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Bee pollen may be contaminated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and their N-oxides (PANOs), which are mainly detected by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), even though the use of fast near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is an ongoing alternative. Therefore, the main challenge of this study was to assess the feasibility of both a lab-stationary (Foss) and a portable (Polispec) NIR spectrometer in 60 dehydrated bee pollen samples. After an ANOVA-feature selection of the most informative NIR spectral data, canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was performed to distinguish three quantitative PA/PANO classes (µg/kg): 400, high. According to the LC–MS/MS analysis, 77% of the samples were contaminated with PAs/PANOs and the sum content of the 17 target analytes was higher than 400 µg/kg in 28% of the samples. CDA was carried out on a pool of 18 (Foss) and 22 (Polispec) selected spectral variables and allowed accurate classification of samples from the low class as confirmed by the high values of Matthews correlation coefficient (≥ 0.91) for both NIR spectrometers. Leave-one-out cross-validation highlighted precise recognition of samples characterised by a high PA/PANO content with a low misclassification rate (0.02) as false negatives. The most informative wavelengths were within the 2400 nm regions for Foss and > 1500 nm for Polispec that could be associated with cyclic amines, and epoxide chemical structures of PAs/PANOs. In sum, both lab-stationary and portable NIR systems are reliable and fast techniques for detecting PA/PANO contamination in bee pollen.

Morphological characterization is the first step in studying the genetic diversity of cultivated plants. The present study examined agro-morphological performance of the pearl millet local accessions collected across the Niger country, aimed to: (a) characterize, (b) discriminate morphologically the pearl millet accessions groups and (c) identify the pearl millet genotypes with promising grain and fodder potential. Fifty-six pearl millet accessions collected in the eight Niger regions (Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Niamey, Tahoua, Tillabery and Zinder) were evaluated in an Alpha lattice design with 3 replicates in Djirataoua and Kollo localities. Twenty-five specific agro-morphological descriptors were used for this purpose. The data set was submitted to descriptive analyses and indicated wide significant accessions diversity. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed 5 phenotypic groups, and principal component analysis showed 3 components representing 60.45% of total variability. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated 20 major traits of the discriminated phenotypic groups. Group G1 holds early accessions, with average performances in grain production and low performances in biomass production. Group G2 holds early accessions, with good performances for grain production and fodder biomass. Group G3 holds early–late accessions with good grain performances and low fodder performances. G4 holds both early and late accessions with good fodder performance and good grain performance. Finally, G5 includes both late accessions with better fodder performances and bad grain performances. These groups can be used as parents in the creation of improved varieties for better grain and fodder production performance. Otherwise, Djirataoua would be ideal for the tested accessions to express their agro-morphological potentials.

A study on the morphological variability and ecological differentiation among the species in the genus Daphne was carried out which included seven species from the Balkan Peninsula: Daphne mezereum, D. laureola, D. alpina, D. oleoides, D. malyana, D. cneorum and D. blagayana. In the Balkan Peninsula, the ranges of the species in this genus overlap, which does not occur anywhere else in Europe. Descriptive statistics were measured for 20 quantitative characters of the leves and stems. A comparative analysis of the morpho-anatomical adaptations of these species shows that: D. cneorum, D. malyana and D. oleoides belong to the adaptive type of xerophytes; D. alpina is a xeromesophyte; D. blagayana and D. laureola are mesoxerophytes; and D. mezereum is a mesophyte. Principal component analysis shows the largest contribution to the formation of the variability between the different species is made by characters that are related to leaf shape (leaf length, distance between the largest leaf width and the leaf top, largest width of the leaf, leaf surface area), followed by surface area of abaxial stomata, stem characters (stem cortex thickness and stem diameter) and leaf anatomy characters (thickness of the palisade tissue, thickness mesophyll, number of palisade layers). These features can use to discriminate among the seven studied species, suggesting that leaves and stems of Daphne can represent a source for taxonomically useful characters. Canonical discriminant analysis and the clustering method based on Mahalanobis distances shows that there is significant morphological differentiation among the species studied. The results show that various combinations of morphological and anatomical features contribute to the adaptive capacity of plants to different degrees. The morpho-anatomical features found in all seven species agree with previous infrageneric taxonomic classifications of this genus.

