Largest Root Research Articles

Propagação vegetativa de amoreira-preta das cultivares Tupy e BRS Cainguá

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial de enraizamento e brotação de estacas caulinares lenhosas e de raiz das cultivares Tupy e BRS Cainguá de amoreira-preta. Para a realização desse experimento foram coletadas estacas caulinares e radiculares das plantas matrizes de amoreira-preta. Posteriormente, essas estacas foram levadas para a casa de vegetação e colocadas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido (72 células) contendo mistura do substrato comercial Turfa fértil® e vermiculita expandida na proporção 2:1 (v:v). Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes tipos de estacas (caulinar e radicular) e duas cultivares (‘Tupy’ e ‘Cainguá’). O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizados, sendo um bifatorial (cultivares X tipo de estaca) com quatro repetições, contendo 10 estacas cada. Após 97 dias da instalação do experimento foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: porcentagem de estacas enraizadas (%), porcentagem de sobrevivência (%), número de folhas, área foliar (cm²), comprimento de parte aérea e da maior raiz (cm), massa fresca e seca de parte aérea e do sistema radicular (g). A propagação da amoreira-preta da cultivar BRS Cainguá pode ser realizada de forma eficaz tanto por estaca caulinar como radicular. No caso da cultivar Tupy teve menor potencial de enraizamento, quando comparada com a Cainguá. As estacas radiculares apresentaram maiores resultados no enraizamento de amoreira-preta.

Abstract P833: Standardized Protocols Reduce Response Times for LVO Strokes

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke treatment is time sensitive especially for large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes with the goal to achieve early cerebral reperfusion. Research suggests standardized protocols incorporate early notification to reduce time from arrival to mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The MT workflow at a certified stroke center required multiple phone calls to mobilize staff and resources resulting in treatment delays. The average time from neurosurgery notification (NN) to case start (CST) was 60.4 minutes (min) resulting in average door-to-puncture (DTP) time of 124.8 min further delaying early reperfusion. Purpose: Standardize MT workflows and incorporate a 1-step notification system to reduce average NN to CST by 20% to 45 min to achieve 90 min average DTP time by 90 days post implementation. Methods: Baseline data for MT cases admitted 1/1/18 - 9/2/19 arriving in the emergency room (ER) and occurring inpatient were abstracted from stroke alert logs and the electronic health record. MT transfers were excluded. A multidisciplinary group of key stakeholders completed both high level process and workflow analysis maps and mock simulations to identify gaps. Both an analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer’s T Test were performed revealing NN to CST was most statistically significant (p<.0001) and largest root cause for overall increased DTP times. New service-specific workflows were developed including 1-step notification activated via an existing group paging system used for other purposes. Activation notified on call staff of the MT case and patient location. Data points collected were NN to CST (ED and inpatient) and DTP (ED only). Results: Average NN to CST time was 26.7 min (33.3 min decrease or 55.1%; p<.0001, n=12) resulting in DTP average of 83.4 min (41.4 min decrease or 35.3%, n=10) 90 days post-implementation. The paging system was cost-neutral due to existing licensing agreements. Conclusion: In conclusion, streamlined workflows incorporating 1-step notification reduced time from notification to staff response so MT procedures could start sooner. A multidisciplinary approach along with key stakeholder buy-in was instrumental in successful project implementation.

On the Change of Distance Energy of Complete Bipartite Graph due to Edge Deletion

The distance energy of a graph is defined as the sum of absolute values of distance eigenvalues of the graph. The distance energy of a graph plays an important role in many fields. By constructing a new polynomial, we transform a problem on the sum of the absolute values of the roots of a quadratic polynomial into a problem on the largest root of a cubic polynomial. Hence, we give a new and shorter proof on the change of distance energy of a complete bipartite graph due to edge deletion, which was given by Varghese et al.

