Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of behaviour and health of two broiler hybrids with different growth rates

Until recently fast growing broiler hybrids have been used exclusively in both conventional and organic broiler production in Sweden. This study aimed to quantify differences in behaviour and health between a fast growing hybrid (Ross 308) and a slower growing hybrid (Rowan Ranger). The chickens were reared for 10 weeks in a semi-organic production environment with organic feed and space allowances, but without outdoor access. In the study, 218 Ross 308 and 211 Rowan Ranger day old chicks were split into 20 groups with 10 replicates of each hybrid. Registrations of behaviour and health were done at 2, 6 and 9 weeks of age and mortality was recorded continuously from start to slaughter. Behaviours were recorded through scan sampling and continuous observations. The day after the behavioural observations, a welfare assessment was performed according to the Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Poultry. The results showed that Rowan Ranger chickens were more active than Ross as they were standing more, furthermore, Rowan Ranger were perching more than Ross. Ross chickens had more leg and feet problems than Rowan Ranger chickens, i.e. worse gait score (decreased moving ability), foot pad dermatitis score and hook burn score (inflammation and lesions on the skin). As a result of more severe leg problems, a higher proportion of the Ross compared to the Rowan Ranger birds were culled. Both Ross and Rowan Ranger showed health problems at older ages, likely due to increased body weight in both hybrids. However, results imply that fast growing Ross 308 chickens are poorly suited for a long rearing period (>10 weeks), whereas the slower growing Rowan Ranger chickens seem better suited for the rearing period of 81 days stated by the organic regulations.
Informational Advantage and Influence of Communicating Central Banks

Focusing on a set of central banks that publish their internal macroeconomic forecasts in real time enables one to shed light on the expectations channel of monetary policy. The main contribution of this paper is to assess whether central bank forecasts influence private forecasts. The response is positive for inflation forecasts in Sweden, the UK and Japan. To disentangle the sources of influence of central banks, two concepts are proposed: endogenous influence, which is due to more accurate central bank forecasts, and exogenous influence, which is due to central bank signals on either future policy decisions or private information. Original empirical evidence on the central bank forecasting performance relative to private agents is provided, and estimates show that in Sweden, more accurate inflation forecasts generate specific central bank influence that is different from the influence from signals. The publication of forecasts may therefore refer to two central banking strategies that aim to shape private expectations: forecasting or policymaking. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
The influence of some abiotic parameters on growth inclination in ascidian Halocynthia papillosa (Linnaeus, 1767) from the northern Adriatic sea (Croatia)

This study investigated the relationships between growth orientation, body height and depth on sampling sites. The survey was carried out during 2008 in the area of the island Mali Losinj. A total of 46 specimens of Halocynthia papillosa (Linnaeus, 1767) were analyzed. The growth orientation varied from 60° to 80° and body height was in the range of 20 mm to 110 mm. Pearson’s correlation coefficient shows the positive correlation between growth orientation and body height and the same correlation is determined between depth and body height. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient shows a more positive correlation neither between growth orientation and body height nor growth orientation and depth.
Growth of long fatigue cracks under non-proportional loadings – experiment and simulation

An experimental campaign was carried out on thin-walled tubes under tension and torsion. The results from experiments are measured and compared. It is observed that cracks follow a shear-dominated growth pattern with increasing crack length, instead of a tension-dominated one. The experiments are performed with high amplitudes applied to the specimens, resulting in large cyclic plastic deformations and crack growth rates up to 10-3 mm/cycle. Stress intensity factors were calculated for the proportional loading case.
Cloning in the news: An analysis of how the science and ethics of cloning are reported in three daily newspapers of Cape Town

