Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental factors influencing the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in wild birds in Europe

A large number of occurrences of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in wild birds were reported in Europe. The relationship between the occurrence pattern and environmental factors has, however, not yet been explored. This research uses logistic regression to quantify the relationships between anthropogenic or physical environmental factors and HPAI H5N1 occurrences. Our results indicate that HPAI H5N1 occurrences are highly correlated with the following: the increased normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in December; intermediate NDVI in March; lower elevations; increased minimum temperatures in January; and reduced precipitation in January. A predictive risk map of HPAI H5N1 occurrences in wild birds in Europe was generated on the basis of five key environmental factors. Independent validation of the risk map showed the predictive model to be of high accuracy (79%). The analysis suggests that HPAI H5N1 occurrences in wild birds are strongly influenced by the availability of food resources and are facilitated by increased temperatures and reduced precipitation. We therefore deduced that HPAI H5N1 occurrences in wild birds in Europe are probably caused by contact with other wild birds and not by contact with domestic poultry. These findings are important considerations for the global surveillance of HPAI H5N1 occurrences in wild birds.
Synthetic Hedge Funds

We provide evidence on the performance and the replication success of a broad sample of 72 synthetic hedge funds from January 2009 to December 2013. Thereby, we assign the term “synthetic hedge fund” to mutual funds and exchange-traded funds with hedge fund indices as their benchmarks. Replication success is measured through different perspectives from distributional characteristics to risk-adjusted performance. We find an overall significant underperformance of synthetic hedge funds compared to an appropriate benchmark index. Furthermore, mutual funds (associated with active portfolio management) can produce return characteristics closer to hedge fund benchmarks than exchange-traded funds (associated with passive management) can. From a single strategy perspective, we find a picture of heterogeneity. Regarding the market environment, we show larger return differences for unusual market conditions than for regular ones.
Season and drought stress mediate growth and weight of the green spruce aphid on Sitka spruce

The most important defoliating pest of Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis in the U.K. is the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum. This aphid species is expected to respond to a predicted increase in the incidence of spring–summer drought events, with serious implications for growth of infested spruce plants and control of the pest. Growth rate, adult weight and nymph weight of E. abietinum were assessed under controlled laboratory conditions, using five levels of spring–summer drought of differing intensities and frequencies. Trials were time‐staggered to investigate changes through season. Growth rate, adult weight and nymph weight were consistently increased under low amplitude intermittent drought stress, suggesting improved host nutritional quality through the year and increased fecundity. A complex response under severe and low amplitude intermittent drought stress was also observed, mediated by season. Although an overall reduction in host quality was typically observed, continuous severe stress improved host quality during the autumn. Despite this, the onset of dormancy was unaffected. The findings of the present study have implications for E. abietinum population development, Sitka spruce growth and biological control of the species under climate change and increased drought frequency.
Discovery and Characterization of Influenza Virus RNA Secondary Structures

PART I: Influenza virus is a significant public health threat, partially because of its capacity to readily exchange gene segments between different host species to form novel pandemic strains. Even though influenza virus uses RNA exclusively throughout its entire life cycle, little is known about the structure of the Influenza A genome and transcriptome. This works presents bioinformatics efforts to discover and characterize RNA secondary structures in both the (+) and (−)RNA orientations of influenza A virus. All available unique influenza A sequences from the NCBI database were used to identify 20 likely structured regions, primarily in the (+)RNA. One of these predictions is verified and refined using small molecule mapping and isoenergetic microarrays for a conserved region of the Segment 8 (NS1/NEP) intron. Part II: In addition to locally conserved structure, this work examines the global RNA secondary structure in coding regions of both Influenza A and B. For Influenza A, segments 1, 5, 7 and 8 show evidence of wide-spread structure conservation. This phenomenon is referred to as Global Ordered RNA Structure, or GORS. On average the predicted thermodynamic stability of each coding region segregated based on the host species with avian having the most stable folding free energies followed by swine and then human. Similarly, a study of Influenza B virus, which infects primarily humans, showed GORS in Segments 1, 2, 5 and 8. In silico codon mutations that maintained the amino acid sequence for each segment demonstrate the relatively unstable folding free energies of influenza B coding regions. Together these results highlight some of the molecular similarities and differences between influenza A and B and demonstrate the evolutionary adaptation of Influenza virus to human hosts with regard to RNA secondary structure stability.
p21CDKN1A and DNA Repair Systems: Recent Findings and Future Perspectives