In vitro growth of Cattleya nobilior Rchb. f.: culture media, sealing systems and irradiance

ABSTRACT Some factors may influence the in vitro culture of native orchids, especially the culture medium, sealing system and light condition. This study aimed to evaluate the addition of banana pulp and peel in the formulation of culture media, sealing system and irradiance, in the in vitro growth of Cattleya nobilior Rchb. f. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial scheme with five culture media [Murashige & Skoog supplemented or not with banana pulp or peel (100 or 200g L-1)], two light conditions [3,000 K LED lamps (43 µmol m-2 s-1 or 86 µmol m-2 s-1)] and two sealing systems (natural and conventional ventilation), with six replicates of one vial each. The plant height, diameter of the largest pseudobulb, length of the largest root and of the largest leaf, fresh weight and number of leaves, roots and shoots were evaluated. The use of both the banana pulp and peel as additives in the culture medium formulation promoted the C. nobilior growth. The natural ventilation system increased the plant height, pseudobulb diameter and leaf length, while the conventional system promoted tillering.

Optimal conditions for in vitro culture of Cattleya cernua, a small orchid native of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado

Abstract Cattleya cernua is an epiphytic orchid native of the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Caatinga and Pampa. Aiming at the development of an in vitro conservation technology, plants were micropropagated through asymbiotic culture and the influence of different concentrations of sucrose (10, 30, 60 and 90 g L-1) and macronutrients (25, 50 and 100% MS) on survival and development was evaluated. Plant survival ranged between 47 and 100%. The interaction between macronutrients and sucrose influenced plant development. The aerial system of the plants was higher in 100% MS medium combined with 30 or 60 g L-1 of sucrose. The number of roots was higher with reduced macronutrients, combined with 30 or 60 g L-1 of sucrose. The length of the largest root was also higher when macronutrients were reduced but combined with 10 or 30 g L-1 of sucrose. The greatest mass was recorded when 30 g L-1 of sucrose was added to the three salt concentrations. Chlorophyll did not differ between plants grown with 30 or 90 g L-1 of sucrose. We recommend cultivating the plants in MS medium with 30 g L-1 of sucrose for better development of the aerial system. C. cernua can be asymbiotically micropropagated, facilitating ex vitro conservation strategies.

Methods of application of indolebutyric acid and basal lesion on ‘Woodard’ blueberry cuttings in different seasons

Abstract Blueberry cuttings are difficult to root, so alternatives that maximize their rhizogenic potential are essential for the expansion of the crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the basal lesion and different methods of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of ‘Woodard’ herbaceous cuttings, collected in two seasons. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a 3x2x2 factorial arrangement, totaling 12 treatments and five replications. The factors consisted of different ways of IBA application (talc and alcohol in the concentration of 1,000 mg L-1, and without IBA), season of collection (autumn and summer), and two types of cuttings (with and without lesion in the basal portion). Two hundred days after the beginning of the experiment, there was no significant effect of the basal lesion on the rooting of the cuttings. However, it was found that rooting is influenced by the season of collection, with greater leaf retention, dry weight, number of roots per cutting, length of roots and length of the largest root collected in summer. The application of IBA talc provided a higher percentage of rooted cuttings (61.0%) in relation to alcohol (31.0%) and control (41.0%) when collected in the autumn. There was no difference between seasons when IBA was applied with talc, however, the application with alcohol solution and the control resulted in higher percentages of rooted cuttings in the summer (70.0% and 67.0%, respectively). Summer was considered the best season to collect ‘Woodard’ blueberry cuttings, although the IBA applied with talc has increased the percentage of rooted cuttings in the autumn. The basal lesion did not promote an increase in rooting.

GROWTH IN VITRO OF Schomburgkia crispa Lindley IN THE INCREASED CULTURE OF Salvia hispanica L.

