Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of SNP markers to conserve genome-wide genetic diversity in livestock

Conservation of genetic diversity in livestock breeds is important since it is, both within and between breeds, under threat. The availability of large numbers of SNP markers has resulted in new opportunities to estimate genetic diversity in more detail, and to improve prioritization of animals for conservation of genetic diversity. The aim of this thesis was to further explore the potential of SNP markers for estimation and conservation of genetic diversity within livestock breeds. This was evaluated analyzing Holstein cattle populations, genotyped with a commonly used 50k SNP chip. Genetic diversity was estimated with SNP markers and compared to genetic diversity estimated with pedigree information. Both methods could detect differences in overall genetic diversity, even between two closely related populations. With SNP markers, differences in genetic diversity at the chromosomal level could be identified as well. Subsequently, SNP markers and pedigree information were used to prioritize animals for conservation in a gene bank using optimal contributions. SNP based prioritization was slightly more effective than pedigree based information, both over the whole genome and at specific regions of the genome. We extended the optimal contribution method to simultaneously conserve a single allele at a specific frequency and maximize the overall genetic diversity conserved in a gene bank. The loss of overall genetic diversity was larger when the target frequency for animals conserved in the gene bank differed more from the original frequency in the population. It can be concluded that dense SNP data form a powerful tool for estimation and conservation of genetic diversity in livestock breeds. Although pedigree information gives a good representation of the overall genetic diversity, SNP markers can provide more detailed information about the genetic diversity over the genome. Especially for small populations, SNP markers can play an important role in conservation of unique alleles, while simultaneously minimizing the loss of genetic diversity at the rest of the genome.
Performance and evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes based on quantitative traits for tropical regions of Tamil Nadu

Genetic resource of any crop makes it possible for plant breeders to create narrative plant gene combinations and decide on crop varieties. In the present study, 200 turmeric genotypes with two checks were evaluated in Augmented Randomized Complete Block Design for nineteen quantitative traits. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of variability and diversity between quantitative traits, among 200 different turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes. Mean values of nineteen quantitative traits for the test entries showed superiority as compared to check varieties viz., BSR 2 and CO 2 excluding the length of secondary rhizome. The results of analysis of variance exhibited significance for all the quantitative traits, suggesting the existence of sufficient genetic variability among the genotypes studied. Significant values for coefficient of variation was observed for the weight of primary rhizomes plant-1 (55.17%) followed by weight of mother rhizomes plant-1, weight of secondary rhizomes plant-1 and rhizome yield plant-1 with CV of 53.72, 52.59 and 48.26 % respectively. The genotype CL 18 recorded the maximum significant value for plant height(160.99 cm), leaf width (22.35 cm), weight of mother rhizomes plant-1 (289.94 g), weight of primary rhizomes plant-1 (452.22 g), the number of secondary rhizomes plant-1 (34.30) and rhizome yield plant-1 (970.09 g) as compared to other genotypes. The magnititude of estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation for all the nineteen quantitative characters. Genotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 3.15 % to 12.33 % and phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 4.29 % to 19.36 %. Heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) were higher in all the nineteen quantitative traits studied in turmeric genotypes.
Projected Barzilai-Borwein method for the acceleration of gravity field data inversion

The recovery of 3D volume of density from gravity field data is a key feature of geophysical and geological interpretations. Gravity field data inversion involves solving an underdetermined problem; therefore, large-scale data inversion is costly in time and memory consumption. Calculation efficiency is a primary concern for gravity field data inversion; therefore, multiple methods are considered and applied to increase the inversion efficiency. The solution for an inversion problem was formulated by incorporating constraints to obtain stable inversion results, and a new projected Barzilai-Borwein iterative algorithm was applied to accelerate convergence of the inversion method. To test the potential application of the projected Barzilai-Borwein iterative method, synthetic gravity data simulations and real data applications were carried out. Numerical performances and practical application indicate the fast convergence of projected Barzilai-Borwein iterative method and the increase in the calculated efficiency.
Fungi associated with african mudfish ( Clarias gariepinus , Burchell 1822) in selected fish farms and dams in Zaria and its environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria

