Superior Attributes Research Articles

Diversity for shell seal in the natural population of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley

The present investigation entitled diversity for shell texture in the natural population of walnut ( Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley was carried out in order to document the available genetic variability in walnut germplasm and to select elite walnut genotypes possessing superior attributes and quality traits. During the survey, data was recorded on one hundred fifty two (152) walnut trees growing in different areas of Kashmir valley. Remarkable variability was observed in seedling walnut trees for different morphological, nut and kernel characters. Similarly, variations were also reported for other characters viz. , tree vigour, growth habit, branching habit, leaflet shape, shoot colour, nut shape, shell texture, shell colour, shell seal, shell strength, shell integrity, kernel shrivel and kernel colour. Studies on shell texture revealed substantial variability among the seedling raised walnuts genotypes in Kashmir valley revealed that shell texture of walnut genotypes under the present study varied from very smooth to rough shell texture. Seventeen genotypes (11.18%) were found to possess rough shell texture. Seventy five genotypes (49.34%) had smooth shell texture, 52 genotypes (34.21%) had medium shell texture and 8 genotypes (5.27%) were very smooth shell textured.

Diversity for growth habit in the natural population of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley

The present investigation entitled diversity for growth habit in the natural population of walnut ( Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley was carried out in order to document the available genetic variability in walnut germplasm and to select elite walnut genotypes possessing superior attributes and quality traits. During the survey, data was recorded on one hundred fifty two (152) walnut trees growing in different areas of Kashmir valley. Remarkable variability was observed in seedling walnut trees for different morphological, nut and kernel characters. Similarly, variations were also reported for other characters viz., tree vigour, growth habit, branching habit, leaflet shape, shoot colour, nut shape, shell texture, shell colour, shell seal, shell strength, shell integrity, kernel shrivel and kernel colour. Studies on growth habit revealed substantial variability among the seedling raised walnuts genotypes in Kashmir valley fifty four genotypes (35.52%) had erect growth habit and another 54 genotypes (35.52%) had semi-erect growth habit, while remaining 44 genotypes (28.96%) had spreading growth habit.

SELECTION VIA MIXED MODELS IN SEGREGATING GUAVA FAMILIES BASED ON YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS

ABSTRACT Aiming at the generation of new guava varieties with superior attributes, we conducted this study adopting the REML/BLUP procedure at individual level. Seventeen segregating guava families were evaluated in a randomized-block design with two replicates and 12 plants per plot. Families were obtained after controlled biparental pollination. The studied individuals showed high genotypic variance for fruit weight (FW), total yield (YLD), and ascorbic acid content (AAC). The heritability coefficients of the mean of progenies led to high progeny-selection accuracy for pulp yield (PY), soluble solids content (SSC), in addition to FW, YLD, and AAC; moderate accuracy for fruit acidity (FA) and SSC/FA ratio; and low accuracy for mesocarp thickness (MT) and pH. Selection among families (h2mp) indicated the highest values for FW, PY, YLD, SSC, and AAC, revealing that, for the present study, this practice would be effective, since these traits allowed for the highest selection accuracy values among families. As for the ranking of individuals, families originating from crosses UENF 1835 × UENF 1834, UENF 1831 × UENF 1832, and UENF 1831 × UENF 3739 stood out, occupying the first positions for most traits.

Low dose-rate brachytherapy for the treatment of cervix cancer is outdated and should be discontinued.

Low dose-rate brachytherapy for the treatment of cervix cancer is outdated and should be discontinued.

Iterative structure-based improvement of a fusion-glycoprotein vaccine against RSV.

Structure-based design of vaccines has been a long-sought goal, especially the iterative optimization used so successfully with structure-based design of drugs. We previously developed a 1st-generation vaccine antigen called DS-Cav1, comprising a pre-fusion-stabilized form of the fusion (F) glycoprotein, which elicited high titers of protective responses against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in mice and macaques. Here we report the improvement of DS-Cav1 through iterative cycles of structure-based design that significantly increased the titer of RSV-protective responses. The resultant 2nd-generation “DS2”-stabilized immunogens have F subunits genetically linked, fusion peptide deleted, and interprotomer movements stabilized by an additional disulfide bond. These DS2-immunogens are promising vaccine candidates with superior attributes, such as the absence of a requirement for furin cleavage and increased antigenic stability to heat inactivation. The iterative structure-based improvement described here may have utility in the optimization of other vaccine antigens.

