Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for feed and water efficiency in Senepol cattle.

The sustainability of beef production in the world demands the identification and selection of efficient animals that can produce more products with fewer inputs. Feed accounts for around 50-70% of variable costs of beef cattle systems, depending on the level of intensification adopted. Water has been traditionally considered an inexpensive, readily available, and renewable natural resource. However, growing concerns about the availability of drinkable water have increasingly pushed pressure on livestock production, especially cattle. Thus, genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated for feed and water efficiency in Senepol cattle in order to evaluate their use as selection criteria. Records on 587 Senepol heifers, involved in performance tests, were used. Traits studied included residual feed intake (RFI), residual water intake (RWI), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI) and average daily gain (ADG). Individual daily feed and water intake records were collected over a 70-day period, using electronic feed and water bunks developed by Intergado Ltd. The ADG was calculated dividing the total weight gained during the test by its duration. A linear regression model of Genetic improvement for feed and water efficiency in Senepol cattle can be achieved through selection. Genetic progress for water efficiency is expected to be superior to the one for feed efficiency. Feed intake and efficiency can be genetically improved by selecting animals for water intake and efficiency . This study presents a basic description and analysis of 20 common health disorders/diseases monitored in 289 802 dairy cows in the Czech Republic. The data were provided by farmers on a one-time basis from 1 183 herds and were collected between July 2015 and June 2016. In 55 % of cows, no disorders/diseases were treated, while in 45 % of cows, at least 1 of 20 monitored disorders/diseases was recorded. The most frequent disease was mastitis (19.8 % treated lactations, i.e., lactational incidence risk, LIR), followed by metritis (LIR 11.3 %) and foot and claw diseases (LIR 11.0 %). Treatment of metabolic disorders was rather seldom (LIR 1-3.2 %). Not all farms recorded all diagnoses; while almost 90 % of farmers reported the incidence of mastitis, less than 50 % of them recorded the incidence of metabolic diseases. Additionally, the comparison of the incidence of foot and claw diseases with studies based on hoof trimmer records showed possible under-reporting. Despite those limitations, our basic analysis is important for intended genetic evaluation of health traits and gave us an idea about the health conditions and disease recording in Czech dairy cattle.
International differences in IFRS policy choice: A research note

Abstract Building on literature that suggests motives and opportunities for national versions of IFRS practice, we examine whether there are systematic differences in IFRS accounting policies between countries. Using information from the annual reports of companies in the blue chip indices of the largest five stock markets that use IFRS, we reject a null hypothesis that IFRS practice is the same across countries. For 16 accounting policy issues, we find instead significant evidence that pre‐ IFRS national practice continues where this is allowed within IFRS. By this, we document the existence of national patterns of accounting within IFRS. We also point out some policy implications that arise from our findings.
Dynamic Time-Locking Mechanism in the Cortical Representation of Spoken Words

Human speech has a unique capacity to carry and communicate rich meanings. However, it is not known how the highly dynamic and variable perceptual signal is mapped to existing linguistic and semantic representations. In this novel approach, we utilized the natural acoustic variability of sounds and mapped them to magnetoencephalography (MEG) data using physiologically-inspired machine-learning models. We aimed at determining how well the models, differing in their representation of temporal information, serve to decode and reconstruct spoken words from MEG recordings in 16 healthy volunteers. We discovered that time-locking of the cortical activation to the unfolding speech input is crucial for the encoding of the acoustic-phonetic features. In contrast, time-locking was not highlighted in cortical processing of non-speech environmental sounds that conveyed the same meanings as the spoken words, including human-made sounds with temporal modulation content similar to speech. The amplitude envelope of the spoken words was particularly well reconstructed based on cortical evoked responses. Our results indicate that speech is encoded cortically with especially high temporal fidelity. This mechanism may contribute to the frequently reported entrainment of the cortical oscillations to the amplitude envelope of speech. Furthermore, the phoneme content was reflected in cortical evoked responses simultaneously with the spectrotemporal features, pointing to an instantaneous transformation of the unfolding acoustic features into linguistic representations during speech processing. Summary: Computational modeling of cortical responses to spoken words highlights the relevance of temporal tracking of spectrotemporal features, which is likely pivotal for transforming the acoustic-phonetic features into linguistic representations.
Analysis of virulence related determinants of Aeromonas salmonicida using transposon mutagenesis

