Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental infection of Aeromonas hydrophila in pangasius

Experimental infections of Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile pangasius ( Pangasianodon hypophthalmus ) were studied. Five different challenge routes included intraperitoneal (IP) injection, intramuscular (IM) injection, oral administration, bath and agar implantation were used with different preparations of the bacteria to infect fish. The challenge experiments were continued for 15 days. A challenge dose of 4.6×10 6 colony forming unit (cfu) fish -1 was used for IP and IM injection and oral administration method. Generally, IP route was found more effective for infecting and reproducing clinical signs in fish that caused 100% mortality at the end of challenge. IM injection, oral and bath administration routes were also found effective for infecting and reproducing the clinical signs in fish to some extent. Agar implantation with fresh colonies of bacteria also caused 100% mortality of challenged fish very quickly with no visible clinical signs in fish. The major clinical signs of challenged fish included reddening around eyes and mouth, bilateral exophthalmia, hemorrhage and ulceration at fin bases and fin erosion. Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 392-399, 2016
Oxygen isotope mass balance of atmospheric nitrate at Dome C, East Antarctica, during the OPALE campaign

Abstract. Variations in the stable oxygen isotope composition of atmospheric nitrate act as novel tools for studying oxidative processes taking place in the troposphere. They provide both qualitative and quantitative constraints on the pathways determining the fate of atmospheric nitrogen oxides (NO + NO2 = NOx). The unique and distinctive 17O excess (Δ17O = δ17O − 0.52 × δ18O) of ozone, which is transferred to NOx via oxidation, is a particularly useful isotopic fingerprint in studies of NOx transformations. Constraining the propagation of 17O excess within the NOx cycle is critical in polar areas, where there exists the possibility of extending atmospheric investigations to the glacial–interglacial timescale using deep ice core records of nitrate. Here we present measurements of the comprehensive isotopic composition of atmospheric nitrate collected at Dome C (East Antarctic Plateau) during the austral summer of 2011/2012. Nitrate isotope analysis has been here combined for the first time with key precursors involved in nitrate production (NOx, O3, OH, HO2, RO2, etc.) and direct observations of the transferrable Δ17O of surface ozone, which was measured at Dome C throughout 2012 using our recently developed analytical approach. Assuming that nitrate is mainly produced in Antarctica in summer through the OH + NO2 pathway and using concurrent measurements of OH and NO2, we calculated a Δ17O signature for nitrate on the order of (21–22 ± 3) ‰. These values are lower than the measured values that ranged between 27 and 31 ‰. This discrepancy between expected and observed Δ17O(NO3−) values suggests the existence of an unknown process that contributes significantly to the atmospheric nitrate budget over this East Antarctic region. However, systematic errors or false isotopic balance transfer functions are not totally excluded.
Specific emitter identification using geometric features of frequency drift curve

Specific emitter identification (SEI) is a technique for recognizing different emitters of the same type which have the same modulation parameters. Using only the classic modulation parameters for recognition, one cannot distinguish different emitters of a same type. To solve the problem, new features urgently need to be developed for recognition. This paper focuses on the common phenomenon of frequency drift, defines geometric features of frequency drift curve and, finally, proposes a practical algorithm of specific emitter identification using the geometric features. The proposed algorithm consists of three processes: instantaneous frequency estimation based on the adaptive fractional spectrogram, feature extraction of frequency drift curve based on geometric methods for describing a curve and recognition process based on support vector machine. Simulation results show that the identification rate is generally more than 98% above –5 dB of signal to noise ratio (SNR), and real data experiment verifies the practical performance of the proposed algorithm.
SOX, Corporate Transparency, and the Cost of Debt