In the present study, the morphometric differentiation among three populations of Alburnus zagrosensis (Coad, 1) in Zagros mountains basin is analyzed. Fish specimens were sampled from three habitats namely Cheshme Ali, Hamze Ali and Choghakhour wetland in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province, Iran. ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarity), SIMPER (Similarity percentage analysis) and Canonical discriminant analysis were employed in order to define the morphological features responsible for population discrimination. Ten morphometric variables were measured. An Analysis of the sampling sites suggested a partial separation among three populations. The SIMPER analysis revealed that the total length and the head length were the main features that differed among populations. In conclusion, geographical isolation is suggested to be the main explanation for the morphological differences among A. zagrosensis specimens from different stations.

Little is known on cubomedusae population structure, and what is known for many species is mostly from rare occurrences or from a metapopulation perspective. Knowledge on population units is critical for understanding population dynamics as well as predicting potential risk to swimmers. Otolith shape analysis is a proven stock identification technique in fishes; here, we applied shape analysis to cubomedusae statoliths. Medusae of three species were collected from three distinct populations around the coastline and nearshore islands of northern Queensland, Australia. Canonical discriminant analysis was performed on normalised elliptical fourier coefficients for statolith proximal, oral and lateral faces and combinations of statolith faces for each species. Significant discrimination of sampling populations was achieved in two species (Copula sivickisi statolith proximal face and Chironex fleckeri oral + lateral faces). Differences in statolith shape, therefore, were capable of successful discrimination among sampling locations but was not capable for one species. The ecological niche, and associated ecological pressures, of some cubozoan species (e.g. Carukia barnesi) may not vary enough for differences in statolith shape among locations to occur. Statolith shape in combination with other stock identification techniques, such as genetics and/or elemental chemistry, will help to discriminate the spatial scales of cubozoan populations.

The stock structure of forkbeard, Phycis phycis, in the Northeast Atlantic is still unknown. The knowledge of the stock structure of a species is essential to effectively assess the stock and manage fisheries. Otolith shape analysis has been successfully applied in stock identification using the elliptic Fourier analysis. This method was used to evaluate the presence of possible differences in otolith shape of forkbeard caught off the mainland Portugal, and Madeira and Azores archipelagos. A total of 221 otoliths from specimens ranging between 40.0 and 58.7 cm total length were analysed. The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) performed on the otolith normalised elliptic Fourier descriptors (NEFDs) revealed significant differences for area, sex and interaction between both. In the canonical discriminant analysis, an overall classification success of 93.9 and 87.5% was achieved for females and males, respectively. These results suggest the usefulness of otolith shape analysis for stock differentiation of forkbeard in the Northeast Atlantic and seem to indicate the existence of more than one stock unit in these waters.

Echinocereus section Triglochidiati has been accepted in the most recent taxonomic treatments of the genus. However, the number of included species has varied from one to 14. This study aims to define the species number of section Triglochidiati in Mexico through multivariate analysis, and to identify quantitative characters that can be used to recognize them. We used canonical discriminant analysis and classification discriminant analysis for 11 putative taxa native to Mexico and 20 morphometric characters. The number of stem ribs, number of central spines, stem diameter, length of radial spines (position 09), length of flower, receptacular tube length / perianth length ratio, and the receptacular tube trichome length permitted the differentiation of six taxa: E. acifer, E. arizonicus, E. coccineus, E. koehresianus, E. polyacanthus and E. scheeri. A key to the species is included.

Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae, is a tree species commonly known as “sucupira-branca”. It is a popular medicinal plant in the Brazilian cerrado (Savanna). This study investigates the chemical variability of the essential oils from fruits of P. emarginatus. The fruits were collected from five sites in the Brazilian Cerrado and their essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS. The results obtained by Principal Component and Cluster Analysis identified two groups: cluster I containing β-caryophyllene and δ-elemene and cluster II containing α-copaene, β-cubebene, allo-aromadendrene, α-cubebene and γ-muurulene. The Canonical Discriminant Analysis was used to differentiate between clusters on the basis of essential oil composition. The results showed high variability in the composition of the essential oils from fruits of P. emarginatus, contributing to studies of domestication of this species. Keywords: Pterodon emarginatus, essential oils, multivariate analysis, α-caryophyllene, α-copaene

A computerized classification scheme to recognize breast parenchymal patterns in whole breast ultrasound (US) images was developed. A preliminary evaluation of the system performance was performed. Breast parenchymal patterns were classified into three categories: mottled pattern (MP), intermediate pattern (IP), and atrophic pattern (AP). Each classification was defined as proposed by an experienced physician. A total of 281 image features were extracted from a volume of interest which was automatically segmented. Canonical discriminant analysis with stepwise feature selection was employed for the classification of the parenchymal patterns. The classification scheme accuracy was computed to be 83.3% (10/12 cases) in MP cases, 91.7% (22/24 cases) in IP cases, 92.9% (13/14 cases) in AP cases, and 90.0% (45/50 cases) in all the cases. The feasibility of an automated ultrasonography classifier for parenchymal patterns was demonstrated with promising results in whole breast US images.

The volatiles of Chinese spirits were evaluated using a fast gas chromatography analyzer (zNose™). The first derivative profile, retention time, and peak area were used to discriminate samples at various grades. Principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis were adopted for data analyses, where 100% classification was achieved. A network analyzer was also included in this study in order to explore the possibility of estimating the concentration of alcohol using the spirit’s dielectric properties. The dielectric constant and loss factor of 0–100% ethanol–water mixtures in 10% interval and 42%, 50%, 53%, 62%, and 64% ethanol–water mixtures, as well as spirits samples were measured and compared.

Pattern recognition techniques (cluster, principal component, factor and discriminant analysis) were performed for tracing the geographical origin of some Emmental and Edam type hard cheeses originated from ten European countries. Two hundred and seventy-eight cheese samples were analysed on the content of elemental markers Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni and V by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cluster analyses showed some preliminary results intimated partial grouping of cheeses according to country of origin. Principal component and factor analysis showed to be effective methods for data segregation and visualization. Canonical discriminant analysis demonstrated 85.9 and 93% potential to distinguish geographical differences and correct classification of cheeses according to multielemental data collected during the 2 years of production. Cross-validation of two testing data sets led to 86.4 and 90% correctness of cheeses classification. The stepwise discriminant analysis arranged the markers according to their influence on the discrimination procedure in descending order: Na, Cr, Cu, Ba, Ca, Hg, V, and Mg.

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of the ageing time on the quality characteristics of yearling calf meat under vacuum. Ninety-six Rubia Gallega yearling calves were used. Samples of the Longissimus thoracis at 1 day post slaughter as a control, and vacuum-packaged for 7, 14 and 21 days were analysed. Colour (lightness, L*, redness, a*, yellowness, b*, hue, Ho, chroma, C*, and pigment concentration), water-holding capacity (expressible juice and cooking losses), pH and toughness were measured. The statistical analysis showed an increase in a*, b*, Ho and C* and a decrease in expressible juice, cooking losses and toughness as the ageing time increased. Discriminant analysis divided the samples into two groups; i.e., 1-day post-slaughter samples and vacuum-packaged samples. Considering vacuum-packaged samples only, canonical discriminant analysis separated the long-ageing samples (21 days) from the short-ageing samples (7 days).