Isolates of A. salmonicida were subjected to transposon mutagenesis to analyse virulence determinants produced by the organism. Initially, the work was focused on finding a suitable delivery shuttle for transposon Tn5 and preliminary results suggested that the presence of low molecular weight plasmids in A. salmonicida and/or high frequency of excision of Tn5 were the main obstacles to creating Tn5 mutants. Greater success in obtaining mutants was achieved using the suicide plasmid pRT733. Several different classes of mutants were obtained and those which failed to express the serine protease were selected for further studies. The frequency of appearance of these mutants was similar to those reported in the literature for Tn5. The main objective of this study was to create mutants lacking expression of the 70 kD serine protease, which was reported by many workers to be an important virulence factor in furunculosis in Atlantic salmon. Protease negative mutants were analysed for the expression of other potential virulence determinants such as glycerophospholipidxholesterol acyltransferase, haemolysins, the A-layer and lipopolysaccharides. Serine protease-negative mutants created by TnphoA mutagenesis exhibited low activities of the glycerophospholipid:cholesterol acyltransferase and T-lysin, factors which have been considered important in furunculosis; also, expression of the H-lysin was impared due to the lack of expression of the 70 kD protease by these mutants, thus confirming results reported by several previous workers. Analysis of caseinase-negative mutants indicated that other caseinase (s) might be expressed by the organism, thus, the role of these caseinase (s) in furunculosis should be considered. Analysis of the organisation of the A-layer in TnphoA mutants indicated that maintainance and assembly of the A-protein (the precursor of the A-layer) was closely linked to the lipopolysaccharide expressed by the organism; loss of a certain type of lipopolysaccharide, shown by loss of sensitivity to the different phages used in this study, resulted in the export of A-protein into culture fluid and disorganization of the A-layer on the surface of the organism; no loss of the A-layer was observed in these mutants. Results obtained in this study suggested that expression of the 70 kD caseinase and a certain type of lipopolysaccharide were governed by a common regulatory control sytem; also, A. salmonicida may require expression of its serine protease to attain higher levels of activities of other virulence factors which could enable the organism to invade and infect its host.
Quality selection and genetic diversity of Tunisian durum wheat varieties using SSR markers

Our study focuses on the molecular analysis of the genetic diversity within 15 Tunisian durum wheat varieties and the assessment of the efficiency of some available markers to select valuable genotypes for technological proprieties of semolina (i.e. parameters related to SDS-sedimentation, mixing time and breakdown resistance of mixograph, grain protein content and yellow colour). While several markers were validated, others were not informative within the genotypes used. A high level of polymorphic information content (PIC) was detected, with an average of 5.2 polymorph alleles per locus and 0.6 average. Old varieties have high protein content however; modern varieties display strong gluten strength. Our results thus open the opportunity to choose valuable parents on the base of pedigrees, technological properties and genetic distances; and lead us to select efficient markers for the Regional Indigenous Land Strategy (Rils) selection strategy.
Mobile Work Continuance of Knowledge Workers: An Empirical Study

ABSTRACT Mobile work has been found to offer the benefits of flexibility and empowerment to employees as well as improved savings, productivity, and employee retention to organizations. Nevertheless, challenges and risks associated with mobile work can erode acceptance and continuance of mobile work. Drawing upon the theoretical work on information system (IS) continuance and using data collected from 238 knowledge mobile workers, this study develops and validates a model of mobile work continuance. Our findings suggest: (1) the expectation-confirmation framework provides strong theoretical support for explaining mobile work continuance, and (2) outcome construct and experiential constructs affect knowledge workers’ mobile work continuance intention.
Approaches to improve the ovulatory response and reproductive performance of ewes introduced to rams during seasonal anestrus

Approaches to improve the ovulatory response and reproductive performance of ewes introduced to rams during seasonal anestrus Katherine Mead Jordan Three experiments were conducted to test hypotheses relative to the ability of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and melatonin to improve responses of anestrous ewes to rams. Treatment with GnRH two days after treatment with progesterone at introduction of rams did not increase ovulation, pregnancy or lambing rates. Treatment with GnRH on days two, seven, or both after introduction of rams, resulted in ovulation, pregnancy, and lambing rates that did not differ. In another trial, GnRH four days before, or four days before and one day after introduction of rams did not improve a consistently high ovulatory response to introduction of rams without further treatment. Presence of corpora lutea in response to treatment was essential to synchronization of estrus with prostaglandin F2α. Treatment for 35 days with a melatonin implant increased the ability of anestrous ewes to respond to introduction of rams, more so in non-lactating than in lactating ewes.
The role of professional learning communities in facilitating teachers’pedagogical adaptation and change