We investigate the impact of the Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) Act on the cost of debt through its effect on the reliability of financial reporting. Using Credit Default Swap (CDS) spreads and a structural CDS pricing model, we calibrate a firm-level corporate opacity parameter in the pre- and post-SOX periods. Our analysis shows that corporate opacity and the cost of debt decrease significantly after SOX. The median firm in our sample experiences an 18bp reduction on its five-year CDS spread as a result of lower opacity following SOX, amounting to total annual savings of $ 844million for the 252 firms in our sample. Furthermore, the reduction in opacity tends to be larger for firms that in the pre-SOX period have lower accrual quality, less conservative earnings, lower number of independent directors, lower S& P Transparency and Disclosure ratings, and are more likely to benefit from SOX-compliance according to Chhaochharia and Grinstein’s (2007) criteria.
Advances in Improving Ukiriguru Composite B Maize ( Zea mays L.) Variety through S1 Recurrent Selection

S 1 recurrent selection was carried out to improve grain yield, plant height, ear placement, resistance to lodging and other desirable agronomic traits in Ukiriguru composite B (UCB) maize variety. This paper presents the genetic gain and progress made in improving these traits through two cycles of selection. Three hundred and sixty, and 254 S 1 families were evaluated in three environments and 36 and 25 families were selected following 10% selection intensity during the first (C 1 ) and the second (C 2 ) cycles, respectively. The selected families were recombined in isolated half-sib recombination blocks using remnant seeds. The progress made through selection was determined by evaluating the parent population (UCB C0), the first (UCB S 1 C 1 ) and the second (UCB S 1 C 2 ) selection cycles in six environments in a randomized complete block design in four replications. Commercial open-pollinated and hybrid varieties were included as checks. UCB S 1 C 2 produced mean grain yield of 8.7 t ha -1 and had a significant (P < 0.01) genetic gain of 30% (2.0 t ha -1 ) with mean gain of 15.0% (1.0 t ha -1 ) cycle -1 . The selection also resulted in short plant height and low ear placement with significant (P < 0.01) genetic gain of 9.6% (30.8 cm) and 19.6% (39.6 cm), respectively, and superiority in tolerance to diseases and resistance to lodging. Still selection had significant (P < 0.01) grain yield benefit of 35.0% (3.1 t ha -1 ) and 29.3% (2.6 t ha -1 ) relative to Gibe Composite 1 and Kuleni, respectively, and showed comparable yield potential with commercial hybrids, BH660 and BH670. It was concluded that two cycles of S 1 recurrent selection have brought significant genetic improvement in grain yield and major agronomic traits in UCB. Hence UCB S 1 C 2 was fully released and recommended for commercial production in the mid-altitude (1600-1800 masl) agro-ecologies of Jimma and Illu Ababora Zones, and similar areas in the south-western areas of Ethiopia. After release, it was named as ‘Morka’ meaning ‘competent’, to express its yield potential which is comparable to the yield potential of popular hybrid varieties in the zones. Keywords: Genetic Gain; Morka ; Recurrent Selection; Response to Selection; Ukiriguru Composite B
Conductance of Sodium Nitrate in Methanol –Water Mixtures at Different Temperatures

Precise measurements on the conductivity of Sodium nitrate in methanol-water mixed solvent media containing 0.10, 0.20, 0.30 and 0.40 volume fractions of methanol at 308.15, 318.15 and 323.15 K are reported. The concentrations were varied from (0.001 to 0.15) mol.L -1 . The results showed a sharp increase in the conductivity with increasing electrolyte concentration. Also, the conductivity of electrolyte increases with increase in temperature whereas the conductivity of electrolyte decreases with increase in the amount of methanol. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/njst.v12i0. 6498 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 12 (2011) 187-92
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN CHILDREN: A REVIEW OF CLINICAL AND PARACLINICAL FEATURES IN 26 CASES

