Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF COTTONSEED MEAL BY NIGELLA SATIVA MEAL ON NUTRIENTS DIGESTIBILITY, RUMEN FERMENTATION, BLOOD PARAMETERS, GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GROWING LAMBS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of cotton seed meal in concentrate mixture by Nigella sativa (N. sativa) meal on nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites and performance of lambs. Eighteen of healthy Farafra male lambs aged between 5 and 6 months old and had average of 27.2 ± 1.3 kg body weights. The lambs were randomly assigned into three groups, 6 animals each lasted for 90 days. The experimental groups were a control group (CON) fed basal diet containing concentrate mixture plus wheat straw and treated groups were fed basal diet plus 33.3% (T1) and 66.7% (T2 ) as a substitution of cottonseed meal by N. sativa in concentrate mixture. The lambs were fed 65% of their requirements as a concentrate mixture based on NRC guidelines and the rest were covered from wheat straw which given as roughages ad libitum. Three digestible trials were conducted with twelve mature local rams, distributed into three group and using three experimental diets, CON, T1 andT2. In growth trail body weight were recorded and daily gain were calculated. Plasma metabolites, ALT, AST enzymes, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in blood samples. In digested trail rumen liquor samples were collected to measure the protozoal count, pH, ammonia N and total VFAs concentrations. Feed and fecal samples were analyzed using AOAC (2012). The results were statistically analyzed using of SPSS statistical package. The results refer to the body weight and daily gain in T2 group was increased as compared with T1 and CON groups. The total DM and CP intake were higher (P<0.05) in T2 group as compared with CON group. The partially substitution of cotton seed meal by N. sativa meal increased (P<0.05) the concentrations of NH3-N and total VFAs, while the total protozoal count in rumen fluids was decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with CON group. Also, the plasma cholesterol and ALT enzyme was decreased (P< 0.05) in N. sativa meal groups compared to control group. However, T3 hormone and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were higher (P<0.05) in N. sativa groups than control group. The nutrient digestibility was increased (P < 0.05) with increasing substitution rate from 33.3 to 66.7% of cotton seed meal by N. sativa meal. It can be concluded that the partial replacement of cottonseed meal in concentrate mixture by N. sativa can be used as an unconventional protein source in lambs’ rations with no any harmful effect on performance of growing lambs.
COE/RES Discussion Paper Series, No

Family firms have been attracting considerable attention in recent years, but previous studies have not investigated their relationship to M&A. In this paper, we focus on the merger wave in the era of high economic growth in Japan (1955–1973). During this period, established large corporations formed bank-centered business groups, while numerous emerging businesses, dominated by family firms, became listed since 1961. Both economic and historical studies on Japanese firms in this era have concentrated on business groups and paid little attention to the emerging family firms. Moreover, most empirical studies focus on the consequences but not on the determinants of M&A. We find that the probability of mergers by non-family firms is significantly higher than that of family firms. Our empirical results suggest that the reason for this difference lies on the side of family firms; those with a smaller proportion of family ownership are less likely to merge, which implies that family shareholders are unwilling to merge for fear of losing control. Case studies support our findings.
Revegetation of bare peat substrates: the case of a saline bog, New Brunswick

Harvested peatlands affected by salt contamination present an ensemble of complicating factors concerning their revegetation / rehabilitation, including salt toxicity, frost heaving, flood water control and perhaps most importantly lack of a viable seed bank. This study involves the identification of methods that may be used in the rehabilitation of a coastal post-harvest peatland on Pokesudie Island, New Brunswick. During a storm in January 2001 a large volume of seawater was washed onto the peatland. Despite mitigation efforts the peat resource has remained too saline for horticultural use and rehabilitation methods are being sought. These involve the use of various salt marsh species to establish a vegetal cover of the peat surface to first help stabilize the substrate. Various re-introduction techniques such as plug transfer at various densities and the use of hay transfer were tested. The use of fertiliser was also examined. Highest revegetation rates were achieved using hay transfers taken from swards of Juncus buffonius and salt marsh vegetation dominated by Spartina pectinata . Fertiliser use did not significantly increase plant establishment. This research may be applicable to other coastal peatland rehabilitation projects.
New composite bio- and isotope stratigraphies spanning the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum at tropical ODP Site 865 in the Pacific Ocean

