Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS ON HELICOBACTER SPP . INFECTIONS OF DOGS IN SLOVENIA * EPIDEMIOLO

The aims of our study were to determinate the prevalence of helicobacters in a population of Slovenian dogs, to characterise the intensity of infection and to find out if the epidemiological parameters i. e. age, feeding regimen, gender, breed, location and indoor/outdoor living conditions have any influence on infection and the intensity of infection. A total of 185 randomly chosen dogs from all parts of Slovenia, at ages from 9 days to 15 years, of both genders and 44 different breeds, without any gastrointestinal disorders, were included in our study. Helicobacters were detected in stomachs of 92.4% of dogs. We determined a mild infection in 17.3% of dogs, a moderate infection in 48.1%, and a strong infection in 27% of dogs. Studying epidemiological parameters and their effects on infection we concluded that age and feeding regimen affect the infection and the intensity of infection, whereas gender, breed, location and indoor/outdoor living conditions do not.
Feeding humanity through global food trade

The recent intensification of international trade has led to a globalization of food commodities and to an increased disconnection between human populations and the land and water resources that support them through crop and livestock production. Several countries are not self‐sufficient and depend on imports from other regions. Despite the recognized importance of the role of trade in global and regional food security, the societal reliance on domestic production and international trade remains poorly quantified. Here we investigate the global patterns of food trade and evaluate the dependency of food security on imports. We investigate the relationship existing between the trade of food calories and the virtual transfer of water used for their production. We show how the amount of food calories traded in the international market has more than doubled between 1986 and 2009, while the number of links in the trade network has increased by more than 50%. Likewise, global food production has increased by more than 50% in the same period, providing an amount of food that is overall sufficient to support the global population at a rate of 2700–3000 kcal per person per day. About 23% of the food produced for human consumption is traded internationally. The water use efficiency of food trade (i.e., food calories produced per unit volume of water used) has declined in the last few decades. The water use efficiency of food production overall increases with the countries' affluence; this trend is likely due to the use of more advanced technology.
How Older People are Represented in Japanese TV Commercials: A Content Analysis

Japan has the highest life expectancy and, at 42 per cent in 2005, among the highest percentage of people over 50 in the world (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 2005). In addition, this older age group has on average the highest monthly expenditure (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 2007). Companies, and particularly advertising agencies, have taken notice of these statistics. As a result, the market for older consumers has become more and more important (see Coulmas 2007; Kohlbacher & Herstatt 2008). One way to target older consumers is to use their peers as models in advertising. This article presents the results of a content analysis on the representation of older people in Japanese television advertising. Specifically, it examines if the increasing importance of older people as consumers as well as part of society is reflected in advertising, particularly in terms of whether higher numbers of older people are being used in Japanese television advertising. We have chosen television advertising as our research focus because it accounts for the largest percentage of the advertising budget in Japan (33.6%). While older people regard television as only the second most reliable/trusted advertising medium after newspapers, they agree that television features the most interesting advertisements of any media form (cf. Nikkei Ko-koku Kenkyu-jo 2007: 47, 208). Television also clearly dominates when older people are asked about their everyday amusement, or provider of everyday information (Cabinet Office 2004). No other medium is consumed as frequently and by so many people as television. A TV set exists in nearly one hundred percent of Japanese households, and was viewed daily for an average of 3:43 hours in 2005. This time is even longer for older people, who watch more than any other age group in Japan. Women aged
When the parts are greater than the sum: An event study analysis of vertical, horizontal, and conglomerate mergers

I conduct an event study analysis on an initial sample of 223 mergers during a 3 year period (2011-2014) after the “Great Recession. ” I first use this to shed new light on merger characteristics and effects in the post-crisis period, and I then categorize my sample into vertical, horizontal, and conglomerate mergers and calculate the equity-wealth effects for each category. Comparison of the equity-wealth effects of each merger type produces little evidence in support of theories espousing the relative value-decreasing effects of corporate diversification, and no evidence in support of theories claiming absolute value-destruction. In terms of merger antecedent theories, comparison of vertical, horizontal, and conglomerate merger returns reveals evidence that may be consistent with both collusive and synergistic theories of value creation in mergers. Additional insights derived through the analysis of this paper include results which provide evidence that the equity-wealth effects of mergers have become significantly more positive in the most recent period, and that the traditional methods by which financial researchers classify mergers into types may need further reevaluation. * Ellis is a PhD student in the Department of Finance, Terry College of Business, University of Georgia, Room G13 Brooks Hall, 310 Herty Drive, Athens, GA 30602. (Email: ncellis@uga.edu; Phone: 623-687-5647). For his helpful comments and guidance, the author thanks Harold Mulherin. The author is also indebted to Tinting Liu and Greg Eaton for their many hours of tutelage in the inner-workings of data analysis; without them, all hope most surely would have been lost. Any errors or omissions are the author’s alonethis is a working paper.
MULTIREGION , MULTIFACTOR TESTS OF THE HECKSCHER-OHLIN-VANEK USING SPANISH REGIONAL DATA