Background: Cloning is a topic that has long fascinated people. It has imbedded itself into popular culture, but studies show that the general public has, at best, only a vague understanding of what cloning entails. Alternatively, their perception has been skewed by that very same popular culture. However, cloning is a complex scientific subject that has considerable ethical implications. It is the kind of topic that people in a deliberate democracy should know about. The media play an important role in the education of the public with regards to science and technology. However, the media have the potential to do more than provide the basic facts. In fact, the media can play an important role in influencing the actions and opinions of the public. It is therefore a responsibility of the media to provide accurate information on scientific developments, such as cloning. Objective: An analysis of three daily newspapers in the Western Cape was carried out to determine how cloning is reported. The broad topics addressed were whether the coverage focused on the ethical or scientific aspects of cloning, if the subject was reported in a positive or negative tone, and whether the science of cloning was adequately explained. Methodology: A quantitative content analysis was completed of a sample of 69 articles. These articles were all those relating to cloning that appeared in three daily newspapers (Cape Argus, Cape Times and Die Burger) over a period of one year from 10 November 2002 to 10 November 2003. Findings: Of all the articles analysed 34% focused on the scientific aspects, 21% focused on the ethical aspects, 6% focused on both ethics and science, while 39% focused on neither. Fifty two percent of articles dealing specifically with animal cloning focused on the science, while only 4% focused on the ethics. However, in articles dealing specifically with human cloning, more (30%) emphasised ethical aspects than scientific aspects (20%). With regards to tone of coverage, 32% of all the articles analysed were positive, 28% negative, and 40% neutral. Sixty percent of articles dealing specifically with animal cloning featured a positive tone, while only 13% of articles exclusively about human cloning had a positive tone. This 13% was comprised of articles on therapeutic rather than reproductive cloning. In terms of explaining the science associated with cloning, only 30% of articles provided an Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za/
Host Range And Distribution Of The Phytoplasma Causing Arizona Ash Decline

Ash decline (AD), caused by a phytoplasma, is a progressive dieback disease previously reported in Fraxinus velutina. The host range and distribution of AD is discussed based on samples collected from ash trees sampled from across the state of Arizona, U.S., including both wild-type F. velutina in riparian areas and F. velutina cv. Modesto, F. velutina cv. Rio Grande, and F. uhdei in landscaped areas. The results of the statewide survey indicate that AD is found in native and cultivated ash trees, with F. velutina cv. Modesto exhibiting the highest (100%) level of disease in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Wild-type F. velutina and F. velutina cv. Rio Grande also exhibited AD symptoms but with lower frequency and severity. Fraxinus uhdei did not exhibit symptoms of AD. Phytoplasma infection was detected in all tree types of F. velutina trees using DAPI staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) but was not detected in F. uhdei. Higher frequency of phytoplasma infection was detected in tree canopies versus roots in contrast to previous results reported in white ash. PCR was found to be more efficient at detecting the low-titer infection levels typical of F. velutina in comparison to DAPI staining.
Examining Change in Elementary Aged Students’ Self-Regulation for Learning

Self-regulation (SR) describes how individuals control thoughts and actions to respond to environmental demands and attain goals. The purpose of this study was to examine how teachers’ perceptions of elementary aged students’ SR changed during a school year. Four main research questions were addressed: (1) What is the relationship between students’ SR and academic achievement? (2) Do teachers’ perceptions of students’ SR change during the school year? (3) Do demographic variables (e.g., sex) influence teachers’ perceptions of students’ SR? (4) How do some students struggle with SR? Data consisted of two waves of teachers’ ratings of students’ SR and academic achievement using the Self-Regulation In School Inventory (SRISI). Findings indicated that SR was a statistically significant predictor of academic achievement at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2). A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures confirmed a statistically significant within subjects effect of time indicating that teachers’ perceptions of students’ SR were statistically significantly higher from T1 (M = 4.38, SD = 1.29) to T2 (M = 4.51, SD = 1.33). Also, the ANOVA demonstrated that the demographic variable sex had a statistically significant effect on SR at both time points, F (1, 120) = 15.38, p < . 01, η = . 11, indicating a medium to large effect. Boys had statistically significantly lower ratings of SR at T1 (M = 3.99, SD = 1.21) and T2 (M = 4.07, SD = 1.24) compared to girls at T1 (M = 4.8, SD = 1.26) and T2 (M = 4.98, SD = 1.27), respectively. Finally, students’ SR scores were standardized and a subsample of students’ (n = 16) whose SR was “at risk” was examined. Students in the subsample were predominantly younger boys (12 males). “At risk” students’ SR scores improved from T1 to T2, however the results were not statistically significant. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are situated with in a larger discussion of elementary school students’ SR for learning. EXAMINING CHANGE IN STUDENTS’ SELF-REGULATION 3
Data Mining in Tourism Data Analysis: Inbound Visitors to Japan

