Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sülünlerin (Phasianuscolchicus) entansif şartlarda büyüme performansına farklı yetiştirme sistemlerinin etkisi

Received 1August 2013 Received in revised form 1 October 2013 Accepted 7 November 2013 This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the effects of free range and cage systems on the growth performance of pheasants under intensive conditions. At the end of the 16th week, for mixed gender pheasants bred with free range and cage systems 964.87 g and 998.57 g mean live weights were determined respectively. In terms of mean live weight values, it was determined that cage system had a significant advantage over free range system from week 7 to 16 (P<0.05). The mean live weight values determined for 16 weeks old male and female pheasants were 1043.74 and 886.39 g in free range system and 1078.36 and 917.83 g in cage system. From the 5th week to the 16th in both of the systems, male pheasants exhibited advantages of varying significance levels over the female pheasants (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cumulative feed consumptions in the 16th week were found out to be 4465.59 g per pheasant in free range system and 4575.77 g per pheasant in cage system. Feed conversion rates for pheasants bred with free range and cage systems at 16 weeks of age were determined to be respectively 6.38 and 6.53. No significant difference could be found between the two groups in terms of cumulative feed consumption and feed conversion rates.
Alimentary handling in the larviculture of mandi-pintado ("Pimelodus britskii").

O presente trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a taxa de crescimento e sobrevivência de larvas de mandi-pintado ( Pimelodus britskii ) submetidas a diferentes manejos alimentares. O experimento foi realizado em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições, em aquários com 30 litros de água, cada um com 30 larvas (0,032 ± 0,0048g e 8,22 ± 0,40mm). Os tratamentos consistiram em larvas alimentadas com artemia; ração; artemia + ração e artemia por duas semanas + ração. Os peixes alimentados com artemia + ração apresentaram maior peso e comprimento final, quando comparados aos demais manejos alimentares. Os peixes alimentados apenas por ração apresentaram o pior desempenho. Para a larvicultura do mandi-pintado, a utilização de artemia combinada com ração proporciona os melhores resultados de sobrevivência e crescimento.
Density and reproduction in native and invasive Linaria vulgaris populations at multiple spatial scales

Comparing invasive plants in their native and invasive ranges can answer questions about invasion mechanisms and inform management options. However, few studies have considered how density varies with spatial scale or how individual fitness is affected by conspecific density at different spatial scales. A census was carried out of 15 native UK populations of the perennial herb Linaria vulgaris Miller (Plantaginaceae), and of seven invasive populations from a climatically matched area of Alaska. There was no difference in density between native and invasive populations when compared at spatial scales of 0.0625, 0.5, 1 or 4 m2, or when density was measured as a mean field of each population. However, invasive populations covered a larger area, so density was greater at broad spatial scales. The effect of conspecific density on the height and reproduction of ramets varied with the spatial scale and between ranges. Invasive ramets were shorter than native ramets, and therefore produced fewer mature fruit. However, this was more than compensated for by the greater number of viable black seed in invasive fruit than native fruit. One of the reasons for this was the presence of the seed feeding weevil Rhinusa antirrhini in over half of the native, but none of the invasive, fruit. The majority of seed was estimated to fall within 1 m of maternal plants when surrounded with vegetation, but seed travelled further in an unvegetated area. Germination rates were very low in both the field and laboratory. The thesis ends with a description of the biology of L. vulgaris. This work demonstrates that invasion and escape from natural enemies can occur at a broad spatial scale, without increased density and vigour at a fine spatial scale.
Loss and recovery of Humoral Immunity to Influenza Virus following Malaria Infection

The mechanisms of maintenance of humoral immunity to infectious pathogens, particularly the contributions of memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells in maintaining specific serum antibody titres, are not well understood. Furthermore, it is not clear whether sequential heterologous humoral immune responses and disease pathology can result in the dysregulation and loss of previously acquired antibody-mediated immune responses to unrelated antigens. Here, depletion of memory B cells using anti-hCD20 monoclonal antibodies in hCD20 transgenic mice was used to dissect the role of memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells in maintaining long-term serum antibodies after intranasal Influenza A infection. Next, an experimental model of sequential infections with Influenza A/PR/8/34 and Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi (AS) was set up, with a 15-20 week interval between the infections, in order to investigate whether sequential infection with P. chabaudi would affect pre-established humoral immunity to Influenza A. This study demonstrates that memory B cells are essential for the maintenance of long-lived serum Ab titres to Influenza A, as depletion of memory B cells results in the eventual loss of long-lived plasma cells and serum antibodies. Sequential infection with P. chabaudi results in the loss of pre-established serum antibodies to Influenza A by inducing the loss of long-lived plasma cells in an FcγRI,II,III-dependent manner, and this renders mice susceptible to secondary infection with Influenza A. However, this loss of pre-established humoral immunity is temporary, as serum antibodies do eventually return to normal levels. These findings demonstrate a mechanism shared by memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells which ensures that serum antibodies are maintained for long periods of time in the face of continuous generation and incorporation of new specificities throughout the lifetime of the host. A more complete understanding of the parameters that affect the longevity of immunological memory and how heterologous infections influence this will be vital in our understanding of the effect of continuous exposure to infectious pathogens on the efficacy and longevity of previously established immune memory.
Fine structure analysis of White Spot Syndrome Virus of shrimp

