Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of decision-tree technique to assess herd specific risk factors for coliform mastitis in sows

The aim of the study was to investigate factors associated with coliform mastitis in sows, determined at herd level, by applying the decision-tree technique. Coliform mastitis represents an economically important disease in sows after farrowing that also affects the health, welfare and performance of the piglets. The decision-tree technique, a data mining method, may be an effective tool for making large datasets accessible and different sow herd information comparable. It is based on the C4.5-algorithm which generates trees in a top-down recursive strategy. The technique can be used to detect weak points in farm management. Two datasets of two farms in Germany, consisting of sow-related parameters, were analysed and compared by decision-tree algorithms. Data were collected over the period of April 2007 to August 2010 from 987 sows (499 CM-positive sows and 488 CM-negative sows) and 596 sows (322 CM-positive sows and 274 CM-negative sows), respectively. Depending on the dataset, different graphical trees were built showing relevant factors at the herd level which may lead to coliform mastitis. To our understanding, this is the first time decision-tree modeling was used to assess risk factors for coliform mastitis. Herd specific risk factors for the disease were illustrated what could prove beneficial in disease and herd management.
SONG LEARNING AFTER ISOLATION IN THE OPEN-ENDED LEARNER THE EUROPEAN STARLING: DISSOCIATION OF IMITATION AND SYNTACTIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract We performed two studies to test whether the ability of open-ended learners to acquire new songs as adults depends on their having learned normal songs as juveniles. European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were kept in isolation for their first year. In the first study the birds were housed in a group with a wild-caught adult male following isolation. The subjects imitated each other but not the wild male and failed to develop normal phonology or syntax. In the second study each yearling was housed individually with a wild-caught adult male following isolation. These subjects developed good phonology and syntax but copied few or no song motifs from the wild adults. Taken together, the two studies indicate that starlings are capable of imitating new motifs and of acquiring species-typical phonology and syntax after a year of isolation. The contrasting results of the two studies suggest that imitation and the development of syntax are independent processes subject to different influences.
Alterations in Photochemical and Physiological Activities of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars under Drought Stress

In this study, some morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of two chickpea cultivars, cv. Gokce and Canitez, were analysed to understand their tolerance to drought stress. Twenty-day-old plants were subjected to three different regimes of drought stress by withholding water for 3, 5 or 7 days, and then rewatering for 2 days after the initial 7 days of drought stress. Drought treatments only reduced shoot elongation in the Canitez cultivar. Leaf production and fresh biomass decreased in both cultivars under all drought treatments, however to a greater extent in Canitez. In both cultivars, malondialdehyde, proline and anthocyanin accumulation increased significantly, whereas relative water content declined under drought stress. The total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of Gokce were not affected by drought stress, whereas the chlorophyll content of Canitez increased greatly at the end of the treatments. Using chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, we found that extended drought treatment caused photoinhibition of PSII activity in both cultivars. However, this was greater in Canitez, especially under severe drought stress. Although Canitez recovered quickly from drought stress and exhibited a good ability to overcome drought stress, via activation of many protection mechanisms such as increasing antioxidant enzymes and proline and anthocyanin accumulation during vegetative stage, our results show that Canitez is less drought tolerant than Gokce.
Seroprevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies against Japanese Encephalitis Virus among Adolescents and Adults in Korea: A Prospective Multicenter Study

The immunization schedule for the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine in Korea is a two-dose primary series at 12–24 months of age, followed by booster doses 12 months after the second dose and at the ages of 6 and 12 years. Although the number of JE cases has markedly decreased after the universal vaccination program, JE predominantly occurs in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the age-specific prevalence of the JE-neutralizing antibody (NTAb) among adolescents and adults in Korea. A total of 1603 specimens were collected from a healthy Korean population above 15 years old in five provinces. The JE-NTAb titers were measured with the pseudotyped virus assay and considered to be positive at ≥ 1:50. The seropositivity of JE-NTAb was the highest in the 15–29 years category (>95%) and gradually began to decrease in the age group of 30–44 years (89.42%). The lowest and second lowest JE-NTAb seropositive rates were observed among those aged 70 years or older (59.77%) and those aged 55–59 years (75.24%), respectively. Subjects from Seoul exhibited the highest JE-NTAb titer in all age groups compared to other provinces. In conclusion, the JE-NTAb seropositive rates and titers have maintained appropriate levels in the general Korean population. We propose that adult immunization and boosters at 12 years of age against JE are not strongly recommended in Korea.
Changing Ecosystem Dynamics in the Laurentian Great Lakes: Bottom-Up and Top-Down Regulation