Increasing concerns over rising intersexuality in the animal kingdom and the ability of certain chemicals to disrupt the endocrine system have demanded a better understanding of the costs associated with such conditions. Whilst intersexuality appears relatively widespread throughout gonochoristic crustaceans, i.e. those crustacean species with two separate sexes, the “fitness” costs have rarely been reported. Through comparable investigation of normal and intersex specimens of the highly abundant marine/estuarine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus (Leach) these “fitness costs” were determined. Measurements taken to assess fitness costs included fecundity, fertility and embryonic development, maturation period, and any morphological deformities that might result in reduced pairing success. Results from this study suggest that intersex E. marinus suffer from reduced fecundity and fertility, and mature at a larger size than normal specimens. These fitness costs can also, to a certain extent, be related to the degree of intersexuality. It is suggested that the increased size and morphological abnormalities observed in intersexes may result in reduced pairing success. Investigations into intersex organisms, i.e. those organisms with known dysfunctional endocrine systems, and the costs associated with such conditions, should aid researchers in assessing effects at the population and community level.

Morphological differences among three color morphotypes occurring almost sympatrically (A, reddish type; B, blackish type; C, brownish type) of Sebastes inermis are clarified. Twenty-six morphometric characters and seven meristic characters were examined on about 20 specimens of each morphotype, 15 of the morphometric characters differing significantly. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the morphometric characters showed morphotype C to differ from the other two morphotypes. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) of the morphometric characters showed clear separation of each morphotype. Four meristic characters also differed significantly. Modes of pectoral fin ray counts of morphotypes A, B, and C were 15, 16, and 17, respectively, and the modes of anal fin ray counts of morphotypes B and C were 7 and 8, respectively. Many individuals of morphotype A had seven or eight anal fin rays. These differences suggested that the three morphotypes may be reproductively isolated from each other.

Bauhinia pottsii G. Don, B. subsessilis Craib, B. velutina (Wall. ex Benth.) Baker, B. mollissima (Wall.) Prain, and B. decipiens Craib were recently recognized as five varieties of Bau- hinia pottsii G. Don. They grow naturally in southern Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina and the Malay Peninsula. Bauhinia pottsii var. decipiens (Craib) K. Larsen & S. S. Larsen is endemic to Thailand and known only from the type collec- tion, so it was omitted from this study. Quanti- tative and qualitative morphological characters were examined in 200 specimens using multivar- iate and univariate analyses to determine the taxonomic relationship among the four. Some variation in qualitative characters was found between the varieties which separated them as previously defined in Flora of Thailand. Forty- three quantitative characters were subjected to cluster analysis to allow an objective classification into groups. The groups were subsequently eval- uated by a canonical discriminant analysis. It was found that these characters collectively support the four varieties as defined by qualitative char- acters. However, the close relationship of varieties mollissima (Wall. ex Prain) K. Larsen & S. S. Larsen and velutina (Wall. ex Benth.) K. Larsen & S. S. Larsen is observed. The linear discriminant function has an overall rate of 98.5% correct classification and is useful for variety classifica- tion. Among quantitative characters, petal-claw length and ovarystalk length together with some qualitative characters are useful for key construc- tion to separate the four varieties.

The allozymes and morphology of 110 specimens of three Sebastiscus species (S. marmoratus, S. tertius, and S. albofasciatus) in the East China Sea and near Japan were compared. Results of 20 allozyme loci studied showed that all three species were closely related (Nei's unbiased genetic distances, 0.057–0.133) but could be identified on the basis of informative loci with a few exceptions. Initial identification based on color patterns agreed with allozyme identification in more than 98% of Sebastiscus specimens and agreed completely in S. albofasciatus. One specimen that was initially identified as S. marmoratus because of the dark body color was actually S. tertius according to two informative allozyme loci. Number of pectoral fin rays differed between S. marmoratus (18 or fewer, 98%) and S. tertius (19 or more, 85%) in this study. The previously mentioned dark specimen had 19 pectoral fin rays, which are characteristic in S. tertius. Using seven morphological measurements, canonical discriminant analysis between S. marmoratus and S. tertius classified less than 90% of specimens into the original groups (species). Some specimens of S. tertius resembled S. marmoratus in body shape and vice versa. A combination of genetic characterization and morphological examination is necessary to identify S. marmoratus and S. tertius accurately. Distinction based on allozymes and color patterns with numbers of pectoral fin rays should provide satisfactory identification.