An investigation was conducted to determine the presence of fungi in C. gariepinus harvested from selected farms and dams in Zaria and its environs. A total of 360 randomly sampled Clarias gariepinus (African mudfish) and 144 fish holding water samples were collected from three dams (wild captured) and three fish farms (cultured). They were screened for fungi using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar as isolation medium. Identification of the fungi was done by macroscopic observation of the growth morphology followed by microscopy after staining with lactophenol cotton blue. Four fungal genera namely; Mucor (12.50%), Aspergillus (18.06%), Tricophyton (5.56%) and Penicillium spp. (4.17%) were isolated from water samples. Similar fungi were also isolated from the fish skin swabs in the following order; Mucor spp. (49.57%), Aspergillus sp. (31.30%), Trichophyton sp. (10.43%) and Penicillium sp. (8.0%). Finding these fungi in the fish holding water might have occurred through the use of contaminated and/or decomposed feed, from runoffs, waste water discharges from nearby human settlements into the aquatic environment. The infection of fish by the isolated fungi diminishes both the aesthetic and economic value of fish. Attention must therefore be paid to fish hygiene and fish health management practices must be upheld. We hereby recommend that fish meant for human consumption be properly exposed to temperature high enough to eliminate contaminating fungi. Keywords: Fungi, African Mudfish, Clarias gariepinus , Dams (wild captured) Fish Farms (cultured)
Effect of Gliricidia s epium Leaf Mulch on Weed Growth and Productivity of Maize ( Zea mays L.) in Southern Sierra Leone

The use of herbicides has been extensively replacing the manual weed control methods, but it has resulted in the selection of weed biotypes resistant to various products and increased environmental problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suppressive ability of Gliricidia sepium leaves mulch on weed growth and productivity of maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A maize variety DMR-ESR-Yellow was submitted to five Gliricidia sepium leaves mulch rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120kg ha-1). The 120kg ha-1 mulch rate produced the tallest plants, highest leaf number, widest stem girth and higher leaf area index than all other treatments. Yield and yield components were maximized at 90 and 120kg ha-1 mulch rates, but are peaked at 120kg ha-1 mulch rate. Seventeen weed species were identified, with Ochthocosmus africanus, Newbouldia laevis, Ficus exasperata and Cyperus rotundus recorded the lowest relative frequency, relative density and relative importance value in the mulched plots compared to unmulched treatment. Also, Spigelia anthelmia, Diodia scandens, Croton hirtus and Andropogum tectorum were more frequent and survived in all mulched treatments. While the unmulched plots produced the highest weed biomass and weed infestation. Thus increased Gliricidia sepium leaf mulch rate could be a potential alternative to hoe weeding and heightened the productivity of maize. Additionally, 60, 90, and 120kg ha-1 rates of G. sepium leaf mulch were more profitable and economical for weed control in maize. However, 60kg ha-1 of Gliricidia sepium leaf mulch is the most profitable and preferred due to its relatively low cost of production, which may be adopted by resource poor farmers.
Communication on Sustainability in Spanish Universities: Analysis of Websites, Scientific Papers and Impact in Social Media

This study analyses how Spanish universities are communicating their commitment to sustainability to society. That entailed analysing the content of their websites and their scientific papers in sustainability science and technologies and measuring the impact of such research in social media. Results obtained from bibliometric approaches and institutional document analysis attest to intensified interest in sustainability among Spanish universities in recent years. The findings revealed an increase in the number of universities using terms associated with sustainability to designate the governing bodies. The present study also uses an activity index to identify universities that devote high effort to research on sustainability and seven Spanish universities were identified with output greater than 3% of the total. Mentions in social media were observed to have grown significantly in the last 10 years, with 38% of the sustainability papers receiving such attention, compared to 21% in 2010. Publications in open access journals have had a greater impact on social media, especially on Twitter and Facebook. The analysis of university websites showed that only 30% had social media accounts and only 6% blogs specifically designed to disseminate their sustainability activities.
Reducing the thickness of solid-state electrolyte membranes for high-energy lithium batteries

Rechargeable batteries with lithium metal anodes exhibit higher energy densities than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) provide the opportunity to unlock the full potential of lithium metal anodes and fundamentally eliminate safety concerns caused by flammable liquid electrolytes. Up to now, most studies on SSEs have been focused on enhancing the ionic conductivity and improving the interfacial stability. However, the electrolyte thickness, which has received less attention, also plays an important role in determining the energy density and electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Recognizing this, our review evaluates SSE studies beyond traditional factors and focuses on a thickness perspective. We systematically analyze the influence of the electrolyte thickness on the energy densities of ASSLB pouch cells, and highlight the strategies that dramatically reduce the thickness of SSE membranes without sacrificing their mechanical properties. Then, we discuss recent advances and challenges of ASSLBs based on high-voltage and high-capacity cathodes, as well as novel configurations such as bipolar and flexible ASSLBs. Finally, we provide perspectives and suggestions towards high energy-density ASSLBs for future commercialization.
In vitro evaluation of the anti-diabetic potential of Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt using HepG2 (C3A) and L6 cell lines