The increasing power of technology puts new, advanced statistical tools at the disposal of researchers. This is one of the first research articles to use a data mining tool—namely, decision trees—to analyze the behavior of inbound tourists for the purpose of effective future destination marketing in Japan. The research results of approximately 4,000 observations show that the main motivation for visitors’ future return is not driven by experiences had during their most current visit but rather by experiences anticipated in the future, such as visiting hot springs or immersing themselves in beautiful natural settings. The data mining method largely excludes the possibility of the intrusion of researcher subjectivity and is conducive to useful discoveries of certain visitor patterns in large data sets, providing governments and destination marketing organizations with additional tools to better formulate effective destination marketing strategies.
Non‐target risk assessment of Bt crops – Cry protein uptake by aphids

One of the main concerns regarding the use of insect‐resistant transgenic crops is their potential detrimental effect on non‐target organisms that fulfil important ecological functions. The potential effects on desirable non‐target organisms are thus assessed as part of the environmental risk assessment prior to the commercial release of any novel transgenic crop. Aphids are abundant herbivores in most crops and are attacked by a range of specialist predators and parasitoids. We here show that aphids do not ingest considerable amounts of insecticidal proteins when feeding on Bt‐transgenic crops. We argue that occasional reports of low concentrations of Bt Cry proteins in aphids can be explained by contamination of the samples. Consequently, antagonists that are specifically or predominantly attacking aphids are unlikely to be at risk because of limited exposure. Studies to support the environmental risk assessment should thus focus on species that are more likely to be exposed to the insecticidal compounds.
Polikistik Overli Hastalarda Metformin Tedavisinin Antimüllerian Hormon Düzeylerine Etkisi Effect of Metformin Therapy on Anti Mullerian Hormone Levels in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Amac: Polikistik over sendromu, uretken cagdaki kadinlarda sik gorulen bir klinik durumdur. Hiperinsulinemi ve insulin direnci, hastaligin patofizyolojisinde onemli bir antite olarak karsimiza cikar. Calismamizin amaci; antimullerian hormon (AMH) duzeylerinin metformin tedavisi sonrasi degisimini incelemekti. Yontem: Rotterdam kriterlerine gore Polikistik over tanisi alan 84 hasta ve 28 saglikli gonullu calismaya alindi. Hastalarin yarisi (n=42) 1,7 gr/gun metformin tedavisi alirken diger 42 hasta tedavisiz izlendi. 6 aylik perioddan sonra hastalarin laboratuar testleri karsilastirildi. Bulgular: AMH duzeyleri tedavi oncesi benzerdi. Metformin tedavisi sonrasi tedavi alan PCOS hastalari ve kontrol grubu AMH duzeyleri 6 aylik period sonrasinda benzer duzeylerde bulundu. Tedavi edilmeyenlere gore 1.7 gr/gun metformin alan hastalarda AMH duzeyleri belirgin dusuk olarak izlendi (p<0.001). Sonuc: AMH duzeyleri antral follikul volumu ve serum testosteron duzeyleri ile korelasyon gosteren bir parametredir. AMH olcumunun, ovaryan yaslanmayi degerlendirmede, polikistik over tanisinda ve tedavi takibinde yeri oldugu arastirilmistir. AMH duzeylerinin metformin tedabisi sonrasi dusmesi, metforminin PCOS hastalarinda kullanimini destekleyen bir veridir. Objective: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of reproductive-aged women. The objective of this prospective randomised study was to observe antimullarian hormone (AMH) levels in patients with PCOS after metformin therapy. Method: A total of eighty- four(84) consequtive patients diagnosed according to the criteria proposed in Rotterdam and twenty(28) healthy volunteers were included in the study. Half of patients (42) were treated with 1. 7 gr/ day metformin for six months. The other patients (n=42) were observed without therapy for six months and all laboratory tests were compared with control group after 6-month- period Results: AMH levels were similar in two patient groups before treatment. After metformin therapy, AMH was measured significantly higher in PCOS- untreated group and PCOS+ metformin group before treatment(p<0.001); but no difference is observed after 6- month treatment with controls. There was no significant relationship between AMH level and ovarial stromal thickness or follicle number; whereas, a positive correlation was found with ovarian volume (p<0,05). Conclusion: Since serum AMH levels correlate with antral follicle volume and serum testosterone levels, AMH measurement could be used as a tool to evaluate ovarian ageing, to diagnose polycystic ovaries and follow efficacy of treatment. Serum AMH levels significantly decrease after metformin treatment, probably due to decrease in hyperinsulinemia.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative through the Lens of Central Asia

