.nf
Here are definitions of 50 variables used to describe soybeans (in
earlier experiments there had been only 34 variables).

This table indicates the scale of measurement and the cardinality
of the range of the variable.

variables
#     type   levels
1     lin      7
2     lin      3
3     lin      3
4     lin      4
5     nom      5
6     lin      4
7     nom      2
8     nom      2
9     nom      3
10    nom     12
11    nom     12
12    nom      3
13    nom      3
14    nom      3
15    nom      7
16    lin      4
17    nom      3
18    nom      3
19    nom      3
20    nom      4
21    nom      4
22    nom      7
23    nom      4
24    nom      5
25    nom      3
26    nom      2
27    nom      3
28    nom      7
29    nom      7
30    nom      3
31    nom      4
32    nom      4
33    nom      3
34    nom      7
35    nom      4
36    nom      5
37    nom      3
38    nom      2
39    nom      4
40    nom      5
41    nom      2
42    nom      3
43    nom      3
44    nom      7
45    nom      3
46    nom      3
47    nom      2
48    nom      3
49    nom      3
50    nom      3


The meaning of the variables can be extracted (somewhat) from the
following datafile that was once used by an expert system engine
to handle user interaction (the "ADVISE" expert system, U of I).

! Soybean variables for induction experiments


! *************** General purpose and environmental descriptors ***************


! 1.<------------------------- for variable 1, etc.
time_of_occurrence
 linear = (
april   <--------------------- nominal values in order, "0" first
may                            (the data files have numerals only)
june
july
august
september
october )

%%
prop = trans
This question concerns the month of the year that the observed problem
occurred.  If the problem exists at the present time, chose the current
month.  If you are unsure exactly what month the problem manifested itself,
or if the date falls between two months, just select your best guess.
%%
;


!2. 
precipitation
 linear = (
below_normal
normal
above_normal )

%%
prop = trans
This question refers to the amount of precipitation observed through
the growing season up to the point where the crop problem was observed.
If there is any doubt as to the level of precipitation, select "normal."
;

!3. 
temperature
 linear = (
below_normal
normal
above_normal )

%%
prop = trans
Temperature refers to the average ambient temperature.  You can compute
this from common weather report data (degree-days) if you really have no
idea what it is.  Divide the number of degree-days by the number of days
since May 1.  If the result is less than 20, select "below normal."  If
the result is greater than 30, select "above normal." Otherwise, select
"normal."
%%

;


!4.
cropping_history
 linear = (
none
one
two
three_or_more )

%%
prop = trans
Some soybean diseases are especially common in fields that have produced
a soybean crop for more than one season. If this is the first season that
soybeans have been planted in the field where the problem was observed,
select "none."  If this is the second year that you have planted soybeans
in the field, select "one," and so on.  If more than one field is concerned,
select that answer which corresponds to the field that has had a soybean crop
for the least number of years.
%%
;

!5.
damaged_area
 nominal = (
plants_in_low_areas
plants_in_upland_areas
whole_fields
scattered_plants
gradient_from_field_edge )

%%
prop = trans
This question concerns the location of the damaged plants in the fields,
and how the damage is occurring among various plants.  If more than one
answer applies (i.e. the problem is manifesting itself in different ways)
then select "scattered plants."

%%
;

!6.
severity
 linear = (
minor
potentially_severe
severe
doubly_severe )

%%
prop = trans
Try to take into account both the number of plants affected and the
condition of the diseased plants.  A problem could be severe just because
a large number of plants are affected.
%%
;

!7.
plant_height
 nominal = (
abnormal
normal )

%%
prop = trans
Plant height should not be confused with plant stand.  Height refers
to the physical length of the the plant.  Stand refers to the fact 
that a plant may be erect or leaning.
%%
;


! ***************************** Leaf descriptors *******************************


!8.
condition_of_leaves
 nominal = (
abnormal
normal )

%%
prop = trans
Leaves are abnormal if they are discolored, if they have holes in them,
if they are shredded, if they are twisted, or if they have spots on them.
%%
;

!9.
leaf_spots
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
prop = trans
Leaf spots may be small dots are large blotches, often of an off color, that
occur on the leaves of diseased plants.  If any type of spot is occuring,
specify "present."
%%
;


!10.
leaf_spot_color
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
none
grey
tan
light_brown
light_brown_with_dark_brown_border
brown
reddish_brown
dark_brown_or_black
purple
yellow
silver )

%%
prop = trans
This refers to the color of the interior of the leaf spot, not the margin.
If more than one type of leaf spot is present, select that color that
occurs on the most predominant type of spot.  If the color of the spots
does not match any of the colors given, select the closest color.
%%
;

!11.
color_of_spot_on_reverse_side
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
none
grey
tan
light_brown
light_brown_with_dark_brown_border
brown
reddish brown
dark_brown_or_black
purple
yellow )

%%
prop = trans
If the leaf spots are not visible from the underside of the leaf, select
"none."  If they are, select that color which is closest to the color of
the most spots visible.
%%
;

