Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses to heat stress in commercial and local broiler stocks. 1. Performance traits

1. This study investigated effects of conditioning at 5 d of age and food restriction during a hot period on responses to prolonged heat stress of two fast (G1 and G2) and one slower-growing (G3) broiler stocks. 2. Chicks from each stock were divided into 3 groups: control, conditioned (chicks exposed to 36°C for 24 h at 5 d of age) and food restricted (during the heat stress food was withdrawn 2 h before the hot period and chicks were fed between 17.00 and 08.00 h). Prolonged heat stress was induced daily from 28 to 49 d by heating until the ambient temperature reached 32° to 35°C between 10.00 and 17.00 h. 3. Body weights, mortality and rectal temperatures were lower and food conversion higher for stock G3 than G1 or G2. 4. Management procedures used in this study improved food conversion and lowered mortality without affecting body weight. Rectal temperatures of the treated groups were similar to those of the controls.
Students' perceptions of Blackboard and Moodle in a Portuguese university

The use of learning management systems (LMS) has grown considerably in universities around the world. The University of Minho (UM) has pioneered in this area in Portugal, adopting Blackboard as its official LMS. Moodle is also used in UM in scattered initiatives, allowing for interesting comparisons. Previous studies comparing Blackboard and Moodle have been confined to limited samples and focused on students' perceptions only. In this paper, we also try to relate those perceptions to the impact of the LMSs on student level of engagement. We assess the extent and depth of use of the two LMSs, presenting the results of a study of students' perceptions and experience with both Blackboard and Moodle. Unlike previous studies, more students (46.5%) stated a preference for Blackboard over Moodle, while 34.7% preferred Moodle, and nearly 20% had no preference. Factors that might explain these results are explored in some detail. By and large, a basic utilisation is made of both platforms, as little more than electronic document repositories, in what Francis and Raftery, in 2005, designate as a Mode 1 level of engagement. We could, however, detect some instances of a more sophisticated Mode 2 utilisation, particularly with Moodle, underlining the role of faculty in integrating a sophisticated use of LMSs when designing their courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Growth and Profitability in Small and Medium Sized Australian Firms

This study investigated the longitudinal behaviour of growth rates and profitability for a large sample of Australian firms. Similar to previous studies, growth rates were found to be much more volatile than profitability measures. Using a regression equation with lagged profit and growth variables, we found no evidence of a consistent relationship between growth and profitability. The longitudinal behaviour of the growth profitability relationship was also investigated. Consistent with previous research, we found that higher growth firms were on average younger. Similarly, high and low profit firms were found to be younger on average. Our results found that a higher proportion of firms pursuing the profitability pathway were much more likely to achieve high growth and profitability in following years. A much lower proportion of firms pursuing the growth pathway were likely to achieve above average performance in profitability in future years.
The insulin‐like growth factor system and sarcomas

Sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant mesenchymal tumours arising from bone and soft tissues. The identification of critical cellular signalling pathways in sarcomas is an important issue for the development of new targeted therapies. This review highlights the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the role of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signalling system in the cellular transformation and progression of several types of sarcoma, including rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma. Preclinical data suggest that the IGF system could be a promising target for therapy in these sarcomas. Currently, therapies interrupting IGF signalling have been or are being developed. In recent phase 1 clinical studies with humanized monoclonal antibodies directed against IGF receptor type 1 (IGF‐1R), objective tumour responses were observed in several patients with Ewing's sarcoma, encouraging further clinical testing in Ewing's sarcoma and other sarcoma (sub)types. Moreover, the occasional occurrence of paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia as a result of the secretion of incompletely processed forms of pro‐IGF‐II by sarcomas is discussed. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the weak continuity of elliptic operators and applications to potential theory