Background: Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt has been listed in a survey of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In this study, the antidiabetic potentials of ethanol, cold aqueous (CAQ) and boiled aqueous (BAQ) extracts of H. petiolare were investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic and glucose utilization effects of the extracts were evaluated using L6 myocytes and HepG2 (C3A) hepatocytes. α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibition assays were also carried out. Results: The ethanol extract showed significant cytotoxic effects in the treated cells. Both BAQ and CAQ extracts significantly increased glucose uptake in L6 and C3A cell lines. The CAQ extract enhanced glucose uptake more in the L6 myocytes than in the C3A cell-lines hepatocytes. The BAQ extract showed higher levels of inhibition on α–amylase and α-glucosidase than CAQ. The activities were not significantly different from acarbose. However, BAQ showed lower lipase inhibition than acarbose (p<0.05). Conclusions: The BAQ and CAQ extracts of H. petiolare may, therefore, contain pharmacologically active and relatively non-toxic hypoglycaemic chemicals, which may be effective substitutes in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Outsourcing: A Potential Shock Absorber for the Hotels in Bono and Ahafo Regions

This study assesses the effect of outsourcing on organisational performance of hotels in Bono and Ahafo Regions. The study adopted quantitative method using descriptive survey. Forty (40) managerial staffs were purposively and randomly sampled. The primary data was gathered using questionnaire while secondary data were obtained from the list of registered hotels from Ghana Tourism Authority and validated through peer review. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyses the data gathered. The study found thatoutsourcing had contributed to increase productivity, profits, encourages employee innovation, maintains competitiveness in the market, allows hotel to focus on core areas and provides faster and quality service to customers. However, the study revealed some challenges that hotels operators face as a result of outsourcing some of their operations such as exposure of itself to operational risks; it affects the continuity of skill supply and the retention of in-house knowledge and expertise, and it causes disruption to the continuity of the services. It is recommended that, hotels should put in place risk control measures so that failures on the part of the outsourced agencies are curtailed.
Rough-and-tumble play and the regulation of aggression in preschoolers

ABSTRACT Learning to regulate aggressive impulses is a significant developmental milestone for preschoolers. To date, there is no consensus about whether rough-and-tumble play (RTP) is positively or negatively related to the regulation of aggression. This study examined the relation of RTP with children’s levels of emotion regulation and aggression. RTP of 90 4–6 years old preschoolers was videotaped at the school playground and measured through parent questionnaires at home. Besides the amount (frequency and duration), the characteristics (i.e. dominance and emotional display) of father–child RTP were also examined. In both contexts, more RTP was not related to better emotion regulation in children. At school, RTP with peers was related to more physical aggression. At home, the frequency of RTP interactions was related to more emotion dysregulation and aggression. The display of negative emotions during father–child RTP interactions was related to poorer emotion regulation skills, and higher levels of aggression.
Submesoscale Currents Modulate the Seasonal Cycle of Nutrients and Productivity in the California Current System

In the California Current, subduction by mesoscale eddies removes nutrients from the coastal surface layer, counteracting upwelling and quenching productivity. Submesoscale eddies are also ubiquitous in the California Current, but their biogeochemical role has not been quantified yet in the region. Here, we present results from a physical‐biogeochemical model of the California Current run at a resolution of 1 km, sufficient to represent submesoscale dynamics. By comparing it with a coarser simulation run at 4 km resolution, we demonstrate the importance of submesoscale currents for the seasonal cycles of nutrients and organic matter and highlight the existence of different regimes along a cross‐shore gradient. In the productive coastal region, submesoscale currents intensify quenching and reduce productivity, further counteracting wind‐driven upwelling. In the offshore oligotrophic region, submesoscale currents enhance the upward transport of nutrients, fueling a dramatic increase in new production. These effects are modulated by seasonality, strengthening near the coast during upwelling and offshore in wintertime. The intensification of the transport by submesoscale eddies drives an adjustment of the planktonic ecosystem, with a reduction of plankton biomass, productivity, and size near the coast and an increase offshore. In contrast, organic matter export by sinking particles and subduction of detritus and living cells are enhanced nearly everywhere. Similar processes are likely important in other regions characterized by seasonal upwelling, for example, other eastern boundary upwelling systems.
Water cost savings from soil biochar amendment: A spatial analysis

