Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of heat stress at anthesis on yield formation in winter wheat

Hlaváčová M. , Klem K. , Smutná P., Škarpa P., Hlavinka P., Novotná K. , Rapantová B. , Trnka M. (2017): Effect of heat stress at anthesis on yield formation in winter wheat. Plant Soil Environ. , 63: 139–144. Heat stress around anthesis is considered to have an increasing impact on wheat yield under the ongoing climate change. However, the effect of high temperatures and their duration on formation of individual yield parameters is still little understood. Within this study, the effect of high temperatures applied during anthesis for 3 and 7 days on yield formation parameters was analysed. The study was conducted in growth chambers under four temperature regimes (daily temperature maxima 26, 32, 35 and 38°C). In the periods preceding and following heat stress regimes the plants were cultivated under ambient weather conditions. The number of grains per spike was reduced under temperatures ≥ 35°C in cv. Bohemia and ≥ 38°C in cv. Tobak. This resulted in a similar response of spike productivity. Thousand grain weight showed no response to temperature regime in cv. Tobak, whereas in cv. Bohemia, a peak response to temperature with maximum at 35°C was observed. The duration of heat stress had only little effect on most yield formation parameters.
Do songbirds perceive syllables as isolated tokens

The songbird is an established model for comparative biology of human speech acquisition (Marler, 1970; Doupe & Kuhl, 1999). Many attempts to explore further parallels have been made to date: some described song syntax of Bengalese finches (e.g. Okanoya, 2004) and others trained zebra finches in artificial grammar composed of syllables (e.g. van Heijningen et al., 2013). Here they share a tacit assumption — songbirds consider syllables as tokens. It is a common practice for researchers in this field to isolate each syllable from birdsong for analysis. However, songbirds basically do not vocalize individual syllables apart from song bouts. In addition, Dooling & Searcy (1980) pointed out that auditory masking effects may not be ignorable when song notes are perceived. We hypothesized that if songbirds perceived syllables as tokens, they would detect a syllable regardless of temporal distance from another syllable. 6 female Bengalese finches were first trained to detect syllable [a] that were coupled with another syllable [p]. In p-t condition [p] preceded [a]; in t-p condition [p] followed [a]. The interval had 4 variants that were uncommon in Bengalese finch song (Figure 1A). After reaching a predetermined pass criterion, probe stimuli were introduced. They had shorter or longer interval than that of training stimuli (Figure 1A). Birds with odd ID went through p-t condition first, and birds with even ID went the other way around (Figure 1B). Difference in mean days each group took for the first condition was not significant (Welch's two sample ttest, t = 4.05, df = 2, P = 0.055). Once they finished either condition, they did not require so long days to get accustomed to new conditions (paired ttest, t = 5.87, df = 5, P = 0.0020). 504
Recent Developments in Stochastic Volatility: Statistical Modelling and General Equilibrium Analysis

The paper reviews flndings from recent estimations using various techniques of parametric continuous time models for flnancial price data, and it highlights some of the identiflcation problems. There is a clear need to make use of the high frequency data in estimation in order to break the identiflcation problems. The evidence from nonparametric volatility and jump component estimation is used to conjecture the characteristics of a better fltting parametric model, though the estimation of that model, which would formidable, is deferred to the future. The paper also explores some recently proposed schemes to simulate
Identification of microsatellite markers linked to thermotolerance in silkworm by bulk segregant analysis and in silico mapping

Silkworm, being a poikilothermic insect, its growth and development is affected by environmental factors especially, temperature. In tropical countries like India, it has considerable effect on silk production due to the prevailing of hot climatic conditions. Previous attempts to evolve silkworm breeds and hybrids tolerant to high temperature by traditional breeding methods have not yielded the desired results. Hence application of new strategies like marker assisted selection (MAS) could be the most effective strategy for developing a thermo-tolerant bivoltine silkworm for sustainable silk production in India. As a prelude, in this study it is aimed to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers closely linked with thermotolerance in silkworm. To do so, 20 silkworm breeds were evaluated at high temperature (36°C) and based on pupation percentage, two multivoltines (Nistari and Cambodge) and two bivoltines (SK4C and BHR3) were identified as thermo-tolerant and one bivoltine (CSR2) was identified as the susceptible breed. These breeds were screened with 85 SSR markers drawn from different linkage groups and out of those, only 11 markers (12.9%) showed distinct polymorphism between thermo-tolerant and susceptible breeds. Further, bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was performed using 11 polymorphic SSR primers, by comparing the SSR profiles of the tolerant (Nistari) and susceptible (CSR2) parents, their F1 and F2 bulks. Nevertheless, only 5 markers generated clear differences in the amplified DNAs between the bulks corresponding to that of the parents suggesting that the DNA regions amplified by these SSR markers are closely linked to thermotolerance in B. mori. The results obtained through bulk segregant analysis was further confirmed by genotyping 5 linked SSR markers using 140 individual F2 progenies. Of these 5 markers, highest Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was shown by S0816 indicating a high degree of closeness between the genotypic and phenotype variations in F2 population. Furthermore, we have also attempted to locate the genes near to S0816 by in silico approach and upshot revealed 3 genes nearer to its sequence on the B. mori genome. The BGIBMGA005249 gene was found to be located nearest to S0816 at a distance of 14.8 Kb. But, further studies are required in this regard to derive a relationship between the thermotolerance and the functional role of identified genes nearer to the closest marker, so that the identified markers can be used to develop a thermo-tolerant silkworm breed through MAS.
Application of Fuzzy-PIDF Controller For Automatic Generation Control Using JAYA Algorithm

