Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization and body composition in juvenile goldfish, Carassius auratus

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimum dietary protein and lipid levels for growth, feed utilization and body composition of goldfish, Carassius auratus juveniles (1.66 ± 0.018 g). Six diets containing two protein levels (300 and 400 g/kg) and three lipid levels (40, 80 and 120 g/kg) were formulated. Fifteen fish were randomly allotted to 18 aquaria (0.6 × 0.3 × 0.45 m) and fed to apparent satiation. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) increased in response to higher dietary proteins with highest weight gain and SGR recorded in diet containing 400 g/kg protein with 80 g/kg lipid. Both feed intake (FI) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were dependent on dietary protein and lipid level (P<0.05). Lipid retention (LR) was negatively correlated while hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) was positively correlated with dietary lipid levels. Whole body protein content decreased (P<0.05) while, lipid content increased with increasing dietary lipid at each protein level. Second-order polynomial regression also revealed diet containing 400 g/kg protein level and 80 g/kg lipid level optimal for the growth and feed utilization of juvenile goldfish, C. auratus.
National Culture for a Participatory Time-driven Activity Based Costing: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda

National culture has a well-recognized role in management practices especially in shaping participatory decision-making processes (PDM). The article aims to provide a conceptual framework where national culture is considered as a potential moderator in a PDM when designing a Time-Driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC). The purpose is to identify a set of dimensions when designing time equations, on which the costing system is based on, to be then linked to national culture. Moreover, a research agenda is also presented in order to validate the proposed framework, outlining directions for futures research as well as managerial implications.
A Model Equation for Wavepacket Solitary Waves Arising from Capillary‐Gravity Flows

A model equation governing the primitive dynamics of wave packets near an extremum of the linear dispersion relation at finite wavenumber is derived. In two spatial dimensions, we include the effects of weak variation of the wave in the direction transverse to the direction of propagation. The resulting equation is contrasted with the Kadomtsev–Petviashvilli and Nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equations. The model is derived as an approximation to the equations for deep water gravity‐capillary waves, but has wider applications. Both line solitary waves and solitary waves which decay in both the transverse and propagating directions—lump solitary waves—are computed. The stability of these waves is investigated and their dynamics are studied via numerical time evolution of the equation.
Combining ability in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Six lines and three testers were used to make crosses as per line x tester analysis, ten characters including quantitative and qualitative traits were tested for gcaand sca in F1’s and their parents. The results were indicative of predominance of non additive gene actions for all the traits studied. The variances of general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) were highly significant. Based on the gcaeffects of parents, the line IR 58029-99-3-1-3 (L5) and tester BR 4828-2-2-1 (T2) were recorded negative gca effects for days to 50 per cent flowering and plant height. In addition, the line IR 58108-3-1-1-2 (L6) and tester BR 802-78-2-1-1 (T3) possessed high gca effects, the cross IR 44962-161-2-4-4-2/AS 37800 and IR 58108-3-1-1-2/AS 37800 showed highly significant results for days to 50 per cent flowering and grain yield per plant respectively.
Yolk androstenedione, but not testosterone, predicts offspring fate and reflects parental quality

Yolk androgen deposition is a widely investigated maternal effect in birds, but its adaptive value is at present unclear. The offspring fitness correlates of natural yolk androgen levels are virtually unknown, whereas manipulations largely focused on testosterone and neglected other androgens. We determined yolk concentrations of the 2 dominant androgens, androstenedione and testosterone, from all eggs in collared flycatcher clutches and followed the fate of individual offspring from these eggs in a crossfostering experiment. Yolk concentration of androstenedione was much higher than that of testosterone. Offspring from eggs with relatively higher androstenedione concentrations within a clutch were relatively large after hatching, grew slower thereafter, and had a higher recruitment rate in subsequent years. The increase of androstenedione with laying order and its within-clutch variance were negatively correlated with a condition-dependent female ornament, perhaps indicating compensatory hormone deposition into later hatching eggs by females in low condition. Yolk testosterone variation within or among clutches was not related to any measured aspect of offspring or parental quality. Our results suggest that in some species, especially those with much more androstenedione than testosterone in the yolk, androstenedione and not testosterone may be the yolk androgen with a long-term function and adaptive deposition pattern. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Floral Resources Used by Euglossini Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Coastal Ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest

In spite of playing an important ecological role as pollinators of tropical ecosystems, orchid bees are still poorly known regarding their floral resources. Aiming at a better comprehension of the importance of different plants visited by the Euglossini and, consequently, their role in the maintenance and reproduction of plant species in tropical ecosystems, this study aimed at identifying the flowers visited by those bees in two different areas of the Atlantic Forest in the northern coast of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sampling was carried out from August 2007 to July 2009 in two coastal ecosystems in Ubatuba, Brazil. In order to obtain information on flower resources collected by Euglossini bees in loco, all bees observed on flowers were collected, pollinaria of Orchidaceae occasionally attached to the body of males were identified, and the pollinic analysis of 68 females was carried out. One hundred twelve bees from 14 species were associated to 105 plant species which represented pollen, nectar, resin, and fragrances sources. These data reinforce the relevance of orchid bees to the maintenance and reproductive success of many tropical plants.
Effect of continuous application .of organic and inorganic fertilizers on micronutrient status of an Inceptisol

A long term fertilizer experiment laid down on an Inceptisol at Tamil Nadu Agricultural Uni versity, Coimbatore during 1972 in a randomised block design for growing finger millet­ maize-cowpea (fodder) in sequence involving varying doses of N, NP, NPK with FYM (finger millet) and Zn (maIze), indicated that there was a sharp decrease in DTPA-Zn and an increase in Fe, Cu and Mn content of the surface soil after 25 yrs. Application of ZnS04 to maize resulted in an increase in the available Zn content of the soil, whereas 100% NPK+FYM increased DTPA-Fe, Cu and Mn contents. There was no significant difference in micronutrients availability within the graded levels of NPK but control plot had lower availability of micronutrients.
The Influence of Learning Communities on the Interaction Levels of Developmental English Students

Achievement and retention of students are significant concerns for American community colleges. While 86 percent of the students surveyed by the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) (McClenney, 2004) indicated a goal of completing a certificate or associate’s degree program, less than a quarter of those enrolled in the 1995-1996 academic year earned this credential in the subsequent six-year period. For students entering college underprepared, these risks are magnified, increasing the possibility of low satisfaction rates, low achievement rates, and high attrition rates. Demographically, underprepared students are similar to the overall population of community college students. However, research shows that they often have a more difficult time connecting with the academic environment, are uncertain of their goals, have little academic direction, and share many of the non-cognitive characteristics found in first-generation and minority students (McCabe, 2003). These risks are important, because as Stephens (2001) found, 41 percent of freshmen at two-year colleges are enrolled in developmental courses. Studies on retention that have been applied to developmental students have concentrated on the high attrition rates, but few have considered the theories of Astin or Tinto in relation to these students. Even fewer have reviewed the influence of learning communities on developmental English students.
The Value of Business Networks in Emerging Economies: An Analysis of Firms' External Financing Opportunities

The paper argues that networked firms are likely to have an advantage in securing external finance in countries with weak legal and judicial institutions since it helps financial institutions to minimize the underlying agency costs of lending. An analysis of recent BEEPS data from fifteen Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries lends some support to this hypothesis. Even after controlling for other factors, firms affiliated to business associations are more likely to secure bank finance. Importance of being associated with business networks is particularly evident among firms who borrow from private domestic and foreign banks, as these new banks attempt to minimize costs of adverse selection. Networking however discriminates against the small and medium sized firms' access to bank loans in the CEE regions. Results are robust in both single cross-section and panel data analyses.
Addiction, Agency and Affects – Philosophical Perspectives