DNA repair is characterized by an impressive high number of different proteins necessary to perform specialized biochemical reactions, which are different according to the type of le‐ sion to be repaired [2]. Thus, the nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism will repair bulky lesions, such as the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) produced by UV-C irradi‐ ation, or other types of adducts produced by the interaction of chemicals with DNA. Base excision repair (BER) is instead involved in the removal of bases damaged by alkylating, or oxidative agents, while the repair of single and double strand breaks is performed through the pathway of homologous recombination, or via the non homologous end-joning (NHEJ) repair. In addition, cells repair errors introduced during DNA replication with the mecha‐ nism of mismatch repair (MMR).
Light microscopic observations of the corpus luteum in the ovary of goat (Capra hircus)

Ovaries were collected from 20 (10 pregnant and 10 non-pregnant) apparently healthy, nondescript goats to take up light microscopic observations on the corpus luteum in ovary of goats. After fixation and rOlltine paraffin embedding technique 5 to 7 micron thick sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Wilder's reticulum, Masson's trichrome and Weigert's resorcin fuchsin stains. Generally, the corpus luteum occupied nearly whole of the cortical stroma and pushed the medulla towards the periphery. In few ovaries 2 corpora lutea were encountered. Collagen and reticular fibers formed the capsule of the corpus luteum, and trabeculae and septae radiating from the capsule divided the luteal parenchyma into lobes and lobules. The reticular fibers -interspersing among the cellular component were relatively more in non-pregnant animals than pregnant group. The granulosa lutein cells, theca lutein cells and spindle shaped cells formed the parenchyma of the gland. The size of the granulosa lutein cells was largest among all 3 cell types followed by theca lutein cells and spindle shaped cells. The granulosa lutein cells predominated other cell types. In the non-pregnant animals theca lutein cells were encountered more than spindle shaped cells whereas in pregnant animals the picture was reverse.
Correction of Stress-induced Dysfunctions of the Immune and Neuroendocrine Systems by Peptide and Nucleotide Preparations

The authors analyzed the effects of short synthetic peptides and native DNA preparations on the function of the immune and neuroendocrine systems under various stress conditions. These preparations of peptides and nucleotides are known to be effective modulators of the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Here we discuss a new concept, which suggests that endogenous short peptides and their synthetic analogs bind to specific sequences of nucleotides in DNA strands. These site-specific peptide- DNA interactions modulate cellular genetic functions and form the basis of molecular-genetics of stress-protective short synthetic peptides. Protective action of nucleotide preparations on impaired functions of the immune and neuroendocrine systems was shown. It seems that these effects are based on the ability of nucleotides to penetrate cells and subsequently splitting into nucleotides, which, after releasing from the cell, bind to purinergic P2 receptors. The results indicate that short synthetic peptides and native DNA preparations are capable of correcting stress induced impairment of neuroimmune function.
Bluetongue: control, surveillance and safe movement of animals

Abstract The performance of different bluetongue control measures related to both vaccination and protection from bluetongue virus (BTV) vectors was assessed. By means of a mathematical model, it was concluded that when vaccination is applied on 95% of animals even for 3 years, bluetongue cannot be eradicated and is able to re‐emerge. Only after 5 years of vaccination, the infection may be close to the eradication levels. In the absence of vaccination, the disease can persist for several years, reaching an endemic condition with low level of prevalence of infection. Among the mechanisms for bluetongue persistence, the persistence in the wildlife, the transplacental transmission in the host, the duration of viraemia and the possible vertical transmission in vectors were assessed. The criteria of the current surveillance scheme in place in the EU for demonstration of the virus absence need revision, because it was highlighted that under the current surveillance policy bluetongue circulation might occur undetected. For the safe movement of animals, newborn ruminants from vaccinated mothers with neutralising antibodies can be considered protected against infection, although a protective titre threshold cannot be identified. The presence of colostral antibodies interferes with the vaccine immunisation in the newborn for more than 3 months after birth, whereas the minimum time after vaccination of animal to be considered immune can be up to 48 days. The knowledge about vectors ecology, mechanisms of over‐wintering and criteria for the seasonally vector‐free period was updated. Some Culicoides species are active throughout the year and an absolute vector‐free period may not exist at least in some areas in Europe. To date, there is no evidence that the use of insecticides and repellents reduce the transmission of BTV in the field, although this may reduce host/vector contact. By only using pour‐on insecticides, protection of animals is lower than the one provided by vector‐proof establishments.
Genetic diversity, correlations and path coefficient analysis in popcorn (Zea mays L. everta)