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) was isolated from diseased shrimps presenting with clinical signs of WSSV infection. The seed virus was identified as WSSV by PCR, and used to inoculate to specific pathogen free (SPF) P. vannamei bloodstocks. WSSV was purified as described by Huang from infected gills from inoculated animals that were homogenized in a blender and partially purified by differential centrifugation. The final purification was carried out using density gradient in 10-40% NaBr and purified virus used for morphological analysis using transmission electron microscopy. A negative staining method using 2% PTA was used for purified virus, and electron staining with lead citrate and uranylacetate was used for ultra thin sections of infected tissues. This analysis determined that i) the spikes of intact virions could be clearly identified on the virion surface and on a partially broken envelopes, ii) the nucleocapsid structures were similar to those previously reported, even though the so called "ring" structure described previously was different and, iii) negative staining of purified WSSV fractions identified nucleosome like structures.
Cross-mating between Chinese population of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and that from the commercial one from USA

Abstract Based on morphological and molecular characters, a Neoseiulus species collected from southern China was identified as Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), which was not recorded in China before 2012. However, the Chinese population of N. californicus has some unique biological features and its morphology is also somewhat different from those populations from outside China. In order to clarify if there was reproductive isolation or reduction in the reproductive rates between Chinese population and the commercial population of N. californicus (originated from California, USA), reproductive compatibility between the specimens of two different populations was evaluated under laboratory conditions to ascertain their conspecificity. Inter-population crosses showed there was no reproductive isolation between the Chinese population and the commercial population. The results confirmed that these two belong to the same species, in agreement with the results based on morphological and molecular identifications of the Chinese N. californicus.
Evaluation of the Human/Extreme Environment Interaction: Implications for Enhancing Operational Performance and Recovery

Abstract : The purpose of this research determines how hypoxia interacts with exercise and recovery to yield various metabolic responses that may affect performance and performance at high-altitude critical to mission success. Participants completed a maximal exercise test under normoxic conditions (975 m). Four experimental trials were completed including 60 minutes of cycling (70% of Wmax) followed by 6 h of recovery at four different simulated altitudes (0 m, 1667 m, 3333 m, or 5000 m) using a randomized, counterbalanced, cross-over design over the span of 4 weeks, with a minimum of 7 days between trials. Blood O2 saturation was measured via pulse oximetry every hour during the 6 h recovery period. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis pre- and 6 h post-exercise for analysis of mitochondrial related gene expression. Blood O2 saturation decreased with each increase in simulated altitude during recovery (0 m: 98 1%; 1667 m: 94 1%; 3333 m: 90 1%; 5000 m: 79 2%; p 0.05). Expression of PGC-1 , HK, and SOD increased significantly with exercise (p 0.05), but were not different between trials. Similarly, markers of oxidative stress indicated a time-dependent response following exercise for all variables (p0.05), but the two highest recovery altitudes (3333m and 5000m) demonstrated a partially attenuated this response for LOOH (p0.001). These data demonstrate no dose-response relationship between magnitude of hypoxic exposure and mitochondrial gene expression yet minor alterations in oxidative stress. Therefore, the paradox of mitochondrial function in response to acute and chronic exposure to hypoxia cannot be explained by the magnitude of hypoxia. Of additional interest in year three of this project series related to the evaluation of advanced instrumentation to determine changes in hydration status in parallel to established markers from urine and isotopic enrichment methodologies.
Assessing changes in performance and monitoring processes in individual and collaborative tests according to students' metacognitive skills