Abstract. The Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO) at ca. 40 Ma is one of the largest of the transient Eocene global warming events. However, it is relatively poorly known from tropical settings since few sites span the entirety of the MECO event and/or host calcareous microfossils, which are the dominant proxy carrier for palaeoceanographic reconstructions. Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Pacific Ocean Site 865 in the low-latitude North Pacific (Allison Guyot) has the potential to provide a useful tropical MECO reference, but detailed stratigraphic and chronological constraints needed to evaluate its completeness were previously lacking. We have addressed this deficit by generating new high-resolution biostratigraphic, stable isotope, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) records spanning the MECO interval (∼38.0–43.0 Ma) in two holes drilled at Site 865. XRF-derived strontium ∕ calcium (Sr∕Ca) and barium ∕ strontium (Ba∕Sr) ratios and Fe count records allow correlation between holes and reveal pronounced rhythmicity, enabling us to develop the first composite section for Holes 865B and 865C and a preliminary cyclostratigraphy for the MECO. Using this new framework, the sedimentary record is interpreted to be continuous across the event, as identified by a pronounced transient benthic foraminiferal δ18O shift of ∼0.8 ‰. Calcareous microfossil biostratigraphic events from widely used zonation schemes are recognized, with generally good agreement between the two holes, highlighting the robustness of the new composite section and allowing us to identify planktic foraminiferal Zones E10–E15 and calcareous nannofossil Zones NP15–18. However, discrepancies in the relative position and ordering of several primary and secondary bioevents with respect to published schemes are noted. Specifically, the stratigraphic highest occurrences of planktic foraminifera, Acarinina bullbrooki, Guembelitrioides nuttalli, and Morozovella aragonensis, and calcareous nannofossils, Chiasmolithus solitus and Sphenolithus furcatolithoides, and the lowest occurrence of Reticulofenestra reticulata all appear higher in the section than would be predicted relative to other bioevents. We also note conspicuous reworking of older microfossils (from planktic foraminiferal Zones E5–E9 and E13) into younger sediments (planktic foraminiferal Zones E14–15) within our study interval consistent with reworking above the MECO interval. Regardless of reworking, the high-quality XRF records enable decimetre-scale correlation between holes and highlight the potential of Site 865 for constraining tropical environmental and biotic changes, not just across the MECO but also throughout the Palaeocene and early-to-middle Eocene interval.
ENHANCING CROP GROWTH AND SEED YIELD IN RICE CV. ASD16 THROUGH FOLIAR SPRAY

A field experiment was conducted with the aim to analyze the effect of various foliar applications viz. 2% Moringa leaf extract, 2% DAP, 2% Urea, 3% Panchagavya, 1% Boron and 1% Neem leaf extract along with control in rice cv. ASD16 under salinity condition. Observations on growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, panicle length and yield parameters viz., number of tillers plant-1, number of productive tillers plant-1, number of seed panicle-1, seed L/B ratio, seed yield per plant, dry matter production and 100 seed weight were recorded. The experimental result revealed that foliar application with 1% Boron performed better due to increased crop growth and seed yield in rice cv. ASD16 in salinity condition. The resultant seeds from the above treatment registered higher values for the seed quality. Hence, foliar application of 1% boron to rice plants under salinity condition could be recommended to farmers to get better returns.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POPULATION AGING AND MEDICAL EXPENDITURES IN ROMANIA

