Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FEEDING HIGH LEVELS OF WET CORN GLUTEN FEED TO DAIRY CATTLE

Increased pressure for land use and greater demand for cereal grains have substantially increased feed costs for dairy producers. This has forced nutritionists to devise novel diet formulation strategies to help keep feed costs in check. As a result, dairymen are incorporating wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) into diets. Numerous studies have reported production responses to dietary inclusion of WCGF, but few have reported ruminal effects. Therefore an experiment was conducted to monitor production, while simultaneously measuring ruminal fermentation and total-tract digestion in 8 Holstein cows fed 0, 12, 24, and 36% WCGF (DM basis). Results from this study were consistent with recently published papers indicating that increasing dietary levels of WCGF linearly increases milk and milk component production. However, results demonstrate that this increase in production is related to an increase in feed intake, not improved digestibility. In addition to escalating grain prices, recent pressure for land and water use has led to a decrease in the availability of alfalfa. A second experiment was conducted to determine if forage fiber provided by alfalfa hay is necessary to maintain production in diets containing 31% WCGF (DM basis). Eighty primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows were utilized in two 4 × 4 Latin squares to evaluate the effects of feeding alfalfa at 0, 7, 14, and 21% of diet DM. Feeding higher proportions of alfalfa tended to increase ECM yield and decrease BW gain, suggesting that metabolizable energy supply was repartitioned from BW gain to milk production as more alfalfa was included. However, partial budget analysis determined that decreasing alfalfa inclusion rate may improve farm profitability by reducing feed costs and expenses associated with manure handling, despite small losses in productivity. Overall, these research projects suggest that large proportions of WCGF can effectively be fed to dairy cattle without sacrificing milk production, even without the use of alfalfa hay. Therefore, WCGF can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional dietary ingredients.
Coupling Solid-State NMR with GIPAW ab Initio Calculations in Metal Hydrides and Borohydrides

An integrated experimental–theoretical approach for the solid-state NMR investigation of a series of hydrogen-storage materials is illustrated. Seven experimental room-temperature structures of groups I and II metal hydrides and borohydrides, namely, NaH, LiH, NaBH4, MgH2, CaH2, Ca(BH4)2, and LiBH4, were computationally optimized. Periodic lattice calculations were performed by means of the plane-wave method adopting the density functional theory (DFT) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) functional as implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO package. Projector augmented wave (PAW), including the gauge-including projected augmented-wave (GIPAW), methods for solid-state NMR calculations were used adopting both Rappe–Rabe–Kaxiras–Joannopoulos (RRKJ) ultrasoft pseudopotentials and new developed pseudopotentials. Computed GIPAW chemical shifts were critically compared with the experimental ones. A good agreement between experimental and computed multinuclear chemical shift.
Diel vertical migration of the krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica in relation to physical environment, food and predators

Acoustic scattering layers of A4eganyctiphanes norvegica in the Oslofjord, Norway, typically stayed below -70 m during the day They remained below prevailing fish schools, though varying numbers of deep-living fish occurred among the krill. The estimated light intensity at the top of the krdl layer varied between 4.6 x 10-"nd 2.3 x 10-4 pm01 m-' S-' M. norvegjca followed isolumes during ascent a t dusk, but upward migration was mainly arrested at -10-30 m and the krill were scattered throughout the water column at night. The minimum depth was not related to seasonal light levels, chlorophyll concentration or the pycnocline. Fish schools dispersed at sunset, and fish invaded the krill layer at night. Nocturnal avoidance of the surface water may thus have been an antipredator response Herbivorous feeding was strongly related to abundance of algae (chl a levels). Feeding on phytoplankton increased at night, but daytime stomach pigment content was high during spring, when sediment~ng phytoplankton appeared to represent a deep food source. Feeding on copepods was evident both day and night, with no cons~stent relatlon between copepod remains in the stomachs and integrated abundance of copepods in the water column. M norvegica carried out diel vertical migrations irrespective of fluctuations in distribution and abundance of food resources.
SOCIAL CAPITAL, TRUST, AND MULTIPLE EQUILIBRIA IN ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE

We propose a novel mechanism giving rise to poverty traps and multiple equilibria in economic performance. It is a potentially important source of persistent underdevelopment across countries and regions. At the core of this mechanism, bridging social capital and social trust feed back on each other, interdependently affecting individuals' earnings and subjective well-being. High trust and abundant bridging social capital reinforce each other, leading to a “high” equilibrium where both these variables take persistently high values, and earnings and well-being are high as well, whereas low trust and lack of bridging social capital create a vicious circle, leading to a “low trust trap” where all these variables are persistently low. The workings of our theoretical model are in agreement with a wide range of findings from the contemporary literature in sociology and social psychology.
Fatigue of Closed Cell Foams