O uso de meios de cultura alternativos para o cultivo in vitro de plantas está sendo cada vez mais utilizado para atender as necessidades nutricionais diminuindo os custos de produção. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência das concentrações dos sais do meio de cultura MS e do extrato de chia no crescimento in vitro de plântulas de Shamburquia crispa Lindley. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado - DIC, em esquema fatorial 5x5, sendo os tratamentos compostos por diferentes concentrações de sais do meio de cultura MS (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) e concentrações do extrato de chia (0; 3,5; 7,0; 10,5 e 14,0 g L-1), com quatro repetições e quatro plântulas por parcela. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e para a comparação das médias dos tratamentos, foi realizado o teste Scott Knott a 5% de significância. Todas as análises foram realizadas com o auxílio do programa SISVAR 5.3. Decorridos 90 dias da instalação, foram analisados: taxa de sobrevivência (%), número de folhas, número de raízes, comprimento da maior raiz e comprimento da parte aérea. A redução dos sais do meio de cultura MS (0, 25 e 50%) associada à adição do extrato de chia (10,5 e 14 g L-1) promovem maior crescimento e desenvolvimento de explantes de Schomburgkia crispa Lindley cultivadas in vitro.

Ficus enormis cuttings rooting: concentrations of indole butyric acid and seasonal variations

Plants producing fruits for many months of the year, or at times when few species bear fruits, are highly valuable for restoration of degraded ecosystems due to their ability to attract and support dispersing fauna. An example of this are native fig trees such as Ficus enormis. Thus, in view ofthe difficulties for F enormis seedlings production, we aimed at developing a method of cuttings propagation by evaluating the rooting and root vigor of cuttings from a field clonai garden. The experiment was established between June/2015 and May/2016 at Laboratory of Forest Species Propagation of Embrapa Florestas, in Colombo-PR. We evaluated collection of cuttings during three seasons (winter, spring and summer) and application of concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid - IBA (O, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 mg L-1). After 45 days of cuttings establishment in an acclimatized greenhouse, the best results for rooti ng , number of roots, average length of the three largest roots per cutting and maintenance of leaves and shoots were found in spring and summer. Using plant regulator did not influence the rooting or root vigor of propagules; the time of the year was the predominant factor to induce rooting. The results show that the cuttings technique with propagules from a clonai garden is efficient for producing F enormis plants and can serve as a basis for the species propagation.

Corporate Governance and Performance of Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria

The study examined corporate governance and the performance of non-financial firms in Nigeria within the canonical correlation analytical framework. The study validated the relationship between set of corporate governance variables and set of firm’s performance variables using relevant data extracted from the firm’s published annual financial statements and various issues of the Nigerian stock exchange fact books spanning 2011-2018. The results from this study provided evidence to prove the existence of a statistically significant association between sets of corporate governance and sets of firm’s performance variables using the Wilks’ Lambda, Pillai’s trace and Lawley-Hotelling trace at the 5 percent significance level and Roy’s Largest root at the 1 percent significance level. The implication of this study is that corporate governance is highly instrumental in improving the performance of non-financial firms in Nigeria. In other words, an improvement in corporate governance indices will inevitably boost the profitability of non-financial firms in Nigeria.

GROWTH AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF PAPAYA AND PASSION FRUIT SEEDLINGS IRRIGATED WITH GRAY WATER

ABSTRACT The semi-arid region has long periods of drought, so reusing water is an important alternative to enable irrigated agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and mineral composition of papaya and passion fruit seedlings irrigated with gray water effluents. Two experiments were carried out with papaya and passion fruit seedlings. For nondestructive analyses, the experimental arrangement was in splitplots in time, with plots consisting of three types of irrigation water (gray water effluent; supply water and mixture of gray water and supply water, at 1:1 ratio) and subplots formed by the evaluation times 30, 60 and 75 days after sowing, with three replicates and five plants per replicate. For destructive analyses, the experimental arrangement was a simple randomized block design, with three treatments, corresponding to the irrigation waters, with three replicates and five plants per replicate. The seedlings irrigated with gray water effluent had higher values of plant height, stem diameter, length of the largest root, shoot dry mass and root dry mass. N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn contents in the tissue of papaya seedlings, cv. ‘Golden’, were not altered by irrigation with gray water effluent. N, Fe and Zn contents in the tissue of passion fruit seedlings, cv. ‘Redondo Amarelo’, were increased by the application of gray water effluent, while P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn contents were not influenced.