This study assessed students' test performances and metacognitive processes in real classroom settings. Psychology undergraduates were categorised according to their metacognitive skills (high vs. low) and had their test performances and monitoring processes in two different types of tests (multiple-choice and short-answer tests) compared in individual and collaborative test conditions. Students' test preparation practices, attributions, and regulatory processes during test-taking were also compared by using open-ended questions. In the collaborative tests, three types of metacognitive pairings were made (high/high vs. high/low vs. low/low). Results showed that: (1) in individual tests, high-metacognitive students presented better performance and higher confidence levels due to their more effective test preparation practices and regulatory skills; (2) Differences in performance and confidence levels due to metacognitive skills disappear when students take tests collaboratively; (3) Over time, collaborative testing had particular positive effects on the low/low metacognitive pairings. Results are discussed focusing on their educational implications.
Study to assess the prevalence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) among women with adverse pregnancy outcome in a tertiary care centre

Introduction: Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. A failure or significant delay in recognizing APS as the underlying disease entity may leave to the loss of an opportunity to prevent serious consequences of the disease particularly venous and arterial thrombotic events. Aim of the Study: To find out the prevalence of antiphospholipid syndromeamong women with adverse pregnancy outcome in a tertiary care centre. Methodology: Patients registered in O &G Department SAT Hospital, Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala with adverse pregnancy outcomes meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study. They were followed up in the postnatal ward after abortion and preterm delivery as per protocol for bad obstetrics outcome evaluation. They were offered lab test in standard labs for APL Syndrome especially LAC and anti-cardiolipin antibodies IgM & IgG. Those tested positive were retested 12 weeks later also to confirm the test. Results: In the present study, out of 216 cases of patients with adverse pregnancy outcome, 27 cases were found to be APLA positive giving a prevalence of 12.5%. In APLA positive cases LAC & ACLA were found to be positive in 11 cases each i. e 40.7% and in 5 cases both LAC & ACLA were positive i.e. 18.6%. Conclusion: The important message is that even if a patient who is suspected clinically of APS does not fully satisfy the strict classification criteria, she may still have APS and require appropriate management including anticoagulation.
Gene Therapy Perspectives Against Diseases of the Respiratory System

Gene therapy uses a variety of techniques as the introduction of a normal allele of a gene in cases where the cell does not express the gene or in other cases where the gene is underexpressed. In order to achieve effective gene therapy for a specific gene in a certain type of cells a lot of work is needed. More specifically the following steps are essential: 1. Isolation of target gene, 2. Development of a specific gene vector, 3. Specification of the target cell, 4. Definition of route of administration, and 5. Identification of other potential uses of the gene.
The effect of microbiological products on soil properties in the conditions of replant disease.

The phenomenon of soil fatigue, causing replant disease, can occur in the conditions of monocultural cultivation. This evokes a decrease in the soil productive value because of the deterioration of biological soil properties. In the present work, an attempt has been made to improve the biological activity of a replanted soil by the use of three micro-biological preparations: EM-5, Bacto Fill 10B and Humobak PG. The biological activity of soil was estimated using two parameters: the activity of soil enzymes, dehydrogenase and protease as well as the respiratory activity. The application of microbiological preparations significantly increased the activity of dehydrogenase in the soil. The effect of two among the three applied preparations exerted a smaller influence on the protease activity. An exception was the Humobak PG preparation whose application distinctly increased the activity of protease in the replanted soil. On the other hand, the vegetation period was found to exert a significant effect both on soil enzymatic and respiratory activity. In the autumn period, the activity of both enzymes in the soil was higher, in comparison with the spring period, while the respiratory activity was higher in the spring. The functioning of soil microorganisms depends on some physico-chemical properties of soil. In our work, the studied preparations did not have any significant effect on the changes in the pH values. However, the effect was more perceivable on the content of organic carbon in the soil. The application of microbiological preparations in replanted soil caused a change in the plant growth and fruiting. Among others, an increase in the average leaf area of strawberry, the average fruit mass and the content of juice extract in fruits was observed.
Auditor Independence and the Cost of Capital Before and After Sarbanes–Oxley: The Case of Newly Issued Public Debt

An important aim of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) was to reduce the cost of capital by enhancing auditor independence. However, prior literature has argued that SOX has been ineffective in meeting this objective. We contribute to this debate by first providing evidence suggesting that auditor independence has increased following SOX. Though we posit an inverse relationship between auditor independence and cost of capital, it is an open question whether this relationship has become stronger or weaker following SOX. An examination of this relationship reveals that auditor independence is more strongly related to bond rating and bond yield premium in the post-SOX period relative to the period before SOX. This evidence suggests greater price sensitivity of corporate debt to the level of auditor independence following SOX. We also show that controlling for the effect of auditor independence and other factors, cost of debt decreased following SOX.
The influence of negative consumer reviews in social networks