While a large body of literature exists on the ability of biochar to retain water and nutrients, little research exists connecting these benefits to biochar qualities, water retention mechanisms, and optimal locations for agricultural use. More information is needed for biochar stakeholders to make informed decisions about where deployment should occur. Specifically, we need to know the biochar characteristics that drive changes in soil water properties, how these effects vary geographically, and what financial benefits farmers can expect in their specific region to identify where biochar can be deployed for optimal results. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the relationship between biochar properties, application rates and observed change in water holding capacity (WHC) as a function of soil texture. Then we mapped our results across US counties to determine where biochar application could yield the largest improvements in soil water properties and added an economic model designed to predict how biochar‐driven changes in soil WHC drive irrigation expenses. Limited data drove our focus to sandy soils, and among these locations, our results suggest that biochar application will be especially effective in the southeast, far north and northeast, and western United States. In a prototype application of our model we predict a 37% reduction in irrigated water use for an instrumented site in Nebraska. Our combined statistical and economic models will be useful for future field experiment proposals, farmers purchasing biochar, and decision makers working to incentivize agricultural advances.
Perceived Guest House Brand Value: The Influence of Web Interactivity on Brand Image and Brand Awareness

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of web interactivity and brand experience on the perceived brand value of guest houses, and ultimately, affective commitment toward guest houses. A questionnaire was used to collect data from guest house customers, yielding a total of 300 responses suitable for analysis. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that web interactive elements of social interactivity, active control and synchronicity positively influence brand awareness, however, both social interactivity and active control influence brand image. Results also confirmed that brand awareness influences brand image. Brand experience and brand image also had an influence on perceived brand value, with the latter influencing affective commitment. Guesthouses owners are recommended to have websites that allow two-way communication. Websites should also have embedded features such as effective navigation tools which allow for active control.
Molecular Detection and Identification of Babesia spp., and Trypanosoma spp. in One-humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Halayeb and Shalateen, Egypt

Phylogenetic analysis of blood parasite infections including Babesia (B.) bovis, Babesia microti and Trypanosoma (T.) spp. in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) (n= 142) breeds in Halayeb and Shalateen, in Upper Egypt were performed in the current study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the Rhoptry Associated Protein-1 (RAP-1), Babesia microti small subunit rRNA (ss-rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) genes were used to detect the prevalence of B. bovis, B. microti and Trypanosoma spp. in camels, respectively. Nested PCR assays were used for the detection of Babesia spp. (B. bovis and B. microti). While, KIN-multi species PCR reaction was employed to detect and identify trypanosome DNA in camels. B. microti was detected in (17/142) with infection rate (11.97 %). Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that B. microti detected in camel was closely related to the German strain in rats and voles in France. B. bovis was also detected in (4/142) with infection rate (2.81%). The sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated B. bovis was closely related to strains isolated from Argentine, USA and Brazil. Moreover, T. evansi was detected in (8/142) with infection rate (5.63%). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that isolated T. evansi was closely related to T. theileri that was detected from cattle in Brazil. This study provides the first evidence of B. microti in camel in Egypt and highlights the possible role of one-humped camels in maintaining the enzootic cycle of Babesia transmission in Egypt.
Challenges Junior High School Pupils Face in the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools for Learning in Ghana

Aims: This paper seeks to explore the challenges Junior High School pupils in the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana face in the use of Information and Communication Technology tools for learning. The rationale was to identify the challenges these pupils face in the use of ICT tools for learning and the possible means to overcome these challenges in the school. Research Design: To achieve the purpose of this studya descriptive research design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Agorkpo D.A. J.H. S in the South Tongu District of Ghana was used for this study for over six months. Methodology: The study adopted the quantitative approach, employed descriptive research design and used questionnaire to collect data from 60 students. The entire questionnaires were retrieved and IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 in combination with the Microsoft excel were used to analyse the data. Simple frequency tables were also used to present the data. Results: The research revealed that the commonest challenges of using ICT tools for learning were lack of opportunity provided by teachers for students to use the tools on their own, inadequate ICT tools and difficulty teaching ICT practical lessons without demonstration. Conclusion: Measures identified to improve the use of ICT tools in the school include the call on government to provide the required ICT tools to the school. Secondly, in order to achieve meaningful academic improvement in the school, teachers must spend more time to teach the ICT subject and create the enthusiasm in the students. Thirdly, supervision of ICT teachers should be taken seriously to ensure that they meet time-table requirements for ICT in the school. Also, requisite ICT tools should be used by the teachers to demonstrate the processes and application of ICT in everyday life. This way, pupils would easily understand the concept and be able to apply it practically and independently. Finally, the study recommended that an ICT laboratory be built for the school to house the ICT department and provide an atmosphere that can motivate the teachers and learners to show more interest in the subject.