Understanding the relative importance of top-down and bottom-up regulation of ecosystem structure is a fundamental ecological question, with implications for fisheries and water-quality management. For the Laurentian Great Lakes, where, since the early 1970s, nutrient inputs have been reduced, whereas top-predator biomass has increased, we describe trends across multiple trophic levels and explore their underlying drivers. Our analyses revealed increasing water clarity and declines in phytoplankton, native invertebrates, and prey fish since 1998 in at least three of the five lakes. Evidence for bottom-up regulation was strongest in Lake Huron, although each lake provided support in at least one pair of trophic levels. Evidence for top-down regulation was rare. Although nonindigenous dreissenid mussels probably have large impacts on nutrient cycling and phytoplankton, their effects on higher trophic levels remain uncertain. We highlight gaps for which monitoring and knowledge should improve the understanding of food-web dynamics and facilitate the implementation of ecosystem-based management.
Determination of metolcarb residues by a biotin–streptavidin-amplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in vegetables and edible fungus

ABSTRACT An effective biotin–streptavidin-amplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BA-ELISA) to rapidly detect metolcarb (MTMC) residues is reported. Nonspecific adsorption was minimized by using 0.5% skimmed milk powder as a blocking buffer and 0.5% bovine serum albumin/phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a buffer for streptavidin–horse radish peroxidase conjugates. The established method is four times sensitive than direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with the IC50 of 10.0 ng mL−1. The samples were prepared from mustard, cucumber and mushroom with simple extraction and dilution methods, including use of PBS without concentration or cleanup steps. The samples prepared from spinach and shiitake were quantified after 2-fold methanol extraction and 20-fold dilution with 2.0% fish glutin/PBS. Good accuracy and precision were obtained with mean recoveries between 80.0% and 95.6%, and mean coefficients of variation below 12.1%. A good correlation (R2 = 0.9931) between the BA-ELISA and high-performance liquid chromatography was observed for MTMC analysis in different samples. This method could be potentially useful for high-throughput food inspection.
Dendrimer Dynamics: A Review of Analytical Theories and Molecular Simulation Methods

The theoretical study of dendrimers is reviewed, considering both analytical approaches and molecular simulation methods. We discuss the effect of molecular symmetry on the degeneracy of the relaxation times, and then the calculation of observable quantities, in particular the intrinsic viscosity, and then the viscoelastic complex modulus and the dynamic structure factor, in comparison with the available experimental data. In particular, the maximum intrinsic viscosity with increasing molar mass is analyzed in some detail. The approximations and/or assumptions of the adopted methods are also described in connection with analogous results for polymer of a different topology, in particular linear and star polymers.
The Evolving Family Mealtime: Findings From Focus Group Interviews With Hispanic Mothers

Background Given the protective effects of shared family mealtimes and the importance of family in the Hispanic culture, this context should be explored further to determine how it can be leveraged and optimized for interventions. Objective This study aimed to explore contextual factors associated with family mealtimes in Mexican and Puerto Rican families. Methods A total of 63 mothers participated in 13 focus group interviews across 4 states. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts. Results Seven overarching themes were identified through the thematic analysis. Themes reflected who was present at the mealtime, what occurs during mealtime, the presence of television, the influence of technology during mealtime, and how mealtimes have changed since the mothers were children. Conclusions Hispanic mothers may be adapting family mealtimes to fit their current situations and needs, keeping the television and other devices on during mealtimes, and making additional meals for multiple family members to appease everyone’s tastes. All of these are areas that can be incorporated into existing culturally tailored obesity prevention programs to help families lead healthier lives.
Psychosocial correlates of safe sex self-efficacy among in-school adolescent girls in Lagos, Nigeria

Background Adolescent girls in Nigeria are at heightened risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, there are limited studies on psychosocial factors that are associated with safe sex intentions among this population. Self-efficacy has been established as an important correlate of behavioral intentions and the actual behavior. The objective of this research was to examine how key psychosocial factors such as social support, parental monitoring, and future orientation influence perceived safe sex self-efficacy among in-school adolescent girls in Nigeria. Furthermore, we assessed the associations between these psychosocial factors and HIV-related knowledge and safe sex self-efficacy. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 426 adolescent girls attending public and private school systems in Lagos, Nigeria. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the influence of psychosocial and demographic factors on safe sex self-efficacy. Further, stratified analysis was conducted to compare the estimates between participants attending public schools (n = 272) and those attending private schools (n = 154). Findings Results from the study show that future orientation (β = 0.17; p < 0.05), participants age (β = 0.14; p < 0.05), and HIV knowledge accuracy (β = 0.17; p < 0.05) were associated with safe sex self-efficacy. Future orientation remained statistically significant in the sub-group analysis among participants attending public (β = 0.13; p < 0.05) and private schools (β = 0.24; p < 0.05). Among participants attending public schools, HIV accuracy (β = 0.2; p < 0.05) remained a significant correlate of safe sex self-efficacy while this association dissipated among private school attendees. Conclusions These findings point to the importance of including future orientation strategies in interventions developed for in-school adolescent girls in Nigeria. School-based interventions that increase positive future orientation outcomes may be beneficial to improve safe sex intentions among adolescent girls in Nigeria.
Assessing the evidence for intercontinental redistribution of infectious agents by migratory birds