Popcorns are very important food and snacks in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, adequate production is hampered by limited variety options for farmers. The development of popcorn varieties requires effective and efficient methods for discriminating genotypes according to popping ability. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of popping methods on popping expansion volume (PEV) of different popcorn inbred lines and genotype × popping method interaction. Two popping methods were employed in the study; these were the microwave oven popping (MWP) and hot air popping method (HAP). Under both methods the kernels were popped for 2 minutes. Popping expansion volume and the number of unpopped kernels differed significantly (P<0.001) between the two methods. The highest popping expansion volume and less number of unpopped kernels were obtained from the hot air popping. The average popping expansion volume was 862 cm and 726 cm for hot air and microwave popping method, respectively, while 98 unpopped kernels were obtained under hot air popping and 115 under microwave. However, the popping ability of some of the inbred lines was slightly consistent in both methods. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r=0.54) and the coefficient of determination (28%) between popping methods indicated that, in general the two methods would rank genotypes differently. Genotype × method interaction was significant for both PEV and number of unpopped kernels. Hot air popping was a more efficient method with a greater discriminating power (CV =15% ) than the microwave (CV=34%) popping method. Hence, HAP is highly recommended rather than the MWP for breeders to use when conducting their selections. The presence of genotype × popping method interaction resulted in the formation of three groups; genotypes suitable for both methods, those suitable for microwave popping and those suitable for hot air popping method. These results have implications for both breeding and processing of popcorn at the household level.
Slow inactivation of the CaV3.1 isotype of T‐type calcium channels

T‐type calcium channels (the CaV3 channel family) are involved in defining the resting membrane potential and in neuronal activities such as oscillations and rebound depolarization. Their physiological roles depend upon the channel activation and inactivation kinetics. A fast inactivation that stops the ionic flux of calcium in tens of milliseconds has already been described in both native and heterologously expressed channels. Here, using HEK 293 cells expressing the rat CaV3.1 channel and whole‐cell voltage clamp, we investigate an additional inactivation process, which can be distinguished from the previously described fast inactivation by its slow time course of recovery from inactivation (τ= 1 s) and by its sensitivity to external calcium. Steady‐state slow inactivation is voltage dependent around the resting membrane potential (the potential of half‐inactivation (V0.5) =−70 mV, slope factor = 7.4 mV) and can reduce the calcium current by up to 50%. Near resting potential, the slow inactivation displays a half‐time of induction of tens of seconds. The slow inactivation therefore modulates the availability of T‐type calcium channels depending upon recent cell history, providing a mechanism to store information in a time scale of seconds.
Essays in experimental economics

This thesis consists of three essays which utilize experimental methods to address different questions in the field of economics. The second chapter is related to the field of cultural economics, it investigates whether rice cultivation that practiced hundreds of years ago give rise to a cooperative social norm that has profound and long lasting effects on individual’s behavior in an incentivized and strategic setting. The second chapter investigates whether testosterone leads to reputation enhancing prosocial behavior in the context of charitable donations, which is related to the field of neuroeconomics. In the forth and final chapter, we aim to disentangle the effect of two distinct aspects of reputation concern, namely, pursuit of honor and avoidance of shame, on charitable behavior.
Top-<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$</tex-math></inline-formula> Rank Aggregation From <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math></inline-formula>-Wise Comparisons

Suppose one aims to identify only the top-<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$</tex-math></inline-formula> among a large collection of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$</tex-math></inline-formula> items provided <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math></inline-formula>-wise comparison data, where a set of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math></inline-formula> items in each data sample are ranked in order of individual preference. Natural questions that arise are as follows: 1) how one can reliably achieve the top- <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$</tex-math></inline-formula> rank aggregation task; and 2) how many <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math></inline-formula>-wise samples one needs to achieve it. In this paper, we answer these two questions. First, we devise an algorithm that effectively converts <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math></inline-formula>-wise samples into pairwise ones and employs a spectral method using the refined data. Second, we consider the Plackett–Luce (PL) model, a well-established statistical model, and characterize the minimal number of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math> </inline-formula>-wise samples (i.e., sample complexity) required for reliable top-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$</tex-math></inline-formula> ranking. It turns out to be inversely proportional to <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math></inline-formula>. To characterize it, we derive a lower bound on the sample complexity and prove that our algorithm achieves the bound. Moreover, we conduct extensive numerical experiments to demonstrate that our algorithm not only attains the fundamental limit under the PL model but also provides robust ranking performance for a variety of applications that may not precisely fit the model. We corroborate our theoretical result using synthetic datasets, confirming that the sample complexity decreases at the rate of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\frac{1}{M}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Also, we verify the applicability of our algorithm in practice, showing that it performs well on various real-world datasets.
The Recent Brachiopod Fauna of Japan:(3) Notes on thè Subfamily Laqueinae

