detect 1369 satellite candidates within the projected virial radius ( r vir ∼ 300 ? > kpc) of the compact galaxy in the all-combined Advanced Camera for Surveys image, with a 5 &sgr; ? > -limiting magnitude of m ACS ∼ 30.6 ? > ABmag, which corresponds to ∼ 1.6 × 10 7 M ⊙ ? > at the redshift. The photometric redshift measured with 12 multi-band images confirms 34 satellites out of the candidates. Most of the satellites are found to have rest-frame colors consistent with star-forming galaxies. We investigate the relation between stellar mass and star formation rate (the star formation main sequence), and find a steeper slope at the low-mass end ( < 10 8 M ⊙ ? > ), while more massive satellites are consistently on the sequence reported in previous studies. Within the uncertainties of star formation and photometric redshift, we conjecture possible scenarios for the compact galaxy which evolves to a local massive galaxy by way of significant size and mass growth. While the merging of the existing total stellar mass in the satellites is not enough to explain the mass growth predicted by observations and simulations, the contribution by in situ star formation in the satellites could compensate for the deficit. Provided that most satellites keep the observed in situ star formation and then quench before they accrete by, e.g., environmental quenching, the compact galaxy would become a massive early-type galaxy consistent with the local size–mass relation.
Numerical Terrain Modelling for Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

Abstract Underground terrain poses a highly intricate and challenging environment to the propagation of waves carrying information from sensor to the sink nodes. Due to the complexity and level of detail, it is often difficult to realistically model such an environment for conducting tests. However, using numerical methods, the environment characteristics could be translated to a compatible framework, for testing complex networking models such as Wireless Underground Sensor Network (WUSN). Such transformation should lend the necessary clarity and simplicity required for effective problem analysis. In this paper, we demonstrate this possibility using the typical underground terrain environment for nut tree plantations, basing the field data on a full-fledged commercial pecan farm. The results shown are introductory to ongoing research on the effective use of such numerical methods for maximum power efficiency and bit rate for distributed WUSN, and optimum water usage in irrigation control. This paper forms a sequel to previous related research publications.
A Detached Zero Index Metamaterial Lens for Antenna Gain Enhancement

In this paper, a detached zero index metamaterial lens (ZIML) consisting of metal strips and modifled split ring resonators (MSRRs) is proposed for antenna gain enhancement. The efiective permittivity and permeability of the detached ZIML are designed to synchronously approach zero, which leads the ZIML to having an efiective wave impedance matching with air and near-zero index simultaneously. As a result, neither does the detached ZIML need to be embedded in horns aperture nor depends on auxiliary re∞ectors in enhancing antenna gain, which is quite difierent from conventional ZIMLs. Moreover, the distance between antenna and the detached ZIML slightly afiect the gain enhancement, which further conflrms that the ZIML can be detached from antennas. Simulated results show that the efiective refractive index of the detached ZIML is near zero in a broad frequency range where the efiective relative wave impedance is close to 1. The detached ZIML is fabricated and tested by placing it in front of an H-plane horn antenna. One flnds that evident gain enhancement is obtained from 8.9GHz to 10.8GHz and the greatest gain enhancement reaches up to 4.02dB. In addition, the detached ZIML can also work well at other frequencies by adjusting its geometric parameters to scale, which is demonstrated by designing and simulating two detached ZIMLs with center frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz, respectively.
Interactive comment on “Strato-mesospheric ClO

However, a few issues need some clarification so that readers can better understand the nature of the SMILES ClO observations and their quality at this stage, all the way down to 100 hPa (or to the tropopause) – and also for polar winter enhanced conditions (e.g., by a sample comparison to other observations, at least), even if this is not meant to be a more detailed validation and intercomparison paper. > In particular, some more information should be provided for the lower stratosphere, or, at a minimum, the paper should state why such information is not being provided for pressures between 10 and 100 hPa, or for the lower stratospheric polar regions during winter (for example). See my related comments regarding Table 3, for example. The focus seems to be more on the diurnal change for the upper portions of the stratosphere (and for the mesosphere). Will the other regions (and more validation) be part of another planned paper in the future? This might be good to point out.
The Australian Organic Food Products Market: Overview, Issues and Research Needs

The demand for organic food products has expanded rapidly in the past decade on a global basis, stimulated by consumer perceptions that organic products are safer, cleaner and more ethical than conventional products. The demand for organic products was estimated to grow at a rate of 15-20 per cent per annum in key organic markets, such as the United States and Europe, which are major importers of organic foods. Australia, as a major exporter of agricultural products, stands to benefit from this expansion in demand. However, not much is known about the Australian organic industry, especially by other agribusiness sectors, because little market research and policy analysis on organics has been conducted and published. The objective of this paper is to provide a contemporary overview of the Australian organic food products industry, including production, marketing and certification of organic foods. Major supply issues, such as the small production base and the low rate of conversion to organic farming, and major demand issues, such as availability, prices and product integrity, are discussed. Areas identified for further research include collection and reporting of data on production, consumption and trade of organic products, consumer and producer attitudes towards, and expectations of, organic farming, product integrity and labelling regulation, competition from other sustainable farming systems, and future industry structure of the Australian organic sector. Outputs from the suggested areas for further research will provide additional market information to the organic industry and help identify marketing opportunities and develop strategies for meeting market requirements and sustaining industry growth
Universal Early Childhood Interventions: What is the Evidence Base?