!12.
yellow_leaf_spot_halos
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
prop = trans
Do not confuse halos with water-soaked margins.  Halos are opaque,
while margins are translucent.  Halos are almost always yellow.
%%
;

!13.
leaf_spot_margins
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
water_soaked
not_water_soaked )

%%
prop = trans
Water_soaked margins are translucent rings around leaf spots.  Do not
confuse these with halos, which are opaque and usually yellow.  Margins
are generally colorless.
%%
;


!14.
raised_leaf_spots
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
prop = trans
This question refers to the underside of the leaf.  Often, a spot
occurs only on the upper side of leaves.  If, however, you can 
feel a bump or see a slight peak on the underside of the leaf where
there is a spot on the upper side, then the leaf spots are raised.

%%
;

!15.
leaf_spot_growth
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
from_edge_of_leaf_inward
scattered_with_concentric_rings
scattered_and_plain
veinal_necrosis
necrosis_across_veins
necrosis_vein_delimited )

%%
prop = trans
To answer this question, consider the continuity and location of the
spots on the leaf.  If the spots are heaviest at the edge or the tip,
then select "from edge of leaf inward."  If each spot seems to have
swirls, then select "scattered with concentric rings."  If the spots
occur along the leaf veins, then select "veinal necrosis."  In any
other case, select "scattered and plain."
%%
;

!16.
leaf_spot_size
 linear = (
does_not_apply
less_than_sixteenth_inch
eighth_to_sixteenth_inch
greater_than_eighth_inch )

%%
prop = trans
This seems pretty obvious; you must be the person who asked what hail is.
Leaf spots have a certain diameter:
	the itty-bitty baby ones are less than 1/16"
	the mommy ones are 1/8" - 1/16"
	the great big daddy ones are greater than 1/8"
	the really huge, monstrous ones covering the entire leaf are whole leaf
%%
;


!17.
shot_holing
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
prop = trans
Shot holing is a process whereby a leaf spot eventually
falls out and a hole remains in the leaf where the spot
had been.  Do not confuse shot holes with insect damage.
Shot holes are generally perfectly symmetric circles.
%%
;

!18.
shredding
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
prop = trans
Shredding is similar to shot holing.  It appears as lacerations in the
affected leaves.
%%
;

!19.
leaf_malformation
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
prop = trans
This question concerns the general SHAPE of the leaves.  If the
leaves are twisted or contorted, then leaf malformation is present.
%%
;


!20.
premature_defoliation
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present
attached_but_dead_leaves )

%%
prop = trans
Premature defoliation is present if the leaves are so devastated by
disease that they are falling off or are completely dead.
%%
;

!21.
leaf_mildew_growth
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
on_upper_leaf_surface
on_lower_leaf_surface )

%%
prop = trans
Mildew is generally a white spot that may look like mold.  The spots may
be very small, so both sides of the leaf should be checked carefully.
%%
;

!22.
leaf_discoloration
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
none
general_yellowing
greenish_yellowing
purple
nondescript
yellowed_from_margins_or_interveinal )

%%
prop = trans
This question refers to the color of the leaves apart from any leaf spots.
Discoloration around shreading or shot-holing should not be considered when
answering this question.
%%
;

!23.
position_of_affected_leaves
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
near_lower_nodes
near_upper_nodes
scattered_on_plant )

%%
prop = trans
Affected leaves are any that exhibit leaf spots, shreading, shot-holing
or discoloration.  If leaves in different locations show different 
symptoms, chose the answer that indicates the position of the most
severly affected leaves.
%%
;

!24.
condition_of_leaves_below_affected_leaves
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
unaffected
general_yellowing
defoliated
nondescript )

%%
Chose the answer that best describes the leaves below those leaves
that are most severly affected.  If the diseased leaves are scattered
on the plant, or if the diseased leaves are near the lower nodes, chose
"does not apply."
%%
;

!25.
leaf_withering_and_wilting
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Be careful not to confuse withering and wilting with premature defoliation.
Leaves can wither and wilt without falling off or dying.  If the leaves are
completely dead, chose "absent" as the answer to this question.
%%
;


! **************************** Stem descriptors *******************************


!26.
condition_of_stem
  nominal = (
normal
abnormal )

%%
The stem is abnormal if there are lesions or scabs (cankers) on it, if
it is discolored, if it appears decayed internally or externally, if the
stem is bent and the plant is paralell to the ground, if web-like growths
are present on the stem, or if fruiting bodies (small growths protuding
from the stem) are present.
%%
;

!27.
stem_lodging
 nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Lodging causes the stem to bend over, making the plant lie on the ground.
Usually, this will occur for a whole area of a field, not just in isolated
plants.
%%
;

!28.
stem_cankers
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
below_soil
near_soil_line
until_second_node
above_second_node
near_leaf_or_petiole_injury )