Enraizamento de estacas herbáceas de quatro genótipos de kiwizeiros submetidas a tratamento com Ácido Indolbutírico

Cutting is an alternative kiwifruit propagation, to obtain rootstocks or to directly root its. As a clonal propagation method, there is no loss of desirable agronomic characteristics. This study was carried out to evaluate the rooting of softwood cuttings of kiwifruit ‘Bruno’, ‘Elmwood’ and ‘Matua’ (Actinidia deliciosa) and ‘MG06’ (Actinidia chinensis) submitted to indolebutyric acid (IBA) treatment. The cuttings were immersed, at their base, in concentrations 0, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mgL-1 of IBA. After 90 days, the following variables were evaluate: percentage of rooted cuttings, callus and leaf retention per cutting; average length of the three largest roots; average number of roots and root dry matter mass. The rooting of ‘MG06’ is higher than ‘Elmwood’ and ‘Matua’, not differing from ‘Bruno’. ‘Matua’ presented the lowest rooting. The AIB increases the rooting percentage, and with an estimated concentration of 4,640 mgL-1, it, can obtain 48.9% of rooted cuttings.

Vegetative propagation of mate from shoot cuttings induced by coppicing of selected plants

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil) is an arboreal species of great economic and socio-environmental importance, which presents difficulties in the adventitious rooting process. The rhizogenic competence of vegetative propagules of mate can be attained by coppicing, but the factors that influence the success of this technique have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the stock plant, time of shoot collection, treatment with indolebutyric acid (IBA) and diameter of vegetative propagules in the adventitious rooting of cuttings from shoots induced by coppicing of selected adult plants of mate. Shoots produced from coppiced 13SM01 and 13SM05 stock plants were collected at different times of the year to prepare single-bud cuttings. The cuttings were measured as their diameter in the central portion and treated with 0 and 3000 mg L-1 of IBA. After 60 days, cuttings were evaluated to determine survival and rooting percentages, number of roots, and length of the three largest roots. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 2 × 2 × 13 (collection times x stock plants x IBA treatment x diameter classes) factorial scheme with 15 replications. Competence for adventitious rooting was highest for stock plant 13SM05. Cuttings collected in November and February had the highest rooting percentages, without the need of IBA treatment. Cuttings from 13SM01 and 13SM05 with diameters smaller than 0.636 cm (classes 1 to 6) and smaller than 0.712 cm (classes 1 to 7), respectively, had the highest rooting percentages and differed significantly from cuttings with larger diameters. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that stock plants, time of shoot collection, and diameter of vegetative propagules influence adventitious rooting competence of mate cuttings from coppicing adult plants. Rooting of mate cuttings with lower rhizogenic competence is influenced by the application of 3000 mg L-1 of IBA.

Germinação e desenvolvimento inicial in vitro de explantes de araçá-vermelho

Entre as fruteiras nativas do Sul do Brasil, destaca-se o araçazeiro vermelho (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine) da família Myrtaceae e por isso, é considerado uma espécie florestal nativa de grande importância nessa região. O araçazeiro é propagado normalmente por via sexuada, entretanto são poucos os estudos que otimizem a propagação desta espécie nativa. Aliado a isso, para contornar esta problemática, muitos estudos com espécies florestais lenhosas demonstram resultados positivos com a propagação por meio de técnicas de cultura de tecidos. Dessa forma, o objetivo foi verificar a germinação in vitro de araçazeiro vermelho, assim como, o desenvolvimento inicial dos explantes com o uso da técnica de micropropagação. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3 x 2, sendo três formas de fracionamento de sementes (sem corte, longitudinal e transversal) e duas condições de intensidades luminosas (presença de luz e obscuridade), totalizando seis tratamentos com 10 repetições de quatro sementes cada. Após 14 dias da instalação do experimento, as variáveis analisadas foram: oxidação (%) e estiolamento (%) e transcorridos 240 dias, avaliou-se a taxa germinativa das sementes (%), comprimento médio de raízes (cm), da maior raiz (cm) e do explante (cm) e número de raízes e de folhas. Concluiu-se com esse estudo, que uma única semente de Psidium cattleyanum Sabine, ao ser fracionada, mantêm a capacidade germinativa e pode produzir mais de uma plântula normal, a fim de ter-se assim, uma quantidade maior de mudas, a partir de um número reduzido de sementes. Além disso, foi verificado que independentemente do fracionamento ou não das sementes de araçazeiro vermelho, condições diretas de luz proporcionaram raízes de maior comprimento, assim como, um maior número de folhas nos explantes.