Has the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, changed the perception of China among local actors in Central Asia? There are numerous internal problems and contradictions among the Central Asian countries and the region remains one of the least integrated in the world. This poses serious challenges to BRI but also offers opportunities for enhancing regional connectivity and integration. Although there has been some research and even more media coverage of BRI, little is known about how Central Asians perceive BRI. This chapter fills some of these gaps and analyzes the present state of relations between the Central Asian countries and China and collects and systematizes perceptions of Beijing and BRI among Central Asian stakeholders. The analysis focuses on economic cooperation, infrastructure and educational initiatives, as they as they are among BRI’s main pillars. The main conclusion is that current attitudes towards China have been formed within the framework of bilateral relations that started in 1991, and there has so far been no major shift in the perception of China in Central Asia since BRI was launched. Whereas the broader public expects more economic opportunities from BRI and there has been more discussion of China’s role in Central Asia after 2013, local communities remain uninformed and weakly connected to the high-level interaction between the Chinese and Central Asian governments.
Pattern of mortality in sickle cell disease: an autopsy study

Background: Sickle haemoglobin is highly prevalent in western India. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the generic term for the group of haemoglobinopathies caused by the occurrence of haemoglobin S (Hbs) in the homozygous form –sickle cell anaemia (Hbss) or as the heterozygous combination of Hbs with another abnormal haemoglobin such as Hbsc or beta –thalassaemias (Hbs b-thal). While doing autopsy in case of death with no apparent cause, the possibility of death may be due to vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease should be kept in mind. The findings at autopsy are variation of features which may or may not be directly connected to death. The goal is to draw awareness among physicians and relatives on need of autopsy as to minimize future unexpected death from complication or crisis and to enhance knowledge on both parties. Methods: This was a study of autopsy specimens received between January 2015 to December 2015 at tertiary care hospital. Results: Total of 679 autopsy cases were received, out of which sickled erythrocytes were detected in 25 cases. The mean age at death was 30 years, a male/female ratio of 1.5:1 and peak mortality was in the 2 nd to 4 th decades of life. The commonest presentation was sudden death. The cause of death in middle aged patients were vaso occlusive crisis, in paediatric patients were infection and in older patients were chronic organ damage. Conclusions: Early diagnosis, prompt treatment and extended screening programme are necessary in prevalent tribal belt of western India to reduce morbidity and mortality. we should also introduce awareness programmes in tribal belt of western India.
HUMAN MUSCLE STRENGTH TRAINING: THE EFFECTS OF THREE DIFFERENT REGIMES AND THE NATURE OF THE RESULTANT CHANGES BY D. A. JONES