Analysis philosophical and legal concept of justice in the philosophy of law

One of the issues analyzed in the philosophy of law and these theme is the basis of jurisprudence. The justice, as one of the most important properties of morality and also reflects its superior attributes. According to the philosophers, the concept of justice is divided into several categories and development of these categories based right and laws. The meaning of justice relationship principles of the laws and that do not reflect the meaning of justice, will be available word. The study have been analyzed of ancient Greek thinkers in outlook and subsequently the thoughts of justice and it was concluded at that time, justice in relation to a person the attributes of its superior, it was adopted as the basis of respecting the right of others. If a person shows irresponsibility to others forcing him to remorse sense of justice. Unlike them, Hegel the meaning of justice, the state coordinates. According to him, the principles of justice are linked to the requirements of the state, among the principles “being” and “must being” there is no difference. Justice, regulates the legal rules and regulate them in accordance with the structure. The purpose of justice, there are signs that any person whether you are entitled to in compliance with the law. The person in front of the law and fulfilling the duties required by law, but also holy count its principles and must accept any issue related to law. In the article, by reference to the theory of philosophers and lawyers, studing meaning of justice and meaning of right and also analyzed social aspects.

Innovation attributes-innovation adoption linkages in organizations: A meta-analytical review

The adoption of innovation in organizations represents as one the key element in the innovation strategy circles, albeit the innovation adoption investigations often yield mixed results. To help scholars and practitioners improve the effectiveness of their efforts, we synthesize empirical research in a meta-analytic framework. Although the basic premise that an innovation with superior attributes is more likely to be adopted by organizations, many of the scholars’ findings have relevant implications for research and practice. Specifically, relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity are more likely to stimulate adoption decisions than other innovation attributes. In addition, we consider how the behavioral preferences of managers (i.e., attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control) mediate organizational behaviors in adopting new technologies. We also observe that the relationships between innovation attributes, mediating variables and innovation adoption are contingent upon different contextu...

A Case for Regional Seismic Reflection Surveys in the Gawler Craton, South Australia

SUMMARY The seismic reflection method provides the possibility for delineation of very complex geological and this method might be good for detecting the presence of Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) deposits. Despite many technically superior attributes, no arguments for regional seismic exploration have been proposed; probably because a cost-benefit analysis has never been conducted at such a scale. In this study we analyse such a case by modelling a Hillside IOCG deposit scenario where 2D seismic with relatively sparse source-receiver geometry is used to detect the presence of a possible intrusive package near a deep fault. The modelling results show that seismic reflection using 20m geophones and 40m shot spacing as an exploration tool is feasible, and that with the spacing halved we can definitely recover reasonable images of the upper parts of the mineralisation. The presences of such intrusives are clearly detectable and with the seismic method are detectable from 100m to 1000m deep. Thus, we propose that using 2D seismic is viable for IOCG exploration as it can detect mineralised intrusive structures along known favourable corridors or structures.

Effects of perceived product similarity and ad claims on brand responses in comparative advertising

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of perceived product similarity and comparative ad claims on brand responses. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a two (similarity between the target product and the comparison product: relatively similar vs dissimilar) by three (product attributes of the target product: common to the comparison product, distinct from the comparison product, and a combination of common and distinct attributes) between-subjects factorial design with 300 Thai undergraduate students. Findings – It finds that when perceived similarity between the products is high, a combination of superiority (distinct) and parity (common) ad claims lead to the best brand responses. When perceived similarity is low, superiority claims bring about the best brand responses. Research limitations/implications – It extends comparative advertising and category-substitution research by addressing the research gaps in perceived similarity and claim type. Practical implications – Companies should emphasize a product’s superior attributes in general but a combination of common and superior attributes when the product is relatively similar to other products in comparative advertising. Originality/value – This study provides new evidence that perceived product similarity moderates the effect of comparative ad claims on brand responses.