In this paper, we establish weak continuity results for quasilinear elliptic and subellip tic operators of divergence form, acting on corresponding classes of subharmonic functions. These results are analogous to our earlier results for fully nonlinear fc-Hessian operators. From the weak continuity, we derive various potential theoretic results including capacity estimates, potential esti mates and the Wiener criterion for regular boundary points. Our methods make substantial use of Harnack inequalities for solutions. 1. Introduction. There are numerous papers on the local behavior of solu tions, subsolutions, and supersolutions of second order, quasilinear elliptic, diver gence structure, partial differential equations, as well as extensions to degenerate elliptic and subelliptic equations. In this paper we show that many properties, including the quasi-continuity of subharmonic functions, asymptotic behavior of fundamental solutions, removability of singularities, Wiener criteria for regular boundary points, can be derived via Harnack inequalities for solutions. The two main ingredients in our approach, which follow from our treatment of the fully nonlinear Hessian operators in (45, 46, 47), together with that of Labutin (30), are a weak convergence result and a pointwise potential estimate for subharmonic functions. The weak convergence result is analogous to that for Hessian operators (45, 46) while the potential estimate extends that found for quasilinear elliptic operators by Kilpelainen and Maly (27). Weak convergence results in the theory of nonlinear partial differential equa tions have been addressed in the survey (13). In this paper we treat nonlinear elliptic, divergence structure, operators for which Harnack type inequalities are available. To state our result, we need an appropriate notion of subharmonic func tion. In the fully nonlinear case (46), we employed the "viscosity" notion based on differential inequalities for smooth test functions. For quasilinear divergence structure equations the traditional definition, using the homogeneous equation, is more convenient. Accordingly, we shall say that a continuous function w, in a domain Q in Euclidean ? -space, IR", is harmonic with respect to an operator ? , or C-harmonic in short, if it is a solution of the homogeneous equation C(u) =0
Adoption of Internet banking by Australian consumers: an empirical investigation

Quantifies the factors affecting the adoption of Internet banking by Australian consumers. The sample for this survey was drawn from individual residents and business firms in Australia. Shows that security concerns and lack of awareness about Internet banking and its benefits stand out as being the obstacles to the adoption of Internet banking in Australia. Suggests some of the ways to address these impediments. Further suggests that delivery of financial services over the Internet should be a part of overall customer service and distribution strategy. These measures could help in rapid migration of customers to Internet banking, resulting in considerable savings in operating costs for banks.
Bank Selection Criteria of Multiple Bank Users in Hong Kong

Investigates multiple banking behaviour in Hong Kong (in the retail sector) by questionnaire survey. The survey includes analyses of the number of banks used by each person, the types of services used at each bank, and the factors that influence this type of consumer behaviour. Reports that multiple banking is widespread and is heavily influenced by such factors as risk reduction, convenience in terms of number of branches and automatic teller machines, the relative advantage of selected banks, prestige, need for credit and credit cards, and special circumstances. Statistically significant differences were found in the evaluation of the relative importance of these factors on multiple banking behaviour based on sex, age, marital status, income and education discriminators.
Comparison of left ventricular volumes by dye dilution and angiographic methods in the dog.