We study the Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek (HOV) model of trade empirically using regional data rather than country data. Unlike Davis et al. (1997) that find that the HOV model performs remarkably well using Japanese regional data, our findings for the Spanish regions suggest that the HOV model performs poorly after relaxing the “strict” assumptions of world factor price equalisation, world identical and homothetic preferences and Hicks-neutral technological differences across regions. The limited explanatory capacity of the endowment-driven models complements the findings of economic geography models that predict well the regional pattern of production and trade specialization of Spanish regions.
Treatment disparities among elderly colon cancer patients in the United States using SEER-Medicare data

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer type in the United States and the third-leading cause of deaths among both men and women. The five year survival in colorectal cancer stage II is approximately 80% and in stage III reduced to 50% (1). Colon cancer is also one of the most curable types of cancer if it is diagnosed early. METHODS: This study is a historic cohort of anonymized secondary data and examines the relationship between increasing age and cancer directed therapy for colon cancer stages I-III, within the Medicare population. The purchased SEER Medicare linked sample provided patients who had a colon cancer diagnosis, identified by ICD-9 diagnosis code, from 2000-2005 with follow-up data through 2005. Patients were categorized by age into five-year increments starting with age 65. The primary goal of this analysis was to examine whether older patients receive less cancer directed therapy than younger patients, stratified by cancer stage. Two multivariate logistic regression models were fit to examine the associations. The first examined the association between older age and receipt of cancer directed therapy, adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics. The second model looked at the association between older age and the number of lymph nodes examined during surgery. Additionally, adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, to examine colon cancer specific survival among age groups. RESULTS: Subjects aged 70-74 were significantly (OR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.13-0.52) less likely to receive cancer directed therapy compared to those aged 65-69. This result was seen at all older age categories. Individuals over the age of 90 were 1.82 times more
Safe Methods for Weed Control in Fruit Crops: Challenges, and Opportunities: Review

Weed management is an important component in fruit crop production. The current review is (1) a meta analyses of the literature on the yield losses of fruit crops by weeds, (2) it comprises the databases of weed species and density, the period of weed competition, safe weed management in the fruit crops in terms of adverse effects of weeds on the soil, growth, nutrient statutes and productivity of fruit trees, advantages and disadvantages of weed control measures, and (3) it excluded the cover crops, biological weed control, natural herbicides and non-traditional weed control methods as well as small fruit crops such as blueberry, blackberries, raspberries and strawberry. The ranges of yield losses in fruit cropsdue to weeds observed from the literature were varied widely from 23.7% to 82% and in some instances of weed infestation;there wasno production of fruits with commercial value obtained. The yield lossdepends on weed speciesand its densityand fruit crop species.So, weed management in fruit crops is necessary to prevent or reduce yield losses and the search for more effective and environmentally friendly approaches forweed control will be needed. Acombined approach could result in an effective weed control technology.
KINETIC AND EQUILIBRIUM STUDIES ON FLUORIDE REMOVAL BY ZIRCONIUM (IV)- -IMPREGNATED GROUNDNUT SHELL CARBON

The carbonized ground nut shell (GNSC) was impregnated with zirconium oxychloride, and tested to determine its capacity and kinetics for fluoride adsorption from aqueous solutions. The analysis of the isotherm equilibrium data using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson equations by linear methods showed that the data fitted better with Freundlich model than the other two. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the spontaneous nature of fluoride adsorption with increase of entropy and an endothermic process. The kinetic data obtained for fluoride adsorption on zirconium impregnated ground nut shell carbon (ZIGNSC) obeyed the pseudo-second order equation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed the deposition of fluoride on material and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies also showed the involvement of adsorbate on the adsorbent surface in the adsorption interaction. The ZIGNSC provides a cost effective material to the defluoridation problem in the developing countries by its great potential application in the fluoride removal from water. Fluoride is an important micro-nutrient for the production and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Although a certain amount of fluoride gives good protection against dental decay, excess intake of fluoride ions cause dental fluorosis. When the concentration of fluoride is more than 4 mg/L it causes softening of bones, ossification of tendons and neurological damage in several cases [1]. The problem of excess fluoride in drinking waters is aggravating day by day, as more surveys to assess the ground water quality have been undertaken. Fluoride in water derives mainly from dissolution of natural minerals in the rocks and soils with which water interacts. The distribution and health effects of fluoride have recently been reviewed by Ayoob and Gupta [2]. According to authors, about 200 million peoples from 25 nations are facing the problem of excess fluoride in drinking water among which India and China are the worst affected. In India alone, endemic fluorosis is thought to affect around 1 million people [3] and is a major problem in 17 out of the country’s 28 states, especially Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh [4]. We have also conducted exhaustive water sampling in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu, India to assess the distribution of fluoride in ground water. Fluoride concentrations in large number of samples fall above 1.0 mg/L (WHO prescribed limit for drinking water) and the maximum concentration found was 5.0 mg/L. The most important remedial action is the prevention of further exposure by providing safe drinking water. However in most of the areas source substitution may be impossible due to non
GENETIC VARIABILITY AND HERITABILITY FOR SEED YIELD AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY RELATED CHARACTERS IN CLUSTERBEAN (CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBA (L.) TAUB.)