The static properties of foams scale with relative density and scaling can be obtained through various static tests. The same scaling appears to be valid for both crack propagation rates and fatigue properties of the foams. This implies that, once the fatigue behavior of one relative density foam is established, one can predict the fatigue behavior of all other density foams within the same class of materials. This study deals with fatigue of closed cell foams. The main idea is to use a few simple tests to predict tension-tension fatigue properties of foams. The required testing consists of crack propagation rate measurements and one tension-tension fatigue test performed at the yield stress of the foam. This data can then be combined to construct a synthetic S-N curve for the foam. Testing is performed on three densities of Divinycell H-grade and three densities of Rohacell WF-grade foam. A very simple fatigue model, based on an initial flaw approach, is used to link the crack propagation rate behavior of these foams with their unnotched fatigue life. This approach is backed up by the experimental results. The results obtained can be used to form some general conclusions about the fatigue of closed cell foams, at least of the types used herein.
Top executive compensation in less developed capital markets

Purpose – This paper aims to study the determinants of variable compensation for top Portuguese executives (chief executive officers, chief financial officers and commercial directors). Design/methodology/approach – Data from 101 firms were collected through an email questionnaire sent to the human resource directors of 500 largest and best Portuguese firms of Exame, a business newspaper. A Tobit regression analysis was used to estimate the basic equation of the study. Findings – The conclusions are generally consistent with findings obtained in more developed capital markets. It was found that public and older corporations are more intensive users of variable pay, consistent with the agency theory prediction. A location in the centre of economic activity and a higher executive education increase the propensity to receive higher levels of salary in the form of variable compensation. The relation between compensation and performance was more elusive. Research limitations/implications – There are limitation.
The role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants during precooling stages of axis cryopreservation in recalcitrant Trichilia dregeana

Cryopreservation is currently the only feasible method for long-term conservation of non-orthodox germplasm. Previous attempts to cryopreserve embryonic axes of Trichilia dregeana Sond. indicated that the inability to produce shoots, suggestedly associated with a wound-induced burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanied by declining antioxidant potential, consistently accompanied procedures necessary for cryopreservation. This study involved the provision of cathodic protection, both in the aqueous phase (electrolysis of a solution containing dilute electrolytes) and dry state (rapid drying of axes on a grid on which a static field is generated via the cathode of a power-pack) with the addition of other antioxidants, i.e., ascorbic acid and DMSO, to counteract uncontrolled ROS activity. The production of superoxide (⋅O2− ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (⋅OH ) in conjunction with the corresponding total aqueous antioxidant activity and viability was quantitatively assessed after ea.
Sources of Agricultural Information Used by Arable Crop Farmers in Isale Osun Farm Settlement, Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State

The study ascertained the sources of agricultural information used by arable crop farmers in Isale Osun farm settlement, Osogbo local government area of Osun State. Data were collected from 80 respondents through the use of structured interview schedule and analyzed using percentages, mean scores and bivalent correlation analysis. The findings revealed that farmers received their agricultural information mostly through mediated and professional inter-personal channels/methods. The findings further showed that radio (x = 3.40) and fellow farmers (x = 3.40) were the most perceived appropriate channels for disseminating agricultural information as reported by the farmers. However, the result of the study showed that extension agents (x = 3.37), radio (x = 3.34) and television (x = 3.16) were the most reliable channels for communicating agricultural information to farmers. The results of the bivalent correlation analysis showed positive significant relationships between educational attainment and use of professional information sources; farmers’ age and use of various information sources as well as household size and use of professional mass media sources (P<0.05). However, level of illiteracy (x = 3.97), unavailability of information sources (x = 3.94), lack of access to information sources (x = 3.93) and inappropriate scheduling of programmes (x = 3.89) were the most serious problems associated with receiving information through the different communication sources. The study therefore recommended that government should assist farmers in the area by sponsoring adult education so that farmers can make best use of the different agricultural information sources effectively. It also points to the need for the provision of enabling environment for such facilities as the internet to thrive in rural areas.
Comparison of Chemical Compounds of Essential Oils from Natural Agarwood and Inoculated Agarwood (Roselle-Based Inoculation)

In this paper, the physical and structural properties of the natural agarwood and inoculated agarwood using Roselle-based inoculation had been discussed. The results showed that a high volume of oil obtained on day 1 by the inoculated agarwood which yielded 3ml of the agarwood oil as compared to the natural agarwood that had yielded only 2.3ml. In the chemical analysis, five major compounds were detected by FTIR which were C-O bond (aromatic alkane), C-C stretching (aromatic alkane), C-O stretching (ether) and C-H bond (aromatic ring) in both oils. Moreover, the inoculated agarwood exhibited better oil production compared to the natural agarwood.
The role of OsAKT1 in ammonium uptake and osmotic stress tolerance in relation to nitrogen supply