Distinguishable from both P. picta and P. elegans by possessing a shell outline quite indistinguishable from the species of the genus Laqueus. Characteristic of Pictothyris in possessinga divergent cardinalia, prominent cardinal process and the descending branches in •@ not being united to the median septum by a connecting band. Close to Laqueus orbicularis Yabe and Hatai,2' a recent species from Japan in shell outline. Length 13.8, width 13.2, and depth 7.0 mm.
Compatibility of using rapeseed and sunflower seed meals in maize-sorghum-soy based diets for broiler chickens

Day-old broiler chicks (180) were distributed into 18 groups of 10 each to find the economic feasibility of using some alternate feed sources. Dietary treatments (6) were formulated which include maize-soya based control diet and 5 sorghum (white) and maize (1: 1ratio) based diets. The maize-sorghum based diets contained either soybean meal or partly replaced with solvent extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) or solvent extracted undecorticated sunflower seed meal (SSM) at 5 and 10% level. Each dietary treatment was offered to 3 groups of 10 birds in each. The body weight gains and feed intake were recorded weekly. At the end of the trial, 8 birds were randomly selected and sacrificed to evaluate carcass traits. Replacement of 50% of maize by sorghum did not affect body weight gain. Inclusion ofRSM or SSM in maize + sorghum (1: 1) resulted in poor growth (P0.05) due to the dietary treatments. Feed utilization efficiency during 04wk of age decreased due to inclusion of RSM or SSM while remained unaltered during 0-7wk of age. The ready-tocook meat yield and gizzard and liver yield did not differ due to dietary treatments, while weight of the giblet was significantly higher (P
Constance coefficient of blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

It was carried out a study to investigate the presence of Calliphoridean flies (Diptena: Calliphonidae) in a reforestation area in Nova Iguacu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The reseanch was carried out from ApniII2000 to Manch/2001 and the collects were made with traps built according to Ferreira (1978) installed in an area nearofa pond and baited with mice carcasses, bovine Liver and banana. During the collects, 12145 blowflies were captured and the evaluations showed the presence of Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya putoria, Cochliomyia macellaria, Hemilucilia segmentaria, Hemilucilia semidiaphana inside of the Chrysomyinae subfamily; and Phaenicia eximia and Phaenicia. cuprina in the Calliphoninae subfamily, establishing some difference when related the species, baits and the seasons. The results demonstrated also that C. megacephala, O. albiceps, O. putoria and P. cuprina could be considered constant inside the area and O. macellaria, H. semidiaphana and H. segmentaria as accessory species.
Evaluation of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Accessions for Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita Race 3 and M. javanica

Twenty-eight pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) accessions were evaluated for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita race 3 and M. javanica. In a greenhouse seedling test, accessions were inoculated with either M. incognita or M. javanica. Four of these accesions, (ICP 8866, ICP 11289, ICP 11291, and ICPH-2) were selected, based on the level of resistance they exhibited, for further evaluation in a field microplot test. In the greenhouse, 24 of the accessions inoculated with M. incognita were free of galls and egg masses. When inoculated with M. javanica, 10 of 28 pigeonpea accessions were not galled and egg masses were not observed. In the microplot test, the resistant accessions ICP 8866, ICP 11289, ICP 11291, and ICP H-2 caused population densities of both M. incognita and M. javanica to decrease. Yield of the four accessions was not affected by these two Meloidogyne species.
Host color preferences and short‐range searching behavior of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae

The color of lepidopteran eggs often varies by species or egg condition, and parasitoids that attack lepidopteran eggs could therefore potentially use color to obtain information about host identity or quality. The objective of our study was to determine whether females of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae Pang & Chen (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) showed differential responses to egg color when searching for hosts over short distances and when evaluating the suitability of encountered eggs. We examined the wasps’ host‐selection behavior in a Petri dish arena using white, yellow, green, and black clay beads as egg models presented against a green background (to mimic leaf color). In no‐choice tests, bead color had a significant effect on the proportion of tested wasps that accepted a bead for further examination, on the time it took wasps to find and begin examining a bead, and on the time that wasps spent examining the beads. However, bead color had only a marginally significant effect on the proportion of wasps attempting to drill into a bead with their ovipositors, and no significant effect on the amount of time they spent drilling. The wasps also showed significant color preferences when given a choice between two adjacent beads of different colors. The results of the no‐choice and choice trials taken together indicated a color preference ranking of yellow > white > green > black. The wasps’ higher preference for the yellow and white egg models generally corresponds to the white or yellowish‐white egg color of T. ostriniae's target host, the European corn borer moth, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The wasps’ strong rejection of black egg models is likely to be an adaptive response that reflects the fact that eggs that are wholly or partially black are often unsuitable for parasitization due to advanced caterpillar development, damage to the egg, or previous parasitization.