With recent developments in the medical field and faster access to medical professional and healthcare services providers, accompanied by better education and a higher level of hygiene, life expectancy for both males and females in Romania is increasing at a steady pace. From a medical point of view, this is a remarkable accomplishment when compared with past decades when the average life expectancy was much lower than in recent times. A longer life span will automatically, for the most part, have the unwanted effect of increasing spending on medical services on behalf of the state to ensure a better quality of life for the elderly. Therefore, the public health system will be placed under additional pressure on behalf of healthcare providers to offer higher quality services to the elderly. This paper aims to explore the degree of influence that age and income have on the growing costs of medical expenditures on a per capita level. The method employed in exploring to what extent the growing share of elderly individuals and income can explain the rise in medical expenditures is a multiple linear regression model. The expected results are that as the share of elderly individuals grows within Romania’s population and similarly as income on a per capita bases rises, there will be a noticeable increase in per capita medical expenditures.
Chapter 5 The Eocene Subduction-Obduction Complex

Convergence and subduction started in the Late Palaeocene, to the east of New Caledonia, in the South Loyalty Basin/Loyalty Basin, leading to the formation of the Subduction-Obduction Complex of Grande Terre. Convergence during the Eocene consumed the oceanic South Loyalty Basin, and the north easternmost margin of Zealandia (the Norfolk Ridge). The attempted subduction of the Norfolk Ridge led eventually to the end-Eocene obduction. Intra-oceanic subduction started in the South Loyalty Basin, as indicated by high-temperature amphibolite (56 Ma), boniniteand adakite-series dykes (55-50 Ma), and changes in sedimentation regime (55 Ma). The South Loyalty Basin and its margin were dragged to a maximum depth of 70 km, forming the high pressure – low temperature Pouébo Terrane and the Diahot-Panié Metamorphic Complex, before being exhumed at 38-34 Ma. The obduction complex was formed by the stacking from NE to SW of several allochthonous units over autochthonous Zealandia, which include the Montagnes Blanches Nappe (Norfolk Ridge crust), the Poya Terrane (crust of the South Loyalty Basin), and the Peridotite Nappe (mantle lithosphere of the Loyalty Basin). A model of continental subduction accepted by most authors is proposed and discussed. Offshore continuations and comparable units in Papua-New Guinea and New Zealand are presented.
Chemical weed control in transplanted rice in Hirakud command area of Orissa

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of herbicide mixture of almix (metasulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl) and butachlor to control both grassy and broad leaved weeds. Application of almix 0.004 kg/ha mixed with butachlor 0.938 kg/ha at three days after transplanting (DAT) was at par with hand-weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAT in controlling weeds and higher grain yield. This application increased the grain yield by 45.1% over the unweeded check. There was a negative linear relationship between weed dry weight and grain yield.
A LATE TRIASSIC CYNODONT FROM HOLWELL QUARRIES (SOMERSET, ENGLAND)

The presence of the dromatheriid cynodont Pseudotriconodon wildi is reported from the Rhaetian of Great Britain in the fissure deposits at Holwell Quarries. The British Rhaetic cynodont fauna, although consisting only of one dromatheriid tooth, one tooth of Tricuspes, and one tritylodontid fragmentary jaw, is similar to that found in the Germanic Realm. It appears to be the remnant of a fauna that covered all of Western Europe before the fragmentation of its habitat due to the Rhaetian transgression.
The role of board in corporate social responsibility: A normative compliance perspective

This paper focuses on the board’s influence on CSR among public liability companies (PLCs). The paper uses normative compliance theory to develop the theoretical framework thereby advocating and complementing other theories of CSR by using a balanced random effect regression model to estimate the relationship between board characteristics (such as board composition, diversity and size on CSR). This involved the use of balanced panel data of 174 PLCs from 2003 to 2009. The random effect estimator was used to test the specific effects of board composition, board size and board diversity on CSR of PLCs in Nigeria. The data was obtained from Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) factbook from 2003 to 2009. The paper found that NEDs and board size were positively significantly correlated with CSR, while the executive director was negative and significantly related with CSR. The testing of the theory in the context of Nigeria contributes to the body of knowledge on Sub-Sahara Africa, particularly Nigeria which offers a developing country perspective. The paper explores the relationship between board characteristics and CSR thereby contributing to the governance processes of listed companies and how good governance should be encouraged by understanding the board dynamics.
Distribution and performance of tiger sharks

