Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of Research in Duck Nutrient Utilization

The duck has a great potential in helping to meet the growing demand for high quality protein in human diets. In order for ducks to meet their potential, more research is needed to establish their dietary requirements. Feeding and excreta collection techniques developed at Purdue University that minimize loss of excreta during collection, the first step towards precise dietary requirement quantification, are described. Using the techniques that were developed, energy and amino acid utilization of White Pekin ducks were evaluated in several studies. Diets supplying 3, 000 kcal ME/kg, 0.6% Methionine, and 1.2% Lysine are adequate to meet duck’s requirement for optimum growth in the first week of life. Predicted ME of diets based on utilization values of individual ingredients was compared with the measured ME in the diets, the result showed that the energy in the feedstuffs had additive when compounded into a diet for ducks. In the case of amino acids, some essential amino acid showed significant associative effect. Enzymes likes xylanase and phytase improved performance and bone mineralization when used in ducks diet. The effect was demonstrated to be due to reduction in digesta viscosity and increased P availability as a result of the use of xylanase and phytase, respectively, the effects being more pronounced in younger ducks. There is need for more research to be done in the areas of amino acid nutrition in ducks and the evaluation of nontraditional feedstuffs.
Perfil hematológico de cabras clinicamente sadias criadas no Cariri paraibano

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar o perfil hematologico de cabras sem raca definida, criadas na regiao do Cariri paraibano em regime semi-intensivo e mantidas sob as mesmas condicoes ambientais e de manejo, como tambem a busca de valores de referencia que se adequem a nossa regiao. Foram coletadas amostras sanguineas de 143 animais clinicamente sadios, com idades entre 1 e 12 anos. A partir de uma unica amostra de sangue de cada animal foram realizados o eritrograma (contagem de hemacias, volume globular, hemoglobina, volume corpuscular medio, hemoglobina corpuscular media e concentracao de hemoglobina corpuscular media) e o leucograma (contagem total e diferencial de leucocitos). Os dados obtidos foram avaliados estatisticamente por meio do Teste de Tukey em nivel de significância de 5%, comparando os resultados com valores encontrados por outros autores. Os resultados demonstraram que nao foram evidenciadas diferencas significativas de resultados encontrados por outros autores para as variaveis avaliadas, porem houve diferencas para alguns parâmetros descritos na literatura para animais de mesma raca e faixas etarias, refletindo a influencia de fatores como altitude,clima, nutricao e manejo entre outros. Desta forma, evidencia-se a necessidade de pesquisas para o estabelecimento de valores regionais.
Hardening trumps acclimation in improving cold tolerance of Drosophila melanogaster larvae

Abstract Chill‐susceptible insects are able to improve their survival of acute cold exposure over both the short term (i.e. hardening at a relatively severe temperature) and longer term (i.e. acclimation responses at milder temperatures over a longer time frame). However, the mechanistic overlap of these responses is not clear. Four larval stages of four different strains of Drosophila melanogaster are used to test whether low temperature acclimation (10 °C for 48 h) improves the acute cold tolerance (LT90, ∼2 h) of larvae, and whether acclimated larvae still show hardening responses after brief exposures to nonlethal cold or heat, or a combination of the two. Acclimation results in increased cold tolerance in three of four strains, with variation among instars. However, if acclimation is followed by hardening pre‐treatments, there is no improvement in acute cold survival. It is concluded that short‐term thermal responses (e.g. hardening) may be of more ecological relevance to short‐lived life stages such as larvae, and that the mechanisms of low temperature hardening and acclimation in D. melanogaster may be antagonistic, rather than complementary.
Observations on the Development of Ornithorhynchus