This work proposes a novel Fuzzy-PID controller with derivative filter for Automatic Generation Control of a two area unified power system. The factors of the Fuzzy PIDF controllers are tuned by a recently established novel optimization technique called JAYA algorithm. The dynamic performance of the system is tested by applying a step load perturbation of 0.01p. u.in area 1. Further the analysis is extended by applying random loading in area 1. The supremacy of the proposed Fuzzy PIDF controller is established in terms of settling time, maximum and minimum overshoots by comparing the results with some pre-published results like Fuzzy PID controller and conventional PID controller. The superiority of JAYA optimization technique over other optimization techniques has also been demonstrated AMS Subject Classification: 68T20,93C95,93C40,93C42
Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness Review of Vertebral Augmentation: An Updated

Background: To update vertebral augmentation literature by comparing outcomes between vertebroplasty (VP), balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), vertebral augmentation with implant (VAI), and nonsurgical management (NSM) for treating vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted with keywords kyphoplasty , vertebroplasty , vertebral body stent , and vertebral augmentation AND implant for English-language articles from February 1, 2011, to November 22, 2016. Among the results, 25 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Inclusion criteria were prospective comparative studies for mid-/lower-thoracic and lumbar VCFs enrolling at least 20 patients. Exclusion criteria included studies that were single arm, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, traumatic nonosteoporotic or cancer-related fractures, lack of clinical outcomes, or non–Level I and non–Level II studies. Standardized mean difference between baseline and end point for each outcome was calculated, and treatment groups were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Results: Visual analog scale pain reduction for BKP and VP was (cid:2) 4.05 and (cid:2) 3.88, respectively. VP was better than but not significantly different from NSM ( (cid:2) 2.66), yet BKP showed significant improvement from both NSM and VAI ( (cid:2) 2.77). The Oswestry Disability Index reduction for BKP showed a significant improvement over VAI ( P , .001). There was no significant difference in changes between BKP and VP for anterior ( P ¼ .226) and posterior ( P ¼ .293) vertebral height restoration. There was no significant difference in subsequent fractures following BKP (32.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8%–56.6%) or VP (28.3%; 95% CI: 7.0%–49.7%) compared with NSM (15.9%; 95% CI: 5.2%–26.6%). Conclusions/Level of Evidence: Based on Level I and II studies, BKP had significantly better and VP tended to have better pain reduction compared with NSM. BKP tended to have better height restoration than VP. Additionally, BKP had significant improvements in pain reduction and disability score as compared with VAI. Clinical Relevance: This meta-analysis serves to further define and support the safety and efficacy of vertebral augmentation.
XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITORY AND IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITIES OF FIFTEEN GRADES INDONESIA ORTHODOX BLACK TEA

Objective: to study the effect of fifteen grades Indonesian orthodox black tea as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor and immunomodulator. Methods: Effect on XO activity was studied in vitro by using xanthine as a substrate. The degree of inhibition was determined by measuring the absorbance at 295 nm associated with uric acid formation. Effect of immune system was studied in vivo through carbon clearance test by determination of phagocytic index of reticulum endothelium system. Results: among the fifteen grades, Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP), Pekoe Fanning (PF), and Broken Pekoe (BP) have inhibition effect on XO activity with an inhibition percentage more than 50%. The highest XO inhibitory effect was showed by BOP with inhibition percentage of 61.58%. Study on immune system showed that BOP, PF, Dust, and BP grades had immunostimulating, effect with the highest value was shown by PF with a phagocytic index of 1.41. Conclusion: among the fifteen grades of orthodox black tea: BOP, PF, and BP have XO inhibitory and immunomodulatory activities.
STATISTICAL GAUSSIAN DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION AS A DISTANCE INDICATOR TO STELLAR GROUPS