The role of professional learning communities in facilitating teachers’ pedagogical adaptation and change Jennifer Feldman (Received 9 March 2016; accepted 7 December 2016) Abstract This article draws on a two-year PLC process to explore the role of professional learning communities (PLCs) in facilitating teachers’ pedagogical adaptation and change. Situated within the context of the current South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which is described as tightly scripted and regulated, this article argues, drawing on Nancy Fraser’s conceptualisation of justice, that there is a need for teachers to dialogue about ways in which the pedagogical process can include ethical concerns of recognition of student cultural knowledge and a representation of diverse social-cultural groups in the process of knowledge redistribution, and suggests that PLCs hold the potential to mediate this process. Drawing on Bourdieu’s thinking tools, this article conceptualises teachers’ pedagogical adaptation and change via the PLC process, as a form of ‘habitus engagement’ that engages with the teachers’ firmly held pedagogical dispositions, their ‘pedagogical habitus’ which over time has acquired a depth of complexity that is difficult to shift.
Properties of the termination shock observed by Voyager 2

In August 2007, Voyager 2 reached the termination shock and entered the heliosheath at a distance of about 83.6 AU. Due to the variations of the solar wind dynamic pressure or waves on the shock front, the termination shock moved back and forth, and Voyager 2 crossed the termination shock multiple times. We use the best fit solution of the Monte‐Carlo method to define the upstream and downstream conditions and determine the properties of termination shock, such as the shock normal, speed, and strength. For the crossings on DOY 243.819‐243.875(shock 1) and DOY 243.99‐244.012(shock 2), the termination shock moved almost in the radial direction. The shock is nearly perpendicular, and the angle between the shock normal and the solar wind magnetic field is about 70°. In the case of the first crossing, the termination shock moved away from the Sun with a speed of about 100 km s−1, whereas the termination shock moved toward Sun with a speed of about 30 km s−1 for the second crossing. The density ratios of the termination shock are 2.2 and 1.6, respectively. For both crossing events, the flow is found to be still supersonic with respect to the thermal ions downstream of the termination shock, probably due to the fact that most of the solar wind energy is transferred to the pickup ions.
Living with dementia with Lewy bodies: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Objective To explore the subjective experience of living with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Design A qualitative study of in-depth interviews using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Setting A memory clinic in Malmö, southern Sweden. Participants A purposive sample of five male participants with DLB between the ages of 78 and 88 years and disease duration of 1.5–7 years. Results Three themes were identified in relation to the participants’ experiences of living with DLB: (1) disease impact, in terms of symptom experience and restricted participation and activities; (2) self-perception and coping strategies; (3) importance of others, such as healthcare, family and friends. Conclusions This study provides a broad insight into the first-hand experience of living with DLB and how it compares with other dementia types. Findings highlight factors characterising the disease experience and well-being, and how persons with DLB address challenges arising secondary to disease. These findings are important for both research and clinical practice, demonstrating the feasibility of direct involvement of DLB persons in identifying important aspects of care, which include improved healthcare services.
Recovery of Skeletal Muscle Microvascular Myogenic Reactivity After Smooth Muscle Cell-TNF Knockout

Resistance arteries possess an intrinsic ability, termed the myogenic response, which enables them to adapt to changes in blood pressure, allowing for the regulation of total peripheral resistance and thus blood flow. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a master regulator of the myogenic response, as pharmacological inhibition and inducible smooth muscle cell-knockout of TNF specifically abrogated the myogenic response and accordingly lowers blood pressure. Surprisingly, the attenuated myogenic responsiveness following smooth muscle cell TNF knockout completely recovered within 7 days, independent of enhanced transcription of TNF and its receptors. Interestingly, the recovered myogenic response still depended completely on TNF signaling. Furthermore, the recovered myogenic response was much stronger at physiological pressures. This was associated with a significantly higher reliance on Ca-independent myogenic signaling. These findings advance the idea of a redundantly organized myogenic response that is required for the essential maintenance of hemodynamic homeostasis.
A Monitoring Platform for Bioelectricity and Transpiration of Plants