Objective sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of central nervous system (CNS) that is increasingly being recognized as a disease affecting children. However, the clinical features of childhood MS at onset have been rarely reported from Asia. Materials & Methods This report presents a retrospective chart review of 26 patients with MS (20 females and 6 males), with an onset age of MS of less than 16 years, in the south of Iran between March 2001and November 2007; it documents researchers’ experiences Results ratio was 3:1. Mean age in females was higher than males (13 vs.12.16). The disease was highly variable in onset presentation; the most common initial symptoms were limb weakness, disequilibrium, and diplopia. Three patients had a positive family history of MS in their first degree relatives. VEP was abnormal in 9 of 19(47%). MRI demonstrated multiple plaques in the brain in 24(92%) cases. Relapse remitting MS was a dominant pattern noticed in 23(88%) cases. Conclusionin childhood, is not as rare as commonly believed; although its diagnosis is essentially a clinical one, paraclinical investigations are of great value in the identification of demyelinating disorders in childhood. The disease, as it occurs in children, does not appear to differ clinically from the disease as observed in adults. If pediatricians should confront a child showing evidence of scattered neurological deficits that remit, particularly weakness, disturbance of vision and co-ordination, they need to consider the possibility of MS.
Orlginal Article : Information Technolohy and Electronics ; Survey on Informatization Status of Farmers for Introducing Ubiquitous Agriculture Information System

Purpose : The modern IT can give enormous impacts on the agricultural production and consumption. However, farmer`s ability to use IT devices has been known as one of the critical factors on success of IT in agriculture. This survey study was performed to evaluate the informatization status of farmers and to draw a strategy to develop and distribute a ubiquitous agricultural information system. Methods: A survey questionnaire with 19 questions on the degree of IT devices such as computers and smartphones and their utilization were developed. The survey was questioned 3 groups of farmers in Gyounggi Province and analyzed statistically by the χ2 test. Results: The order of IT devices distribution were computers, smartphones, smart TVs and tablet PCs in all groups. The ratios of ownerships of the devices are 97.7, 78.6%, 31.4%, 17.8%respectively. The active farmers in this survey showed higher informatization level than that of native and the general farmers. Conclusions: The ubiquitous agricultural information system was judged to be developed for the computer because spread and use of it exceeds the other devices. Also, the information system based on the smartphone could be a complementary way if the rapid of the smartphones continues and proper education on use of the phone is provided.
Dry matter partitioning and grain yield of wheat as affected by sources, methods and timing of nitrogen application

The aim of this research was to evaluate source, methods and timing of nitrogen application for dry matter partitioning and productivity in wheat. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design at Agronomic Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar Khyber Pukhtunkhwa during fall 2015. Wheat variety Atta Habib was used as a test crop, and was seeded @ 100 kg ha during 2 week of November. Urea was applied as a source of mineral nitrogen @ 90 kg ha as full and split doses with different growth stages i.e at sowing, at tillering and at booting, while farmyard manure, poultry manure and legume residue @ of 5 t ha were used as sources of organic nitrogen. Sources, methods and timing of nitrogen application had significantly influenced dry matter partitioning at pre-anthesis stage, at physiological maturity and final yield. In case of sources of nitrogen higher dry matter partitioning at pre-anthesis stage to leaf (134.31 g m), stem (540.91 g m), spike (156.12 g m), and at maturity stage to leaf (103.54 g m), stem (605.24 g m), spike (948.32 g m) and grain yield (3997 kg ha) was recorded for poultry manure incorporated plots, Whereas legume residue performed poor in all measured parameters. In case of timing and methods of nitrogen application dry matter partitioning at preanthesis to leaf (147.50 g m), stem (613 g m), spike (170.70 g m), and at maturity to leaf (109.52 g m), stem (676.23 g m) and to spike (983.85 g m) and grain yield (4419 kg ha) were higher when nitrogen was applied half at tillering and half boot stage. It was concluded that integrated use of poultry manure (5 t ha) as source of nitrogen along with 90 kg ha as a mineral nitrogen in 2 splits half at tillering and half at boot stage had accelerated dry matter partitioning at both stages i.e pre-anthesis and physiological maturity toward the final grain yield under agro-ecological condition of Peshawar, Pakistan.
Efficiency and Total Factor Productivity Growth in Indian Dairy Sector