In each of 12 mongrel dogs, data for end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and stroke volume of the left ventricle were obtained by two independent methods: the indicator dilution method and a radiographic method. While the values for stroke volume showed good agreement between the two methods, a significant and directionally constant difference was found between values for end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume calculated by the two different methods. This was observed in dogs with fast heart rates (exceeding 150 beats/min), as well as in dogs with heart rates of about 100 beats/min. The findings strongly suggest that a fundamental error is present in estimations of volume based on the washout of an indicator dye.
Methylation of the estrogen receptor-alpha gene promoter is selectively increased in proliferating human aortic smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis is a multigenic process leading to the progressive occlusion of arteries of mid to large caliber. A key step of the atherogenic process is the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells into the intimal layer of the arterial conduit. The phenotype of smooth muscle cells, once within the intima, is known to switch from contractile to de-differentiated, yet the regulation of this switch at the genomic level is unknown. Estrogen has been shown to regulate cell proliferation both for cancer cells and for vascular cells. However, methylation of the estrogen receptor-alpha gene (ERalpha) promoter blocks the expression of ERalpha, and thereby can antagonize the regulatory effect of estrogen on cell proliferation. We sought to determine whether methylation of the ERalpha is differentially and selectively regulated in contractile versus de-differentiated arterial smooth muscle cells. METHODS We used Southern blot assay, combined bisulfite restriction analysis (Cobra) and restriction landmark genome scanning (RLGS-M) to determine the methylation status of ERalpha in human aortic smooth muscle cells, either in situ (normal aortic tissue, contractile phenotype), or the same cells explanted from the aorta and cultured in vitro (de-differentiated phenotype). RESULTS We provide evidence that methylation of the ERalpha in smooth muscle cells that display a proliferative phenotype is altered relative to the same cells studied within the media of non-atherosclerotic aortas. Thus, the ERalpha promoter does not appear to be methylated in situ (normal aorta), but becomes methylated in proliferating aortic smooth muscle cells. Using a screening technique, RLGS-M, we show that alteration in methylation associated with the smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch does not seem to require heightened activity of the methyltransferase enzyme, and appears to be selective for the ERalpha and a limited pool of genes whose CpG island becomes either demethylated or de novo methylated. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the concept that the genome of aortic smooth muscle cells is responsive to environmental conditions, and that DNA methylation, in particular methylation of the ERalpha, could contribute to the switch in phenotype observed in these cells.
Dynamic Impact of Land Supply on Population Mobility with Evidence from Hong Kong

Abstract Previous literature refers mostly to planning constraints and market failure. Little has been concentrated on the linkages between the land and housing markets and population mobility, particularly the effects of land supply. The aim of this paper is to analyse the dynamic impact of land supply on population mobility in Hong Kong. The first part provides a background for the current situation in Hong Kong in terms of population and land use allocation. The second and third sections review the relevant literature and set out a new “supply-chain paradigm” framework and methodology. Within the framework, we investigate the linkages between land supply and population mobility using Granger-casuality tests. The findings suggest that there exists a causal relationship between land supply and population mobility in the New Territories. Past values of land supply help to predict population mobility, and vice versa.
Genetic Parameters for Direct and Maternal Effects and Estimation of Breeding Values for Birth Weight in Brown Swiss Cattle

Variance components, genetic parameters, and breeding values for birth weight in Brown Swiss cattle reared in Bahri Dadafl International Agricultural Research Institute were estimated by REML-BLUP procedures using MTDFREML computer programme. Six different animal models were fitted for the trait ranging from a simple to the most comprehensive model. The most detailed model (model 6) provided the best fit to the used dataset. Heritability was higher in the model without maternal effect. Although maternal effect had a significant place for the data, environmental effect due to dam was not important. Heritability (h 2 ), maternal heritability (m 2 ), and the genetic correlation between these 2 parameters (rAM) were 0.15, 0.06 and 0.92, respectively, according best model (model 6). Breeding values were also calculated for the trait, but no positive or negative change has been observed between years. More detailed accurate data are needed to establish the applied method on the livestock sector in Turkey. Ozet: Bu cal›flma, Bahri Dadafl Uluslararas› Tar›msal Araflt›rma Enstitusunde yetifltirilen Esmer ›rk s›¤›rlar›n doum a¤›rl›klar›n›n varyans unsurlar›, genetik parametreleri, ve dam›zl›k deerlerinin tahmini icin yap›lm›flt›r. Cal›flmada REML-BLUP teknii kullan›lm›fl, bu amacla MTDFREML bilgisayar program›ndan faydalan›lm›flt›r. En basit modelden en younuna kadar toplam 6 farkl› model uygulanm›flt›r. En uygun modelin, model 6 olduu belirlenmifltir. Kal›t›m derecesi, anal›k etkisinin olmad›¤› modelde en yuksek olarak tespit edilmifltir. Anal›k etkisi cevre faktorleri icerisinde onemli bir yer tutmas›na ramen, anadan kaynaklanan etki onemsizdir. Model 6'ya gore kal›t›m derecesi (h 2 ), anal›k kal›t›m derecesi (m 2 ) ve bu ikisi aras›ndaki genetik korelasyon (rAM) s›ras›yla 0,15, 0,06 ve 0,92 olarak bulunmufltur. Cal›flmada dam›zl›k deerleri de tahmin edilmifltir. Fakat y›llara gore herhangi bir pozitif veya negatif eilim gorulmemifltir. Bu tur cal›flmalar›n Turkiye hayvanc›l›¤›na uyarlanmas› icin daha detayl› ve uygun verilere ihtiyac vard›r.
Impact of the Fraud Triangle on Audit Process: The Nigerian Accountant's View

