Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interspecific Facilitative Root Interactions and Rhizosphere Effects on Phosphorus and Iron Nutrition Between Mixed Grown Chickpea and Barley

ABSTRACT A glasshouse study was conducted to investigate the effects of interspecific complementary and competitive root interactions and rhizosphere effects on phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) nutrition of mixed grown chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In order to provide more physiological evidence on the mechanisms of interspecific facilitation, we determined phosphatase activities in plant and rhizosphere, and root ferric reducing capacity (FR), Fe-solubilizing activity (Fe-SA) and rhizosphere pH. The results of the experiment revealed that biomass yield of barley was significantly increased by associated chickpea as compared to monocultured barley, while mixed cropping caused a slight decreases in the biomass yield of chickpea. The rhizosphere was strongly acidified under chickpea and chickpea/barley mixed cropping and this acidification, in turn, increased the available P, Fe(II) and DTPA-Fe concentrations in the rhizosphere. Fe-solubilizing activity (Fe-SA) and ferric reducing (FR) capacity of the roots were higher in both species grown in mixed culture relative to their monoculture which may improve Fe nutrition of both species. Leaf acid phosphatase (APase, EC 3.1.3.2) activity was higher in both plants under mixed cropping that may improve P nutrition of barley by chickpea.
Robustness of Controlled Release Tablets Based on a Cross-linked Pregelatinized Potato Starch Matrix

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a cross-linked pregelatinized potato starch (PREGEFLO® PI10) as matrix former for controlled release tablets. Different types of tablets loaded with diprophylline, diltiazem HCl or theophylline were prepared by direct compression of binary drug/polymer blends. The drug content was varied from 20 to 50%. Two hydroxypropyl methylcellulose grades (HPMC K100LV and K100M) were studied as alternative matrix formers. Drug release was measured in a variety of release media using different types of experimental set-ups. This includes 0.1 N HCl, phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and water, optionally containing different amounts of NaCl, sucrose, ethanol or pancreatin, fasted state simulated gastric fluid, fed state simulated gastric fluid, fasted state simulated intestinal fluid, fed state simulated intestinal fluid as well as media simulating the conditions in the colon of healthy subjects and patients suffering from Crohn’s disease. The USP apparatuses I/II/III were used under a range of operating conditions and optionally coupled with the simulation of additional mechanical stress. Importantly, the drug release kinetics was not substantially affected by the investigated environmental conditions from tablets based on the cross-linked pregelatinized potato starch, similar to HPMC tablets. However, in contrast to the latter, the starch-based tablets roughly kept their shape upon exposure to the release media (they “only” increased in size) during the observation period, and the water penetration into the systems was much less pronounced. Thus, the investigated cross-linked pregelatinized potato starch offers an interesting potential as matrix former in controlled release tablets.
An untethered cable-driven ankle exoskeleton with plantarflexion-dorsiflexion bidirectional movement assistance

Lower-limb assisted exoskeletons are widely researched for movement assistance or rehabilitation training. Due to advantages of compliance with human body and lightweight, some cable-driven prototypes have been developed, but most of these can assist only unidirectional movement. In this paper we present an untethered cable-driven ankle exoskeleton that can achieve plantarflexion-dorsiflexion bidirectional motion bilaterally using a pair of single motors. The main weights of the exoskeleton, i.e., the motors, power supplement units, and control units, were placed close to the proximity of the human body, i.e., the waist, to reduce the redundant rotation inertia which would apply on the wearer’s leg. A cable force transmission system based on gear-pulley assemblies was designed to transfer the power from the motor to the end-effector effectively. A cable self-tension device on the power output unit was designed to tension the cable during walking. The gait detection system based on a foot pressure sensor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) could identify the gait cycle and gait states efficiently. To validate the power output performance of the exoskeleton, a torque tracking experiment was conducted. When the subject was wearing the exoskeleton with power on, the muscle activity of the soleus was reduced by 5.2% compared to the state without wearing the exoskeleton. This preliminarily verifies the positive assistance effect of our exoskeleton. The study in this paper demonstrates the promising application of a lightweight cable-driven exoskeleton on human motion augmentation or rehabilitation.
Methyl jasmonate extends shelf life and reduces microbial contamination of fresh-cut celery and peppers

During a study of the ameliorative effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on chilling injury to vegetables, a decrease in the rate of deterioration of treated fresh-cut segments was noticed, along with an apparent decrease in microbial growth. This study showed that MJ vapor from a 10-4 or 10-5 mol source in a 1 L container retarded deterioration of celery sticks for 2 weeks at 10 °C. The number of bacterial colonies was reduced to 1/1000 of control after 1 week of storage. A MJ emulsion applied as a dip at 10-4 or 10-5 mol/L retarded deterioration of green pepper strips for 2 weeks at 10 °C. The number of bacterial colonies was reduced to 1/1000 of control also after 1 week of storage and, in particular, the appearance of soft rot was retarded by the jasmonate treatment. Measurement of the amount of MJ vaporized during storage was done by use of a [3H]jasmonate internal standard. Less than 1 × 10-6 mol of MJ vapor was necessary to cause the biochemical changes in the stored vegetables resulting in prolonged st.
Ignore fishers’ knowledge and miss the boat