This paper assesses the total factor productivity (TFP) growth and efficiency levels in the Indian dairy processing industry using the Tornqvist index and data envelopment analysis (DEA) models over the period 1980-2008. We utilize a different empirical approach and extend the data sets. To examine the nature of scale inefficiency, nonincreasing returns to scale DEA frontier is used. Our results suggest that total factor productivity in the Indian dairy processing industry has grown significantly. An average technical efficiency level of 72% which implies approximately a 38% inefficiency level is observed from the study. The decomposition of TFP growth indicates that growth is driven more by technical efficiency changes than by scale efficiency. Highest input slacks are observed for working capital. We note that a devaluation in terms of real effective exchange rate, profitability, export and import penetration and research stock play a significant role in explaining the productivity growth in the Indian dairy industry. The non-increasing returns to scale DEA frontier analysis suggests that on an average scale inefficiency is due to increasing returns to scale. Finally, it is noticed that in India, a high volume of milk does not reach to milk processing plants. It is suggested that for efficient utilization of existing processing capacity in dairy plants, a systematic investment is needed in logistics of raw milk collection and infrastructure development. The European model may be used as a benchmark in strengthening milk farmers for increasing farm size and building own processing capacity.
The Role of Distinctive Organization Capability and Corporate Reputation in Formulating Co-Creation Strategy in the Age of Industry 4.0: Study on Indonesian Telecommunication Firms

This paper aims to provide the effects of corporate reputation and distinctive organizational capability in formulating co-creation strategy for incumbent firm in facing industry resolution 4.0. A co-creation strategy is critical to sustain the business in anticipating new entries that convey the new business model. The study focuses on incumbent telecommunication companies since the telecommunication industry, while the incumbent has strong corporate reputation and organization capability. Those both capabilities is required to become a distinctive capability to provide strong core competence among others. This study is a quantitative study that was conducted with 35 firms were used as a sample in the study as exploring the model. The analytical approach and the solution technique used is the Smart Partial Least Square (SmartPLS). The results of the study demonstrated that corporate reputation and distinctive operational capability influence co-creation strategy, while corporate reputation has a bigger role than distinctive capability in building co-creation strategy. These findings have practical implications for the management of the telecommunications industry in Indonesia, as the development of a co-creation strategy requires to be based on the development of corporate reputation with the support of the development of distinctive operational capability. Further research can be explored by expanding the sample, industry and in other countries. The study can also expand into a longitudinal study as part of the digital transformational model.
Rebuilding reliability: strategy and coaching in a high hazard industry

Purpose – In light of and due to the spike in concern regarding high hazard industries, in general, and nuclear power plants (NPPs) in particular, resulting from the Japanese earthquake and crisis at Fukushima, the purpose of this paper is to offer an innovative organizational development (OD) intervention that may enhance safety and operational performance directed at these critical organizations.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on and integrating key elements of strategy, leadership coaching and development and assessment, the authors describe and detail an intervention designed to bring a troubled NPP to a state of reliability.Findings – It was found that performance improved in a relatively short amount of time from implementing this OD tool.Practical implications – The findings contained herein may apply to any organization aiming to improve on safety and operational performance.Originality/value – The paper's findings should appeal to high hazard and high reliability organizations, such as thos.
Residential Demand for Electricity and Natural Gas in Pakistan

A model for residential demand for fuel in Pakistan was developed on the basis of stock of fuel-consuming appliances and their rate of utili~ation. Income and price elasticities of natural gas and electricity are estimated by the OLS and GLS methods. The income elasticity of natural gas and electricity and price elasticity of natural gas are found statistically significant and consistent with a priori knowledge of economic theory. Several policy implications are pointed out and suggestions are made for improvement in future estimations.
Post-settlement growth and mortality rates of juvenile scleractinian corals in Moorea, French Polynesia versus Trunk Reef, Australia