The paper treats of certain stages in the intrauterine development of the egg of Ornithorhynchus. The stages dealt with include the following:— (1)An early (eight-celled) stage of segmentation. (2)A stage manifesting a later phase of the segmentation-process. (3)A stage of early germinal-layer formation, in which the cellular blastoderm is almost exclusively arranged in the form of a much-attenuated epithelial membrane covering part of the yolk-mass. The arrangement on the whole resembles that illustrated in fig. 22, Taf. 8, and fig. 33, Taf. 9, in R. Semon’s work on “Monotreme Development. ”* Certain differences are, however, noticeable, more especially as regards the absence of the deeply placed nuclei figured by Semon.
Plant-Population Studies On Peanut (Arachis-Hypogaea L) in Subtropical Australia .2. Water-Limited Conditions

The effects of plant population density on total dry matter (TDM) production, and on pod and kernel yields, of 2 peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (Virginia and Spanish) were investigated under a range of contrasting soil water availability regimes. Protracted crop water deficits were applied to each plant population density treatment in 3 experiments: (i) from planting until the early pod-filling phase (DSWF, dry start, wet finish); (ii) during the pod-filling to maturity phase (WSDF, wet start, dry finish); (iii) from flowering to maturity (TS, terminal stress). Crop water deficits of varying timing and severity were shown to modify substantially the effect of plant population on yield response compared with that observed under well-watered conditions. In most cases, TDM was maximised at the lowest density (40000 Plants/ha). In the WSDF and DSWF experiments, significant cultivar x plant population interactions for pod yield were found. The Spanish cultivar, McCubbin, showed strong pod yield response to S30000 plants/ha, while the Virginia cultivar, Early Bunch, did not respond to increases in plant population above 40000 plants/ha. These differing responses were probably associated with cultivar differences in branching pattern. Under extreme water stress situations where crops were forced to rely solely on soil water reserves (TS), pod yields were highest at the lowest plant population density and declined rapidly as plant population increased. The Gardner and Gardner (1983) model provided a useful framework to characterise the plant population-pod yield response under reduced water availability. The assumptions that both partitioning of dry matter to pods and the hypothetical minimum plant size capable of producing pods were crop constants, irrespective of crop water deficits experienced, were shown to be invalid. These constants may, however, be linearly related to water availability. Relationships relating these parameters to an index of crop or soil water status may improve the predictive capability of the model under water-limited conditions.
Instream Habitat Restoration and Stream Temperature Reduction in a Whirling Disease-Positive Spring Creek in the Blackfoot River Basin, Montana

AbstractAnthropogenic warming of stream temperature and the presence of exotic diseases such as whirling disease are both contemporary threats to coldwater salmonids across western North America. We examined stream temperature reduction over a 15-year prerestoration and postrestoration period and the severity of Myxobolus cerebralis infection (agent of whirling disease) over a 7-year prerestoration and postrestoration period in Kleinschmidt Creek, a fully reconstructed spring creek in the Blackfoot River basin of western Montana. Stream restoration increased channel length by 36% and reduced the wetted surface area by 69% by narrowing and renaturalizing the channel. Following channel restoration, average maximum daily summer stream temperatures decreased from 15.7°C to 12.5°C, average daily temperature decreased from 11.2°C to 10.0°C, and the range of daily temperatures narrowed by 3.3°C. Despite large changes in channel morphology and reductions in summer stream temperature, the prevalence and severity o.
Effects of Silage Fermentation and Post‐ruminal Casein Supplementation in Lactating Dairy Cows: 1—Diet Digestion and Milk Production