Alternative model for injection-limited current into organic solids

This study demonstrates an analytical relation that models the carrier injection in metal-organic interfaces and which considers two consecutive carriers hopping as the injection mechanism. The new formula has superior attributes and can surpass conventional relations, in particular the thermionic emission-diffusion formula. For example, the model can properly trace the temperature dependency of the injection up to temperatures as low as 30 K and the full range of electric fields. Also, the prominence of joule heating for proper modeling of the injection is presented. This study examines the validity of the introduced analytical equation by exploring the injection in several practical contacts extracted from the literature, the results of which are discussed in this paper.

Preliminary Investigations on Identification and Evaluation of Early and Dwarf Lines of Ney Poovan Banana (Musa AB) for Commercial Scale Utilization

Ney Poovan is a group of elite mixed diploid bananas characterized by superior dessert quality and agronomic attributes. However, its commercial scale cultivation is largely jeopardized due to tall stature and longer crop duration than the commercial counterparts such as Cavendish bananas. Surveys were thus carried out in banana growing regions of Karnataka, India with the objective to identify short and precocious natural variants. The exhaustive surveys yielded a number of superior clones with near-idiotypic characteristics. Significant diversity existed among the 37 lines evaluated for traits such as plant stature, cropping cycle, yield contributing characters and productivity index. The discussed pragmatic approach involving exploration and utilization of the existing diversity was not only helpful in addressing the aforesaid problems but could also form the basis for rapid crop improvement in other long duration varieties of banana.

Advances in Nanostructured Acoustic Wave Technologies for Ultraviolet Sensing

Ultraviolet (UV) sensing and monitoring are critical to human health, astronomy, water purification, flame detection, secure space-to-space communications and pollution monitoring etc. In this paper, various UV sensors including semiconductor (ohmic contact photodiode, Schottky barrier photodiode) UV sensors and acoustic wave UV sensors were summarized and compared. UV sensors based on acoustic wave technologies have superior attributes, including high sensitivity, low cost, small size and remote or wireless control. Recent development of the acoustic wave based UV sensing technologies was reviewed, focusing on integration of nano-materials and nanostructures in the acoustic wave devices to enhance their sensitivity, efficiency and selectivity. Fundamental characteristics of the nanostructured acoustic wave UV sensors and their enhancing principles as well as future development were discussed.

Amperometric Detection and Quantification of Nitrate Ions Using a Highly Sensitive Nanostructured Membrane Electrocodeposited Biosensor Array

AbstractIn the past few decades, there has been a steady rise in the release of nitrate (NO3−), a prominent water soluble contaminant associated with the increasing use of nitrate based fertilizers. In this study, we suggest the use of a highly sensitive, enzymatic biosensor capable of quantifying minute concentrations of nitrate. The disposable nitrate biosensor consists of a sensing element in the form of nitrate reductase which is immobilized within a conductive polymer matrix to generate a quantifiable amperometric response. In this work, nanoarrays of co‐immobilized nitrate reductase and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), were grown using a template assisted electropolymerization route. The performance of the biosensor is a strong function of electropolymerization conditions and the morphology of the PEDOT nanostructures. The electropolymerized biosensor displays excellent specificity w.r.t other interfering ions as evidenced from the initial rate kinetics. With a response time of a few seconds, limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.16 ppm and sensitivity of about 92 µA/mM , the one‐step electropolymerized nanostructured nitrate biosensor developed in this study shows improved performance compared to similar electrochemical sensors reported in literature. The PEDOT/nitrate reductase nanowire sensor developed in this work shows superior attributes compared to a flat 2D nitrate reductase‐co‐immobilized PEDOT film grown using similar electropolymerization conditions. This combined with easy and fast fabrication technique opens up exciting opportunities for developing high accuracy PEDOT based nanobiosensors for field testing of nitrate contaminants in the future.