Nitrogen is an essential plant macronutrient: it not only affects the growth, development and yield of plants, but also contributes to stress tolerance. OsAKT1, a rice homolog of a K+ channel AKT1 at the plasma membrane of root hair cells, is permeable to ammonium and therefore potentially plays a role in the uptake of this nutrient. Beside taking part mainly in K+ uptake in the roots, OsAKT1 is also involved in drought and osmotic stress tolerance in rice. Therefore, I investigated the role of NH4+ uptake via OsAKT1 and the function of the channel in osmotic stress tolerance related to NH4+. Growth experiments which compared the growth of wild-type (WT) and akt1 knockout rice (KO) in media with different predominant form of nitrogen (either NO3- or NH4+) under control and osmotic stress of -0.21 MPa (8% PEG 4,000) showed that the OsAKT1 role in osmotic stress tolerance is not associated with NH4+. Nevertheless, NH4+ depletion experiments illustrated that OsAKT1 functions in NH4+ uptake at low external NH4+ concentrations of 0.2 mM. Depletion assays at 2 mM NH4+ and the complementation growth studies in yeast mutants lacking NH4+-specific uptake systems (Δmep1-3) also suggested the possibility of NH4+ uptake at high NH4+ concentrations via OsAKT1. In all, the data imply that OsAKT1 takes up small amounts of NH4+ irrespective of external NH4+ concentrations.
Variation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Poplar Clones

The physical and mechanical properties of poplar clones largely determine their suitability for various end-uses, especially for high value-added applications. The main objective of this study was to determine the clonal variation of selected physical and mechanical properties of seven hybrid poplar clones grown at three sites in southern Quebec, Canada. Five trees per clone were randomly sampled from each site for wood properties measurement. Site had a significant effect on all measured properties except radial shrinkage. All properties of hybrid poplar wood showed significant interclonal variation, indicating the possibility of identifying clones with superior wood properties, especially for density, flexural modulus of rupture, and ultimate crushing strength. High heritability values for the studied properties indicated that these properties are under moderate to high genetic control. The genetic gain for these wood properties ranged from 2.0% to 13.5%.
Molecular characterization of a WRKY gene from Oryza sativa indica cultivar UKMRC9

It has been almost two decades since the work was initiated on characterization and function of the WRKY gene. This gene has been implicated in various biological and other developmental processes. It is involved in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and has the potential to contribute to a wide spectrum resistance in plants. The aim of this study is to isolate, sequence and analyze the WRKY gene from a Malaysian disease tolerant rice cultivar, UKMRC9. The nucleotide sequence was translated and the 410 amino acid WRKY protein was subjected to physico-chemical, structural and phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that the protein had low level homology with other WRKY proteins. It only showed conservative sequence within the signature WRKY domains. The physico-chemical characteristics predicted the protein as a globular intracellular protein that is hydrophilic with borderline stability and a predicted molecular weight and isoelectric point of 45.1 kDa, and 4.91, respectively. The resolved 3D protein structure of WRKY consisted of four beta-sheet strands with the zinc ion bound by two Cysteine and two Histidine residues, forming a zinc-binding pocket, where the WRKYGQK residues exist. This corresponds to the most N-terminal β-strand and is the interactive domain of this transcriptional factor.
Bogency and Goodacies: On Argument Quality in Virtue Argumentation Theory

Virtue argumentation theory (VAT) has been charged of being incomplete, given its alleged inability to account for argument cogency in virtue-theoretical terms. Instead of defending VAT against that challenge, I suggest it is misplaced, since it is based on a premise VAT does not endorse, and raises an issue that most versions of VAT need not consider problematic. This in turn allows distinguishing several varieties of VAT, and clarifying what really matters for them.
EFFECT OF RELIGIOUS DENOMINATION AND RELIGIOSITY ON PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES TOWARD FAMILY SIZE AMONG THE ATYAP, NIGERIA

This paper discusses fertility preferences using quantitative and qualitative data obtained from 600 Atyap women aged 15-49 years during a household census and survey in 1995. The predominantly Christian and rural Atyap community has a high desired family size and high ideal family size (5 children). The Church is effectively encouraging members to embrace the small family size norm but . the women still accept the traditional tenets of Christian belief that emphasise the high value of children. The study highlights the importance of collecting data on religion variables during national surveys in Nigeria for the purpose of examining the effect of religion on fertility behaviour and for intrafaith analysis which might clearly reveal differentials interfaith comparisons might mask in certain behavioural trends.
Sensitivity of ENSO to Stratification in a Recharge-Discharge Conceptual Model