In order to assess risk associated with the introduction of foreign origin pathogens by wild birds and to develop effective surveillance programs for infectious agents that may affect human, avian, and ecosystem health, additional information is needed regarding the spread of infectious agents within and between migratory flyways. The intercontinental redistribution of avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1), blood parasites, and influenza A virus (IAV) was therefore assessed in migratory birds at locations along the continental margins of North America in the United States (USA) through a series of three investigations. The first assessed the redistribution of APMV-1 between East Asia and North America through genetic characterization of isolates from Japan, Russia, and Alaska (USA). Evidence supported the intercontinental redistribution of Class II genotype I viruses by wild birds and samples providing support for this conclusion originated from species with transhemispheric migratory tendencies. A second investigation assessed the redistribution of blood parasites between East Asia and North America using samples collected from the northern pintail (Anas acuta) in Alaska (USA), California (USA), and Japan. Genetic characterization of Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium parasites supported gene flow among sampling areas on two continents which suggests intercontinental parasite exchange. A third study assessed the genetic exchange of IAV between North America and South America in migratory birds through the genomic characterization of isolates obtained from blue-winged teal (Anas discors). No evidence of viral gene flow was found between North America and southern South America (e.g. Argentina); however, results of this study and recent parallel investigations suggest that genetic exchange of IAV may be extensive between North America and the northern Neotropics. Collectively, these three projects provide new evidence supporting the role of migratory birds in redistributing viral and parasitic agents between continents. Furthermore, results from these projects are useful for identifying research priorities for clarifying the extent of intercontinental virus and parasite exchange. INDEX WORDS: Anas acuta, Anas discors, avian paramyxovirus, blood parasite, bluewinged teal, haematozoa, infectious agent, influenza A virus, migratory bird, northern pintail ASSESSING THE EVIDENCE FOR INTERCONTINENTAL REDISTRIBUTION OF INFECTIOUS AGENTS BY MIGRATORY BIRDS
Evaluation of a Dog Population Management Intervention: Measuring Indicators of Impact

Simple Summary Dogs are important companions to people but can also present challenges to the health and safety of communities if their populations are not effectively managed. Poorly managed dog populations can increase the risk of dog bites to people and other animals, spread disease and create a public nuisance. Dog overpopulation can also lead to compromised dog welfare. Dog population management (DPM) interventions are necessary in communities where veterinary services are not available or are not used by dog owners, or where there are large numbers of free-roaming unowned dogs. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of DPM interventions is necessary to ensure they are effective. We evaluated a DPM intervention using readily available data collected from the intervention itself and publicly available data from secondary sources. We show the intervention resulted in significant increases in the proportion of dogs with permanent identification (microchips) and that had been neutered. We also show the intervention was associated with significant reductions in dog attacks and euthanasia of dogs in participating communities across at least three years. The decrease in euthanasia was associated with an increase in the release of dogs by council pounds to other organizations for rehoming. We present additional useful indicators to measure community engagement with caring for dogs and suggest benchmark figures to guide planning and monitoring of similar interventions in future. Abstract Dogs are important companions to people but can also present challenges to health and safety of communities if their populations are not effectively managed. Dog population management (DPM) is often undertaken by individual dog owners; however, some communities require additional DPM interventions, especially when veterinary services are unavailable or underutilised. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a DPM intervention conducted in 13 communities between September 2016 and November 2019 and assessed the utility of routinely collected data—program metrics and secondary data collected by local governments—to measure indicators of impacts. The intervention resulted in significant increases in the proportion of dogs presenting that were microchipped and surgically sterilised in participating communities. The intervention also resulted in significant reductions in dog attack incidents and euthanasia of dogs in council pounds in communities that participated for three or more years. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of DPM interventions is critical to determine if impacts are being achieved. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of a DPM intervention for community safety and dog welfare and highlights the utility of routinely collected data. We also suggest benchmarks for indicators of community engagement to guide planning and monitoring of similar interventions.
Genetic and Non-genetic Parameters for Growth Traits in a Registered Brahman Herd