In this paper, statistical distribution functions are developed for distance determination of stellar groups. This method depends on the assumption that absolute magnitudes and apparent magnitudes follow a Gaussian distribution function. Due to the limits of the integrands of the frequency function of apparent and absolute magnitudes, we introduce Case A, B, and C Gaussian distributions. The developed approaches have been implemented to determine distances to some clusters and stellar associations. The comparison with the distances derived by different authors reveals good agreement.
FACTORS HINDERING ECOINNOVATIVENESS OF PAPER INDUSTRY COMPANIES IN POLAND

Implementation of eco-innovations within a company is a process which should be preceded by thorough analysis of factors conditioning eco-innovativeness which is connected most of all with considerably high level of complexity of this process. The hereby article focuses on the analysis of factors conditioning the implementation of eco-innovations with special consideration of the factors hindering eco-innovativeness. Theoretical deliberations have been supported by research conducted amongst businesses operating in the paper industry in the territory of Poland.
Exploration using an information-based reaction-diffusion process

In this paper, a novel solution for autonomous robotic exploration is proposed. We model the distribution of information in an unknown environment as an unsteady diffusion process, which can be an appropriate mathematical formulation and analogy for expanding, time-varying, and dynamic environments. This information distribution map is the solution of the diffusion process partial differential equation, and is regressed from sensor data as a Gaussian Process. Optimization of the process parameters leads to an optimal frontier map which describes regions of interest for further exploration. Since the presented approach considers a continuous model of the environment, it can be used to plan smooth exploration paths exploiting the structural dependencies of the environment whilst handling sparse sensor measurements. The performance of the approach is evaluated through simulation results in the well-known Freiburg and Cave maps.
Reference standard space hippocampus labels according to the EADC-ADNI Harmonized Protocol : Utility in automated volumetry

Background: A harmonized protocol (HarP) for manual hippocampal segmentation on MRI has recently been developed by an international EADC-ADNI project. We aimed at providing consensual certified HarP hippocampal labels in Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) standard space to serve as reference in automated image analyses. Methods: Manual HarP tracings on the high-resolution MNI152 standard space template of four expert certified HarP tracers were combined to obtain consensual bilateral hippocampus labels. Utility of these reference labels is demonstrated in a simple atlas-based morphometry approach for automated calculation of HarP-compliant hippocampal volumes within SPM software. Results: Individual tracings showed very high agreement among the five expert tracers (pairwise Jaccard indices 0.82-0.87). Automatically calculated hippocampal volumes were highly correlated (rL/R=0.89/0.91) with gold standard volumes in the HarP benchmark dataset (N=135 MRIs), with a mean volume difference of 9% (SD 7%). Conclusion: The consensual HarP hippocampus labels in the MNI152 template can serve as a reference standard for automated image analyses involving MNI standard space
On the Stock Market's Reaction to Major Railroad Accidents

This study examines the impact of train accidents on the stock price performance of the involved railroad companies. We employ a sample of 26 accidents involving trains operated by publicly traded U.S. and Canadian railroad companies between January 1993 and December 2003. Event study methodology is used to measure the abnormal performance of the involved railroad firms to these accidents. In addition, a series of univariate tests and cross-sectional regression analysis is employed to determine the factors that drive the abnormal returns for the firms in the sample. The magnitude of the initial price decline appears to be driven by various characteristics of both the firm and the accident itself. Specifically, there is strong evidence that suggests that one of the main determinants of the abnormal returns is expected legal liability claims against the railroads. Abnormal performance is negatively related to firm size and the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from the accident. In addition, accidents that result in hazardous material spills cause significantly larger stock price drops in the days following the event. Finally, investors appear to differentiate between accident causes. Accidents caused by reckless or illegal behavior on behalf of one or more of the railroad company's employees result in particularly large price declines. Accidents caused by mechanical failures or signal malfunctions, on the other hand, only cause small stock price drops.
Adsorptive Separation of Metal Ions with Surface Modified Desmostachya bipinnata

The biomass of Desmostachy bipannata (Kush, a religious plant of Hindus) was modified for the better adsorption of metal ions from aqueous solution. The FTIR and SEM images were used for the characterization of biomass. The adsorptive separation of metal ions from aqueous solution was studied with equilibrium isotherm and kinetic model. Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second order kinetic model showed better explanation for the adsorption process. The experimental results suggest that biomass from Kush can be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solution. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 1 (2012) 101-106 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/njst.v13i1. 7448
Evaluation of Yield and Yield Components of Aerobic Fine Rice (Oryza sativa L.) As Influenced by Different Mulches and Planting Patterns