MANOVA: POWER ANALYSIS OF MODELS OF SUDOKU SQUARE DESIGNS

This paper assesses the performance of multivariate treatment tests (Wilk’s Lambda, Hoteling-lawley, Roy’s largest root and Pillai) on multivariate Sudoku square design models in terms of power analysis. Monte carlo simulation was conducted to compare the power of these four tests for the four multivariate Sudoku square design models. This study used 0.062 as interval value for Power difference between two tests of the same sample size. The test is considered powerful or having advantage, if the difference between the powers of the tests is . The results of Power test show that Hoteling-lawley has advantage over three other tests at P=2 while at P=3 Wilk’s lambda test has power advantage over other tests in all the multivariate Sudoku models.

${\mathbf{U}} = \mathbf{C}^{1/2}$ and Its Invariants in Terms of $\mathbf{C}$ and Its Invariants

We consider $N\times N$ tensors for $N= 3,4,5,6$. In the case $N=3$, it is desired to find the three principal invariants $i_1, i_2, i_3$ of $\bf U$ in terms of the three principal invariants $I_1, I_2, I_3$ of ${\bf C}={\bf U}^2$. Equations connecting the $i_\alpha$ and $I_\alpha$ are obtained by taking determinants of the factorisation \[\lambda^2{\bf I}- {\bf C} = (\lambda{\bf I}- {\bf U}) (\lambda{\bf I}+ {\bf U})\] and comparing coefficients. On eliminating $i_2$ we obtain a quartic equation with coefficients depending solely on the $I_\alpha$ whose largest root is $i_1$. Similarly, we may obtain a quartic equation whose largest root is $i_2$. For $N=4$ we find that $i_2$ is once again the largest root of a quartic equation and so all the $i_\alpha$ are expressed in terms of the $I_\alpha$. Then $\bf U$ and ${\bf U}^{-1}$ are expressed solely in terms of $\bf C$, as for $N=3$. For $N= 5$ we find, but do not exhibit, a twentieth degree polynomial of which $i_1$ is the largest root and which has four spurious zeros. We are unable to express the $i_\alpha$ in terms of the $I_\alpha$ for $N=5$. Nevertheless, $\bf U$ and ${\bf U}^{-1}$ are expressed in terms of powers of $\bf C$ with coefficients now depending on the $i_\alpha$. For $N=6$ we find, but do not exhibit, a 32 degree polynomial which has largest root $i_1^2$. Sixteen of these roots are relevant but the other 16, which we exhibit, are spurious. $\bf U$ and ${\bf U}^{-1}$ are expressed in terms of powers of $\bf C$. The cases $N>6$ are discussed. Keywords: Continuum mechanics, polar decomposition, tensor square roots, principal invariants, cubic equations, quartic equations, equations of degree 16

VIABILITY OF THE MINI-CUTTING TECHNIQUE IN THE PRODUCTION OF Drimys brasiliensis Miers SEEDLINGS

Drimys brasiliensis, popularly known as cataia or casca-d'anta, is a tree species native to the Atlantic Forest and belonging to the family Winteraceae. Due to its seeds have dormancy due to embryonic immaturity, the present work aimed to evaluate the viability of the mini-cutting technique in D. brasiliensis in different seasons of collection of the propagules. Mini-cuttings from seedlings sprouts previously produced by conventional cutting were collected at six different times (December/2015, February/2016, April/2016, June/2016, August/2016 and October/2016), made 6-8 cm long, with bevel cut at the base and rectum at the apex, keeping two leaves with their area halved. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 4 replicates and 14 mini-cuttings per experimental unit. The mini-cuttings were planted in tubes with substrate containing vermiculite and carbonized rice husk (1:1) and kept in a heated greenhouse. After 120 days, the percentage of rooted mini-cuttings, number of roots per mini-cuttings, length of the three largest roots by mini-cuttings, percentage of mini-cuttings with callus, live, dead, with shoots and leaves that maintained their original leaves were evaluated. Rooting percentages of mini-cuttings were greater than 75% regardless of the season of the year in which the propagules were collected. The adventitious root formation of D. brasiliensis occurs indirectly, from the callus tissue formed at the base of the mini-cuttings. The mini-cuttings technique is recommended for the production of seedlings of the species, at any seasons of the year.