An analysis of the issues and prospects facing SriLankan Airlines and its embedded partnership with Sri Lankan tourism

The long civil war, which ended in May 2009, poor economic performance and weak travel demand for Sri Lanka all coalesced in hindering the tourism industry. Consequently its aviation industry, which is dominated by the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, faced growing and difficult challenges. However, since 2009 the country has witnessed a boom in tourism, while an unprofitable SriLankan Airlines changed its financial and strategic circumstances by becoming a member of the Oneworld alliance in mid-2014, driven by its regional geography and proximity to India which had strict bilateral traffic rights for international incumbents from the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. This study analyses tourism, economic and passenger data combined with results from a passenger survey and expert interviews in order to identify the critical issues and future prospects of aviation and tourism in Sri Lanka. The authors conclude that its ageing long-haul fleet, together with an inferior economy-class product along with high fuel prices, capacity constraints and poor management practices are the major issues faced by SriLankan Airlines. On the tourism side, uncompetitive hotel rates, unnecessarily high government taxes, visa charges and the lack of international promotion were seen as the principle drawbacks. A survey at Colombo airport revealed that fare is the principle rhetoric for passengers taking SriLankan Airlines, but when they want a wider range of additional and superior attributes they choose foreign carriers.

Influence of Different Growth Regulators on In Vitro Multiplication of Mixed Diploid Banana (Musa AB)

The commercial scale banana multiplication through micropropagation is concentrated mainly on the Cavendish group of bananas. Other varieties, though possess a wide array of desirable characters, have been conveniently neglected owing to their inherent problems such as difficult aseptic establishment, low multiplication rate, culture browning, difficult hardening, etc. The mixed diploid bananas including the Ney Poovan are among the choicest of bananas relished in many parts of the world. To promote its cultivation, systematic studies were undertaken and the lines possessing superior attributes have been identified. In order to multiply the clones in large number, a viable multiplication protocol is a must. The present study dealt with optimizing the plant growth regulator requirements of the growing cultures for obtaining superior multiplication and in vitro rooting. Out of the different cytokinins as benzyl aminopurine, 2-isopentenyl adenine, meta topolin (mT), and thidiazuron (TDZ) tested, only TDZ was found to promote shoot multiplication in both types of propagules i.e. single and double bud explants, although shorter plantlets were noticed in the treatment. In vitro root induction parameters were found to be superior when indole butyric acid was used as auxin source. This report could help in improving the multiplication rate of this least attempted group of bananas. As per the present knowledge it is the first report on the use of TDZ and mT in mixed diploid banana.

Study on Field Suppression Unit in DC Excitation System for Saturated Iron-Core Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

As the most likely applicable fault current limiting device in the future, saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter (SISFCL) has many superior attributes. In a SISFCL, DC excitation system plays a key role during the operation in power grid. It not only outputs dc excitation current to make iron core saturated, but also absorbs magnetic energy stored in superconducting coil and suppresses the reverse voltage, a disaster to superconducting coil, high speed switch IGBTs and other circuit elements, to a safe level instantly when a fault happens. Field suppression unit is mainly used to achieve the second function mentioned above. This paper introduces SISFCL device and its DC excitation system briefly, then analyzes and discusses field suppression unit in detail. This work bases on research and manufacturing of 220 kV/300 MVA SISFCL, which has been developed and put into operation in power grid in China.

A human recombinant monoclonal antibody to cocaine: Preparation, characterization and behavioral studies

Cocaine abuse remains prevalent worldwide and continues to be a major health concern; nonetheless, there is no effective therapy. Immunopharmacotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy by which anti-cocaine antibodies bind to the drug blunting its effects. Previous passive immunization studies using our human monoclonal antibody, GNCgzk, resulted in protection against cocaine overdose and acute toxicity. To further realize the clinical potential of this antibody, a recombinant IgG form of the antibody has been produced in mammalian cells. This antibody displayed a high binding affinity for cocaine (low nanomolar) in line with the superior attributes of the GNCgzk antibody and reduced cocaine-induced ataxia in a cocaine overdose model.