Two silages were prepared from the first-cut sward of timothy-meadow fescue and wilted to a dry matter (DM) content of 300 g kg -1 . One was ensiled with the addition of a formic-acid-based additive (4 litres formic acid (FA) per tonne) and the other with the addition of a bacterial inoculant (LAB) at a rate of 5 x 10 6 colony forming units g -1 . Both silages were well preserved, but the extent of fermentation was greater in LAB-silage than in FA-silage as indicated by a lower concentration of water soluble carbohydrates (68 vs 177 g kg -1 DM) and a higher concentration of lactic acid (147 vs 32 g kg -1 DM). Four Ayrshire cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment with 21-day periods to study the effects of silage fermentation and postruminal casein supplementation on silage intake, nutrient supply and milk production. The four treatments were FA-silage without casein (FA-0), LAB-silage without casein (LAB-0), FA-silage with casein (FA-C) and LAB-silage with casein (LAB-C). Both silages were given ad libitum with 8 kg day -1 of barley without or with 400 g day -1 of casein infused into the duodenum. Organic matter digestibility was lower (0.723 vs 0.753; P < 0.01) for FA-silage than for LAB-silage. Cows offered FA-silage had a higher molar proportion of acetate and a lower proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid than cows offered LAB-silage. Microbial protein synthesis estimated from the output of purine derivatives in urine was greater (288 vs 260 g N day -1 ; P < 0.05) for cows given FA-silage compared with LAB-silage. Feeding LAB-treated silage tended (P < 0.10) to decrease silage DM intake compared with FA-treated silage (10.61 vs 11.77 kg DM day -1 ). Silage composition did not affect significantly milk yield or milk composition. Casein infusion increased milk yield (25.1 vs 27.1 kg day -1 ; P < 0.05), milk protein content (32.4 vs 33.8 g kg -1 ; P < 0.05) and protein yield (808 vs 905 g day -1 ; P < 0.01). The responses were similar for both silages.
Microarray technology in the study of genetic determinants of cardiovascular diseases

Microarray, a miniaturized glass slide or membrane with immobilized DNA probes, is a powerful tool for the analysis of mutations, gene expression and sequencing. This technique requires chip (glass slide or membrane) fabrication, preparation of probes and labelled targets, hybridization and data analysis. Microarrays give the possibility to evaluate a wide spectrum of candidate genes, to simultaneously observe interaction of genes, to detect polymorphisms within genes and identify therapeutic targets. Coronary artery disease being a major cause of death, is a disorder influenced by either genetic or environmental factors. Microarray analysis of gene expression can be used to identify genes involved in disease progression and in disease reduction. Chips also allow for the throughput and simultaneous analysis of a great variety of cell types such as cardiomyocytes, monocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle, endothelial, and fibroblasts and chemical mediators involved in cardiovascular disease pathology, their interactions and cumulative effects.
Growth, reproduction and ontogenetic migration of the greasyback shrimp Metapenaeus ensis in Osaka Bay, Japan

To clarify the growth, reproduction and ontogenetic migration of Metapenaeus ensis, 96,898 individuals (6–175 mm in body length, BL) were collected from five areas in Osaka Bay. Larval settlement was estimated to occur from June or July to October in the Yodo River mouth. Juveniles grew there and migrated to the innermost area of the bay, and then to the deeper areas as they grew. Growth of females showed a good approximation to a seasonally fluctuating von Bertalanffy equation, with a size-frequency distribution suggesting the presence of 2 or 3 cohorts per year. Body length of females attained 35–125 mm in the first winter and 105–150 mm in the second, and their life span is estimated to be about two years. Their reproductive season was mainly from June or July to September in the second year (ca. 1 year old), and mainly July in the third year (ca. 2 years old). The broad variation in the size range of reproducible females (BL 76–168 mm) suggests indeterminate growth. Males were smaller than females with overlapping cohorts but their life cycle appears to be similar to that of females.
ICT and (Personal) Development in Rural China

Information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly widespread in rural China, and is finding unlikely users: elderly people, rural women, and people with little education or disposable income. Their ICT use is driven by the desire to find connections and entertainment, and it offers three insights for broadly utilitarian ICT for development (ICTD) projects: first, rural users who are thought to be beyond the reach of ICTs because of their age or educational level and who do not see themselves as ICT users may nonetheless begin to use ICTs after observing other people going online and identifying activities that relate to their own lives and interests. Second, they have time to figure out how to incorporate ICTs into environments that are extremely different in terms of economy, social structures, and habits from the urban environments where ICTs originate. Finally, ICT uses that emerge from family-based practices rather than from hetero-directed programs can provide insights into the priorities or social practices of seemingly marginalized populations who have otherwise been overlooked.
Avoiding ant detection in Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 (Coleoptera Carabidae): an evolutionary step towards true myrmecophily