Efeito do extrato de tiririca no enraizamento de estacas de limão-Tahiti

O tratamento de estacas com extrato de tiririca (Cyperus rotundus L.) tem sido recomendado como alternativa para estimular o enraizamento de várias espécies, devido sua eficiência e baixo custo, contudo, pesquisas envolvendo métodos alternativos para estimular o enraizamento de estacas de limão-Tahiti (Citrus latifólia Tanaka) são escassas. Portanto, o objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de uma técnica alternativa de propagação de mudas de estacas de limão-Tahiti por meio de enraizamento, com o uso de extrato de tiririca. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram compostos por testemunha (estacas tratadas com água destilada) e tratamento de estacas com quatro extratos de tiririca, nas concentrações de: 75 g/L (25%), 150 g/L (50%), 225 g/L (75%) e 300 g/L (100%). Cada unidade experimental foi constituída por seis estacas. As avaliações foram realizadas 90 dias após o plantio, sendo mensurados os seguintes parâmetros: porcentagem de estacas enraizadas; número de raízes por estaca; comprimento das três maiores raízes por estaca; porcentagem de estacas com calos; porcentagem de estacas vivas; porcentagem de estacas não viáveis; quantidade de folhas por estacas; massa verde (%) e massa seca (%). O extrato de tiririca não influenciou o enraizamento das estacas de limão-Tahiti. Percentuais de estacas vivas foram significativamente maiores na concentração de 225 g/L (75%), indicando que o extrato não exerceu efeito alelopático sobre o desenvolvimento e sobrevivência das estacas. Contudo, faz-se necessário estudos, para verificar a concentração ideal do extrato para o enraizamento de estacas de limão-Tahiti.

Oral and Dental Examination Findings in European Polecats (Mustela putorius)

Dental and oral diseases in the domestic ferret have been reported, but comparison with their closest wild relative, the European polecat (Mustela putorius), is lacking. Dental and orofacial pathology was evaluated by means of visual examination and dental radiographical analysis of 234 museum skulls. Most of these (70.5%) originated from Austria and the remainder came from seven other European countries. Linguoverted mandibular second incisor teeth were noted in 77% of the skulls. There were 7,268 (91.4% of all potential) teeth available for examination. Few (0.3%) were presumed congenitally missing and 0.5% were presumed missing by acquired means. Supernumerary teeth were present in 2.6% of the skulls. Most (65.6%) of the maxillary first molar teeth were three rooted with the palatal root protruding into the orbit. Most (67.2%) of the mandibular first molar teeth were three rooted with the smaller third root being positioned in the furcation of the two larger roots. Thirty-one percent of the teeth were four rooted, with the smaller fourth root also being positioned in the furcation of the two largest roots. Attrition/abrasion was shown by 17.2% of the teeth in 47% of the skulls. Periodontitis was recognized in 57.6% of the teeth in 91.9% of the skulls and dental fractures were noted in 7.2% of the teeth in 62% of the skulls. Radiographical evidence of endodontic disease was found in 25% of the fractured teeth. Tooth resorption, in the form of external inflammatory resorption associated with endodontic disease, was found in 0.1% of teeth in 2.1% of skulls. Extrusion affected 44% of the canine teeth. Lesions consistent with infection by the helminth Troglotrema acutum were identified in 33.3% of the skulls. Oral and dental disease was significant and varied, often consistent with reports of the species domestic counterpart - the ferret. Comparison with other mustelids, notably the beech marten (Martes foina), showed both clear consistencies and discrepancies, dependent on the type of pathology.