We describe five examples of how, by ignoring fishers’ ecological knowledge (FEK), marine researchers and resource managers may put fishery resources at risk, or unnecessarily compromise the welfare of resource users. Fishers can provide critical information on such things as interannual, seasonal, lunar, diel, tide-related and habitat-related differences in behaviour and abundance of target species, and on how these influence fishing strategies. Where long-term data sets are unavailable, older fishers are also often the only source of information on historical changes in local marine stocks and in marine environmental conditions. FEK can thus help improve management of target stocks and rebuild marine ecosystems. It can play important roles in the siting of marine protected areas and in environmental impact assessment. The fact that studying FEK does not meet criteria for acceptable research advanced by some marine biologists highlights the inadequacy of those criteria.
Influence of environmental conditions on demand‐feeding behaviour of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Summary We studied the demand-feeding behaviour was studied of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, L.) reared under either constant (25 ± 0.5°C, 12 : 12 L : D, control group) or natural (experimental group) temperature and photoperiod conditions during a period from winter to summer. Hourly demand-feeding activity profiles were recorded using self-feeding devices; these profiles showed that control group behaved entirely as a diurnal species, exhibiting no nightly activity and decreased demand rates in winter months. The experimental group did exhibit nightly activity (in incomplete darkness); this group also showed reduced demand rates in winter months, accompanied by a demand peak shift towards evening/night hours that followed the day's temperature peak of colder months.
UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE’S LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT THROUGH THE USE OF SIMILES AND METAPHORS

William Shakespeare (1564–1616), the Bard of Avon, is commonly acknowledged as England’s greatest writer (playwright and poet) of all time. Shakespeare is an iconic symbol of English and, by extension, British identity. While sketching the portrait of the English, Jeremy Paxman (2007) recognizes Shakespeare as a crucial icon of Englishness, perhaps given the existing tensions that have characterized relations between member states of the UK. However, by extension, he is an iconic personality of British identity, encapsulating the culmination of the literary achievement associated to the British nation.
Corporate Planning on Revenue Collection at Kenya Revenue Authority in North Rift Region. Does Evaluation Strategy Matter?

The study aimed at determining the influence of evaluation strategy on corporate planning in revenue collection at Kenya Revenue Authority. The research was guided by Stewardship Theory and the Theory of Constraints. It adopted a cross-sectional survey design which is analytical in nature. The study targeted a population of 386 KRA employees from 3 KRA stations in north rift region. The study sampled 191 respondents using simple random sampling method. Data collection was done through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics involved the use of frequency, percentages mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involved the use of correlation and regression model. The results of the study was presented using tables and figures. The study results showed that evaluation strategy is statistically significant with revenue collection. The study findings would be beneficial to the government in relation to policy making and strategy formulation in line to its expectations from KRA as an institution. The findings of this study would also give KRA management relevant information to help them build and improve their strategic responses in relation to revenue collection in order to satisfy its mandate to Kenyan people. Equally, the findings of this study would enrich existing knowledge and hence would be of interest to both researchers and academicians who seek to explore and carry out further investigations.
Activation of Cauliflower α‐Ketoglutarate Dehydrogenase Complex by Calcium Ions a

Activation by 0.1 to 10.0 pM Ca2+ (physiological range) has been observed for a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDC) from vertebrate tissue. ',' No activation by Ca'+ has been observed with a salt extracted, reconstituted KGDC preparation from cauliflower3" or from a KGDC in a potato mitochondria1 extract. ' McCormack and Denton2 have suggested that plant KGDCs are not calcium ion regulated. In these studies, KGDC was partially purified from a sonicate of cauliflower florette mitochondria by differential centrifugation after solubilization in EGTA-
Gametocidal chromosomes and their induction of chromosome mutations in wheat

Certain alien chromosomes have been found to be preferentially transmitted in wheat. They are derived from differnt species of Aegilops, a genus related to wheat (Triticum). Such chromosomes ensure their own selective retention in wheat by causing sterility in gametes not carrying them, hence they are termed gametocidal chromosomes. There are at least three types of the gametocidal chromosomes that have different mode of gametocidal action and homoeology. The gametocidal chromosomes in the same homoeologous group (group 2, 3, or 4) have the same gametocidal action. Some of the gametocidal chromosomes induce chromosome mutations in either gametophytes or zygotes of common wheat with specific genotypes. The chromosome mutations preferentially occur in gametophytes without the gametocidal chromosome or in the zygotes when the gametocidal chromosome is delivered by the pollen. Chromosome mapping using induced deletions is under way.
Chemotaxonomic survey of wild and cultivated Cistus L. species