There are continuously changing bio-voltages in the xylem of plants. Such variation of the voltage is probably induced by transpiration. In order to study the relationship between the voltage and transpiration, a real-time monitoring platform based on Internet of Things (IoT) was developed. The platform includes six functions: data receiving, data processing, database, data displaying, chart, and data export. Voltages in xylem and transpiration rate, as well as environment parameters can be measured synchronously and received by the platform via a receptor server. Measured data are displayed on web pages and stored in MySQL database. The charting function gives an intuitive view of the data. Moreover, the export function allows users to further analyze the measured data. The platform was validated to be stable and reliable after repeated experiments and provide a tool for the research on the bioelectricity in plants.
Untersuchungen über den Apfelbaumglasflügler, Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkh.), in Nordrhein

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die Verbreitung, Flugaktivitat und der Larvenbefall von Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkh.) im nordrheinischen Apfelanbau untersucht. Die Ergebnisse haben gezeigt, das S. myopaeformis im gesamten Apfelanbaugebiet weit verbreitet ist. Die Flugaktivitat der Falter erstreckte sich uber etwa dreieinhalb Monate von Ende Mai bis Anfang September. Dabei wurden in den Jahren 1985 und 1986 in Meckenheim durchschnittlich etwa 400, in Bornheim etwa 320 Falter pro Pheromonfalle gefangen. Im Vergleich dazu befand sich der ermittelte Larvenbefall auf einem recht niedrigen Niveau. Die hochsten Werte wurden in einer Apfelanlage in Meckenheim mit durchschnittlich 1,0 (1985) und 6,4 Larven und Puppen pro Baum (1986) festgestellt. Das Alter der Baume konnte als ein Einflusfaktor auf die Hohe des Larvenbefalls ermittelt werden, wahrend die Apfelsorte nur eine untergeordnete Rolle spielte. Studles on the apple clearwing moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkh.), in Nordrhein Studies were conducted on the distribution, flight activity and attack of the larvae of Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkh.) in Nordrhein apple orchards. The results have shown that S. myopaeformis is widely distributed in Nordrhein. Flight activity of the moths lasted about three and a half months from the end of May until the beginning of September. In 1985 and 1986, 400 and 320 moths were captured with sexual traps in Meckenheim and Bornheim, respectively. Attack of the larvae showed very low whea compared to flight activity. The greatest number of larvae and pupae per tree (1,0 = 1985 and 6,4 = 1986) were found in an apple orchard in Meckenheim. The age of the apple trees influenced the level of infestation whereas cultivar was of minor importance.
Certainty Equivalent Control of LQR is Efficient

We study the performance of the certainty equivalent controller on the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) with unknown transition dynamics. We show that the sub-optimality gap between the cost incurred by playing the certainty equivalent controller on the true system and the cost incurred by using the optimal LQR controller enjoys a fast statistical rate, scaling as the square of the parameter error. Our result improves upon recent work by Dean et al. (2017), who present an algorithm achieving a sub-optimality gap linear in the parameter error. A key part of our analysis relies on perturbation bounds for discrete Riccati equations. We provide two new perturbation bounds, one that expands on an existing result from Konstantinov et al. (1993), and another based on a new elementary proof strategy. Our results show that certainty equivalent control with $\varepsilon$-greedy exploration achieves $\tilde{\mathcal{O}}(\sqrt{T})$ regret in the adaptive LQR setting, yielding the first guarantee of a computationally tractable algorithm that achieves nearly optimal regret for adaptive LQR.
Correlates of Behavior Management Strategies among Learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Primary Schools in Western Kenya

Practitioners handling learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) often feel ill-prepared to effectively manage this disorder. Quite often, when faced with cases of challenging behaviour, teachers use coping strategies which may be counter-productive. This paper reports the findings of a study that sought to determine factors that influence practitioners’ choice of behaviour management strategies among learners with ASDs in primary schools in Western Kenya. An exploratory analysis set out to determine the practitioners’ perception of challenging behaviour and its influence on the choice of management strategies. The findings of the study revealed that practitioners training, work experience, collaboration and networking with other professionals, staffing levels, and support received from parents of children with ASDs played a significant role in the choice of strategies in management of behaviour presented by learners with ASDs. Key words : Challenging behavior, Practitioners, Teachers, Autistic Spectrum Disorder