1. Increases in strength and size of the quadriceps muscle have been compared during 12 weeks of either isometric or dynamic strength training. 2. Isometric training of one leg resulted in a significant increase in force (35+ 19%, mean + S.D., n = 6) with no change in the contralateral untrained control leg. 3. Quadriceps cross-sectional area was measured from mid-thigh X-ray computerized tomography (c.t.) scans before and after training. The increase in area (5 + 4-6 %, mean + S.D., n = 6) was smaller than, and not correlated with, the increase in strength. 4. The possibility that the stimulus for gain in strength is the high force developed in the muscle was examined by comparing two training regimes, one where the muscle shortened (concentric) and the other where the muscle was stretched (eccentric) during the training exercise. Forces generated during eccentric training were 45% higher than during concentric training. 5. Similar changes in strength and muscle cross-sectional area were found after the two forms of exercise. Eccentric excercise increased isometric force by 11+3-6% (mean +S.D., n = 6), and concentric training by 15+80O% (mean +S.D., n = 6). In both cases there was an approximate 5% increase in cross-sectional area. 6. It is concluded that as a result of strength training the main change in the first 12 weeks is an increase in the force generated per unit cross-sectional area of muscle. The stimulus for this is unknown but comparison of the effects of eccentric and concentric training suggest it is unlikely to be solely mechanical stress or metabolic fluxes in the muscle.
Eutrophication and occurrences of harmful algal blooms in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan

The Seto Inland Sea is the largest enclosed coastal sea in Japan and is also a major fishing ground includ- ing aquacultures of fish, bivalves and seaweeds. The incidents of red tides dramatically increased in frequency and scale in the Seto Inland Sea along with serious eutrophication in the 1960s and 1970s. The maximum incident of 299 was recorded in 1976, but the incident has since shown a clear decreasing trend, reaching about 100 per year in the late 1980s by virtue of regulation by law, and this level has been maintained thereafter with the level of nutrients supporting red tide occurrences. The "Law Concerning Special Measures for Conservation of the Environment of the Seto Inland Sea" was legislated in 1973 and industrial loading was decreased to half the level of 1972. The important red tide or- ganisms causing huge fishery damages by fish-kill are Chattonella antiqua, C. marina, C. ovata and Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae), and Karenia mikimotoi and Cochlodinium polykrikoides (Dinophyceae). The maximum fishery damage (death of 14.2 million yellowtails) was 7.1 billion yen (about US $60 million) caused by C. antiqua in Harima-Nada in 1972. In 1988, a novel red-tide dinoflagellate species Heterocapsa circularisquama appeared for the first time, and has repeatedly killed both natural and aquacultured bivalves, with the highest damage of 3.9 billion yen to cultured oysters in Hiroshima Bay in 1998. Among the important red-tide organisms, C. antiqua, H. circularisquama and C. polykrikoides are rated as extremely harmful species that can easily reach the warning level of fishery damage by consuming only small amounts of nutrients. In toxic blooms, the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense has become dominant in the Seto Inland Sea in the spring season, causing toxicity in short-necked clams and cultured oysters al- most every year. Many countermeasures have been applied for harmful algal blooms in Japan. Laws for the regulation of water quality have been most effective in decreasing red-tide occurrences. No physical and chemical controls have been successful except for clay treatments. Clay spraying has been investigated and implemented in Kyushu and Korea for the removal of C. polykrikoides red tides. As environment-friendly mitigation strategies for red tides, biological con- trols using algicidal bacteria and viruses are proposed. A new finding of the abundant existence of algicidal bacteria on the surface of seaweeds suggests that co-culturing fish and seaweed is a prevention strategy for harmful algal blooms by virtue of the continuous release of many algicidal bacteria to the surrounding seawater. The artificial development of seaweed beds would also be effective as a prevention strategy for red tides.