The concept of "Fraud Triangle" is introduced to the accounting professional literature in the Statement of Auditing Standard (SAS) No 82 termed "Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit" The Fraud triangle embodies the three conditions generally present when fraud occurs, incentive/pressure, Opportunity and Attitude ! Rationalization. The objective of this research is to investigate more complex relationships between the main factors that affect fraud and audit risk. Input from forensic experts, academics and others consistently show that evaluation of information about fraud is enhanced when auditors evaluate in the context of these three conditions. To examine the impact of the fraud triangle on the audit process, three hypotheses were formulated and the data generated from questionnaire were tabulated and analyzed using percentage analysis, frequency table and mean score. The hypotheses were finally tested using z-test statistic and also Baseline model (SAS No 47) and Baseline Model with fraud Risk Assessment (SAS No 82) were equally used for this analysis. The results of the analysis support tile concept of the fraud triangle in that tile three components and the relationships between these components arc shown to have a substantial impact on audit risk. It was founded that audit risk decrease as tile evidence for management integrity increase. The study also reveal that without performing appropriate modify audit procedure and obtaining evidence supporting no fraud audit risk will never be reduces to acceptable level The researcher recommends that a "forensic type field work" be introduces into audits. It is also recommended that auditors should appropriately modify audit procedures and obtain evidence supporting no fraud for this will help to reduce audit risk to beef up their internal control to monitor the red flags of fraud.
Spanish society's perceptions about socially responsible investing

The debate surrounding the financial needs of investors and the impact on society of investment is considered to be an important research topic due to the growth of socially responsible financial markets. The objective of this research is to study the perception of the Spanish public about socially responsible investing (SRI) criteria and real-life investment needs. To examine the Spanish perception of SRI, we conducted a field survey. The results show that SRI is in an early stage and Spanish investors need more exact information regarding social, environmental, and governance criteria in order to invest in socially responsible companies and products.
Effects of energy and protein supplementation of ammoniated tropical grass hay on the growth and carcass characteristics of cull cows.

Laboratory, digestion and growth studies were used to evaluate energy and protein supplements for ammoniated (4% of the forage DM) stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst var. nlemfuensis) hay. Ammoniation increased (P less than .05) total N concentration (.7 to .9% vs 1.7 to 2.0%) and in vitro digestion of OM, NDF and ADF and reduced (P less than .05) NDF concentration of stargrass hay. Two digestion (3 x 3 Latin square, 250-kg steers) and two growth (400-kg Brahman crossbred cull cows, eight head per pasture, two pastures per treatment, November through February) trials evaluated citrus pulp or liquid cane molasses (Trial 1) and molasses or molasses plus cottonseed meal (Trial 2) supplementation of ammoniated hay. Supplementation with byproduct energy sources, citrus pulp or molasses (either alone or with cottonseed meal), improved (P less than .05) OM digestibility but reduced (P less than .05) NDF and ADF digestibilities. Apparent nutrient digestibilities were similar (P greater than .05) between diets supplemented with citrus pulp and molasses and between diets supplemented with molasses and molasses plus cottonseed meal. In Trial 1, ADG by cull cows was greater (P less than .05) for citrus pulp- (.71 kg) or molasses-(.68 kg) supplemented diets than for hay fed alone (.49 kg). In Trial ADG was greater (P less than .05) for cull cows fed ammoniated hay supplemented with molasses plus cottonseed meal (.85 kg) than for those supplemented with molasses only (.69 kg). Feeding cows over the winter increased their (P less than .05) carcass weight, marbling score, USDA quality grade and lipid percentage of the 9-10-11 rib section compared with cows slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Tone association and F₀ timing in Chichewa