Siagona europaea Dejean 1826, a carabid beetle living in clay soils of Mediterranean open lands, has been found to be an exclusive ant predator. Some morphological variations in body form are evidently adaptations to the habitat, favouring in the meantime the myrmecophagous life style. After capturing an ant, the beetle waves the prey held in its mandibles all around its dorsal forebody by arching its head and pronotum; the ants apparently spray a secretion over the beetle while being waved. The cuticular profile of beetles without contact with ants, beetles after capture and consumption of ants and of two ant species, Tapinoma nigerrimum and Messor capitatus, was recorded. Gas chromatography analyses revealed that more component are present on the carabid cuticle after predation and that they correspond to those of the tested ants. We suggest that this may be an intermediate evolutionary stage towards a true myrmecophilous life style as present in other tropical carabids. Moreover behavioural tests proved the diet (ants) which the beetle was fed triggers different reactions in ants of the same, or of a different, species.
The Effect of NaCl and CMA on the Growth and Morphology of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick)

Numerous studies have described the negative effects of the commonly used deicer, NaCl, on plants; this has led to research on less toxic alternatives, for example, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). The present research investigated the native ground cover species, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), as a possible candidate for landscaping in high salt conditions. The effect of NaCl and CMA on the growth, morphology, and survival of A. uva-ursi plants was examined to explore the use of CMA as a potential environmentally friendly alternative deicing agent to that of NaCl. The influence of these deicing agents on selected soil properties was also investigated. It was found that this ground cover species was able to tolerate moderate-to-high levels of NaCl and even greater concentrations of CMA. Therefore, A. uva-ursi proved to be a candidate for landscaping use in a north central city of Canada, where deicing agents are used in winter months.
Does late reproduction extend the life span? Findings from European royalty.

Statistical associations between late reproduction and female longevity led to speculations that a late birth increases a mother's life span. The database used here includes all descendants of King George I of England (1660-1727) and his wife, Sophie Dorothea (1666-1726), born in the royal dynasties in Europe up to 1939 (ne1,672). In the era of British world supremacy, these descendants formed the uppermost layer of the European aristocracy, occupying all royal thrones from 1850 onward. Novel in this study is the use of pedigree information. In pairs of ever-married full sisters (brothers), both surviving to 45 (50) years, both having at least one child, the study examines whether the sibling with the first-or last-child born later in life also lived a longer life. This design controls for genetics, socioeconomic status, parity, social support, child mortality, birth cohort, and various environmental factors. In the 157 pairs of sisters and 191 pairs of brothers, later reproduction did not extend the life span. Copyright 2004 The Population Council, Inc.
The reproductive rates of yearling and older Ipswich Sparrows, Passerculus sandwichensis princeps

The mean reproductive rates (number of 7-day-old nestlings raised per year per individual) of yearling and older Ipswich Sparrows breeding on Sable Is. , Nova Scotia in 1977 and 1978 were the following: yearling males 3.3, older males 4.2, yearling females 3.9, and older females 4.7. The mates of older males began nesting earlier, laid larger clutches, and renested more quickly after each brood than did the mates of yearling males, thereby laying slightly more clutches and significantly more eggs. Older females laid slightly more and slightly larger clutches than did yearling females, resulting in a significantly greater production of eggs. The number of nestlings aged 7 days (i.e., the age immediately before nest leaving) raised per egg laid varied only slightly with parental age. Consequently, the reproductive rate increased with age because parental abilities must have increased by the same proportion as did the production of eggs.
Physiological Effects of Waterlogging on Two Lucerne Varieties Grown Under Glasshouse Conditions