AbstractEl Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is driven by large-scale ocean–atmosphere interactions in the equatorial Pacific and is sensitive to change in the mean state. Whereas conceptual models of ENSO usually consider the depth of the thermocline to be influential on the stability of ENSO, the observed changes in the depth of the 20°C isotherm are rather weak, on the order of approximately 5 m over the last decades. Conversely, change in stratification that affects both the intensity and sharpness of the thermocline can be pronounced. Here, the two-strip conceptual model of An and Jin is extended to include three parameters (i.e., the contribution of the first three baroclinic modes) that account for the main characteristics of the mean thermocline vertical structure.A stability analysis of the model is carried out that indicates that the model sustains a lower ENSO mode when the high-order baroclinic modes (M2 and M3) are considered. The sensitivity of the model solution to the coupling efficiency fu.
Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes during Ageing of Onion Seeds

Onion seed viability during storage and drying declines with genotype specificity. Changes in antioxidant enzymes at different viability levels were investigated in seeds of the three onion cultivars Akg-12, Valencia and TEG-502. For this purpose, 95, 80, 60, 40 and 20% viability levels were obtained by the use of controlled deterioration treatments in seeds of each onion cultivar. Subsequently, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity measurements were conducted at these viability levels. POX activity was below detection limit in aged onion seeds. The activities of CAT and SOD decreased due to seed ageing in each cultivar. The decreases observed in CAT and SOD activities were more evident when seed viability decreased below 60% level. Moreover, a high level of correlation was found between loss of seed viability and the decreases occur in CAT and SOD activities, in seeds of each onion cultivar.
Rheological Properties and Emulsifying Activity of Gum Karaya (Sterculia Urens) in Aqueous System and Oil in Water Emulsion: Heat Treatment and Microwave Modification

Gum karaya is a polysaccharide gum from Sterculia urens tree. It is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, it has very strong swelling properties, high viscosity, and low solubility, providing the restricted applications in the food industry. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different heat treatment and microwave variables (i.e., time: 8, 10, and 12 min; power: 700 and 1000 W) on the functional properties of gum karaya in the aqueous system and oil-in-water emulsion. In this regard, the rheological properties, emulsifying activity, average droplet size, and surface morphology of the native- and microwave-treated gums were analyzed and compared. Dynamic oscillatory test indicated that the microwave-treated gum karaya had more gel-like behavior than viscous-like behavior (G′ > G″) at a relatively high concentration (20% or 20 g/100 g). When gum karaya was treated by microwave for 8–12 min, both elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli were declined. The native- and microwave-treated gum karaya exhibited a shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior in the aqueous system and oil-in-water emulsion. The results showed that the microwave-treated gum karaya had smaller particles than the native gum in the aqueous system. On the other hand, the emulsion containing the microwave-treated gum karaya had finer emulsion droplets than the control containing the native gum karaya. This confirmed that the application of microwave treatment led to significantly (p < 0.05) improve the emulsifying activity of gum karaya.
Morphological Study of Emulsion-Assisted Cholesterol Precipitation Processes

Crystallization of cholesterol in chemical conditions that involve the presence of emulsions of three different types of surface active agents—cationic, anionic, and nonionic—was investigated by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopic analyses. In contrast with the previous attempts to modify the typical plate- and needle-shaped character of biaxially grown cholesterol crystals, the present study indicates that spherical templates of fine emulsion droplets may impose spherical morphologies to cholesterol particles nucleated within.
Expression of microRNA-141 in the urine , serum , and kidneys of patients with IgA nephropathy

Previous studies have shown that members of the miR-200 family (for example, miR-141) can repress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via downregulation of ZEB1 and ZEB2, two major transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin. In this study, the urinary, serum, and intra-renal expression levels of miR-141 in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) were studied. The study included 33 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN, as well as serum and urine samples from 15 healthy volunteers and normal renal tissue from nephrectomy specimens of 15 patients with renal cell carcinoma as a control group. The urinary, serum, and intra-renal expression levels of miR-141 in each of the groups were examined by using real-time PCR. Serum miR-141 expression levels were higher in the IgAN group than in the healthy control group (P = 0.000), and the intra-renal miR-141 expression was lower in the IgAN group than in the healthy control group (P = 0.000). The difference between urinary miR-141 levels in the IgAN and control groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.260). Urinary and serum miR-141 levels were inversely correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the IgAN group (r = -0.368, P = 0.049; r = -0.389, P = 0.024). Serum expression of miR-141 was positively correlated with proteinuria (r = 0.452, P = 0.014) in the IgAN group. Serum expression of miR-141 was inversely correlated with intra-renal expression of miR-141 (r = -0.473, P = 0.015). The serum expression of miR-141 was significantly increased andintra-renalexpression of miR-141was decreased in patients with IgAN. Urinary and serum miR-141 levels were highly correlated with renal function, and serum miR-141 levels were highly correlated with proteinuria. Serum and urinary miR-141 might play important roles in the progression of IgAN. Serum and intra-renal expression levels of miR-141 were highly correlated, and this relationship could be an important indicator of EMT in IgAN. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of urinary and serum microRNA as a biological marker of IgAN.