Selection between and within half-sibling progenies of Ilex paraguariensis for adventitious rooting of mini-cuttings

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate half-sibling progenies for developing breeding strategies and to select mate clones with adventitious root competence, required for vegetative propagation by mini-cuttings. For rooting, single-bud mini-cuttings of 2 cm length were treated with indolebutyric acid at 2000 mg L-1. At 60 days of cultivation, the mini-cuttings were evaluated for percentages of survival and rooting, number and mean length of the three largest roots, and number of rooted mini-cuttings per mini-stump. These data were analyzed considering the mixed model described for a completely randomized design, an environment, half-sibling progenies, and a single plant per plot, by using the SELEGEN-REML/BLUP software. The 50 genotypes with the highest number of rooted mini-cuttings were selected. The genetic gain was 48.41% for the number of rooted mini-cuttings per mini-stump. Selection for adventitious rooting based on the number of rooted mini-cuttings can be used in mate breeding programs for vegetative propagation by mini-cuttings.

Effects of the Carrier Phrase on Word-Recognition Performances by Younger and Older Listeners Using Two Stimulus Paradigms

Background: In the 1950s, with monitored live voice testing, the vu meter time constant and the shortdurations and amplitude modulation characteristics of monosyllabic words necessitated the use of the carrierphrase amplitude tomonitor (indirectly) the presentation level of the words. This practice continues withrecorded materials. To relieve the carrier phrase of this function, first the influence that the carrier phrasehas on word recognition performance needs clarification, which is the topic of this study.<br />Purpose: Recordings of Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 by two female speakers were usedto compare word recognition performances with and without the carrier phrases when the carrier phraseand test word were (1) in the same utterance stream with the words excised digitally from the carrier (VA-1speaker) and (2) independent of one another (VA-2 speaker). The 50-msec segment of the vowel in thetarget word with the largest root mean square amplitude was used to equate the target word amplitudes.<br />Research Design: A quasi-experimental, repeated measures design was used.<br />Study Sample: Twenty-four young normal-hearing adults (YNH; M = 23.5 years; pure-tone average[PTA] = 1.3-dB HL) and 48 older hearing loss listeners (OHL; M = 71.4 years; PTA = 21.8-dB HL) participatedin two, one-hour sessions.<br />Data Collection and Analyses: Each listener had 16 listening conditions (2 speakers 3 2 carrier phraseconditions 3 4 presentation levels) with 100 randomized words, 50 different words by each speaker.Each word was presented 8 times (2 carrier phrase conditions 3 4 presentation levels [YNH, 0- to24-dB SL; OHL, 6- to 30-dB SL]). The 200 recorded words for each condition were randomized as 8,25-word tracks. In both test sessions, one practice track was followed by 16 tracks alternated betweenspeakers and randomized by blocks of the four conditions. Central tendency and repeated measuresanalyses of variance statistics were used.<br />Results: With the VA-1 speaker, the overall mean recognition performances were 6.0% (YNH) and 8.3%(OHL) significantly better with the carrier phrase than without the carrier phrase. These differences werein part attributed to the distortion of some words caused by the excision of the words from the carrierphrases. With the VA-2 speaker, recognition performances on the with and without carrier phrase conditionsby both listener groups were not significantly different, except for one condition (YNH listeners at8-dB SL). The slopes of the mean functions were steeper for the YNH listeners (3.9%/dB to 4.8%/dB) thanfor the OHL listeners (2.4%/dB to 3.4%/dB) and were <1%/dB steeper for the VA-1 speaker than for theVA-2 speaker. Although the mean results were clear, the variability in performance differences betweenthe two carrier phrase conditions for the individual participants and for the individual words was strikingand was considered in detail.<br />Conclusion: The current data indicate that word recognition performances with and without the carrierphrase (1) were different when the carrier phrase and target word were produced in the same utterancewith poorer performances when the target words were excised from their respective carrier phrases(VA-1 speaker), and (2) were the same when the carrier phrase and target word were produced as independentutterances (VA-2 speaker).<br />See the Supplementary Data tab for supplementary materials.