In Chichewa (Bantu, Malawi), a high tone is realized as a peak in fundamental frequency (fO). In this study, the timing of fO peaks relative to the duration of the high-toned syllable was measured for high tones in phrase-medial, -penultimate and -final positions. No phonetic support was found for the assumption in the literature that a phrase-medial high tone is spread over two syllables. Instead, it was found that such a high tone is realized with a significantly later fO peak than a high tone in the last two syllables. On the other hand, support was found for Kanerva's proposal that a phrase-final high tone is shifted in phonological representation to the phrase-penultimate syllable.
Gender differences found in a qualitative study of a disordered eating prevention programme: What do boys have to say?

Qualitative studies examining gender differences of eating disorder prevention programmes are scarce. We aimed to evaluate gender differences in adolescents who participated in a larger study on effectiveness of a disordered eating prevention programme. Perceptions of eating, female and male aesthetic models, media influences, prevention programmes and emerging topics from 12 school-going boys who received a media-literacy programme (n = 4), media-literacy plus nutrition-awareness programme (n = 4) or neither (n = 4) were explored using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and compared with previous results in girls. Findings suggest that the prevention programme is effective for both genders. Gender differences and consumer-culture influences may be considered in future interventions.
Design methods for reactive systems - Yourdon, Statemate, and the UML

Foreword. Preface. PART I Reactive System Design: Reactive Systems The Environment Stimulus-Response Behavior Software Specifications. PART II Function Notations: Mission Statement Function Refinement Tree Service Description. PART III Entity Notations: Entity-Relationship Diagrams ERD Modeling Guidelines The Dictionary. PART IV Behavior Notations State Transition Lists and Tables State Transition Diagrams Behavioral Semantics Behavior Modeling and Design Guidelines. PART V Communication Notations: Data Flow Diagrams Communication Diagrams Communication Semantics Context Modeling Guidelines Requirements-Level Decomposition Guidelines. PART VI Software Specification Methods: Postmodern Structured Analysis (PSA) Statemate The Unified Modeling Language (UML) Not Yet Another Method (NYAM). Appendices: Training Information System An Electronic Ticket System A Heating Control System An Elevator Control System Answers to Selected Exercises Glossary Bibliographic Remarks Bibliography Index. Online Materials (www.mkp.com/dmrs/): (continued) Answers to Selected Exercises (pass protected) A Controller for a Compact Dynamic Bus Station A Cruise Control System A Logistics Information System Slides for Teachers Handout of the Slides Notes for Teachers.
Alcohol Use of African Americans and Whites From Ages 9–20: Descriptive Results From a Longitudinal Study

African American and White youth (N = 405) were assessed annually for 8 years, providing alcohol use data spanning from ages 9–20 years. Alcohol use increased with age, as did binge drinking, drunkenness, peer alcohol use, and ease of obtaining alcohol. At younger ages, the usual alcoholic drink was wine; other drinks were preferred at older ages. Fewer African Americans than Whites reported alcohol use, binge drinking, drunkenness, peer alcohol use, and encouragement of alcohol. These results support and extend previous findings and suggest that contextual influences may help explain alcohol use differences and similarities between African American and White youth.