The material for present investigation comprised 25 guar genotypes. The experimental material was grown at Research Area, Crop Physiology (Agronomy), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2010 in randomized block design with three replications. The mean sums of squares due to genotypes were recorded to be highly significant for all the 18 characters studied, including morphophysiological, biochemical characters and yield components and seed yield per plant. The studies revealed prevalence of enough genetic variability in the material under study. Characters like pods per plant, dry weight, plant height and proline content in leaves had high GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean. While harvest index and seed yield per plant had high GCV, PCV and heritability associated with moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean. Likewise germination/survival per cent had moderate GCV, PCV and genetic advance as per cent of mean with high heritability. However, 100 seed weight, branches per plant and leaf area index had high GCV, PCV and heritability associated with low genetic advance as per cent of mean. While gum content, rate of water loss from excised leaf, cell membrane stability and seed per pod had moderate heritability associated with low GCV, PCV and genetic advance as per cent of mean, respectively. However, canopy temperature depression and chlorophyll fluorescence had high heritability associated with low GCV, PCV and heritability, respectively.
Molybdenum mixed with glyphosate and alone via foliar spray in no-tillage common bean grown on corn stover

The effect of molybdenum (Mo) on common bean grown in desiccated corn stover in a no-tillage system was evaluated under two application modes: Mo mixed with the desiccant glyphosate and Mo direct spray to the bean leaves. The treatments (four replicates) were assigned to a completely randomized block design in a split-plot arrangement with the application of Mo (0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 g ha -1 ) mixed with glyphosate in the main plots and Mo foliar spray (0 and 100 g ha -1 ) in the sub-plots. The field experiments were carried out in 2009 and 2010 in the municipality of Coimbra, Minas Gerais State, with the common bean cultivar Ouro Vermelho. Mo mixed with glyphosate had neither an effect on common bean yield nor on the Mo and N contents in leaves, however it increased the Mo and N contents in seeds. Application of Mo via foliar spray increased Mo content in leaves and Mo and N contents in seeds. The reapplication of molybdenum with glyphosate for desiccation in subsequent crops caused a cumulative effect of Mo content in bean seeds.
Five‐year legacy of wildfire and salvage logging impacts on nutrient runoff and aquatic plant, invertebrate, and fish productivity

Ecohydrological linkages between phosphorus (P) production, stream algae, benthic invertebrate, and fish communities were studied for 4 years after severe wildfire in the Rocky Mountains (Alberta, Canada). Mean concentrations of all forms of P (soluble reactive, total dissolved, particulate, and total) were 2 to 13 times greater in burned and post‐fire salvage‐logged streams than in unburned streams (p < 0.001). Post‐disturbance recovery of P was slow with differences in P‐discharge relationships still evident 5 years after the fire (p < 0.001). Coupled P and sediment interactions were likely responsible for slow recovery of P regimes in fire‐disturbed watersheds. P loading was associated with strong ecological responses in stream biota. Annual algal productivity was 5 to 71 times greater in streams within burned watersheds than in reference watersheds and persisted for 5 years after the fire (p < 0.001). Elevated algal production was associated with strong differences in benthic invertebrate community structure, including greater invertebrate densities, biomass, species diversity, and shifts in species composition. Monotonic shifts in invertebrate stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios indicated increased consumption of autochthonous food sources and effects on energy pathways for invertebrates from fire‐affected streams. Wildfire‐related changes at lower trophic lead to increases in size (weight and length) and growth rate (weight : age ratios) of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki). This cascading series of effects of wildfire on stream productivity (primary production, secondary invertebrate consumers, and fish) may be long‐lived legacies of wildfire because of the slow recovery of P regimes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Customer Value, Brand Image and Product Attributes to Satisfaction and Loyalty Tourism Visitors in Jember Regency