Optimum inspection and maintenance policies for corroded structures using partially observable Markov decision processes and stochastic, physically based models

Stochastic control methods have a history of implementation in risk management and life-cycle cost procedures for civil engineering structures. The synergy of stochastic control methods and Bayesian principles can result in Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) that allow consideration of uncertainty within the entire domain of the model and expand available policy options compared to other state-of-the art methods. The superior attributes of POMDPs enable optimum decisions which are based on the belief space or otherwise only on the best knowledge that a decision-maker can have at each time. In this work the effort is mostly based in modeling and solving the problem of finding optimal policies for the maintenance and management of aging structures through a POMDP framework with large state spaces that can adequately and sufficiently describe real-life problems. In order to form the POMDP framework, stochastic, physically based models can be used and their connection to the control process is explained in detail. Specific examples of a corroded existing structure are presented, based on non-stationary POMDPs, for both infinite and finite horizon cases with 332 and 14,009 states respectively. Results from both cases are compared and discussed and the capabilities of the method become apparent.

Adsorptive removal of mercury from acid mine drainage: a comparison of silica and maghemite nanoparticles

Mercury adsorption by silica and maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) was studied with the aim of comparing their performance in the remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD) contaminated water. Calculated distribution coefficients (Kd) showed that both NPs are exceptional adsorbents. However, adsorbate coverage per unit area was 30 times higher for maghemite than for silica NPs, despite the latter having a surface area ∼15 times greater. Maghemite adsorbed 75% of available Hg compared to 56% by silica, making it a more efficient sorbent than silica under AMD conditions. Kinetics and isotherm data for both adsorbents were fitted by the pseudo-second-order (R2 = 1) and the Freundlich (R2 ≥ 0.98) models, implying that adsorption to both NP types was by chemisorption. Adsorption increased with NP concentrations and pH and was enhanced in the presence of manganese and sulfate ions although adsorption to silica was inhibited in 1:2 Hg-to-Mn systems. Importantly, trends in simulated wastewater were replicated in actual AMD-contaminated water samples. This study highlights the fact that properties besides surface area and charge of adsorbents determine adsorbent performance, and superior attributes may not always lead to higher adsorption efficiencies.

First products of DNA marker-assisted selection in sorghum released for cultivation by farmers in sub-saharan Africa

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. is the major biotic constraint to sorghum production. Its control is difficult and can only be achieved through integrated management strategies that depend mainly on host plant resistance and enhanced soil fertility. However, breeding for resistance is hampered by the complexity of host parasite interactions and lack of reliable screening methods. The invention of molecular markers has enhanced the effectiveness of breeding for resistance. Five genomic regions (QTLs) with linked markers associated with Striga resistance were mapped in sorghum variety N13 by [10]. In this study, to increase the efficiency of marker-assisted selection (MAS), 27 EST-SSR markers in close association with Striga resistance QTLs were also identified and mapped. Populations of backcross (BC 3 S 4 ) derived from N13 (Striga resistant) X three farmer preferred sorghum cultivars: Tabat, Wad Ahmed and AG-8 (Striga susceptible) were generated. Thirty-one lines (BC 3 S 4 ) with confirmed Striga field resistance were genotyped with foreground and background selection makers. Twenty resistant lines, with two or more major QTLs were selected for regional evaluation. Of these 10 lines were selected and advanced for multi-location testing, together with Wad Ahmed, Tabat, AG-8, N13, SRN39 and IS9830 as checks. Standard variety trials were conducted in Striga sick plots over three seasons (2009-2011) in Sudan, Gezira Research Station, Damazine, Sinnar, and Gedarif. Results revealed that four lines (T1BC 3 S 4 , AG6BC 3 S 4 , AG2BC 3 S 4 and W2BC 3 S 4 ) were Striga resistant and agronomically superior with yields ranging from 180% to 298% higher relative to their recurrent parents. This Striga resistance coupled with superior attributes of the recurrent parent (including very high yield potentials, high grain quality and drought tolerance) will provide adaptation and stability across a wide range of environments. These are the first products of DNA markerassisted selection (MAS) in sorghum released for cultivation by farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.