Affiliations: 1 University of Roehampton, London, UK. 2 University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, 6 USA. 3 University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 4 Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK. 5 James Cook University, Cairns, Australia. 6 University of Queensland, 8 Brisbane, Australia. 7 Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. 8 Florida International University, Miami, USA. 9 University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan. *nick.payne@roehampton.ac. uk 10
Effect of processing pig manure in a biodigester as fertilizer input for ponds growing fish in polycult ure

An experiment was conducted in the Fish Farm at the School of Agriculture Prek Leap, Cambodia from May 01, 2001 to August 20, 2001 in order to compare the effects of pond inputs fresh pig manure, biodigester effl u nt and chemical fertilizer (control) on the growth of fish and wate r quality. Nine ponds were used for this experiment , with surfaces that ranged from 45 to 65 m2 and 1 m depth. Five fish sp ecies were stocked at a density of 2 fish/ m2: Tila pia, Silver carp, Bighead carp, Silver barb and Mrigal in the percent ages of 35, 30, 15, 15 and 5%, respectively. The sa me quantity of nitrogen was applied to each pond, based on a loadi ng rate with pig manure dry matter of 6 g /m2/day, equivalent to 103 mg N/m2/day. All of the five fish species (Tilapia, Silver carp, Bighead carp, Silver barb and Mrigal) grew faster in ponds fertilized with effluent than with manure, but the degree of r esponse was highest for Silver Carp, Bighead carp a nd Tilapia and least for Mrigal. The net fish yield was 55% great er in ponds fertilized with biodigester effluent ra her than with fresh manure. The improvement with effluent compared with chemical fertilizer was 27%. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were significantly i creased when the ponds were fertilized with efflu nt compared with fresh manure. Thus the principal benefit of pr ior anaerobic digestion of pig manure appears to be the decrease in the BOD (biological oxygen demand) in the effluent due to removal of carbon as methane in the digestio n pr cess. The recovery of nitrogen in the fish from the nitro gen in the fertilizer was 42% for the biogester effluent, 26% for the manure and 37% for the mixture of urea and di-a mmonium phosphate.
Effects of Aerobic Versus Resistance Training on Serum Leptin and Insulin Resistance in Healthy Sedentary Men

Background: New pieces of evidence show that the leptin released from adipose tissue is associated with obesity; however, leptin response to diﬀerent types of exercise programs in humans is unknown. Objectives: Theaimof thisstudywastocomparetheeﬀectsof aerobicversusresistancetrainingonserumleptinandinsulinresis-tance in sedentary men. Methods: Thirty male volunteers with a mean age of 23.2 ± 1.23 years, body mass index (BMI) 23.9 ± 0.95 kg.m -2 , fat percent 18.28 ± 1.15, and waist-to-hip ratio 0.89 ± 0.02 were randomly assigned into three groups, including aerobic, resistance exercise, and control groups (n = 10). The resistance exercise program was performed for 60 minutes at 70% of one repetition maximum for 3 sets. Every set consisted of 10 repetitions per move (RPM) followed by a 30-second-rest interval between every station accompanied by a 2-minute-rest between every set. The aerobic exercise program consisted of running on a treadmill for 30 minutes at 60 to 70 percent of reserved heart rate (maximum heart rate-heart rate rest). Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 6 weeks after the termination of the exercise protocol in order to determine the plasma leptin level and insulin resistance. Results: Theresultsof one-way ANOVAshowedthatbodyfatpercentageand waist-to-hipratioweresigniﬁcantlydecreasedinboth experimental groups and maximum aerobic power and one repetition maximum of bench press plus leg press were signiﬁcantly increased (P < 0.05). In addition, insulin resistance levels were signiﬁcantly decreased in both exercises groups compared with the control group. However, the leptin level was signiﬁcantly decreased in the aerobic exercise group compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to these ﬁndings, both aerobic and resistance training without changes in body weight and body mass index appear to be a non-prescriptive therapeutic approach to lower the insulin levels and insulin resistance in sedentary men. However, aerobic versus resistance training may play a role in regulating systemic leptin.
Marketing and Market Research