Abstract In this study, phytochemical data taken from the literature on eleven natural populations, corresponding to eleven taxa of Cistus L. , as well as those from twelve cultivated populations, corresponding to twelve taxa, were elaborated by means of numerical methods to estimate possible biochemical similarities in the genus. Cistus L. can be divided, on the basis of diterpenes and flavonoids, in natural populations, and, based on flavonoids, in cultivated ones. Different results were obtained using diterpenes and flavonoids as a diagnostic criterion as well as using plants grown under cultivation or in the wild. The chemotaxonomic significance of the selected chemical compounds and the relationships between the taxa studied are discussed.
Methyl jasmonate represses translation initiation of a specific set of mRNAs in barley

Jasmonic acid methyl ester (methyl jasmonate, JaMe) causes accumulation of novel abundant proteins in excised leaf segments of barley, and concomitantly represses synthesis of most pre-existing (‘control’) proteins. The changes in control protein synthesis do not correspond to equivalent alterations at the in vitro translatable mRNA level, suggesting a post-transcriptional mode of regulation. Methyl jasmonate did not interfere with the in vitro translation of either control or JaMe-induced mRNAs. Polysome runoff translation, in combination with two-dimensional separations of the products formed, however, revealed a reduced synthesis of control proteins in JaMe-exposed leaf tissues, in contrast to a continued translation of these polypeptides in water-treated leaf segments. In vitro translation of polysomal RNAs demonstrated the preferential association of control mRNAs with polysomes of water-treated leaf tissues but not with polysomes of JaMe-treated tissues. Polysomes isolated from the latter leaves contained primarily JaMe-induced mRNAs, as shown by in vitro translation and Northern hybridization with gene-specific probes. Treatment of JaMe-incubated leaf tissues with cycloheximide prior to harvesting caused an increase of in vitro translatable control mRNAs recovered from polysomes, thus highlighting an impairment of control protein synthesis by JaMe at the level of translation initiation.
A longitudinal study on the effects of motivational mobile application uses on online news engagement

Based on four-wave panel data, this study explored the relationships between different uses of motivational mobile applications and online news engagement. Three motivational mobile application uses - informational, recreational, and relational - were identified and rank-ordered according to respondents' everyday mobile application preferences. Results showed that only relational mobile application use had positive relationships with online news engagement. Results further indicate that over the four-year period examined (2013-2016) only the use of relational mobile application led to continuous growth of online news engagement. This study advances the literature on mobile communication not only by introducing results of a longitudinal study that challenge and support conflicting previous findings but that also provide support for the possibility of the mobile facilitation hypothesis.
Organization of a parasitoid community associated with a complex of galls on Atriplex spp. in southern California

Abstract. 1. Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nuttall and A.polycarpa (Torrey) Watson (Chenopodiaceae) support twelve morphologically distinct gall types in southern California. Thirty‐seven common species of parasitoids, predators and inquilines are associated with these galls.
Cycloclarkeanol, a New Triterpene from Euphorbia clarkeana