Patterns and processes affecting juvenile scleractinian corals have received very little attention due to difficulties associated with detecting small corals on natural substrata. However, processes occurring during juvenile life stages are likely to play a strong role in population ecology. In particular, spatial differences in juvenile demographic rates may result in prominent differences in population and community structure for corals. In the present study, we compared the density, taxonomic composition, size structure, growth and mortality rates of juvenile corals (≤50 mm) and the cover and composition of adult coral assemblages among sites on Trunk Reef (central Great Barrier Reef) and Moorea (French Polynesia). There was significant regional variation in the taxonomic composition of coral assemblages within both adult and juvenile assemblages, with Pocillopora being the predominant coral genus in Moorea and Acropora at Trunk Reef. However, there were no differences in the density, growth or mortality rates of juvenile corals between Moorea and Trunk Reef. Most of the variation in these variables was evident at the small (within-reef) scale, with exposed sites having lower densities and higher rates of mortality of juvenile corals than sheltered sites at both locations. The lack of geographic variation in the density, growth and mortality rates of juvenile corals is interesting given that the cover of adult coral was 3-fold higher on Moorea (31.1%) than Trunk Reef (10.8%), suggesting that adult coral assemblages are structured more by differential adult mortality, larval settlement or very early post-settlement mortality (before colonies can be observed in situ), rather than demographic rates of juvenile growth or mortality.
Multiplex Matrix Metalloproteinases Analysis in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Reveals Potential Specific Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are pleiotropic enzymes involved in extracellular protein degradation and turnover. MMPs are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To search the level of MMPs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients and detect possible disease-specific patterns. Methods: CSF samples from 32 MS patients and, from 15 control subjects with other inflammatory neurological diseases (OIND) were analyzed. The Bio-Plex Pro Human MMP 9-Plex Panel (Bio-Rad) was used for the quantification of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and MMP-13. Results: CSF MMP-1 and MMP-12 levels were significantly reduced in MS as compared with OIND. In MS patients' CSF: (i) MMP-1 levels were significantly higher in women vs. men; (ii) MMP-10 concentrations were higher in patients with CSF-restricted IgG oligoclonal bands, and (iii) MMP-7 levels were increased in patients with longer disease duration. In the OIND group MMP-7 and MMP-12 levels significantly and directly correlated with age. Conclusions: Our study contributes to investigating the role of MMPs in MS, with regard to CSF immunological features and disease duration. Sex-specific differences were also detected in MMPs CSF levels.
UTILIZATION OF APPLE POMACE AS SUBSTRATE FOR PECTINOLYTIC MICROORGANISMS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC FRUITY COMPOUNDS

It is known that the apple pomace is a product without economic value, it contains considerable content of fiber and soluble solids, corresponding mainly of glucose, fructose and sucrose. With this composition, the apple pomace becomes a potential substrate for the growth of microorganisms without needing large nutritional supplementation. Thus, the objective of this study was to promote the bioconversion of apple pomace ( Malus domestica cv Fuji) using pectinolytic microorganisms aiming the production of aromatic fruity compounds. Four strains (70, 73, 74 and 144) were used and different proportions of apple pomace 5, 10, 20 and 30% (w v -1 ) were tested as substrate to a liquid fermentation for 72 hours. It was observed a yield of 21.1 ± 2.43% bagasse and 78.9 ± 2.43% juice. The bagasse had large quantities of water (76.5 ± 5.39%). Among the proportions, the most appropriate was 20%, presenting fluidity and production of aroma. All strains grew on the medium and in accordance with sensory analysis only 70 and 74 strains produced fruit aroma that were described as banana flavor. This study is the first report using apple pomace as a potential appliance for the bioconversion aimed at producing fruity aroma without needing large nutritional supplementation.