Following reductions in the emission and deposition of sulfur compounds in the past decade, atmospheric deposition of nitrogen has become a focus of concern. Identification of watershed characteristics that mediate the effect of atmospheric nitrogen deposition can help evaluate the sensitivity of lakes to chronic and episodic nitrogen addition. Twenty four lakes in the southwestern portion of the Adirondack Park, New York, U.S.A., were classified into three N classes by cluster analysis of lakewater NO3- N concentration [N] during the summers of 1994–1996. The lake-N classes were best characterized as having (1) low [N] throughout the summer, (2) high [N] in early- but low [N] in late-summer, and (3) high [N] throughout the summer. The three lake-N classes were reconstructed perfectly by canonical discriminant analysis based mainly on lake average depth (AD), and lakewater concentrations of chlorophyll a [Chla] and SO4-S [S] in mid-summer. Increases in AD and [S], but decrease in [Chla] corresponded with a transition from low- to high-N classes.

A large collection of great interest and usefulness for faba bean breeding has been assembled at the Bari Germplasm Institute. Our objective was to describe the phenotypic diversity of a large sample (1565 entries from 39 countries) of this collection. Entries were characterized for 10 discontinuous traits to determine variation within and among geographical regions. Phenotypic variation was found within all regions for most traits. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index varied widely across regions, but was relatively even for most traits scored. Canonical discriminant analysis and clustering of the canonical means conducted separately for each botanical type, revealed useful phenotypic groupings of origin for future faba bean germplasm management. Based on the diversity and number of entries, East Europe, South-East Asia and North America seem under represented in the collection while South America is not represented at all. Information presented in this study could be used to devise a core collection, which would contain much of the diversity found in the Bari collection.

Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. biflora, and their hybridS. ×kochii were studied in a mixed population in the Swiss Alps. Qualitative morphological characters did not allow to clearly separate the hybridS. ×kochii from its parental species. All quantitative characters were intermediate inS. ×kochii, but the ranges of these characters overlapped with those ofS. oppositifolia andS. biflora. A hybrid index and canonical discriminant analysis allowed a clear separation of the three groups and strongly confirmed a priori grouping. Phenological observations showed that the three groups were not temporally separated within the investigated mixed population. Reciprocal hand pollinations betweenS. oppositifolia andS. biflora yielded higher seed set withS. oppositifolia than withS. biflora as maternal plant. Germination rate of seeds from these crossing experiments varied in the same way as seed yields, whereas germination rate was intermediate for seeds from naturally pollinatedS. ×kochii. Considering its ecological and reproductive properties,S. ×kochii has good prerequisites for evolving into a distinct species.

A multivariate morphometric study of theCardamine pratensis group is presented, based on 84 population samples collected from the Carpathian and Pannonian area in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Romania. Among the multivariate methods, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and classificatory and canonical discriminant analysis were used. The analysis of chromosome numbers from all populations studied showed wide variation. The morphometric study showed that not all groups of populations characterised by their chromosome numbers and geographical criteria are morphologically, and thus taxonomically, distinguishable. Besides the morphologically well characterised speciesCardamine dentata andC. rivularis, the following species were recognised in the area studied:C. matthioli, C. majovskii andC. pratensis. Within the last species, besides the typical populations, two diploid “types” are provisionally recognised: type “ucranica” and type “rivularis auct.”.