Marketing and market research are vital business functions. This chapter presents a brief introduction of marketing and market research, and subse-quently highlights the contemporary developments that influence current thinking in these areas. By familiarizing marketing academics and practitioners with the state-of-the-art discussions, this chapter aims at improving the knowledge and understanding of marketing and market research, as well as enhancing the rigor of market research applications.
Investigating the ecology of partial and full myco-heterotrophy among Orchidaceae and Ericaceae using the stable isotope natural abundance analysis approach

The stable isotopes N and C can be used to investigate the nutritional mode of terrestrial orchids and pyroloids (Monotropoideae, Ericaceae). Some of these plants are putatively autotrophic but meet their nitrogen and carbon demands by gaining organic compounds (e.g., amino acids) from mycorrhizal fungi. This so called partially mycoheterotrophic nutrition is reflected by their isotope signature. The application of a twosource linear mixing model on values of such plants allows calculating the percentage of N and C derived from their associated mycorrhizal fungi. Here we present an approach to improve estimates of the plants’ degree of myco-heterotrophy. Due to the presented conversion of values into enrichment factors ( ), results obtain a better resolution and data from various studies become normalized which facilitates combined representations and meta-analyses.
Profiling development of burnout over eight years: relation with job demands and resources

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was twofold: First, to profile the long-term development of burnout symptoms (exhaustion, cynicism and reduced professional efficacy), and second, to investigate the associations of developmental burnout profiles with job demands and resources. The study focused on Finnish white-collar professionals (N = 169) who participated in a survey five times during eight years (in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014). At each measurement time, the participants filled in the same scales of burnout, job demands and job resources. Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), three developmental profiles of burnout symptoms were identified: 1) Stable, low burnout (78%), 2) Exhaustion instigated, increasing burnout (12%), and 3) Cynicism and reduced professional efficacy dominated, inverted U-shaped burnout (10%). Exhaustion instigated, increasing burnout profile displayed the highest levels of job demands, whereas Cynicism and reduced professional efficacy dominated, inverted U-shaped burnout profile reported the lowest levels of job resources compared to members in other profiles. Recognizing the existence of the multiple sequential development of burnout symptoms and different patterns of job demands and the job resources behind them, this study suggests that burnout development does not follow a uniform shape, which reconciles previously inconsistent findings of variable-centred burnout research.
Predictors for severe hemorrhage requiring angioembolization post percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A single-center experience over 3 years

Context and Aim: About 1% of the patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) have bleeding severe enough to require angioembolization. We identified factors which could predict severe bleeding post-PCNL and reviewed patients who underwent angioembolization for the same. Settings and Design: This is a single-institutional, retrospective study over a period of 3 years. Subjects and Methods: We retrospectively studied 583 patients undergoing PCNL at our institute from 2013 to 2016. We analyzed nine patients (three from our institute and six referred patients) who underwent angioembolization for severe bleeding post-PCNL. We analyzed the preoperative characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative course of these patients and compared this with those patients who did not have a severe post-PCNL bleeding. Statistical Analysis Used: Fischer's exact test and Chi-square test were used in univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used in multivariate analysis with a value of P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Three of the 583 patients (0.51%) who underwent PCNL at our institute required embolization to control bleeding. Preoperative characteristics that were significant risk factors for severe bleeding were a history of ipsilateral renal surgery (P = 0.0025) and increased stone complexity (P = 0.006), while significant intraoperative factors were injury to the pelvicalyceal system (P = 0.0005) and multiple access tracts (P = 0.022). Angiography revealed arteriovenous fistula in two patients and a pseudoaneurysm in seven patients. All patients underwent successful superselective angioembolization with preserved renal perfusion in six patients on control angiography postembolization. Conclusions: History of ipsilateral renal surgery, increased stone complexity, multiple access tracts, and injury to the pelvicalyceal system are risk factors predicting severe renal hemorrhage post-PCNL. Early angiography followed by angioembolization should be performed in patients with severe post-PCNL bleeding who fail to respond to conservative measures.