Abstract This study aims to determine the impact of customer value, brand image and product attributes to the satisfaction and loyalty of visitors on the existing coastal tourism in Jember Regency which includes Papuma Beach, Watu Ulo Beach, Payangan Beach, Puger Beach and Paseban Beach and Bande Alit Beach. The population of this study is all visitors of coastal tourism in Jember District. Sampling method is purposive sampling with total sample as many as 300 respondents. With the number of respondents each beach tour amounted to 50 respondents. Quantitative analysis using multiple regression analysis. The result of validity test and reliability test indicate that measuring instrument can be used well. Hypothesis test shows that customer value, brand image and product attribute have an effect on visitor satisfaction. The value of the customer does not affect the loyalty of visitors, while the brand image, product attributes and visitor satisfaction affect the loyalty of visitors.
Effects of species-specific probiotic addition to milk replacer on calf health and performance during the first month of life

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of a species-specific probiotic (Lactobacillus animalis SB310, Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei SB137 and Bacillus coagulans SB117 in a 30:35:35 ratio, respectively; 1.8 × 1010 CFU/g of powder) on gut microbial balance, immune response and growth performance of Holstein female calves during the first month of life. Twenty-two calves were divided into two experimental groups from 2 to 28 days of life: control (C), fed with milk replacer and concentrate as a basal diet, and treatment (T), fed C diet plus 1 g/calf/day of probiotic powder for the first month of age. Faecal and blood samples were individually collected and analysed weekly. Individual faecal score was recorded daily and general health score was calculated at the end of the trial. Cell-mediated immune response was evaluated by skin test at 7 and 28 days of life. Milk replacer and concentrate intake were recorded daily, while body weight and biometrical parameters were recorded at 2, 8, 14, 21 and 28 days of life, thus average daily gain and feed conversion rate were calculated. During the first week of treatment, lower blood eosinophil percentage (0.05% vs. 0.22%; P≤0.01) was found in T group, while basophils were higher in T than C group at the end of the trial (0.21% vs. 0.16%; P≤0.05). Higher faecal lactic acid bacteria (LAB)/E. coli ratio on day 28 of life (3.73 log CFU/g vs. 2.02 log CFU/g; P≤0.05) and lower incidence of diarrhoea were found in the treated group (63.30% vs. 70.71%; P=0.05). Body weight (48.92 kg vs. 46.92 kg; P≤0.05), total concentrate intake (14.77 kg vs. 12.56 kg on dry matter basis; P≤0.05), and heart girth (81.16 cm vs. 78.49 cm; P≤0.05) were significantly higher in T group. The administration of the probiotic during the first month of life improved gut microbiota and increased the growth performance and some biometric parameters of calves.
Observations on Forced Colony Emigration in Parachartergus fraternus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Epiponini): New Nest Site Marked with Sprayed Venom

Five cases of colony emigration induced by removal of nest envelope and combs and a single one by manipulation are described. The disturbance was followed by defensive patterns, buzz running, and adult dispersion. An odor trail created by abdomen dragging, probably depositing venom or Dufour's gland secretions, connected the original nest to the newly selected nesting place and guided the emigration. The substrate of the selected nesting place is intensely sprayed with venom prior to emigration, and this chemical cue marked the emigration end point. The colony moves to the new site in a diffuse cloud with no temporary clusters formed along the odor trail. At the original nest, scouts performed rapid gaster dragging and intense mouth contacts stimulating inactive individuals to depart. Males were unable to follow the swarm. Individual scouts switched between different behavioral tasks before and after colony emigration. Pulp collected from the old nest was reused at the new nest site.
Phenolic Compounds from the Insoluble-Bound Fraction of Whole Grains Do Not Have Any Cellular Antioxidant Activity

The present study reports the total phenolic content, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity of eight grains and the cellular antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds previously reported to be found in the insoluble-bound fraction of whole grains. Total phenolic content of the insoluble-bound fraction of grains ranged from 24 (amaranth and buckwheat) to 255 (corn) mg GAE/100 g. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were found in the insoluble-bound fraction of all grains. Caffeic acid was only detected in the insoluble-bound fraction of barley and corn. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was only detected in the insolublebound fraction of quinoa and amaranth and vanillic acid was only detected in the insoluble-bound fraction of quinoa. Flavonoids (qurecetin, kaempferol, catechin, and rutin) were not detected in the insoluble-bound fraction of any grain. None of the phenolic compounds in the present study had any cellular antioxidant activity, most likely because these phenolic compounds do not have the structure necessary to impart cellular antioxidant activity. The data from the present study suggest that the potential health benefit of whole grain consumption in the lower gastrointestinal tract is independent of the cellular antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds found in the insoluble-bound fraction of whole grains.