%%
Stem cankers might be present in the from of a lesion (or scab) on
the stem.  Cankers may be isolated in blotches or spots, or may run
extensively along lengths of the stem.  Generally, cankers are of a
different color than the natural color of soybean stem.  Cankers
usually are not associated with decay or rot; if the area is decayed
or rotted, it is probably not a canker.
%%
;

!29.
canker_lesion_color
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
none
grey
tan
brown
reddish_brown
dark_brown_or_black )

%%
Select "none" if the cankers are of the same color as the rest of the
stem, but be very careful; canker lesion color is very indicative of
the type of stem disease.
%%
;

!30
reddish_canker_margin
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
The margin should be clearly visible and be red or reddish brown
%%
;

!31.
fruiting_bodies_on_stem
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present
in_lines )

%%
Fruiting bodies are abnormal growths which protrude out of the stem,
aligned with its length.
%%
;

!32.
external_decay_of_stem
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
firm_and_dry
watery_and_soft )

%%
The signs of decay should be obvious if present.  If it is not very clear
that the area is decayed, then this question should be answered "absent;"
the problem area is probably a stem canker.
%%
;


!33.
mycelium_on_stem
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Mycelia are filamentous or web-like growths from a fungus.  They may
extend along the length of the stem.
%%
;


!34
external_stem_discoloration
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
reddish_brown
brown
silver_grey
dark_brown
black )

%%
External discoloration is the color of the stem apart from any cankers
or decayed areas.
%%
;


!35
location_of_stem_discoloration
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
at_or_slightly_above_soil
until_second_node
above_second_node )

%%
External discoloration concerns the parts of the stem that do not have
cankers.  If any non-lesion area of the stem is discolored, indicate its
location.
%%
;

!36
internal_discoloration_of_stem
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
reddish_brown
brown
black )

%%
You can determine if there is internal decay by breaking the stem in several
places and looking for internal discoloration.  It is best to use a knife so
as to get a good cross section.
%%
;

!37.
sclerotia_internal_or_external
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Sclerotia are hardened, thickened areas of tissue.  Try snapping
the stem or squeezing the plant in a few places.  If the stem
seems brittle or hard (not pliable) then sclerotia are present.
%%
;


! *************************** Fruit Pod descriptors ***************************


!38
condition_of_fruit_pods
  nominal = (
normal
abnormal )

%%
Fruit pods are abnormal if they appear diseased, if they are spotted,
if they are distorted, or if there are fewer than normal.
%%
;

!39
fruit_pods
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
diseased
few_or_none_present
distorted )

%%
If the fruit pods are not yet present, this question should be skipped.
Otherwise, examine the pods quite carefully; few diseases affect the
pods in isolation, so this question can provide much useful diagnostic
information.
%%
;

!40
fruit_spots
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
colored_spots
brown_spots
brown_spots_black_specks_visible_with_lens )

%%
Fruit spots are spots that occur on the surface of the fruit pods.
%%
;


! ****************************** Seed descriptors *****************************


!41.
condition_of_seed
  nominal = (
normal
abnormal )

%%
This question refers to the seeds in the pods of the developing plant,
not the seeds planted in the ground.  This question is important only
in the later stages of the season; if the seeds have not yet developed,
answer "absent" or skip the question.  If the seeds have developed, they
are abnormal if mold is growing on them, if they are discolored, if they
are shriveled, or if they are smaller than normal.
%%
;

!42.
seed_mold_growth
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
If the seeds in the pods appear rotted, or if any growth at all appears
on them, then seed mold is present.
%%
;

!43.
seed_discoloration
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
If the seeds appear discolored at all, or if there are spots of discoloration,
the seed discoloration is present.
%%
;

!44
seed_discoloration_color
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
grey
reddish_brown
brown
black
purple
nondescript )

%%
Open a seed pod and inspect the seeds.  If a spot occurs on any seed, try
to characterize its color.
%%
;

!45.
seed_size
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
normal
smaller_than_normal )

%%
Normal seeds are ovular with a length of about 1/2" and a width of
about 1/8".  Anything smaller than this is smaller than normal.
%%
;


!46.
seed_shriveling
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Seed shriveling is present if the seeds in the fruit pods appear wrinkled
or if they are distorted (i.e. not ovular).
%%
;


! ********************************** Root descriptors **************************


!47.
condition_of_roots
  nominal = (
normal
abnormal )

%%
Roots are abnormal if they are rotted, if galls or cysts appear on them, or
if they are brittle.
%%
;

!48.
root_rot
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Root rot may appear as a decay on the stem base and older roots, as
a sunken canker or as a discolored rot along the root and lower stem.
%%
;

!49.
root_galls_or_cysts
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
Galls and cysts appear as small, white nodes along the roots and
lower stem of the plant.  The nodes are generally small, but large enough
to be very noticeable.
%%
;

!50.
root_sclerotia
  nominal = (
does_not_apply
absent
present )

%%
If the roots are brittle or hardened (not pliable) then sclerotia are
present.
%%
;
----------------END