Two lucerne (Medicago sativa) varieties, an anecdotally waterlogging-intolerant old New Zealand variety, Grasslands Wairau, and a reputedly waterlogging-tolerant new variety, Pioneer 54Q53, were subjected to waterlogging stress and a range of physiological and agronomic measurements performed. Waterlogging stress was characterized by measurement of soil oxygen depletion and soil carbon dioxide accumulation. Both varieties exhibited strong responses to waterlogging stress, including reduction in leaf soluble protein concentration, photosynthetic rate and tap root weight, but also exhibited differences in response, notably a decrease in carboxylation efficiency and in the steady-state quantum yield of electron flow through PSII (ΦPSII) in Wairau, but not in Pioneer. Implications for understanding of waterlogging effects on photosynthesis, and for field management of lucerne on wet soils are discussed.
Evaluation of hedonic scores and R-indices for visual, flavour and texture preferences of apple cultivars by British Columbian and Nova Scotian consumers

Apple preferences were examined for regional, cultivar and order-of presentation effects. Seven apple cultivars, four (Honeycrisp, Fiesta, Cortland and Sinta) grown in Nova Scotia (NS) and three (Creston, Silken and Gala) grown in British Columbia (BC) were evaluated for visual, flavour and texture preferences using a nine-point hedonic scale. In both locations, 126 consumers evaluated all seven cultivars for their visual preferences and four of the seven cultivars for their flavour and texture preferences, using an incomplete-block design balanced for presentation order and carry-over effects. On average, the flavour and texture scores of NS consumers were higher than those of BC consumers. Regional differences were most pronounced for visual preferences, with BC consumers preferring Gala and Creston (BC-grown cultivars) and NS consumers preferring Fiesta and Cortland (NS-grown cultivars). Despite these differences, three of the four top-rated cultivars were identical (Gala, Fiesta and Cortland). Flavour.
Nitrogen utilization timeline of carrot over the growing season

A timeline of nitrogen (N) dynamics of the carrot crop was developed based on studies on the effects of N application on carrot growth, N uptake and partitioning, and interactions with Alternaria [ALB; A. dauci (Kuhn) Groves and Skolko] and Cercospora [CLB; C. carotae (Pass.) Solheim] leaf blight. Preplant-applied fertilizer N affects yield only when residual N in the top 60 cm of the soil profile is insufficient. The majority of the N required by the crop is taken up beyond 50 d after seeding (DAS). Carrots have a root system that extends to 150-cm depth and >50% of the fibrous root system occurs below 30-cm depth. It is likely that N below 30 cm depth is required beyond 50 DAS, since the majority of the fibrous roots are below 30 cm depth after that stage. There is insufficient time for sidedressed N to leach into the active root system beyond 50 DAS, unless its application is timed before irrigation or rain events. Regardless of the amount of residual N, preplant-applied N is essential for minimizing l.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOME DURUM WHEAT PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SEMOLINA MILLING PROPERTIES

A recently developed modified milling flow for a three-stand Allis-Chalmers laboratory mill that gives a semolina yield and semolina granulation similar to that of Canadian commercial mills was used to study the relationship between durum wheat test weight, 1000-kernel weight, protein content and semolina milling yield for a series of 174 durum wheat samples. All correlations except the correlation between protein content and 1000-kernel weight were significant. Maximum milling yield was obtained for samples possessing high test weight and high 1000-kernel weight. Increased protein content resulted in a tendency to lower milling yield. For a series of hand-picked samples it was found that as starchy kernel content increased, milling yield was not affected but the proportion of flour increased. Protein content and yellow pigment content decreased with increased starchy kernel content.
Atributos químicos de um Latossolo Vermelho após nove anos de aplicação de dejeto líquido de suínos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pig slurry application effects on chemical attributes of a Hapludox soil managed under no-tillage system. Treatments consisted of 50, 100 and 200 m3 ha-1 per year of pig slurry application, and a control with replacement of P and K exported through harvested grains. Attributes related to soil chemical reaction, exchange complex, and nutrient contents were determined in soil samples collected in the ninth year of experimentation from 0 - 0.025, 0.025 - 0.05, 0.05 - 0.10, 0.10 - 0.20, 0.20 - 0.40 and 0.40 - 0.60 m soil depths. The continuous application of high doses of pig slurry on the Oxisol surface under no-tillage acidifies the soil and increases Al, P, Cu, and Zn contents down to 0.2-m depth, and K levels down to 0.6-m depth.