Se realizo un estudio genetico cuantitativo para determinar el peso al nacer (PN), peso al destete corregido a 205 d (P205) y peso a los 18 meses corregido a 548 d (P548) en un rebano Brahman ubicado en el estado Cojedes, Venezuela, bajo un programa genetico y ambiental supervisado. Se analizaron los registros de 5137 animales, nacidos durante los anos 1996 a 2007. Se estimaron los componentes de (co)variancias, parametros geneticos y no geneticos, a traves de tres modelos animal univariados usando el paquete de programas MTDFREML. Todos los modelos incluyeron los efectos aleatorios: genetico aditivo directo, genetico aditivo materno y ambiental permanente de la madre y como efecto fijo: grupo de contemporaneos. Los valores de indices de herencia directos fueron 0,45, 0,20 y 0,34, y los indices de herencia maternos 0,02, 0,13 y 0,04 para PN, P205 y P548, respectivamente. Las correlaciones geneticas aditivas directas maternas fueron positivas. Los estimados para las tendencias fenotipicas anuales fueron de 0,285 kg para PN, 2,045 kg para P205 y 0,503 kg para P548. Las tendencias geneticas anuales aditivas directas fueron 0,075 kg, 0,523 kg y 1,072 kg y las geneticas maternas fueron 0,0002 kg, 0,230 kg y 0,096 kg para PN, P205 y P548, abstract
Benzodiazepines Reduce Relapse and Recurrence Rates in Patients with Psychotic Depression

The long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) due to the risk of adverse effects, including dependence, falls, dementia, mortality and the lack of evidence of effectiveness for symptoms other than anxiety. However, there are many patients with MDD for whom antidepressants are co-administrated with benzodiazepines. This study aimed to identify whether the use of benzodiazepines is associated with a lower risk of relapse or recurrence of MDD in some patients, and the characteristics of these patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to quantify the relapse and recurrence of MDD in 108 patients with MDD who achieved remission during hospitalization. Among them, 26 patients had been diagnosed with severe MDD with psychotic features. There was no significant difference in the rate of relapse/recurrence between patients with and without benzodiazepines when all patients were analyzed together. However, among the 26 patients with psychotic depression, 21.2% in the benzodiazepine group and 75.0% in the non-benzodiazepine group experienced relapse (log rank p = 0.0040). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that this effect was dose-dependent. The adjunctive use of benzodiazepines may reduce relapse/recurrence rates in patients with severe MDD with psychotic features.
Studies on gamma ray induced mutants in gladiolus

An experiment was conducted for 2 years (2011-12 to 2012-13) at Varanasi to find out the influence of various gamma rays doses, i e 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 kr along with untreated (control) in different varieties of gladiolus, viz. Aldebaran, Jyotsna, Legend, Praha, Punjab Dawn, Pusa Kiran and Tiger Flame. Higher dose of gamma irradiation (5.5 kr) resulted in minimum sprouting. Maximum sprouting percentage was recorded with control followed by 1.5 kr, 2.5 kr, 3.5 kr, 4.5 kr and 5.5 kr. Gamma ray doses at 3.5 kr, 4.5 kr and 5.5 kr found were lethal in case of three varieties, i e Aldebaran, Legend and Praha and failed to produce any spike during 1st year. Early spike emergence (74.37 days) was recorded with 1.5 kr dose of gamma irradiation. Late opening of 1st floret (94.00 days) was observed with 2.5 kr of gamma dose. Flower opening was not observed at higher doses, i e 3.5 kr, 4.5 kr and 5.5 kr in cv. Pusa Kiran during 2nd year. Maximum number of flowers/spike was recorded with control which was at par with lower dose of gamma irradiation (1.5 kr). Gamma dose at 2.5 kr exhibited maximum durability of 2nd and 3rd florets. Maximum length of spike at the last floret opening was noticed in control (74.48 cm) followed by 1.5 kr, 2.5 kr, 3.5 kr, 4.5 kr and 5.5 kr. During both years 2.5 kr resulted in maximum duration of flowering. Treatment 4.5 kr resulted in abnormal plant growth, bunched spike in some plants of cv. Pusa Kiran. A mutant having creamish white colour was found at 2.5 kr in one plant of cv. Jyotsna. A colour mutant was observed in cv. Tiger Flame. This colour mutant produced yellow coloured florets at 3.5 kr treatment. One mutant had been found in cv. Punjab Dawn at 2.5 kr treatment. Flowers were white in colour, whereas, flower colour of parent variety Punjab Dawn is pink. Colour of the flowers was white during VM1 and it was found stable in VM2.