Potato improvement through strain selection has been under-exploited and sometimes discredited by plant breeders, even though successes, such as Russet Burbank, have been recognized. For years, seedsmen have rogued out “off-types” in order to maintain varietal purity. It is suggested that these off-types can sometimes offer an opportunity for developing improved strains or, depending on definition, improved varieties similar to the original variety, but possessing one or more unique characters which render it more acceptable or better adapted than the original variety. In Texas, Norgold Russet strain M, a selection out of Norgold Russet, is such an example. In this investigation, 2 genotypes, Norgold Russet and Norgold Russet strain M, were analyzed based on yield and plant attributes from 2 Texas sites over an 11-year period. Significant genotype x site, genotype x year, and genotype x site x year interactions were found, supporting the hypothesis that these 2 potato genotypes are phenotypically and presumably genetically dissimilar. Canonical discriminant analysis, using yield and plant attributes, confirmed these findings and provides additional evidence that varietal strains might deserve designation as unique varieties.

Near-infrared analysis (NIRA) was applied to discriminate and determine the cadmium content levels of unpolished rice using canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The overall correct classification rate was 85.2% for 318 NIR spectra, repeated three times for 106 samples. After a further improvement through decreased misclassification rates, NIRA could be useful as a rapid, nondestructive and convenient analytical method for primary screening and detecting of cadmium-polluted rice.

Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with follow-up canonical discriminant analysis may be used to interpret differences in health-related quality of life measured by the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36). Due to the moderate correlations between the 8 health dimensions of the SF-36, MANOVA is theoretically a more appropriate method than traditional univariate approaches for detecting group differences on the SF-36. Additionally, canonical discriminant analysis presents a novel approach to understanding the relationship between health dimensions of the SF-36 and model-independent variables. Results from the MANOVA and canonical discriminant analysis provide evidence of the sensitivity of the SF-36 in cross-sectional, self-reported data. Significant differences in health status (alpha less than or equal to 0.05) were found for the variables of age, and primary physician visits, and between levels of disease severity, type of breathing problem, whether patients had seen a specialist or not, use of emergency room, the comorbid states of depression and arthritis, and income. No significant differences in health status were reported between males and females or racial groups.

Twenty varieties of maize (Zea mays, Poaceae) were studied through 11 attributes in three to seven randomly selected plants of each variety with a view to understanding the effect of cob characters on technologically desirable grain qualities. Canonical discriminant analysis showed thatproductivity (determined by total grain weight/cob, cob diameter and average grain weight) was the most discriminating among varieties followed by round grains fraction (represented by whole top and middle flat grains, number of rows and grain count/surface area), middle flat grains (composed of middle flat grains and grain count/surface area) and shape of the cob (determined by shape index, total grain weight/cob and cob diameter), which accounted for 35.1, 18.3, 12.2, and 9.8% of the total variance, respectively. In the light of these results, tentative norms have been suggested to evolve maize varieties of superior technological properties and yet retain high productivity. A cylindrical cob of large diameter with highest number of grains/area and smallest possible number of rows together constituted an ideal combination to achieve the objectives. Such possibilities in the light of available information are discussed.

Cuticular hydrocarbon patterns of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were similar among colonies from the same geographical location. Hydrocarbon patterns of Florida colonies were easily distinguished from those of Hawaii colonies by using canonical discriminant analysis. Groups of termites from the same colony did not fight one another when placed in an arena. Intercolonial aggression was not recorded among C. formosanuspopulations from Florida but three colonies from Hawaii fought with the other Hawaiian and three Florida colonies. Of the 12 colonies (six each from Florida and Hawaii) tested, 3 Florida colonies did not direct or receive aggression from any other colony. Cuticular hydrocarbon patterns were not correlated with agonistic behavior.