Phytochemical studies on Euphorbia clarkeana have resulted in the isolation of cycloartanol, cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol, 20-acetylingenol-3-decadienoate, and a new cycloartane-type triterpene, cycloclarkeanol. Its structure is elucidated as cycloart-22-ene-3β,20e,25-triol [1] on the basis of chemical and spectral studies
Characteristics of stationary-phase variation affecting virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is the causal agent of bacterial leaf blight, a serious disease of rice. Spontaneous loss of virulence in X. oryzae pv. oryzae is associated with mutants that produce reduced levels of extracellular polysaccharide. Evidence is presented that these mutants accumulate in long-term stationary phase cultures but are not obtained from exponentially growing cultures. A number of independent spv (stationary-phase variation) mutants have been isolated and characterized. These mutants differ from each other with respect to the stability of the mutant phenotype, extent of loss of virulence, ability to outcompete wild type cells in stationary-phase cocultures, and hypersensitivity to hydrogen peroxide.Key words: stationary-phase variation, spontaneous loss of virulence, Xanthomonas oryzae.
Greenhouse and field assessments of resistance in soybean inoculated with sclerotia, mycelium, and ascospores of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Thirty-five soybean lines were evaluated for sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) resistance using stem inoculations with mycelium in the field and greenhouse, flower inoculations with mycelium or ascospores in the field and greenhouse, and soil infestation with sclerotia in the field, between 1997 and 2000. Symptoms were evaluated by stem lesion length (SLL, mm) and lesion extension (LE, mm) after stem inoculations; infected flowers (IF, %) and a disease severity index (DSI, %) after flower inoculations with ascospores and mycelium; and a DSI after soil infestation with sclerotia. Results show significant differences among lines for SLL and LE in the greenhouse and for IF and DSI in the field and greenhouse. Significant correlations were found between stem inoculation and sclerotia method and between all trials with flower inoculation using either ascospores or mycelium. Maple Donovan and Frisquet were the least susceptible genotypes after flower inoculations with ascospores, whereas OAC Bayfield was the most susc.
Commercial harvest of logging residue in clear-cuts affects the diversity and community composition of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Abstract Structural complexity of the habitat is known to influence the diversity and abundance of arthropod populations. Earlier studies have shown that presence of logging residue (slash) on the ground contributes to microhabitat complexity and removal of slash for biofuel in clear-cuts can have short-term (∼1 year) effects on ground-active beetle populations. This study examines the consequences of slash removal on carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) 5–7 years after harvest. Sampling of beetles was done by pitfall trapping in three matched clear-cut pairs, in spruce forest in central Sweden. The number and diversity (Berger–Parker dominance index) of carabid species were significantly higher in clear-cuts with slash harvest than in sites where slash was left on the ground. No difference in the overall rank-abundance pattern was found between clear-cuts with different slash treatments, but for species with certain habitat preferences the community was significantly altered. In all clear-cuts, slash removal caused a shift in dominance with an increase in generalist species and a decline in forest species. The results show that removal of slash may have long-lasting effects on the carabid community composition and structure. Hence, in forest landscapes with large-scale biofuel harvest, generalist carabid species may increase their abundance. Following the precautionary principle, it is suggested that every fifth clear-cut should be free of slash harvest.
Environmental Literacy Level among Architecture Students in Private Universities, Klang Valley, Malaysia

The purpose of the study is to investigate environmental literacy using “AKASA” model which is the awareness, knowledge, attitude, skills and action for 2nd year and 3rd year of architecture undergraduate students from selected private university. The study intends to investigate the literacy level of all the environmental literacy variables. The sample study comprises of 234 students from 5 selected private universities with questionnaires were used as instrument of survey. The parametric study was conducted with descriptive analysis and the results shows that the environmental awareness and environmental knowledge is at high level but environmental attitude, environmental skills and environmental action is at medium level among all the students in both years. In terms of ranking, the combine year 2 and year 3 students reveal a sequential order of awareness, knowledge, attitude, skill and action which is in congruent with “AKASA’ sequence. The overall environmental literacy is at high level among all the students in both years.
Designing a conceptual model of E-commerce acceptance in developing countries DESIGNING A MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONCEPUAL MODEL OF E-COMMERCE ACCEPTANCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

"E-commerce is a form of innovation providing access to many customers everywhere and every time for organizations. Unfortunately, information and communication technology (ICT) is playing an important role for any countries and the use of the Internet. The adoption of e-commerce in developing countries differs greatly from developed countries. Developing countries often lack the necessary financial, legal, and physical infrastructures for the development of e-commerce. However, effects are sometimes dramatic in developed countries. There are numbers of examples of conceptual models for E-commerce acceptance. Also there are differing characteristics of local environments, both infrastructural and socio-economic, have created a significant level of variation in the acceptance and growth of e-commerce in different regions of the world. In this paper, we present and design a multidisciplinary conceptual mode of e-commerce acceptance in developing countries. The focus of this paper is on the B2C conceptual model. This model serves as a guideline for E-commerce acceptance in developing countries. "
Variation in populations of Tribulus terrestris (Zygophyllaceae). 2. Chromosome numbers.

Variation in chromosome number was investigated as part of a study to identify the origins of the widespread weed and potential biological control target Tribulus terrestris L. s.1. (Zygophyllaceae). Three ploidy levels, tetraploid 2n = 24, hexaploid 2n = 36 and octoploid 2n = 48, were detected in 24 Australian and 24 overseas collections. Northern Territory and Queensland collections, possibly representing a native species of Tribulus, had counts of 2n = c. 24. The majority of collections of T. terrestris in southern and north-western regions of Australia had counts of 2n = c. 36, but two collections had counts of 2n = c. 24. Collections from South Africa and Namibia also had a mixture of tetraploid and hexaploid forms. The USA, Mediterranean and West Asian samples (except for three Kuwait samples) were all hexaploid. All Indian and three Kuwait samples were the only octoploid collections observed. These ploidy levels agree with those previously reported for T. terrestris. It was concluded that the polyploid complex has an allopolyploid origin. The predominantly hexaploid collections in Australia indicate an overseas origin, and the presence of two tetraploid collections points to two or more separate introductions of T. terrestris into Australia. Counts for T. micrococcus and T. occidentalis were 2n = c. 48, which provide further evidence for a base number of x = 6 or 12 for the genus.