Aims In the recent neuroscientific research addiction has been defined as a brain disease in which the addict's brain is “hijacked”. The research indicates how the addictive cravings function in the brain's reward system. At the same time growing support has emerged to a view of addiction as a matter of choice. This viewpoint claims that those with addiction lack either willpower or the moral capacity to make the right decisions. In this article, we problematise these two models and argue that neither of them succeeds in providing successful and adequate means of tackling personal problems associated with agency and responsibility in relation to addiction. Methods The article uses means of social ethics and empirically informed analytical philosophy. Results After showing that the two prominent models are not sufficient in capturing the problematique of addictive behaviour, we propose a new approach called the affective choice model. Conclusions As the disease model and the choice model fall short, we illustrate why the affective choice model is more capable of capturing the problematique of addicts' agency than the existing models are.
Comparison between molecular and morphological-based phylogenies of galerucine/alticine leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Phylogenies of representative genera based on 3 molecular markers are presented. These data are combined with previously published morphological data (Lingafelter & Konstantinov 2000). The results of separate 28S-D2 rRNA, combined analysis of molecular data and molecular data combined with morphological characters for 27 genera indicate monophyly of Galerucinae s.s. and paraphyly of Flea Beetles. These results also mean that our molecular data do not support the Flea Beetles as a tribal ranking (Alticini) within the Galerucinae, nor is it's status as a separate subfamily (Alticinae) as has been proposed by other researchers. We suggest that addition of more independent characters is still needed to resolve the question of the relationships between the Flea Beetles and the galerucines.
Effect of human activities on Egyptian vulture breeding success

Habitat loss, electrocution on power poles and persecution by humans are the main threats to birds of prey. Nevertheless, the effects of human disturbance on endangered species are becoming notorious due to the increasing recreational use of the natural environment. We evaluated the effects of human disturbances on Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus breeding success and developed conservation measures based on minimum distance of effect and buffer areas in a high human density area of northern Spain. A total of 100 breeding attempts of 15 breeding pairs were monitored over 8 years. Human disturbances affected 42 of the breeding attempts. Those disturbances related to and originating in forestry work had the most severe effect on breeding success, being associated with the loss of 100% of 13 breeding attempts, while human disturbances related to free‐time activities caused 44% failures in 25 breeding attempts by four pairs, two of them within Natural Parks. The breeding success was significantly less in territories affected by disturbances than in those free of disturbances. Some pairs affected by disturbances changed their nest site, increasing breeding success. Adults were prevented from entering the nest to feed chicks when anyone was detected at an average distance of 307 m, while an average distance of 837.5 m allowed them access. The maximum alert distance was estimated at 605 m and the buffer area was 57 ha. We discuss the application of our results for management schemes and conservation of this species.
Assessment of semen quality in infertile dogs using computer-assisted sperm analysis by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser

Abstract Semen quality parameters of infertile and fertile dogs were compared. Sperm concentration and semen motility parameters were measured by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser IVOS 12.3. The spermatozoal morphology and the percentage of live spermatozoa were examined microscopically. Forty-six dogs of various breeds were examined. Twenty dogs had a conception failure within last year. These dogs had a history of prior normal fertility. Twenty six fertile dogs served as control. All animals underwent a clinical examination as well as ultrasonography. Sperm concentration was significantly lower in infertile dogs than in fertile dogs. For most determined motility parameters (MOT, PMOT, VAP, VSL, VCL, BCF, RAPID, STATIC) significant differences between infertile and fertile dogs were found. The percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology also significantly differed between both groups. Ultrasonography of the prostate gland and testes revealed no pathological conditions. The testicular degeneration was assumed to be a possible cause of infertility in these dogs. The present study showed that the most sperm CASA motility parameters were significantly lower in infertile dogs in comparison to the fertile ones, and confirmed the usefulness of the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser for a quick and objective analysis of sperm concentration and motility in dogs.
GIF Video Sentiment Detection Using Semantic Sequence

With the development of social media, an increasing number of people use short videos in social media applications to express their opinions and sentiments. However, sentiment detection of short videos is a very challenging task because of the semantic gap problem and sequence based sentiment understanding problem. In this context, we propose a SentiPair Sequence based GIF video sentiment detection approach with two contributions. First, we propose a Synset Forest method to extract sentiment related semantic concepts from WordNet to build a robust SentiPair label set. This approach considers the semantic gap between label words and selects a robust label subset which is related to sentiment. Secondly, we propose a SentiPair Sequence based GIF video sentiment detection approach that learns the semantic sequence to understand the sentiment from GIF videos. Our experiment results on GSO-2016 (GIF Sentiment Ontology) data show that our approach not only outperforms four state-of-the-art classification methods but also shows better performance than the state-of-the-art middle level sentiment ontology features, Adjective Noun Pairs (ANPs).
IOX-101, a novel small molecule, reduces AML cell proliferation by Akt enzyme inhibition