A field trial to evaluate the role of mulching in improving the yield of fine rice, sown in different planting patterns was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan, during 2010. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement. There were nine treatments that were replicated thrice. The net plot size was 3.0 × 7.0 m. The experimental treatments were comprised of no mulch, plastic mulch and wheat straw mulch, while planting patterns were 25 cm spaced single rows, 37.5 cm spaced double row strips and 62.5 cm spaced four row strips. Wheat straw mulch was used @5 t ha . Rice crop grown in the planting patterns of 62.5 cm spaced four row 1 strips with plastic mulch (P T ) resulted in the maximum paddy yield (4.76 t ha ) due to improvement in plant 32 1 height, panicle length, number of kernels per panicle and 1000-grain weight. Moreover, the maximum straw yield (8.63 t ha ), biological yield (13.4 t ha ) and harvest index (35.5%) were also given by P T (62.5 cm spaced 11 32 four row strips with plastic mulch) and it was followed by P T (62.5 cm spaced four row strips with wheat straw 33 mulch).
M ar 2 01 3 Testing Microscopic Discretization

What can we say about the spectra of a collection of microscopic variables when only their coarse-grained sums are experimentally accessible? In this paper, using the tools and methodology from the study of quantum nonlocality, we develop a mathematical theory of the macroscopic fluctuations generated by ensembles of independent microscopic discrete systems. We provide algorithms to decide which multivariate gaussian distributions can be approximated by sums of finitely-valued random vectors. We study non-trivial cases where the microscopic variables have an unbounded range, as well as asymptotic scenarios with infinitely many macroscopic variables. From a foundational point of view, our results imply that bipartite gaussian states of light cannot be understood as beams of independent d-dimensional particle pairs. It is also shown that the classical description of certain macroscopic optical experiments, as opposed to the quantum one, requires variables with infinite cardinality spectra.
Discourse Annotation in the PDTB: The Next Generation

We present highlights from our work on enriching the Penn Discourse Treebank (PDTB), to be released to the community in Fall 2018 as the PDTB-3. We have increased its coverage of discourse relations (from ⇠ 40K to ⇠ 53k), the majority in intra-sentential contexts. Our work on these new relations has led us to augment and/or modify aspects of the annotation guidelines, including the sense hierarchy, and all changes have been propagated through the rest of the corpus.
FaultTolerantControlUsingSlidingModeswithOn-line ControlAllocation ?

This paper proposes an on{line sliding mode control allocation scheme for fault tolerant control. The efiectiveness level of the actuators is used by the control allocation scheme to redistribute the control signals to the remaining actuators when a fault or failure occurs. The paper provides an analysis of the sliding mode control allocation scheme and determines the nonlinear gain required to maintain sliding. The on-line sliding mode control allocation scheme shows that faults and even certain total actuator failures can be handled directly without reconflguring the controller. The simulation results show good performance when tested on difierent fault and failure scenarios. c ∞2007 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Beyond roadkill, radiotracking, recapture and FST - a review of some genetic methods to improve understanding of the influence of roads on wildlife.

Habitat fragmentation continues to occur despite increasing evidence of its adverse effects on ecosystems. One of the major detrimental effects of roads and traffic is the creation of barriers or filters to the movement of wildlife, ultimately disconnecting some populations. The authors' understanding of the extent to which roads reduce the movement of biota is mostly based on field-based observational methods of inferring animal movement, and to a much smaller extent, on allele frequency-based genetic analyses. Field-based methods, as it is typically feasible to apply them, tend to be informative at fine temporal and spatial scales. Allele frequency-based genetic methods are informative at broad geographic scales but at timescales usually greater than recent disturbance events. Contemporary analyses based on genotypes of individual organisms (called “genotypic” approaches herein) can augment these other approaches. They can be informative at fine spatial and temporal scales, are readily scaled up, and are complementary to the other field-based approaches. In genotypic analyses, every capture can be effectively a recapture, relieving a major limitation in sample size. They can evaluate the influence of even recently constructed roads on movements and their emergent effects on important population processes at the spatial and temporal scales of interest to wildlife and infrastructure managers. Information derived from genetic and field-based methods can be used to model the viability of populations influenced by roads and to evaluate and monitor mitigation efforts. Despite some excellent examples, the authors suggest that such applications are still rare relative to their potential. This paper emphasizes some of the detailed inferences that can be made using different types of genetic analyses, and suggests paths by which researchers in road ecology can incorporate genetic approaches. The authors recommend that the proven capacities of genetic techniques be routinely explored as approaches to quantify the diverse influences of roads on wildlife populations. With appropriate expertise, molecular ecology can be done extremely inexpensively. It is conducted within the same funding frameworks as field-based approaches and, in budgeting funding applications, molecular ecology maintenance costs are about 20–30% of payroll, in line with other disciplines and approaches. This and other common arguments against application of genetic approaches are often based on misconceptions, or limitations that no longer apply.