A taxonomic study on 14 cone and needle traits of 281 trees from 33 provenances of Pinus oocarpa, P. oocarpa var. ochoterenae, P. patula var. longipedunculata, P. patula var. patula and P. tecunumanii in Central America and Mexico was conducted to quantify the affinity between closely related species. A second objective was to determine the geographic range of P. tecunumanii in Mexico. Cluster analysis placed 52% of all provenances in taxa different from those assigned by field foresters. Trees from 15 provenances of what was locally known as Pinus oocarpa var. ochoterenae from Chiapas were statistically indistinguishable from high elevation Central American sources of P. tecuncumanii when assessed for cone and needle characteristics. However, trees from two provenances known locally as P. oocarpa var. ochoterenae from southwestern Oaxaca, Juquila and Tlacuache, were found to be distinct from P. tecunumanii and may be a variant of P. patula. Canonical discriminant analysis was used to determine the taxonomic affinity among newly formed clusters. The spatial (Mahalanobis) distance between P. tecunumanii and P. patula var. patula, P. patula var. longipedunculata, and P. oocarpa was 42.0, 44.4, and 109.4 respectively, and highly significant. The geographic range of Pinus tecunumanii in Mexico appears to be confined to the state of Chiapas.

Five external morphometric characters and size at maturity in carapace width of the swimming crab, Protunus sanguinolentus, were examined and compared between sampling groups obtained from the Keelung Shelf and Taiwan Bank. The external morphometric characters used in the present study are: carapace width, carapace length, distance between two sides of first spine, fifth abdominal segment width, fifth abdominal segment length, chela length, chela width and movable dactylus length. Two statistical approaches were applied, i.e. multivariate morphometric analysis was used to compare external morphometric characters and a likelihood ratio test was used to compare maturity curves. Both results obtained show significant differences between the two sampling groups. The size at maturity was represented by LM50 and estimated theoretically from maturity curves, indicating that LM50 for females is 97.00 mm CW in Keelung Shelf, and 82.36 mm CW in Taiwan Bank, whilst for males it is 92.62 mm CW in both areas. The results of statistical comparisons are coincident that external morphometric characters of female Protunus sanguinolentus between the waters off the Keelung Shelf and the Taiwan Bank are significantly different.

A latent factor, which will be called as “prognostic factor”, is extracted from nine explanatory variables observed mainly at the time of surgery from categorical principal component analysis, and it is shown that the factor has the appropriate meaning of prognosis measured on the postsurgical survival periods. Zero value on the prognostic factor is reflected to about five years on the postsurgical survival periods, and it is shown that positive values (or negative values) on the factor mean elongation more than (or shortening less than) about five years on the postsurgical survival periods. Further, this fact is confirmed by categorical canonical discriminant analysis of the same data. The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy is detected in the interaction with the serosal invasion, and elongation of about 34 months on the survival periods is obtained as the significant difference between the treated group with chemotherapy and the control group, at s1 category in serosal invasion.

Canonical Discriminant Analysis was investigated as a means of assessing the merit of crosses in relation to established commercial cultivars and breeding goals. The progeny (30 per cross) of 22 crosses was evaluated in field plots at the Vauxhall Substation of the Lethbridge Research Station (Alberta). Mean values of the progeny of each cross for vine maturity, marketable yield, tuber size, tuber appearance and specific gravity were used to measure the overall merit of crosses in comparison to commercial cultivars. Breeding goals were established by calculating a 10% improvement in various combinations of the traits measured and then substituting these values in the canonical equations and computing theoretical values for the canonical variates. The canonical diagrams provided a precise and logical assessment of the relationship among cross means, control cultivars, and the breeding goals. Based on the evaluation of the 22 crosses, breeding goals for improvements in vine maturity, tuber size, marketable yield, and specific gravity over trait values obtained for Norchip and Russet Burbank, were realistic for the 1979 cross series but not for Norchip for 1980.

This article expands and extends the analysis of data previously reported in a study of the education deanship. The data were collected from national samples of deans, central administrators, department chairpersons, and faculty. Multivariate statistical procedures used were factor analysis with rotations, multivariate analysis of variance, and canonical discriminant analysis. The purposes of the retreatment of the data were to: (1) identify factors that were produced from the responses and compare them with the semantic “factors” described in the original analysis; (2) compare differences among respondent groups; and (3) assess commonality of responses within each group. New and unique factors, relationships, and group differences were found. Perceptions and acceptances of the dean's role were not uniform, with department chairpersons being the most heterogeneous.