Cancer of the blood continues to be a major mortality factor globally. Arylidene compounds are well known for their anticancer effects. Here we describe the biological efficacy of IOX-101, a potential lead-compound of arylidene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Initially, molecular docking analysis was performed to check the binding efficacy of the compound with protein kinase B (Akt). The ability of the molecule to inhibit AML proliferation was assessed in THP-1 and Kasumi-6 cells by a standard MTT assay. Hoechst 333258/propidium iodide (PI) staining was carried out to analyze the nuclear damage. Flow cytometry was performed to check the apoptotic and cell cycle changes in THP-1 cells. The effect of IOX-101 on Akt phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot analysis. Molecular docking revealed interaction and binding of IOX-101 with the active site of Akt enzyme. The compound reduced proliferation of both AML cell lines in a dose-responsive way. Nuclear staining and cell cycle results revealed DNA damage by IOX-101 in THP-1 cells, and a significant increase in early and late phase apoptotic cells. A dose-dependent dephosphorylation of Akt (Ser 473) by IOX-101 was observed, which indicated allosteric inhibition of Akt by the compound. Our results showed that the DNA damage-mediated antiproliferative effect of IOX-101 in AML cells was mediated by Akt enzyme inhibition, and that this molecule possesses an effective chemotherapeutic potential against AML. https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS170922049R Received: September 22, 2017; Revised: November 1, 2017; Accepted: November 7, 2017; Published online: November 28, 2017 How to cite this article: Rajagopalan Prasanna, Raju M, Aseeri H, Helal IM, Elbessoumy AA. IOX-101, a novel small molecule, reduces AML cell proliferation by Akt enzyme inhibition. Arch Biol Sci. 2018;70(2):321-7.
Effect of extra Li content on the property of tetragonal Li7La3Zr2O12 solid electrolyte prepared by auto-consolidation method

For all-solid-state lithium ion battery, Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) is a unique solid electrolyte possessing both high total ionic conductivity and stability against Li. As to conventional preparation methods, there is a stereotype that higher density always comes from higher pressure enforced upon the LLZO pellets. A different way called “auto-consolidation” was provided by us. Without the demand of pressing operations, the preparation process is greatly simplified. The surface tension of liquid Li2O at sintering temperature is the key factor for samples to consolidate. In this paper, the effect of extra Li content (0-25%) on the property of tetragonal LLZO was studied. Results show that only when the extra Li content reaches up to 10%, can dense tetragonal LLZO be gained. The optimized extra content value is about 15% with a relative density about 93% and a total conductivity of 5.6×10 S cm at 30 C, which is the highest one for tetragonal LLZO in reported issues, about two times higher than that prepared by hot-pressing method. At 30-100 C, the activation energies for total conductivity are about 0.30~0.42 eV atom, decreasing with the increasing of extra Li content, which is slightly lower than the previous reported values. This work suggests a simple and reliable route for the preparation of ceramic solid electrolytes.
An assessment of generic skills demand in five sectors of the Nigerian labor market

This study investigates the important generic skills associated with the agricultural, banking, education, health, and manufacturing sectors in the Nigerian labor market. Despite the large number of unemployed graduates, employers still find it difficult to fill the existing few vacancies because these graduates are often found deficient in certain requisite skills for sustainable employment. Using purposive sampling technique, the study surveyed a sample of 600 management staff on the labor market skills demands. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The results show that all the considered skills are deemed “very critical” by the five sectors. However, communication and analytical skills are rated particularly high by all the sectors. The results indicate the relative importance of generic skills in all the sectors which to some extent shows the context-dependency nature of generic skills. The study suggests that for Nigerian university graduates to meet the challenge of constant change in skills demand in the labor market, Nigerian universities should look for ways of addressing the identified skills needs of the different sectors of the labor market in their curricular. Students should also aspire to develop the generic skills to a reasonable extent before they transit into the labor market.