The social networking revolution allows people to share their opinions with their surrounding society, enabling the ability to influence others. Large amounts of consumer reviews are posted on social networks, expressing experiences, either positive or negative, regarding products/services. These reviews are instantly distributed within a huge network of consumers, challenging the firms' managers who need to cope with that. This research study examines the phenomenon of consumers' reviews posted on social networks to measure the influence of negative reviews on the reader's buying decisions and on the firms' attitudes. This research study examines if there are differences between active users, who post and share reviews, and passive users who only read what others posted. This research study was performed merging three sources of information: (1) monitoring consumer posts on three Facebook pages during six months; (2) performing a relevant questionnaire among 201 respondents, and (3) checking the related firms' reaction to those posts. The findings revealed that potential consumers base their decisions on posted reviews; they are exposed to negative reviews that affect their purchase decisions, incoherently to the manner they use the social network (active or passive users), while the firms mostly react, in order to diminish their influence.
What is direct instruction

Statement of the problem International studies comparing performance across countries have led to concerns regarding the academic performance of children in our schools, especially of those from less privileged backgrounds. This in turn has led to questioning by some of current child-centred, ‘progressive’ teaching and instructional practices in Australian schools. Critics have argued that presentlyfavoured methods of teaching basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy, are not as effective as they should be and that, as a result, school children are not progressing as quickly as they might. Particular concern has been expressed about the academic performance of Indigenous students, especially those from remote communities.
Altered calcium signaling in the granule cell layer of ataxic mutant mice

The waddles mouse is characterized by a namesake waddling “side-to-side” gait, which is the result of a deficiency in the enzyme carbonic anhydrase type 8 known to inhibit the binding of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate to receptors on intracellular calcium stores. Behavioral experiments were conducted utilizing a rota-rod apparatus to further characterize this ataxia. The results indicated the homozygotes performed significantly worse than heterozygotes or wild type animals, and that younger homozygotes outperformed older cohorts. To elucidate potential alterations in cellular calcium signaling, acute cerebellar slices from the vermis were harvested for calcium imaging experiments in vitro. These experiments revealed significant alterations in granule cell somatic calcium signaling in waddles mice. I propose that cerebellar calcium signalling is altered in waddles mice, and that these alterations may be contributing to the observed ataxia through developmental mechanisms. These results will aid in understanding ataxias whose pathological basis involves alterations in neuronal calcium signaling.
Influence of "Manta" on Some Economical Characters of Eri Silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini Boisdual

The "Manta"(Juvenile hormone analogue-Methoprene) was topically applied at 36.48 and 72 hrs after the fourth ecdysis to eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini with doses of 2.75/, 4/0/ and 8.0/. The eri silkworm responded to 2.75/ of "Manta" applied at 72 hrs after the fourth ecdysis, resulting in improvement of larval, cocoon, pupal and cocoon shell weigths.ocoon shell weigths.
IMPACT OF SOME SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SOME CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SALT AFFECTED SOILS AND SUGAR BEET PRODUCTION

A field experiment was conducted during two successive winter seasons 2012 and 2013 in El Tina plain area, North Sinai, Egypt. It aims to study the effect of drain spacing, ploughing method and gypsum and elemental sulphur applications on some soil chemical properties and sugar beet yield. The main plots were devoted to different drain spacing, S (25, 35 and 50 m). The subplots were allocated to ploughing method, P (conventional and cross subsoiling plough). The sub-subplots were assigned for soil amendment application, A (without amendment, gypsum and elemental sulphur application). The results indicated that, decreasing of soil pH under gypsum or elemental sulphur application treatments were superior to other studied treatments. Addition of elemental sulphur was more effective in decreasing soil pH than gypsum addition treatment. The values of pH under elemental sulphur treatments were 8.14, 8.10 and 8.00 for 30-40, 40-50 and 50-60 cm soil depths as compared to 8.22, 8.20 and 8.09 for control treatments, . 870respectively. The more effective treatment with respect to decreasing soil salinity was 25 m drain spacing, cross subsoiling ploughing and gypsum addition in 0-10 and 10-20 cm soil depths, which represent about 3.22 and 3.31dSm less than control treatments, respectively. The relevant values for fourth consecutive lower soil depths were 3.62, 5.03, 3.57 and 3.05 dSm lower than control treatments, respectively. Along more soil depths under investigation, 25 m drain spacing and cross subsoiling ploughing combined with gypsum addition treatment was the more effective treatment that sharply decreased ESP of the studied soil. The highest decrease under such conditions was 39.45% lower than control treatment in 30-40 cm soil depth. The combination of 25 m drain spacing, cross subsoiling ploughing method and gypsum addition treatment achieved the highest sugar beet roots yield. Such increment was 7.57 tons fed, which represent about 75.85% over control treatments.