Universality is a hallmark of Canadian social policy for very young children. The evidence base for these policies is small, non-experimental and offers mixed results. In contrast the evidence base for targeted early childhood interventions is largely experimental and offers strong guidance. Policy makers and advocates often cite the research on targeted programs in support of universal programs, although this is problematic for a number of reasons. Universal programs require a better understanding of the developmental trajectories of more advantaged children. Evidence from the NLSCY suggests there are some potentially important differences in the association of early and later childhood developmental outcomes by family economic resources.
Application of capillary electrophoresis to anion speciation in soil water extracts: II. Arsenic

A method has been developed for the speciation of arsenic (AsO{sub 2}{sup {minus}}, AsO{sub 4}{sup 3{minus}}, and dimethylarsinic [DMA]) in natural soil solutions from contaminated sites in Australia. The separation of these anions was achieved by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) using a fused silica capillary with a basic chromate buffer and on-column indirect UV detection at 254 nm. Method parameters, such as electrolyte pH, run voltage, and capillary temperature were studied in order to establish suitable analytical conditions. The ideal separation for As(III) and DMA was achieved with a buffer pH of 8.0, a run voltage of 25 kV, and a capillary temperature of 30 C. Under these conditions, As(V) and orthophosphate ions comigrated. However, the use of a chromate buffer at pH 10, a run voltage of 20 kV, and capillary temperature of 20 C led to complete separation of As(V) and phosphate peaks. Results of these investigations together with recovery test data suggest that separation of the As species from soil solutions can be achieved in less than 5 min with detection limits of 0.50, 0.10, and 0.10 mg L{sup {minus}1} for As(III), As(V), and DMA, respectively.
Science Technology Society (STS) learning approach: an effort to improve students’ learning outcomes

The aim of this study was to examine the differences of students’ cognitive learning outcomes on chemical equilibrium topic through the Science Technology Society (STS) learning approach. Design of this study was quasi-experimental. Specifically, posttest only group design was adopted. The number of sample in this study are 60 students 11th grade. Selection of the sample conducted with a purposive sampling technique. The experimental group was taught by the STS approach, while the control group was scientific approach. The instrument for data collection was chemistry achievement multiple choice questions. Instrument test shows 23 out of 30 questions created were valid. The reliability value obtained was 0.73. Data was collected using the test in the form of score, and analyzed by the t-test. This research concluded that students who were taught Science Technology Society (STS) approaches have better cognitive learning outcomes than the control group. These results suggest the implication of the STS approach can be used as a learning approach to improve students’ cognitive learning outcomes.
Protective effect of milk thistle and grape seed extracts on fumonisin B1 induced hepato- and nephro-toxicity in rats

species that is frequently found in corn worldwide, it is toxic to both liver and kidney. Hepato- and nephro-toxicity were induced in rats by feeding them with FB1 contaminated corn. Evidence of those toxicities were observed after 60 days by an increase in the serum activity alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to 78%, creatinine to 65% and urea to 30%, in comparison with control group (p = 0.000). Pretreatment with silymarin (S), or grape seeds (G) extracts or both (S+G) was found to return the ALT activity to normal. In case of creatinine, S and S+G lowered the level down to 22 and 24%, respectively and G could successfully return it to normal. The pretreatment S, G, and S+G could significantly reduce urea level to 52, 37 and 46%, respectively. FB1 drastically depleted glutathione peroxidase (GPx) to 48%, while pretreatment with S, G, and S+G could elevate the GPx by 30, 31 and 50%, respectively. Lipid peroxidation represented by malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated significantly to 137% and the pretreatment with S, G, and S+G altered the levels down to 38, 37, and 44%, respectively. Significant improvement in lipid profile was also observed in all pretreated groups. These improvements might be due to the free radical scavenging properties of S and G and its ability to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses. Key words:
Application of genetic algorithms to an inverse field problem in magnetic fluid dynamics

1 Abstract: The purpose of the present work is to study whether genetic algorithms can solve an inverse field problem in magnetic fluid dynamics (MFD) efficiently. We have investigated how the interface between two fluids of different con- ductivity in a highly simplified model of an aluminum electrolysis cell can be re- constructed by means of external magnetic field measurements. The knowledge of the interface deformation can be used to prevent undesired instabilities in alu- minum reduction cells (1).
Comparison of anxiety disorders symptoms and related transdiagnostic factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals

Introduction: Transdiagnostic models are important by focus on fundamental processes underlying multiple disorders and help to explain comorbidity among disorders as well as may lead to more effective assessment and treatment of disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was compare of anxiety disorders symptoms and related transdiagnostic factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: In an ex-post facto study, 63 individual with type 2 diabetes and 63 healthy individuals were selected by convenient sampling method. The participates completed generalized anxiety disorder scale (2006), severity measure for panic disorder-adult (2013), social phobia inventory (2000), cognitive avoidance questionnaire (2008), intolerance of uncertainty scale (1994), metacognition questionnaire (2004), acceptance and action questionnaire-II (2011) and cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire (2006). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance
Emission Regulations Altered the Concentrations, Origin, and Formation of Carbonaceous Aerosols in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area

To investigate the effects of the regulations of diesel and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHCs) emissions in the Tokyo metropolitan area (TMA) on the characteristics of carbonaceous aerosols (organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC)), we conducted field observations to characterize carbonaceous aerosols in the TMA in the summer of 2004 and 2014 (the end of July-middle of August). Following the enforcement of diesel emission regulations, EC concentrations showed a four-fold decrease from 2004 to 2014. However, OC concentrations showed no significant decrease in the last decade. Multiple chemical analyses revealed the differences in the impacts of the contribution of oxygenated fraction, biogenic NMHCs on OC, and the secondary organic aerosol-Ozone relationship between 2004 and 2014. Further investigations into the emission inventory for recent years, especially in terms of precursor gases, are needed for better prediction of OC in the TMA using chemical transport models.